Looking for a dessert that's equal parts fudgy, creamy, and irresistibly decadent? Look no further! Our Cookies & Cream Brownies recipe combines the rich, gooey texture of traditional brownies with the crunch and flavor of your favorite cookies. Whether you're a brownie lover or a cookies and cream fanatic, this recipe is the perfect marriage of two beloved treats. Stick around to learn how to whip up a batch of these indulgent brownies, and don't miss our expert tips to make them even better!
What Are Cookies & Cream Brownies?
Cookies & Cream Brownies are a luscious twist on classic brownies. They’re made by combining a rich, chocolatey brownie base with chunks of Oreo cookies, which add a delightful crunch and creamy flavor. These brownies deliver a perfect balance of textures: the fudginess of the brownie mingling with the crunchy, creamy cookies. If you’re a fan of anything “cookies and cream,” this dessert will take your love to the next level.
Ingredients List for Cookies & Cream Brownies
Before we get started, gather all the ingredients you’ll need for this tasty treat. You’ll want to make sure everything is measured and ready to go before you dive into the recipe.
For the Brownie Base:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter – melted and slightly cooled
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs – at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder – sifted for smoothness
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Cookies & Cream Layer:
- 15-20 Oreo cookies – roughly chopped or crushed
- ½ cup white chocolate chips – optional, for extra creaminess
- 1 cup heavy cream – for extra richness
These ingredients create a decadent blend of flavors, resulting in brownies that have the perfect mix of chewy, crunchy, and creamy textures.
Substitutions and Variations
If you're missing some ingredients or want to switch things up, here are some simple substitutions and variations you can try:
- Butter: If you prefer a non-dairy option, you can replace butter with coconut oil in equal amounts. Keep in mind this will slightly alter the flavor and texture, but it’s still delicious.
- Oreo Cookies: While Oreos are the classic choice, feel free to experiment with different cookie flavors. Peanut butter or chocolate chip cookies make a fun and tasty alternative.
- Cocoa Powder: If you're out of cocoa powder, you can use melted dark chocolate (about 4 oz) instead. Just reduce the butter slightly to balance out the added fat from the chocolate.
- White Chocolate Chips: Skip the white chocolate chips if you prefer a simpler brownie, or substitute with dark chocolate chips if you want an even richer experience.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Let’s dive into the cooking process. These Cookies & Cream Brownies are easy to make and only require a few simple steps. Make sure to follow these instructions closely for the best results.

- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easier removal of the brownies later.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar. Whisk until fully incorporated, and then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This will ensure the dry ingredients are well mixed and free of lumps.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until everything is well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the brownies tough.
- Fold in the Cookies: Gently fold in about two-thirds of the chopped Oreo cookies and white chocolate chips into the batter. Reserve the remaining cookies for the topping.
- Pour and Layer: Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out with a spatula. Sprinkle the reserved Oreo cookie pieces on top of the batter to give the brownies that delicious cookies & cream look.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but not raw batter.
- Cool Completely: Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before cutting. This allows them to set and ensures that you’ll get clean, even slices.
How to Cook Cookies & Cream Brownies: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat Oven and Prepare the Pan: Always preheat your oven to the correct temperature (350°F) before you start mixing the ingredients. This helps ensure that your brownies cook evenly. Grease or line your pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients Properly: When mixing the wet ingredients with the dry, it's crucial not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies. Gently stir until everything is just combined.
- Watch the Baking Time: The key to the perfect brownie is nailing the baking time. Set a timer and check the brownies around the 25-minute mark. They should be set on the edges but still slightly gooey in the center.
- Cool Before Cutting: Allow your brownies to cool completely before cutting them. Brownies continue to cook slightly as they cool, and this resting period helps them set to the perfect consistency.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking: Overbaking your brownies can lead to a dry, crumbly texture. Always check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. A few moist crumbs are perfect; if it's completely dry, they’ve been baked too long.
- Skipping the Cooling Step: Cutting into warm brownies may result in a gooey mess. As tempting as it is to dive in right away, let the brownies cool to maintain their structure.
- Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing the brownie batter can lead to tough, dense brownies. Gently fold the ingredients until just combined to keep the brownies light and fudgy.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation plays a significant role in elevating your dessert, and these brownies are no exception. Here’s how to serve them in style:
- Cut Evenly: Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts to ensure neat, clean slices. You can even refrigerate the brownies for a bit before cutting to make this easier.
- Serve Warm with Ice Cream: Warm your brownies slightly before serving and pair them with a scoop of vanilla or cookies & cream ice cream. The combination of warm brownie and cold ice cream is divine!
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a professional and elegant touch.
- Drizzle Chocolate Syrup: For an extra indulgent presentation, drizzle some melted chocolate or chocolate syrup over the top of the brownies.
How to Serve Cookies & Cream Brownies
These brownies can be served in many ways depending on the occasion. For a casual treat, simply slice and serve them on a platter. If you want to impress, you can serve them with a side of fresh berries, whipped cream, or even drizzle them with a chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra flair. Stack two brownies on top of each other and top with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for a rich, indulgent dessert.
Presentation Ideas for Cookies & Cream Brownies
- Stacked Squares: Serve brownies stacked in neat squares on a stylish dessert plate. Garnish with crushed cookies on the side for a sophisticated touch.
- Cookie Garnish: Top each brownie with a mini Oreo or a crumbled cookie for added visual appeal.
- Individual Servings: For a fancier occasion, serve individual brownie squares in small dessert cups with layers of whipped cream and cookie crumbs for a parfait-like effect.
Cookies & Cream Brownies Recipe Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smooth, even batter, make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature before you start mixing.
- Crush the Cookies Gently: You want to crush your Oreo cookies into large chunks rather than pulverizing them into crumbs. The contrast of large cookie pieces within the brownie adds a wonderful texture.
- Don’t Overmix: To keep the brownies fudgy, stir the batter gently, and don’t overmix once you’ve added the dry ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Cookies & Cream Brownies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or in the fridge for up to a week. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I use homemade cookies instead of Oreos?
A: Yes! Homemade cookies will work, though the texture and flavor might differ slightly. Just make sure they are crunchy enough to provide that signature cookies and cream texture.
Q: Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the brownies?
A: Feel free to customize your brownies with other mix-ins like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even swirls of caramel or peanut butter for an extra decadent treat.
Conclusion
There you have it! A delicious and easy Cookies & Cream Brownies recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a party, a family gathering, or just a cozy night at home, these brownies are sure to be a hit. With rich chocolate, crunchy cookies, and a creamy twist, these brownies are more than just dessert—they’re an experience. So gather your ingredients, follow our step-by-step guide, and enjoy every delicious bite. Happy baking!
PrintCookies & Cream Brownies Recipe
Indulge in decadent Cookies & Cream Brownies, a perfect blend of fudgy chocolate brownies with chunks of cookies & cream. This dessert is a must-try for any chocolate lover, combining the best of brownies and Oreos into a single, irresistible treat. Ideal for parties, special occasions, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 10 crushed Oreo cookies
- ½ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
- Melt butter, then stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
- Sift in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder, and mix until smooth.
- Fold in the crushed Oreo cookies and chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool, slice, and enjoy!
Notes
- You can add extra Oreos on top for a more decadent look.
- Use white chocolate chips for a variation on the classic.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 160mg
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