Cookies and Cream Brownies Recipe

If you’re a fan of rich, fudgy brownies and love the irresistible crunch of Oreo cookies, then these Cookies and Cream Brownies are going to be your new favorite dessert. By combining the classic brownie base with chunks of cookies and cream, these bars become a match made in dessert heaven. Perfect for a special occasion, a weekend treat, or a bake sale, this recipe is simple to follow and guaranteed to impress anyone who takes a bite. Read on for the full recipe, helpful tips, and variations to make these brownies even more amazing!

What Are Cookies and Cream Brownies?

Cookies and Cream Brownies are a delicious mashup of two beloved desserts: rich, chocolatey brownies and cookies and cream, typically in the form of Oreo cookies. In this recipe, chunks of Oreos are mixed into the brownie batter and often placed on top for extra crunch and flavor. The result? A gooey, fudgy brownie with pockets of crunchy cookie pieces throughout — it’s the best of both worlds!

These brownies combine the dense, chewy texture of a classic brownie with the iconic flavor of Oreo cookies, making them perfect for both chocolate lovers and cookie fans alike.

Ingredients List for Cookies and Cream Brownies

To make these decadent Cookies and Cream Brownies, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:

For the Brownies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional for extra richness)
• 16 Oreo cookies, roughly chopped (about 2 cups)

For the Optional Topping:

• 4-6 additional Oreo cookies, roughly chopped
• 1 cup white chocolate chips or melted white chocolate (optional for drizzling)

With these simple ingredients, you’re well on your way to baking a batch of brownies that perfectly balances the richness of chocolate with the crunch of cookies.

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is flexible and can easily be adjusted based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few substitution ideas and variations:

• Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend that’s formulated for baking, and swap the regular Oreos with gluten-free versions. Most grocery stores now carry gluten-free Oreos.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips to make these brownies dairy-free. Vegan chocolate sandwich cookies can also replace Oreos if needed.
• Double-Stuffed Oreo: If you’re an Oreo fanatic, you can use Double Stuf Oreos for an even more indulgent cookies and cream experience.
• Mint Variation: For a fun twist, try using mint-flavored Oreos and adding a few drops of peppermint extract to the brownie batter. This creates a deliciously minty brownie that’s perfect for the holiday season.
• Peanut Butter Swirl: Add ½ cup of melted peanut butter to the brownie batter and swirl it in with a knife before baking. The combination of cookies, chocolate, and peanut butter is out of this world!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for making Cookies and Cream Brownies.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on the sides for easy removal of the brownies later.

Step 2: Melt the Butter and Chocolate

• In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the sugar and brown sugar until smooth.
• If you're adding extra chocolate chips, stir them into the warm butter mixture until melted. This will create a rich, chocolatey base for your brownies.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

• Allow the melted butter mixture to cool slightly before adding the eggs. This prevents the eggs from cooking in the warm butter.
• Whisk the eggs in one at a time until fully combined, followed by the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
• Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix — you want the batter to remain thick and fudgy.

Step 5: Add the Oreos

• Gently fold in the chopped Oreos, being careful not to crush them completely. You want to keep some larger chunks of cookies in the batter for added texture.

Step 6: Bake the Brownies

• Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
• For an extra touch, sprinkle additional chopped Oreos on top of the brownie batter before baking.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (but not raw batter). The brownies will firm up as they cool.

Step 7: Cool and Optional Topping

• Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
• If you’re adding the white chocolate drizzle, melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the cooled brownies for extra sweetness and visual appeal.

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

Let’s recap the key steps to making Cookies and Cream Brownies:

1. Prep the Pan: Always line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cuts.
2. Melt the Butter and Sugar: Melting the butter and mixing it with sugar creates a rich, fudgy base.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Ensure the butter mixture is slightly cooled before adding the eggs.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture to avoid overmixing.
5. Fold in Oreos: Gently fold in the chopped Oreos to maintain some crunchy pieces throughout the brownies.
6. Bake and Cool: Bake until the edges are set but the center is still slightly soft. Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing the brownie batter can lead to tough, dry brownies. Once you add the flour mixture, fold gently until just combined.
• Overbaking the Brownies: Brownies continue to firm up as they cool, so make sure to remove them from the oven when a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Overbaking can result in dry brownies.
• Crushing the Oreos Too Much: Be careful not to crush the Oreos too finely — the goal is to have distinct chunks of cookie throughout the brownies for that signature "cookies and cream" texture.

Serving and Presentation Tips

These Cookies and Cream Brownies are already a show-stopper with their fudgy base and crunchy cookie bits, but there are a few ways to make them even more eye-catching and delicious.

How to Serve Cookies and Cream Brownies

• Warm with Ice Cream: Serve a brownie square slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a decadent dessert.
• Cookies and Cream Sundae: Crumble the brownies over vanilla ice cream and top with chocolate sauce and whipped cream for a cookies-and-cream-style sundae.

Presentation Ideas for Cookies and Cream Brownies

• Drizzle with White Chocolate: A drizzle of melted white chocolate over the top of the brownies makes them look bakery-quality and adds a sweet contrast to the dark chocolate.
• Top with Extra Oreos: Press additional Oreo halves into the top of each brownie square before serving for an even more indulgent presentation.
• Serve on a Platter: Arrange the brownies on a large platter or cake stand for parties or gatherings, alongside other cookies-and-cream-inspired treats.

Cookies and Cream Brownies Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: These brownies can be made a day or two ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they will remain soft and chewy.
• Freeze for Later: You can also freeze the brownies for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Chill for Cleaner Cuts: For neater cuts, chill the brownies in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before slicing. This helps firm up the brownies and makes them easier to cut without falling apart.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use store-bought brownie mix instead of making them from scratch?
A: Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use a store-bought brownie mix and fold in chopped Oreos for a quick and easy version of this recipe.

Q: How do I know when the brownies are done?
A: The brownies are done when the edges are set, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake them, as this can result in dry brownies.

Q: Can I add extra chocolate to the batter?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to stir in chocolate chips, white chocolate chunks, or even chopped cookies

-and-cream candy bars for extra indulgence.

Q: How do I store these brownies?
A: Store these brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you prefer, you can also refrigerate them to extend their shelf life.

Conclusion

Cookies and Cream Brownies are the ultimate dessert mashup, combining the rich, fudgy goodness of brownies with the crunchy sweetness of Oreo cookies. Whether you’re making these for a party, special occasion, or just a weekend treat, they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who loves chocolate or cookies. With simple ingredients, easy-to-follow instructions, and plenty of room for customization, this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again. So gather your ingredients and start baking — your taste buds will thank you!

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