Cookies & Cream Brownies Recipe

If you’re a lover of both brownies and cookies, this recipe is about to become your new favorite dessert. Cookies & Cream Brownies combine the fudgy, chocolatey goodness of brownies with chunks of creamy, crunchy Oreo cookies for an irresistible treat. Whether you’re baking for a party, family gathering, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these brownies will hit the spot every time. With their gooey center and crispy cookie pieces on top, they’re sure to become a crowd favorite.

Keep reading to discover how to make these indulgent Cookies & Cream Brownies, along with variations, baking tips, and serving ideas.

this Recipe

What Are Cookies & Cream Brownies?

Cookies & Cream Brownies are a delicious fusion of two beloved treats: fudgy chocolate brownies and Oreo cookies. The brownie base is rich and chocolatey, and chunks of Oreo cookies are folded into the batter, adding both creaminess and crunch. To take it up a notch, more Oreo pieces are sprinkled on top before baking, creating a dessert that’s visually stunning and incredibly satisfying to bite into. These brownies offer the perfect balance of textures and flavors, making them a hit with chocolate lovers and cookie enthusiasts alike.

Ingredients List for Cookies & Cream Brownies

For the Brownie Base:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips (optional, for extra gooeyness)

For the Cookies & Cream Mix-Ins:

• 15-18 Oreo cookies, roughly chopped
• ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional, for a creamier touch)

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is quite flexible, and you can adjust it based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas for substitutions and variations:

1. Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour, and be sure to use gluten-free cookies like gluten-free Oreos.
2. Dairy-Free Option: Swap out the butter for a dairy-free butter alternative and use dairy-free chocolate chips and cookies.
3. Add Cream Cheese Swirl: For a creamy addition, swirl in a cream cheese mixture by mixing 8 oz of softened cream cheese with ¼ cup sugar and 1 egg, then drop spoonfuls into the brownie batter and swirl with a knife.
4. Peanut Butter Cookies & Cream: Add a peanut butter twist by folding in some peanut butter chips or drizzling the top with melted peanut butter before baking.
5. Mint Cookies & Cream: Swap regular Oreos for mint-flavored Oreos for a refreshing mint-chocolate variation.
6. Crushed Candy: Add crushed candy bars like Snickers, Reese’s Cups, or Kit Kat for an extra layer of indulgence.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to make the most decadent Cookies & Cream Brownies:

1. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to lift the brownies out easily after baking.

2. Melt the Butter and Combine with Sugar

• In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once melted, remove the pan from heat.
• Stir in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cocoa powder until smooth and combined.

3. Add Eggs and Vanilla

• Allow the butter mixture to cool slightly, then stir in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
• Add the vanilla extract and stir until smooth.

4. Add Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.

5. Fold in Oreo Chunks and Chocolate Chips

• Gently fold in the chopped Oreo cookies and chocolate chips (if using). The batter will be thick and filled with cookie chunks.

6. Spread Batter in the Pan

• Pour the batter into the prepared 9x13-inch pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
• Press a few extra Oreo chunks into the top of the batter for an extra cookies-and-cream look.

7. Bake the Brownies

• Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as you want the brownies to remain fudgy.
• If you prefer a more gooey center, start checking the brownies at around 28 minutes.

8. Cool and Slice

• Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan, and slice them into squares.

How to Cook Cookies & Cream Brownies: A Step-by-Step Guide

To bake the best Cookies & Cream Brownies, follow these key tips:

1. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can cause your brownies to become tough. Once the flour is added, stir just until no more flour streaks remain.
2. Use Room Temperature Eggs: Cold eggs can cause the butter mixture to seize, so make sure your eggs are at room temperature to ensure a smooth batter.
3. Don’t Overbake: Brownies are meant to be fudgy, so take them out of the oven when they’re still a little underdone in the center. They’ll continue to cook slightly as they cool.
4. Cool Before Slicing: Let the brownies cool completely before slicing to prevent them from falling apart. For cleaner cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes like these can go wrong. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

1. Overbaking: If you overbake the brownies, they’ll lose their signature fudgy texture and become dry. Check them early and pull them from the oven when the center is still slightly gooey.
2. Uneven Oreo Distribution: To ensure each bite has a perfect balance of cookies and cream, be sure to fold the Oreo chunks evenly throughout the batter. Save some for pressing on top for that signature cookies-and-cream look.
3. Cutting While Warm: It’s tempting to dive in right away, but cutting the brownies while they’re still warm can cause them to crumble and break apart. Let them cool completely for clean, neat slices.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Cookies & Cream Brownies are rich and indulgent on their own, but you can elevate them with these serving ideas:

1. Serve with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or cookies-and-cream ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm, gooey brownies.
2. Drizzle with Chocolate or Caramel Sauce: Add an extra layer of decadence by drizzling the brownies with chocolate or caramel sauce just before serving.
3. Dust with Powdered Sugar: For a simple but elegant touch, lightly dust the tops of the brownies with powdered sugar before serving.

How to Serve Cookies & Cream Brownies

These brownies are best served at room temperature, but they’re also amazing when slightly warm. If you prefer warm brownies, microwave individual squares for 10-15 seconds before serving. They’re great as a stand-alone dessert or served with coffee, tea, or milk. For an extra special touch, serve them alongside a scoop of your favorite ice cream.

Presentation Ideas for Cookies & Cream Brownies

1. Brownie Tower: Stack the brownies on a serving platter in a pyramid shape for a dramatic, eye-catching dessert table display.
2. Gift-Wrapped Brownies: If you’re gifting these brownies, wrap individual squares in parchment paper and tie them with a ribbon or string for a cute, rustic look.
3. Mini Brownie Bites: For a party, cut the brownies into smaller, bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a tiered tray. You could even stick a toothpick in each for easy grabbing.

Cookies & Cream Brownies Recipe Tips

• Chop Oreos Coarsely: Roughly chop the Oreos so you get larger pieces in the brownies. You want a good balance of cream and cookie chunks in every bite.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting to avoid curdling or seizing of the batter.
• Storage: Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. They also freeze well — just wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze Cookies & Cream Brownies?
A: Yes! These brownies freeze beautifully. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

Q: Can I use different types of cookies?
A: Absolutely! While Oreos are classic, you can use any cream-filled cookie or even try using chocolate chip cookies or peanut butter cookies for a unique twist.

Q: Can I make these brownies in advance?
A: Yes, these brownies can be made a day or two ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay moist and fudgy.

Conclusion

Cookies & Cream Brownies are the ultimate indulgence for dessert lovers who can’t choose between cookies and brownies. With their rich, fudgy base and crunchy Oreo chunks, they offer a satisfying balance of flavors and textures that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just treating yourself, these brownies are sure to please. Enjoy the recipe, and happy baking!

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