Cookies & Cream Brownies Recipe

The Ultimate Cookies & Cream Brownies Recipe You’ll Adore

Cookies and cream brownies combine two beloved dessert classics into one irresistible treat that promises pure indulgence.

These decadent squares blend rich chocolate with crunchy cookie pieces for a mouthwatering experience.

Unexpected textures and intense flavors make this dessert a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Crumbly cookie bits nestled within fudgy chocolate create a delightful contrast that tantalizes taste buds.

The magic happens when classic brownie batter meets crushed sandwich cookies, upgradeing a simple recipe into something extraordinary.

Chocolate lovers and cookie enthusiasts will find themselves completely captivated by this innovative dessert fusion.

Prepare to elevate your baking game with a dessert that delivers maximum deliciousness in every single bite.

What You’ll Love About Cookies & Cream Brownies

  • Indulge in Decadent Layers: These brownies combine rich chocolate base with creamy Oreo-studded frosting, creating a multi-textured dessert that delivers intense flavor in every single bite.
  • Customize with Playful Creativity: The recipe allows endless personalization by letting you choose Oreo styles – mini, regular, or flavored – and decide how to chop them for toppings, making each batch uniquely yours.
  • Quick and Simple Preparation: With straightforward mixing and topping techniques, even novice bakers can confidently create these impressive brownies without complicated steps or professional skills.
  • Make-Ahead Dessert Perfection: Easy storage at room temperature and flexible serving options mean you can prepare these treats in advance and enjoy them conveniently over several days, making them ideal for gatherings or casual sweet cravings.

Must-Have Ingredients for Oreo-Stuffed Brownies

Base Ingredients:
  • Shortening: Creamy base for smooth frosting texture.
  • Cream Cheese: Provides rich and tangy flavor to frosting.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds classic sweet flavor and aroma.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps thicken frosting.
Oreo Ingredients:
  • Oreo Cookies, Mini Oreo Cookies: Signature cookies for crunch and cookies & cream flavor. Regular or flavored varieties work well.
Garnish Ingredients:
  • Parchment Paper: Helps easy removal of brownies from baking pan.
  • Butter Knife: Used for cutting and lifting brownies.
  • Icing Spatula: Essential for smooth frosting application.

Step-by-Step for the Fudgiest Cookies & Cream Squares

Step 1: Prepare Brownie Base

Once brownies have cooled completely, gently loosen edges using a butter knife. Lift brownies out of pan using parchment paper. Remove parchment paper and place brownies on a flat surface.

Step 2: Create Creamy Frosting

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • Shortening
  • Cream cheese

Blend until smooth and fully incorporated. Add vanilla extract and mix well. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar until fully combined.

Step 3: Customize Frosting (Optional)

Consider adding chopped Oreos to the frosting:
  • Or 4 Oreos

Note: Adding Oreos might slightly change frosting color to a light gray.

Step 4: Spread Frosting

Apply entire frosting batch onto brownie surface. Use an icing spatula to spread evenly. If Oreos are mixed in, smooth rather than swirl the frosting.

Step 5: Decorate Brownie Top

Garnish frosted brownies with additional chopped Oreos:
  • Use mini Oreos cut in half
  • Experiment with regular or flavored Oreos
  • Try various chunk sizes or crumbs

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Cut brownies into 9 or 16 equal squares. Clean knife between each slice. Serve immediately.

Step 7: Storage Tips

Store remaining brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. For optimal freshness, slice only the portions you plan to consume.

Tips for Balancing Crunch with Moistness

  • Ensure Smooth Cutting: Wipe your knife clean between each brownie slice to achieve crisp, clean edges without crumbs.
  • Preserve Freshness: Only slice the number of brownies you plan to eat immediately, keeping the remaining uncut to maintain moisture and texture.
  • Customize Oreo Additions: Experiment with different Oreo varieties like original, mint, or double-stuffed to create unique flavor profiles in your frosting.
  • Frosting Technique: For a neater appearance, use an icing spatula to smooth the frosting instead of swirling when adding chopped Oreos.
  • Flexible Storage: Keep leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal taste and texture within a few days of baking.

How to Store and Warm Up Oreo Brownies

  • Store: Keep brownies in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness and prevent drying out. Place a layer of parchment paper between brownie layers to stop them from sticking together.
  • Refrigerate: For longer storage, place brownies in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days. Cover container with plastic wrap to protect from absorbing other food odors.
  • Reheat: Warm refrigerated brownies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or until slightly soft. Alternatively, let brownies sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore their original texture and rich, creamy flavor.

Best Pairings for Cookies & Cream Desserts

  • Pair with Milk Magic: Grab a cold glass of whole milk to complement the rich chocolate and creamy Oreo flavors, creating a classic dessert combination that brings out the best in these decadent brownies.
  • Espresso Excitement: Serve alongside a shot of espresso or a cappuccino to cut through the sweetness and provide a bold contrast that enhances the chocolate's deep notes.
  • Vanilla Ice Cream Dream: Top the brownies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, letting the cold, creamy texture mingle with the warm, fudgy brownie for an indulgent treat that balances temperatures and textures perfectly.
  • Wine Wonderland: For adult gatherings, pair with a sweet dessert wine like port or a rich red like cabernet sauvignon, which complements the chocolate's intensity and adds a sophisticated touch to the dessert experience.

Unique Flavor Spins on the Classic Combo

  • Peanut Butter Oreo Brownie Blast: Swirl creamy peanut butter into the frosting before adding chopped Oreos for an extra nutty kick.
  • Mint Chocolate Chip Brownie Explosion: Mix crushed mint Oreos into the frosting and sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top for a refreshing flavor combination.
  • Salted Caramel Oreo Brownie Crunch: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the frosted brownies and sprinkle sea salt before adding chopped Oreos for a sweet and salty experience.
  • White Chocolate Raspberry Brownie Fusion: Fold white chocolate chips into the frosting and top with fresh raspberry pieces alongside the Oreo chunks for a fruity twist.
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Cookies & Cream Brownies Recipe

Cookies & Cream Brownies Recipe


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4.5 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 48 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Cookies & Cream Brownies deliver rich chocolate decadence with classic sandwich cookie crumbles nestled throughout fudgy layers. Chocolate lovers will savor each indulgent bite of this simple yet irresistible dessert that promises pure bliss in every square.


Ingredients

Scale

Cookies & Cream Brownies

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (180g) dark chocolate chips
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup (100g) white granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar, loosely packed

Baking Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup (58g) plant-based butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons (15g) black cocoa powder
  • ¼ cup (33g) unbleached all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup (48g) vegetable shortening
  • 4 ounces plant-based cream cheese, cold
  • 1 ½ teaspoons clear vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups (300g) powdered sugar
  • 1 cup chopped Oreos (approximately 8 regular or mini Oreos)

Instructions

  1. After the brownies have completely cooled, release them from the pan by running a butter knife along the edges that touch the sides directly.
  2. Utilize the excess parchment paper to gently lift the brownies out of the baking pan, then carefully remove and discard the parchment paper.
  3. Place the brownies on a completely level surface in preparation for frosting.
  4. In a spacious mixing bowl, cream together the shortening and cream cheese until the mixture becomes uniformly smooth and well-integrated.
  5. Incorporate the vanilla extract into the creamy mixture, blending thoroughly.
  6. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting reaches a completely consistent texture.
  7. Optional: Fold in of finely chopped Oreos into the frosting, noting this may slightly alter the frosting’s color to a light gray.
  8. Spread the entire batch of frosting evenly across the brownie surface using an icing spatula, either smoothing or swirling as preferred.
  9. Immediately garnish the frosted brownies with additional chopped Oreos – mini Oreos halved, regular Oreos, or flavored varieties can be used in various sizes from large chunks to fine crumbs.
  10. Carefully slice the brownies into 9 or 16 precisely even squares, cleaning the knife between each cut to ensure clean edges.
  11. For optimal freshness, slice only the portions you plan to consume immediately, keeping the remaining brownies intact.
  12. Preserve leftover brownies in a completely sealed container at room temperature.

Notes

  • Lift brownies smoothly by using parchment paper edges, ensuring clean removal without breaking.
  • Blend cream cheese and shortening until ultra-smooth for creamy, perfect frosting consistency.
  • Optional Oreo addition can subtly change frosting color and enhance overall flavor profile.
  • Strategically place chopped Oreo pieces on top for decorative and delicious visual appeal.
  • Slice brownies precisely using a clean knife between cuts to maintain neat, professional presentation.
  • Preserve freshness by storing in sealed container at room temperature and slicing only the portions you’ll consume immediately.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 28 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg
Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

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