If you're a fan of both brownies and the classic cookies and cream combo, you're in for a real treat! This Cookies & Cream Brownies recipe takes the rich, fudgy goodness of traditional brownies and adds the crunch and creaminess of your favorite cookies, creating an irresistible dessert. Whether you're baking for a party, family gathering, or just treating yourself, these brownies will be a crowd-pleaser. Keep reading to discover how to make this indulgent dessert step-by-step and some pro tips to ensure your brownies turn out perfect every time!
What are Cookies & Cream Brownies?
Cookies & Cream Brownies are a delicious twist on the traditional brownie recipe, incorporating crumbled cookies—usually chocolate sandwich cookies like Oreos—into the brownie batter. This results in a dessert that is both fudgy and crunchy, with the creamy filling from the cookies adding an extra layer of indulgence. Whether enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or even with a scoop of ice cream on top, these brownies are the perfect blend of chocolate and cookies and cream flavor.
Ingredients List for Cookies & Cream Brownies
Here are the ingredients you’ll need for the brownies themselves:
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter – melted
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar – for sweetness
- 4 large eggs – at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – for flavor
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour – for structure
- ½ cup (50g) cocoa powder – unsweetened, to make the brownies rich and chocolatey
- ½ teaspoon salt – to balance sweetness
- 12-15 chocolate sandwich cookies (Oreos) – roughly chopped, for the cookies & cream element
Ingredients List for the Topping
For an extra indulgent topping, you’ll need:
- 6-8 chocolate sandwich cookies – crushed, for sprinkling on top
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream – for a ganache
- 1 cup (175g) semi-sweet chocolate chips – for the ganache topping
These ingredients come together to create a rich, fudgy brownie base with the unmistakable crunch and flavor of cookies and cream, plus a decadent chocolate topping to bring it all home.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about this recipe is its versatility. If you need to make adjustments based on dietary needs or ingredient availability, here are some suggestions:
- Butter Substitute: You can replace butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free alternative if you're looking to make this recipe dairy-free.
- Egg Substitute: If you’re looking for an egg-free version, use a flaxseed "egg" (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoon water per egg) or an egg replacer.
- Gluten-Free: Swap out the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Cookie Variations: Instead of chocolate sandwich cookies, try using chocolate chip cookies or even peanut butter sandwich cookies for a different twist.
- Add-ins: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or even a swirl of peanut butter or Nutella into the batter for extra flavor and texture.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let's dive into the step-by-step process of making these Cookies & Cream Brownies.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or over low heat on the stove. Once melted, let it cool slightly.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar. Beat until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Sift the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. This ensures no lumps in your batter.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough brownies.
- Fold in the cookies: Gently fold in the chopped chocolate sandwich cookies, ensuring they're evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the pan: Spread the brownie batter evenly into your prepared baking dish.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Be careful not to overbake, as this can make the brownies dry.
- Cool completely: Once the brownies are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan before adding the topping.
How to Cook Cookies & Cream Brownies: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process of baking these Cookies & Cream Brownies can be broken down into manageable steps to ensure success:
- Prepare your ingredients: Always measure your ingredients beforehand to streamline the process.
- Mix properly: Combine your wet and dry ingredients thoroughly but avoid overmixing. The texture of your brownies depends on this step.
- Bake with care: Pay attention to baking time. Start checking around the 25-minute mark to ensure they remain fudgy.
- Cool before topping: Allow the brownies to cool completely before adding any additional toppings like ganache. This will make sure the ganache doesn’t melt into the brownies and cause a mess.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid while baking these delicious Cookies & Cream Brownies:
- Overbaking: Brownies should be fudgy, not dry. Always check with a toothpick, and remember that they’ll continue to set as they cool.
- Not cooling before cutting: Cutting into hot brownies can cause them to crumble. Let them cool completely for clean slices.
- Overmixing: Once the flour is added, mix just enough to combine. Overmixing will make your brownies tough.
- Using low-quality cocoa powder: For the richest flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder. It will make a big difference in taste.
Serving and Presentation Tips
To elevate your Cookies & Cream Brownies from casual dessert to a stunning treat, presentation is key. Here are some serving and presentation tips:
- Serve warm with ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of a warm brownie is a match made in heaven.
- Drizzle with chocolate sauce: Add a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.
- Dust with powdered sugar: Lightly dusting your brownies with powdered sugar adds a delicate, elegant finish.
How to Serve Cookies & Cream Brownies
These brownies are versatile and can be served in several ways depending on the occasion:
- Casual Setting: Serve them straight from the pan, cut into squares or rectangles, at a casual family gathering or picnic.
- Special Occasion: Plate individual squares and top them with whipped cream or a decorative drizzle of chocolate sauce for a more refined dessert.
- On a Dessert Platter: Arrange your brownies on a dessert tray with other cookies and treats for parties or potlucks.
Presentation Ideas for Cookies & Cream Brownies
Take your presentation up a notch with these ideas:
- Layering on a Cake Stand: Stack your brownies on a tiered cake stand, separating layers with parchment paper for a dessert table display.
- Garnish with Crushed Cookies: Sprinkle more crushed cookies over the brownies right before serving for added texture and visual appeal.
- Cut into Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut the brownies into fun shapes like hearts or stars for themed parties or holidays.
Cookies & Cream Brownies Recipe Tips
To make sure your brownies are the best they can be, keep these tips in mind:
- Chop the cookies roughly so you get a good mix of large and small chunks in the batter.
- Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the brownies from the pan.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate them for a longer shelf life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I freeze Cookies & Cream Brownies?
Yes! Wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to eat.
2. How do I know when my brownies are done baking?
The best way to check is by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs but not raw batter, the brownies are done.
3. Can I use store-bought brownie mix for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use a boxed brownie mix and simply add the chopped cookies to the batter. Just follow the instructions on the box for baking time and temperature.
4. What other toppings can I add to the brownies?
Feel free to add things like chopped nuts, caramel drizzle, or extra chocolate chips. You can even swirl in some peanut butter or Nutella for more flavor.
Conclusion
Cookies & Cream Brownies are the perfect blend of fudgy chocolate goodness and crunchy, creamy cookie bits. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet tooth, these brownies are sure to impress. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple instructions, this recipe is a must-try for brownie and cookie lovers alike. Give it a go, and don’t forget to share your delicious results with friends and family! Happy baking!
PrintCookies & Cream Brownies Recipe
Deliciously rich Cookies & Cream Brownies with crushed cookies on top of fudgy brownies. Perfect for chocolate lovers! This recipe features simple ingredients like brownie mix, eggs, oil, and crushed cookies for a quick and indulgent treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Brownie mix (or homemade brownies)
- Eggs
- Vegetable oil
- Water (if using box mix)
- Crushed cookies (like Oreos)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare brownie mix according to package or recipe directions.
- Fold crushed cookies into the brownie batter.
- Pour the batter into a prepared baking dish and sprinkle additional crushed cookies on top.
- Bake as directed, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
- Let cool, slice, and enjoy your Cookies & Cream Brownies!
Notes
- You can use a homemade brownie recipe instead of a mix.
- For extra richness, top with more crushed cookies after baking or drizzle with chocolate.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
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