Cookies & Cream Brownies Recipe

If you're a fan of rich, gooey brownies and the irresistible crunch of cookies and cream, this is the dessert you've been dreaming of. These Cookies & Cream Brownies combine the decadence of fudgy brownies with the classic flavor of cookies and cream, resulting in a dessert that's as delicious as it is easy to make. Whether you're baking for a party, a family gathering, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this recipe will leave everyone asking for more. Keep reading to learn how to create this mouthwatering dessert!

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What Are “Cookies & Cream Brownies”?

Cookies & Cream Brownies are a scrumptious dessert that marries two favorite treats: brownies and cookies & cream. Imagine sinking your teeth into fudgy, chocolatey brownies with crunchy, creamy bites of Oreo cookies throughout. The contrast in textures and flavors is what makes this dessert so special. The base brownie layer is rich and chewy, while the cookies & cream layer on top provides a crunchy contrast and a hint of nostalgia for those who love Oreo cookies. Whether you're a brownie lover, a cookies & cream aficionado, or both, this dessert will hit all the right notes.

Ingredients List for Cookies & Cream Brownies

To make the perfect Cookies & Cream Brownies, you'll need a combination of basic baking ingredients and, of course, those all-important Oreo cookies. Here's what you'll need:

For the Brownie Base:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Cookies & Cream Layer:

• 20 Oreo cookies, coarsely chopped
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• ½ cup heavy cream

Ingredients List for Optional Toppings (Optional):

• Extra chopped Oreo cookies for garnish
• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving
• A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:

• Gluten-Free Version: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your Oreos are gluten-free, which can be found in many grocery stores.
• Vegan Option: Use a vegan butter alternative, such as coconut oil or margarine, and replace the eggs with a vegan egg substitute like flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoon water equals 1 egg). Opt for dairy-free chocolate chips and use a plant-based cream like coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
• Extra Chocolatey: For those who can’t get enough chocolate, stir in ½ cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips into the brownie batter. You can even add a layer of chocolate ganache on top before adding the cookies & cream topping.
• Minty Twist: Replace regular Oreos with mint-flavored Oreos and add a splash of peppermint extract to the brownie batter for a refreshing twist.
• Nutty Addition: Stir in ½ cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the brownie batter for added crunch and flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Baking these Cookies & Cream Brownies is as simple as following these easy steps. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is designed to ensure success every time.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. This will make it easier to lift the brownies out of the pan after they’ve cooled.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the brownies tough.

Step 3: Pour Batter into the Pan

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. The batter will be thick and rich, which is exactly what you want for dense, fudgy brownies.

Step 4: Bake the Brownies

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You'll know the brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before adding the cookies & cream layer.

Step 5: Prepare the Cookies & Cream Topping

While the brownies are cooling, prepare the cookies & cream topping. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer (but not boil). Remove from heat and stir in the white chocolate chips, whisking until smooth. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before folding in the chopped Oreo cookies.

Step 6: Add the Cookies & Cream Topping

Once the brownies have cooled, spread the cookies & cream mixture evenly over the top. Use a spatula to smooth it out, making sure every corner of the brownies is covered with creamy Oreo goodness. For an extra touch, sprinkle more chopped Oreos on top.

Step 7: Chill the Brownies

Place the brownies in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1-2 hours before cutting into squares. This will help the cookies & cream layer set and make the brownies easier to slice.

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

Cooking Cookies & Cream Brownies is a straightforward process, but here are a few key tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time:

1. Use room-temperature eggs: This will help them blend more smoothly into the batter, giving you a better texture.
2. Don't overbake: Fudgy brownies are all about the right bake time. If the toothpick comes out completely clean, the brownies might end up being too dry.
3. Cool before adding the topping: Make sure the brownies are fully cooled before adding the cookies & cream topping. Otherwise, the topping could melt and slide off.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the batter: Stirring the batter too much can incorporate too much air and lead to cakier brownies. Only mix until the ingredients are combined.
• Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the brownies during the last few minutes of baking. Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly brownies, and that’s definitely not what you want!
• Using cold eggs: If your eggs are too cold, they won't mix as well with the other ingredients, which could affect the final texture of the brownies.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Once your Cookies & Cream Brownies are set and ready to eat, it’s time to think about serving and presentation. After all, we eat with our eyes first!

How to Serve Cookies & Cream Brownies

These brownies are incredibly rich on their own, but you can elevate the experience by serving them with:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream: The cold, creamy ice cream is a perfect contrast to the warm, gooey brownies.
• Whipped cream: A dollop of homemade or store-bought whipped cream adds a light, airy texture to balance out the dense brownies.
• Warm them up: Although they’re delicious chilled, try warming them up in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving. The cookies & cream layer will melt slightly, creating an ooey-gooey treat!

Presentation Ideas for Cookies & Cream Brownies

• Drizzle with sauce: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce over the top before serving.
• Add a garnish: A sprinkle of crushed Oreo cookies on top of each brownie square adds a nice finishing touch.
• Cut into different shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut the brownies into fun shapes like hearts, stars, or circles. This is especially fun for kids or for themed events.

Cookies & Cream Brownies Recipe Tips

• Store in the fridge: These brownies stay freshest when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll last for up to 5 days, though they’ll likely be eaten long before then!
• Freeze for later: If you want to make them ahead of time, these brownies freeze beautifully. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let them thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
• Cut them with a hot knife: To get clean slices, run your knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and then slice the brownies. This will help prevent the cookies & cream topping from sticking to the knife.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use store-bought brownie mix?
A: Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use a store-bought brownie mix as the base. Just follow the package instructions and add the cookies & cream topping as described in the recipe.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These brownies taste even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Q: What type of chocolate chips should I use?
A: White chocolate chips work best for the cookies & cream topping, but you can use milk or dark chocolate chips in the brownie batter for a richer flavor.

Q: How can I make these brownies more festive?
A: For a festive touch, try using seasonal or holiday-themed Oreo cookies. For example, you can use the Halloween or Christmas Oreos to match the occasion.

Conclusion

These Cookies & Cream Brownies are the perfect dessert for any occasion, combining the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the classic taste of cookies & cream. Whether you're a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe is simple to follow and delivers outstanding results every time. Don't forget to customize it with your favorite variations and serve it with a scoop of ice cream for the ultimate indulgence. Happy baking!

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