Cookies & Cream Brownies Recipe

Are you ready to indulge in the ultimate dessert combination? Cookies & Cream Brownies are a match made in dessert heaven, combining rich, fudgy brownies with the creamy, crunchy goodness of cookies and cream. This decadent treat is perfect for chocolate lovers and fans of cookies alike. Whether you're making these for a special occasion or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Keep reading to discover the detailed recipe, helpful tips, and even some variations to take your Cookies & Cream Brownies to the next level!

What Are Cookies & Cream Brownies?

Cookies & Cream Brownies are an irresistible dessert that blends two beloved treats: rich, fudgy brownies and cookies and cream. The brownies serve as the base layer, offering a dense, chocolatey bite, while the cookies and cream topping adds texture and flavor with crunchy cookie bits and a creamy layer, typically made from crushed Oreo cookies. This combination of flavors and textures is simply divine, providing a well-balanced treat that’s not too sweet but packed with indulgence.

This recipe is an easy way to elevate your standard brownie, making it perfect for parties, family gatherings, or a sweet snack to enjoy at home. Plus, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients List for Cookies & Cream Brownies

To create these delicious brownies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the brownie layer:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the cookies & cream topping:

• 1 package (14-16 Oreos or similar chocolate sandwich cookies), crushed
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional, for extra sweetness)

Substitutions and Variations

There are plenty of ways to modify this Cookies & Cream Brownies recipe to suit your dietary preferences or taste preferences. Here are some substitution options and variations you can try:

1. Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your cookies (Oreos or equivalent) are also gluten-free to ensure the entire recipe is safe for those with gluten intolerances.
2. Dairy-Free Version: Substitute the butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. Use dairy-free chocolate chips and a dairy-free cream cheese substitute for the cookies and cream topping.
3. Double Chocolate Delight: If you want an extra chocolatey punch, add ¼ cup of cocoa powder to the cookies and cream topping or mix in some dark chocolate chips.
4. Peanut Butter Twist: For peanut butter lovers, you can swirl in some melted peanut butter into the brownie batter before baking. This adds a savory contrast to the sweet cookies and cream flavors.
5. Minty Fresh: Replace the vanilla extract in the cookies and cream topping with peppermint extract for a cool minty flavor. You can also use mint-flavored chocolate sandwich cookies.
6. Salted Caramel Addition: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the top of the cookies and cream layer before serving for an extra layer of indulgence.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making the best Cookies & Cream Brownies.

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some extra parchment paper hanging over the sides for easy removal later. This will prevent the brownies from sticking to the pan and make clean-up a breeze.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter

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

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Step 3: Bake the Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool completely before adding the cookies and cream layer.

Step 4: Make the Cookies & Cream Topping

While the brownies cool, prepare the cookies and cream topping. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until well combined.

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Stir in the crushed Oreo cookies and mix until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Assemble the Brownies

Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the cookies and cream mixture evenly over the top of the brownie layer. Use a spatula to smooth the surface. If desired, sprinkle white chocolate chips over the top for added sweetness.

Step 6: Chill Before Serving

Transfer the assembled brownies to the refrigerator and let them chill for at least 1-2 hours before cutting into squares. This will help the cookies and cream layer set, making it easier to slice and serve.

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

1. Preheat the oven and prepare the pan.
2. Mix the brownie batter by combining melted butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla extract.
3. Add dry ingredients like flour, cocoa powder, and salt to the wet mixture.
4. Bake the brownies for 25-30 minutes until set and then let them cool.
5. Prepare the cookies and cream topping using cream cheese, whipped cream, and crushed cookies.
6. Spread the cookies and cream topping over the cooled brownies.
7. Chill the brownies to let the topping set.
8. Slice into squares and serve chilled for best results.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing the brownie batter can result in tough, dense brownies. Stir the ingredients just until combined for a softer texture.
• Not letting the brownies cool completely: Adding the cookies and cream topping while the brownies are still warm will cause the topping to melt and become runny.
• Skipping the chill time: Chilling the brownies after assembly is crucial for achieving a firm, set topping that’s easy to slice.

Serving and Presentation Tips

When it comes to serving Cookies & Cream Brownies, presentation matters just as much as taste. Here are some serving tips to make your dessert stand out:

1. Chilled and Sliced: For the best texture and flavor, serve these brownies chilled. The creamy topping holds its shape better when cold, making for cleaner, more defined layers when sliced.
2. Add a Drizzle: For an extra decorative touch, drizzle melted white chocolate or dark chocolate over the top of the brownies before cutting them into squares. This adds both visual appeal and additional flavor.
3. Garnish with Extra Cookies: For a final touch, sprinkle some extra crushed cookies over the top of the brownies or place a whole Oreo on top of each square for a picture-perfect dessert.

How to Serve Cookies & Cream Brownies

Cookies & Cream Brownies are versatile and can be served at various occasions. You can serve them as a standalone dessert, or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or tea. For a festive touch, you can cut the brownies into small bite-sized pieces and serve them at parties or gatherings on a dessert platter.

Presentation Ideas for Cookies & Cream Brownies

To take the presentation up a notch, try one of these ideas:

1. Layered Display: Arrange the brownies in a neat layer on a dessert stand for a professional look.
2. Decorative Tin: Present the brownies in a decorative tin or box, making them perfect for gifting.
3. Dusting of Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar on top of the brownies gives them a bakery-style look and adds a touch of sweetness.

Cookies & Cream Brownies Recipe Tips

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: To ensure your ingredients combine smoothly, let your eggs and cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing.
• Crush Cookies by Hand: For a chunkier texture, crush the cookies by hand instead of using a food processor. This will give you larger pieces of cookie to bite into.
• Make Ahead: These brownies can be made up to two days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze Cookies & Cream Brownies?
A: Yes, these brownies can be frozen for up to three months. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw them in the fridge before serving.

Q: How long will these brownies last in the fridge?
A: Cookies & Cream Brownies can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. Be sure to keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Q: Can I make this recipe without cream cheese?
A: Yes, you can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone cheese or use whipped cream with a bit of cornstarch to stabilize it.

Q: Can I make this recipe without using cookies?
A: The cookies add a unique texture and flavor, but you can omit them or replace them with graham crackers, digestive biscuits, or even chocolate chips for a different twist.

Conclusion

Cookies & Cream Brownies are the ultimate fusion of flavors and textures, bringing together the best of brownies and cookies into one delicious dessert. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe is simple enough to follow and guaranteed to impress. With easy-to-find ingredients, flexible variations, and foolproof tips, you'll be able to whip up a batch of these brownies in no time. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this indulgent delight – you won't regret it!

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