There’s a certain thrill that comes when blending two beloved desserts into one irresistible creation. Picture this: a rich, gooey brownie packed with creamy white chocolate and studded with crunchy bits of Oreos. That’s right—today, we’re diving into the world of Cookies and Cream Brownies. I discovered this delightful treat during a weekend baking spree, determined to elevate the classic brownie experience.
The combination of buttery, melted white chocolate with the iconic cookie crunch is pure magic and satisfies any sweet tooth. Not only is this recipe incredibly easy, but it also promises to impress everyone who’s lucky enough to get a taste. Whether you’re looking to indulge after a long day or impress guests at your next gathering, these brownies make the perfect sweet solution. Let’s gather our ingredients and get ready for a deliciously fun baking adventure!
Why are Cookies and Cream Brownies irresistible?
Decadent Flavor: The rich blend of white chocolate and sweetened condensed milk creates an indulgent base that will leave you craving more.
Cookie Crunch: Crushed Oreos add a delightful texture and nostalgic flavor, making every bite a party for your taste buds.
Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have these brownies whipped up in no time—perfect for busy afternoons!
Crowd Pleaser: These treats are guaranteed to impress friends and family at any gathering, sparking joy and smiles all around.
Baking Adventure: Experience the joy of baking without the fuss—just grab your ingredients and let’s dive in! For more delightful ideas, check out our perfect baking tips.
Cookies and Cream Brownies Ingredients
For the Brownie Batter
- Unsalted Butter – this rich base enhances the brownie’s fudgy texture.
- White Chocolate Chips – they melt beautifully, infusing the batter with creamy sweetness.
- Large Egg – adds moisture and binds all the ingredients together perfectly.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – gives these cookies and cream brownies an extra dose of richness.
- Salt – enhances the flavors, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
- All-Purpose Flour – provides structure, keeping the brownies sturdy and chewy.
For the Topping
- Crushed Oreos – sprinkle these on top for a delightful crunch that complements the soft brownies.
- Extra White Chocolate Chips (optional) – for a little extra indulgence, consider adding more chips on top before baking.
How to Make Cookies and Cream Brownies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8″x8″ baking pan with parchment paper. This step ensures easy removal, giving your brownies a clean finish.
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Combine the unsalted butter and white chocolate chips in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave them in 30-second increments until melted and creamy, stirring between each interval for the best texture.
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Whisk in the large egg, sweetened condensed milk, and salt until well combined. You want a smooth mixture that’s evenly blended for scrumptious brownies.
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Fold in the all-purpose flour gradually, mixing gently until just combined. Make sure not to overmix; this keeps your brownies soft and chewy.
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Stir in the crushed Oreos to the brownie batter, ensuring they’re evenly distributed. Pour this heavenly mixture into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
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Sprinkle the remaining crushed Oreos on top, adding irresistible texture. Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes until the edges are set and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
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Cool the brownies in the pan for at least 1 hour before cutting into squares. This step is crucial for the perfect presentation and to avoid crumbling.
Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra indulgent touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Cookies and Cream Brownies?
Imagine gathering around the table, where your homemade cookies and cream brownies take center stage, inviting everyone to indulge in their sweet, dreamy allure.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the fudgy brownies perfectly, creating an irresistible contrast in temperature and texture.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over your brownies heightens the chocolate experience, adding an extra layer of richness that no one can resist.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy raspberries or strawberries bring a burst of freshness that pairs beautifully with the sweet, dense brownies—an enchanting balance of flavors.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of light, airy whipped cream adds a soft texture that balances the dense brownie, making each bite feel luxurious.
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Coffee: Enjoying these brownies with a cup of rich, brewed coffee or espresso enhances the flavor profile and adds that satisfying warmth to your dessert experience.
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Chocolate Milkshake: For a fun twist, pair these brownies with a thick chocolate milkshake—it’s a nostalgic dessert combo that will take you back to childhood.
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Nutty Ice Cream: Almond or hazelnut ice cream adds a crunchy texture and complementary nuttiness that elevates the overall flavor, making every mouthful a delight.
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Bleeding Heart Raspberry Sauce: A fruity drizzle will intrigue your taste buds with its tartness, offering a contrast that perfectly balances the sweetness of the brownies.
How to Store and Freeze Cookies and Cream Brownies
Room Temperature: Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They will be at their best quality, remaining soft and delicious.
Fridge: If you want to keep them fresh longer, place the brownies in the fridge for up to a week. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap brownies tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, freezing them for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before indulging in your sweet treat.
Reheating: If you’d like your brownies warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy the gooey goodness of your Cookies and Cream Brownies all over again!
Expert Tips for Cookies and Cream Brownies
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature for a smoother batter that blends well.
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Avoid Overmixing: When adding the all-purpose flour, fold gently to prevent tough brownies. You want that soft, fudgy texture in your Cookies and Cream Brownies!
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Check for Doneness: A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs. If it’s clean, your brownies might be overcooked.
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Cooling Time Matters: Allow the brownies to cool for at least 1 hour before cutting. This helps them set properly, ensuring clean, neat squares.
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Personalize Your Topping: Don’t hesitate to play with toppings! Add extra crushed Oreos or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet-savory twist.
Make Ahead Options
These Cookies and Cream Brownies are ideal for meal prep, letting you indulge in deliciousness without stress! You can prepare the brownie batter up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to the point of pouring the batter into the pan, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. For a smoother texture, let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking. If you prefer, you can also bake the brownies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just remember to let them cool completely before covering to maintain that fudgy quality. When you’re ready to enjoy, cut them into squares and serve—your sweet treat is just as delicious and ready in no time!
Cookies and Cream Brownies Variations
Feel free to get creative and make these brownies truly yours with fun twists and substitutions!
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Nut-Free: Substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative and ensure your chocolate chips are nut-free.
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Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend; the brownies will still be deliciously fudgy!
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Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and swap white chocolate for a dairy-free chocolate alternative to enjoy a vegan version.
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Minty Delight: Add a few drops of peppermint extract into the brownie batter for a refreshing twist that enhances the chocolate flavor.
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Caramel Swirl: Drizzle caramel sauce into the brownie batter before baking—this will add a luscious sweetness that pairs perfectly with Oreos.
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Peanut Butter Fun: Swirl some creamy peanut butter into the brownie batter for a nutty flavor that will excite your taste buds.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter for a surprising heat that complements the sweetness beautifully.
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Extra Crunch: Mix in additional crushed nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch alongside the Oreo bits.
Each variation offers a unique take on these already irresistible brownies, inviting you to explore new flavor depths. Happy baking!
Cookies and Cream Brownies Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ripe ingredients?
Absolutely! For the best Cookies and Cream Brownies, ensure your unsalted butter is fresh and softened to room temperature to mix easily. Choose high-quality white chocolate chips for a creamy flavor, and look for Oreos that aren’t broken or crumbled in their package. Fresh eggs can also make a difference, so pick ones that feel heavy and have clean, intact shells.
How should I store leftover brownies?
Very good question! To store brownies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, transfer the brownies into the refrigerator for up to a week. Just let them come back to room temperature before serving for that delightful texture!
Can I freeze Cookies and Cream Brownies?
Absolutely! For long-term storage, wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge again, allow them to thaw in the fridge overnight. You can even warm them up in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that freshly baked taste.
What should I do if my brownies come out too dry?
If you find that your Cookies and Cream Brownies are dry, check a few factors: Ensure you did not overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to tough, dry brownies. Also, keep an eye on the baking time; bake until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs but not completely clean. Remember, it’s better to underbake slightly than to overbake!
Are Cookies and Cream Brownies suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Definitely! If you’re catering to dietary restrictions, you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour and dairy-free white chocolate chips to make this treat more inclusive. However, be cautious for those with allergies to eggs and dairy if you’re serving it to pets; some human foods can be harmful to pets, so it’s best to keep these brownies away from them. Always ensure your ingredients are safe for your guests!
Can I adjust the sweetness of my brownies?
Very much so! If you prefer your brownies less sweet, you can reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk slightly. Just keep in mind that this may change the texture and moisture content, so adjust with a little extra flour if needed. Feel free to experiment to find your perfect balance!
Indulge in Cookies and Cream Brownies You Can't Resist
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper.
- Combine the unsalted butter and white chocolate chips in a large microwave-safe bowl and microwave until melted.
- Whisk in the large egg, sweetened condensed milk, and salt until well combined.
- Fold in the all-purpose flour gradually until just combined.
- Stir in the crushed Oreos to the brownie batter, then pour the mixture into your prepared baking pan.
- Sprinkle the remaining crushed Oreos on top and bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Cool the brownies in the pan for at least 1 hour before cutting into squares.