
Chaos Cake Cookie Dough Avalanche Mini Cups are the answer when you crave big dessert energy in a small package. Each cup packs layers of gooey brownie, chocolate chip cookie dough, and a landslide of childhood-candy favorites. These mini desserts bring excitement to any party table or late-night craving fix.
The first time I tried this was for a friend’s birthday and everyone’s eyes lit up at the first bite. Personally I love how you can go wild with topping combinations without ever repeating the same cup twice.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: soft for cookie dough and melted for brownies delivers a rich taste and chewy texture
- Brown sugar and granulated sugar: each provide different notes of sweetness the brown adds caramel undertones
- Milk: a splash keeps the cookie dough soft and scoopable
- Vanilla extract: brings aroma to both layers choose pure extract for best flavor
- All-purpose flour: heat-treated to make the cookie dough safe to eat raw gives structure
- Salt: sharpens the sweet flavors and gives the brownies depth
- Mini chocolate chips: dot the cookie dough so each bite has chocolate surprises use a brand known for melting smoothly
- Cocoa powder: unsweetened transforms the brownie layer into a fudgy base for all the chaos Dutch process gives deeper color
- Eggs: give the brownies their tender crumb and shiny top choose large eggs at room temperature
- Baking powder: a little lift for soft cakey brownies
- Mini M and Ms: rainbow chips for crunch and color authentic mini size looks adorable in each cup
- Chopped chocolate sandwich cookies: give a creamy crunch factor try to use popular name brands for a classic taste
- Caramel bites or soft caramels: for gooey bites of sweet use soft store-bought caramels for easy chopping
- Mini marshmallows: toast up slightly in the oven and add holiday vibes
- Rainbow sprinkles: for color and playfulness kids love the cheerful look
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prep:
- Set your oven to 350 F or 175 C and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to prevent sticking and make removing the cups easy
- Make the Cookie Dough:
- In a mixing bowl use an electric mixer or sturdy whisk to cream together the softened butter brown sugar and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy about 2 to 3 minutes scraping the bowl often Add in milk and vanilla mixing until smoothly combined Sift in the heat-treated flour and salt then mix until just incorporated Finally fold in the mini chocolate chips gently so the dough stays soft Cover and set aside
- Prepare the Brownie Batter:
- In a separate bowl whisk the melted butter with both sugars until glossy and thick Crack in the eggs one at a time whisking well after each for a shiny batter Stir in the vanilla Sift together the cocoa powder flour baking powder and salt then blend in with a spatula until only just combined careful not to overmix for ultra-fudgy brownies
- Layer and Fill the Cups:
- Spoon about one tablespoon of brownie batter into each muffin liner spreading to cover the base Take roughly one tablespoon of cookie dough shape into a thick disc and softly press on top of the brownie Repeat layering as desired ending with a layer of cookie dough for maximum visual chaos
- Top with Treats:
- Scatter each cup with a generous handful of mini M and Ms cookie pieces caramel chunks marshmallows and sprinkles Press gently so the toppings stick and mound over the top
- Bake and Cool:
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the brownie layer is just set in the center Remove from the oven and let the cups cool completely in the pan so the centers stay gooey and the toppings stay put
- Serve:
- Pull out of the liners and enjoy at room temperature for the richest gooey texture Great with a glass of milk

The mini chocolate chips make every bite feel special especially when you use your favorite brand My niece and I once did a side by side taste test with different types and she could actually tell the difference We laughed at the mess we made but agreed more toppings are always better
Storage Tips
Keep the mini cups stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days To keep them extra chewy you can place a slice of bread in the container which adds a little moisture If you want to keep them longer freeze individually wrapped cups for up to a month then thaw at room temp
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use vegan butter and egg replacer to make a dairy free version Swap in gluten free flour blends for all purpose flour in both layers For toppings almost any chopped candy works well including peanut butter cups potato chips or pretzels for a salty twist
Serving Suggestions
Serve these on a fun platter at birthdays after-school gatherings or kid sleepovers For a full dessert bar set out bowls of extra candies marshmallows and melted chocolate so everyone can create their own chaos cup Warm a mini cup for ten seconds in the microwave and add vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat

Cultural and Historical Context
Chaos cakes caught on as a joyful dessert trend celebrating maximalism and fun With wild ingredient combinations and sky-high toppings this recipe channels that playful spirit in a smaller hand-held format It is a hit at bake sales and kids’ events bringing a nostalgic yet modern dessert to the table
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I heat-treat flour for the cookie dough?
Spread flour on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes, then cool before using.
- → Can I swap candies for other toppings?
Absolutely! Try pretzel pieces, peanut butter cups, potato chips, or any favorite candies for extra fun.
- → What ensures gooey centers in these mini cups?
Bake just until the brownie is set but still fudgy; avoid overbaking for soft, gooey texture.
- → Are these cups suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the ingredients are vegetarian. Check candy and cookie labels for gelatin or animal-derived additives.
- → How long do these mini cups stay fresh?
Store them airtight at room temperature for up to three days; enjoy within this period for best texture.
- → Can I prepare these ahead for a party?
Yes, bake and cool them in advance. Add extra toppings just before serving if you like for added crunch.