These Chocolate Chip Brownie Tarts bring together two beloved treats in one irresistible bite. A chewy chocolate chip cookie crust serves as the perfect base for a rich, fudgy brownie center. The contrast of textures crispy, chewy, and gooey makes these mini desserts a true indulgence.
Perfect for parties, gifting, or simply treating yourself, these tarts are easy to make and even easier to devour. Whether enjoyed warm with a scoop of ice cream or packed in lunchboxes for a midday treat, they offer the best of both worlds in every bite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
Chocolate Chip Cookie Crust:
- 6 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter, melted
- 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar, packed
- 2 Tablespoons White Sugar
- 1 Large Egg
- 1/2 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
- 1 1/2 cup All Purpose Flour (187 grams)
- 1 pinch Kosher Salt
- 1/2 cup + 1 Tablespoon Mini Chocolate Chips
Brownie Filling:
- 6 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 1/4 cup White Sugar
- 3 Tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (not Dutch process)
- 1 Large Egg
- 1 Tablespoon All Purpose Flour
- Flaked Sea Salt, for topping (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a mini muffin tin (24 spaces).
- Prepare Cookie Crust: In a medium bowl, mix melted butter and both sugars until smooth. Add egg and vanilla, stirring to combine. Mix in flour, salt, and mini chocolate chips. Chill dough in the fridge while making the brownie filling.
- Prepare Brownie Filling: In a small saucepan, melt butter. Remove from heat and whisk in sugar and cocoa powder until smooth. Whisk in egg and flour. Let mixture cool slightly.
- Assemble Tarts: Divide cookie dough into 24 portions. Roll into balls, then press into muffin tin spaces to create tart shells. Fill each shell about ¾ full with brownie batter.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, until the brownie center is slightly wobbly but set.
- Sprinkle with flaked sea salt if desired. Cool in the muffin tin before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 9 minutes | Total Time: 29 minutes
Kcal: 114 kcal per tart | Servings: 24 mini tarts
Chocolate Chip Brownie Tarts: A Decadent Dessert Worth Indulging In
Dessert lovers, rejoice! If you’ve ever struggled to choose between a soft, chewy chocolate chip cookie and a rich, fudgy brownie, we have the ultimate solution Chocolate Chip Brownie Tarts. This delightful dessert is a marriage of two classic favorites, bringing together the best of both worlds in one bite sized treat.
With a crispy cookie crust and a gooey brownie filling, these mini tarts are not only visually appealing but also incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re making them for a party, a special occasion, or simply to satisfy a late night chocolate craving, they are sure to impress. The best part? They’re simple to prepare and require just a few pantry staples.
Why You’ll Love Chocolate Chip Brownie Tarts
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Perfect Texture Combination – The contrast between the crunchy cookie shell and the soft, molten brownie center is what makes this dessert irresistible. Each bite delivers a delightful balance of textures, making it stand out from traditional brownies or cookies.
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Easy to Make – Unlike elaborate pastries or layered cakes, these tarts require no special baking skills. The dough and batter come together quickly, and the assembly process is straightforward.
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Great for Any Occasion – Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a family celebration, or just a casual weekend treat, these mini tarts are a hit with both kids and adults.
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Portion-Controlled Indulgence – Since these tarts are made in a mini muffin tin, they are naturally portion sized. This makes them an excellent choice for serving at parties or events where guests can grab a bite sized dessert without needing a plate or utensils.
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Endless Variations – This base recipe is incredibly versatile. You can experiment with different mix ins, toppings, and even fillings to create a customized version that suits your taste preferences.
The Story Behind Chocolate Chip Brownie Tarts
This recipe is an upgrade to the classic “brookie” (brownie cookie hybrid), which has been a favorite among dessert lovers for years. The idea of combining a chocolate chip cookie with a brownie filling in a tart format takes the concept to the next level.
These mini tarts were originally inspired by the popularity of two-bite desserts, which have gained traction due to their convenience and charm. By using a mini muffin tin, we can achieve the perfect ratio of cookie crust to brownie filling, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor.
Tips for Baking the Perfect Brownie Tarts
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Chill the Dough for Easy Handling – Since the cookie dough is soft, chilling it for a few minutes before pressing it into the muffin tin will make it easier to work with. This step also helps maintain the structure of the tart shells while baking.
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Don’t Overfill with Brownie Batter – The brownie filling will expand as it bakes, so be sure to fill each tart shell only about three quarters full. This prevents the batter from overflowing and ensures a perfect shape.
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Use Quality Ingredients – Because this recipe relies on simple ingredients, using high-quality cocoa powder, real butter, and pure vanilla extract will make a noticeable difference in flavor.
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Experiment with Add-ins – Want to add a little extra flair? Try mixing chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, caramel swirls, or even a sprinkle of sea salt into the brownie filling for added depth and complexity.
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Let Them Cool Before Removing from the Tin – The tarts will be soft right out of the oven, so allow them to cool in the muffin tin before attempting to remove them. This helps them set properly and prevents them from breaking apart.
How to Serve and Store Chocolate Chip Brownie Tarts
These mini brownie tarts are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for later use as well. Here are some ways to enjoy them:
- Fresh Out of the Oven – Enjoy them warm for a gooey, melt in your mouth experience. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar – A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and a hint of extra sweetness.
- Drizzled with Chocolate or Caramel – For an extra decadent treat, drizzle some melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the tarts.
- Paired with Coffee or Tea – These mini tarts make a great pairing with a cup of coffee, espresso, or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container for up to two months. Simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Creative Variations to Try
While the classic combination of chocolate chip cookie and brownie is already delicious, here are some fun ways to customize the recipe:
- Peanut Butter Brownie Tarts – Add a layer of peanut butter between the cookie crust and brownie filling for a rich, nutty twist.
- Salted Caramel Brownie Tarts – Swirl in a bit of caramel sauce into the brownie filling and sprinkle with sea salt for a sweet and salty contrast.
- Mint Chocolate Brownie Tarts – Mix crushed peppermint or mint extract into the brownie filling for a refreshing touch.
- Nutty Brownie Tarts – Stir in chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to add a delightful crunch.
- S’mores Brownie Tarts – Top with mini marshmallows and graham cracker crumbs for a fun campfire inspired treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these in a regular muffin tin instead of a mini muffin tin?
Yes! If using a regular muffin tin, double the amount of brownie filling and adjust the baking time to about 16-18 minutes. This will yield about 12 larger tarts instead of 24 minis.
2. Can I use store-bought cookie dough?
Absolutely! While homemade dough gives the best flavor, using pre made cookie dough can be a great shortcut if you’re short on time.
3. How do I prevent the brownie filling from sinking?
The brownie filling will naturally settle slightly as it bakes. To minimize sinking, avoid overmixing the batter and let it rest for a few minutes before pouring it into the tart shells.
4. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough and brownie batter a day in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and bake. You can also bake the tarts ahead of time and freeze them for later use.
Conclusion
Chocolate Chip Brownie Tarts are a dream dessert for anyone who loves both cookies and brownies. They offer the perfect balance of crispiness, chewiness, and fudginess, all in a compact, bite sized form.
Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these tarts are ideal for special occasions, gatherings, or simply when you’re craving something sweet. With endless ways to customize them, you’ll never get bored of this recipe.
So, why choose between a brownie and a cookie when you can have both? Try baking these Chocolate Chip Brownie Tarts today and enjoy the best of both worlds in every bite!