Cookies & Cream Brownies Recipe

Who doesn’t love the classic combination of cookies and cream? Now, imagine pairing that with the rich, fudgy goodness of brownies. The result? Cookies & Cream Brownies—a dessert that’s truly irresistible. These indulgent treats are perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to a simple weekend indulgence. Keep reading this recipe guide to learn how to make the best Cookies & Cream Brownies right in your kitchen. Plus, we’ll cover tips, variations, and common mistakes to ensure your dessert is flawless every time.

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What Are Cookies & Cream Brownies?

Cookies & Cream Brownies combine the deep, chocolatey flavor of traditional brownies with the crunch and creamy filling of Oreo cookies. This fusion of flavors creates a dessert that’s rich and satisfying, with the perfect balance of textures. The soft, fudgy brownie base complements the crunchy cookie pieces, while the cream filling adds an extra layer of sweetness. Whether you’re a brownie lover or a cookies-and-cream fanatic, this recipe will hit all the right notes.

Ingredients List for Cookies & Cream Brownies

To create these mouthwatering brownies, you'll need some basic pantry staples along with a few special ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need:

1. Butter (1 cup, unsalted)
2. Granulated Sugar (1 ½ cups)
3. Brown Sugar (½ cup, packed)
4. Large Eggs (4 eggs)
5. Vanilla Extract (1 tablespoon)
6. All-Purpose Flour (1 cup)
7. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (¾ cup)
8. Salt (½ teaspoon)
9. Baking Powder (½ teaspoon)
10. Oreo Cookies (15-20 cookies, chopped)
11. White Chocolate Chips (½ cup, optional)
12. Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened for the swirl layer)
13. Powdered Sugar (½ cup, for cream cheese layer)
14. Heavy Cream (2 tablespoons)

Optional Toppings:

• Crushed Oreos (for garnish)
• Chocolate Drizzle (for extra decadence)

Substitutions and Variations

If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand, or you’d like to try a different twist, here are a few easy substitutions and variations:

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Sugar Substitute: Use coconut sugar or a low-carb sweetener if you want a healthier version.
• Dairy-Free: Swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative, and use a plant-based cream cheese.
• Different Cookies: You can substitute Oreo cookies with other cookie brands or even homemade sandwich cookies.
• Extra Chocolatey: Stir in dark chocolate chips for an even richer flavor.
• Minty Fresh: Use mint Oreos for a refreshing take on this dessert.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get into the step-by-step process of making these delicious Cookies & Cream Brownies. Make sure to follow each step carefully to achieve the best results.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Pan

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

Step 2: Melt the Butter and Mix the Sugars

In a microwave-safe bowl or over a stovetop, melt the butter. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, beat in the eggs one at a time. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your brownies soft and fudgy.

Step 5: Add Oreo Pieces

Fold in the chopped Oreo cookies gently, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the brownie batter.

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer

In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add in the powdered sugar and heavy cream, continuing to beat until light and fluffy.

Step 7: Layer the Brownie Batter and Cream Cheese Mixture

Pour about two-thirds of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Then, spoon the cream cheese mixture over the top, using a spatula to spread it out. Finally, drop spoonfuls of the remaining brownie batter on top of the cream cheese layer and gently swirl the two together using a knife.

Step 8: Bake

Bake the brownies 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). Baking times may vary, so start checking around the 25-minute mark.

Step 9: Cool and Cut

Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into squares.

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

Cooking Cookies & Cream Brownies is all about following a precise method to ensure that perfect blend of fudginess and crunch. Here’s a summary of the key steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare your pan.
2. Mix melted butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla.
3. Combine dry ingredients separately, then mix into wet ingredients.
4. Fold in chopped Oreos.
5. Prepare the cream cheese swirl and layer it with brownie batter.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes until set.
7. Cool completely before slicing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making brownies might seem easy, but even small mistakes can result in a less-than-perfect dessert. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overmixing the Batter: This can lead to tough brownies. Stir the dry ingredients in just until combined.
• Overbaking: Dry brownies are the result of overbaking. Remember that they’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so pull them out of the oven when they’re still slightly underdone in the center.
• Not Properly Cooling: Cutting brownies before they’re fully cooled can result in a gooey mess. Let them cool completely for clean slices.
• Uneven Oreo Distribution: Make sure to fold the Oreos into the batter evenly for a balanced cookie-to-brownie ratio.

Serving and Presentation Tips

While the flavor of these brownies speaks for itself, presentation matters too! Here are some tips to make your Cookies & Cream Brownies look as good as they taste.

How to Serve Cookies & Cream Brownies

These brownies are rich and indulgent, so you can serve them as they are for a quick snack or dessert. For an elevated experience, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. You can also drizzle some melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the top for an extra layer of flavor.

Presentation Ideas for Cookies & Cream Brownies

• Crushed Oreo Topping: Sprinkle extra crushed Oreos on top of the brownies right after they come out of the oven for added texture.
• Drizzled White Chocolate: Melt some white chocolate and drizzle it over the top of the cooled brownies for a stunning visual contrast.
• Brownie Sundae: Turn these brownies into a show-stopping sundae by serving them with whipped cream, ice cream, and a cherry on top.

Cookies & Cream Brownie Recipe Tips

Here are some additional tips to ensure your brownies turn out perfectly:

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the cocoa powder and vanilla extract, the richer your brownies will taste.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for smoother mixing.
• Chill for Cleaner Slices: For cleaner, more professional-looking slices, refrigerate the brownies for about 30 minutes before cutting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I freeze Cookies & Cream Brownies?

Yes! These brownies freeze very well. Just wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

2. How do I store leftover brownies?

Store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week.

3. Can I use double-stuffed Oreos?

Absolutely! Double-stuffed Oreos will add even more creaminess to your brownies, which is never a bad thing.

4. What if I don’t have cream cheese?

You can skip the cream cheese swirl entirely and still have delicious Cookies & Cream Brownies. Alternatively, you can use a mascarpone cheese substitute for a similar texture.

Conclusion

These Cookies & Cream Brownies are the perfect treat for anyone who loves the combination of rich chocolate and crunchy cookies. Whether you're making them for a party, a family get-together, or just because you have a sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Follow the steps and tips outlined here, and you’ll end up with a batch of brownies that are soft, fudgy, and packed with cookies-and-cream flavor. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, and let’s bake some amazing brownies!

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