If you're looking for a dessert that perfectly combines two of the most beloved sweets—cookies and brownies—look no further! Cookies & Cream Brownies bring together the rich, fudgy goodness of brownies and the delightful crunch of cookies for a mouthwatering dessert that everyone will love. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie in the kitchen, this recipe will become a go-to favorite in no time.
In this article, we'll guide you through every detail, from the ingredients you'll need to serving and presentation tips. If you want to create a dessert that's sure to impress, keep reading until the end to discover all the secrets behind making the best Cookies & Cream Brownies!

What Are Cookies & Cream Brownies?
Cookies & Cream Brownies are a hybrid dessert that combines the intense flavor of chocolate brownies with the creamy, crunchy texture of sandwich cookies, typically Oreos. These brownies start with a base of rich, moist brownie batter that is either mixed with chunks of cookies or layered with a cookies & cream filling. The result? A chocolatey, cookie-filled treat that's perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth. Plus, the contrast of fudgy brownie with crunchy cookie creates an irresistible texture that elevates this dessert above ordinary brownies.
Ingredients List for Cookies & Cream Brownies
Before you start, gather all the necessary ingredients to ensure your baking process goes smoothly. Here's what you'll need for this delightful dessert:
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Cookies & Cream Layer:
- 10-15 sandwich cookies (such as Oreos, roughly chopped)
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
These ingredients come together to make a decadent, layered dessert that’s sweet, crunchy, and oh-so-chocolatey!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about Cookies & Cream Brownies is their versatility. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try if you want to make the recipe your own or if you need to adjust it based on dietary needs:
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or margarine, and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Gluten-Free Brownies: Swap out regular all-purpose flour for a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour.
- Different Cookie Types: Not a fan of Oreos? No problem! You can use other types of cookies like chocolate chip, peanut butter sandwich cookies, or even chocolate wafers.
- Add Some Nuts: For added texture, you can mix in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the brownie batter.
- Extra Chocolatey: If you're a chocolate lover, try adding ¼ cup of chocolate syrup or a few extra chocolate chunks into the batter for even more indulgence.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it's time to start baking. Follow these detailed step-by-step instructions for perfect Cookies & Cream Brownies every time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to ensure the brownies don't stick.
Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Whisk until smooth. Add in the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Next, in a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this could lead to denser brownies. Fold in the chocolate chips to add a burst of chocolate flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Assemble the Cookies & Cream Layer
For the cookies & cream layer, roughly chop the sandwich cookies. You can either fold these cookie chunks directly into the brownie batter or save them for layering later. Set the white chocolate chips and condensed milk aside for the next step.
Step 4: Make the White Chocolate Filling
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to avoid burning. Once fully melted, stir in the sweetened condensed milk to create a smooth, creamy filling. This mixture will act as the "cream" in your cookies & cream brownies.
Step 5: Layer the Brownies
Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom. Next, pour the melted white chocolate and condensed milk mixture over the brownie layer. Sprinkle the chopped cookies on top. Finally, spread the remaining brownie batter over the cookie and cream layer, making sure to cover the cookies completely.
Step 6: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake; you want the brownies to remain fudgy and soft.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares. This can take about 1-2 hours, but it's worth the wait to achieve the perfect texture.
How to Cook Cookies & Cream Brownies: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking the perfect Cookies & Cream Brownies boils down to following each step carefully. The secret to a delicious dessert lies in the balance of textures—fudgy brownies, creamy filling, and crunchy cookie pieces. Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature, don’t rush the mixing process, and always allow time for cooling before slicing. That’s how you get the best possible results every time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though this recipe is fairly straightforward, there are a few common mistakes that can lead to less-than-perfect brownies. Avoid these pitfalls for the best results:
- Overmixing the Batter: Once you combine the dry and wet ingredients, mix gently. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour and make the brownies dense rather than fudgy.
- Baking Too Long: Fudgy brownies need a shorter baking time than cake-like brownies. Keep a close eye on them as they bake and test for doneness with a toothpick.
- Skipping the Cooling Process: If you slice the brownies before they’ve cooled completely, they might fall apart. Be patient and let them set for clean, picture-perfect squares.
- Using the Wrong Pan Size: Stick to the 9x13-inch pan size for the best results. A different size can affect baking times and the thickness of the brownies.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Now that your Cookies & Cream Brownies are perfectly baked and cooled, it's time to think about presentation. These brownies are rich and indulgent, so a little goes a long way. Here are some tips to serve them in style:
- Garnish with Extra Cookies: Crumble a few extra sandwich cookies on top of each brownie square for a decorative and delicious touch.
- Serve with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of a warm brownie square is a match made in dessert heaven.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: For an elegant look, dust a light layer of powdered sugar over the brownies right before serving.
How to Serve Cookies & Cream Brownies
These brownies are perfect for almost any occasion. Serve them as a dessert at a family gathering, take them to a potluck, or enjoy them as an afternoon snack. To elevate your dessert game, try serving warm brownies with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a dollop of whipped cream on top.
Presentation Ideas for Cookies & Cream Brownies
Presentation can make all the difference when it comes to serving a dessert. Here are some creative ways to present your Cookies & Cream Brownies:
- Brownie Tower: Stack a few brownie squares on a plate and drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce for an impressive brownie tower.
- Brownie Sundae Bar: Create a DIY sundae station with brownies, ice cream, whipped cream, and various toppings like crushed cookies, nuts, and sprinkles.
- Mini Brownie Bites: Cut the brownies into smaller, bite-sized squares and serve them on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking at parties.
Cookies & Cream Brownies Recipe Tips
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your chocolate and butter can make a big difference in the final taste. Always opt for the best ingredients you can find.
- Chill for Clean Slices: If you're struggling to cut clean slices, pop the brownies in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm them up before slicing.
- Double the Layers: For an even richer dessert, you can double the cookies & cream layer by adding an extra layer of the cookie and cream filling in the middle of the brownie batter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I freeze Cookies & Cream Brownies?
Yes! These brownies freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I use store-bought brownie mix?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use a boxed brownie mix for the base and simply add the cookies & cream layer.
How long will these brownies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these brownies will stay fresh for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.
Conclusion
Cookies & Cream Brownies are the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves the combination of rich chocolate and crunchy cookies. Whether you're making them for a special occasion or just because, they're sure to be a hit with friends and family. With this step-by-step guide, you now have all the tools you need to bake the perfect batch. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and start baking these mouthwatering treats today!
PrintCookies & Cream Brownies Recipe
Indulge in these delicious cookies & cream brownies, featuring a fudgy chocolate base and a creamy, crunchy cookie layer. This easy-to-make dessert combines rich chocolate and classic cookies for a crowd-pleasing treat. Ideal for any occasion, these brownies are simple to bake with minimal prep time. Perfect for chocolate lovers!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 10-12 crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (Oreos)
- 1 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, sugar, and vanilla. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually combine with the wet ingredients.
- Fold in crushed cookies and white chocolate chips (if using).
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra crunch, top with more crushed cookies before baking.
- White chocolate chips are optional but add extra creaminess.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
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