If you have a love for both fudgy brownies and crunchy cookies, then you absolutely must try this Cookies and Cream Brownies Recipe. It combines rich, chocolatey brownie goodness with a luscious cookies and cream frosting loaded with crushed Oreo cookies for that perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether it’s for a family gathering, a casual treat, or just a way to brighten your day, these brownies bring an irresistible twist to a classic dessert that you’ll keep coming back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Cookies and Cream Brownies Recipe is a breeze because every component plays a vital role, from creating the perfect fudgy texture to that signature creamy frosting with cookie crunch. Let’s break down what makes each ingredient essential.
- Salted butter (1 cup melted): Adds richness and moisture to the brownies, ensuring they stay tender and fudgy.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (½ cup): Delivers deep chocolate flavor without added sweetness, balancing the sugary elements.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Provides the structure so the brownies hold together with a soft, chewy bite.
- Granulated sugar (2 cups): Sweetens the batter while contributing to the gooey texture.
- Large eggs (4): Bind everything while helping create that tender crumb and slight rise.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Enhances all the flavors with its warm, aromatic notes.
- Salted butter (1 cup softened): The base for the creamy frosting that adds a velvety contrast.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): For the frosting, to make it extra fragrant and delicious.
- Milk or heavy cream (3 tablespoons): Makes the frosting smooth and easy to spread.
- Powdered sugar (4 cups): Sweetens the frosting and helps achieve that classic cookies and cream frosting texture.
- Oreo cookies (12 finely crushed): The star of the show in the frosting, giving both flavor and delightful crunch.
How to Make Cookies and Cream Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350° F, which is the perfect temperature for baking your brownies through without drying them out. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with foil and spray it with non-stick spray to ensure your brownies slide out easily once baked.
Step 2: Mix the Chocolate Base
In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the melted butter and unsweetened cocoa powder. Blend until smooth and rich-looking—this mixture is where all the chocolate magic starts.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients and Eggs
Next, add the flour and granulated sugar to the chocolate mixture and beat together until evenly combined. Then add the eggs one at a time along with the tablespoon of vanilla extract, mixing just until everything is combined. The batter will be thick, which is exactly what you want for fudgy brownies. Be careful not to overmix to keep them tender.
Step 4: Bake the Brownies
Pour the dense batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs attached. This step is key to getting a perfectly moist brownie. Let the brownies cool completely before frosting.
Step 5: Make the Cookies and Cream Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, vanilla extract, and milk or heavy cream until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue beating until the frosting is light, fluffy, and perfectly smooth. Gently fold in the finely crushed Oreo cookies just until they’re evenly dispersed without overmixing, giving you that iconic cookies and cream texture.
Step 6: Frost and Serve
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Slice into 16 bars and get ready to indulge in a bite that’s rich, creamy, crunchy, and utterly delicious all at once!
How to Serve Cookies and Cream Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Want to take your Cookies and Cream Brownies Recipe to the next level? Sprinkle a few extra crushed Oreos or whole mini Oreos on top after frosting for a decorative and tasty garnish. A drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate can add a gourmet touch and extra layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
These brownies shine best when paired with simple sides: a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a glass of cold milk. They balance the richness of the brownies while adding refreshing contrast that your guests will love.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifts, consider cutting your brownies into bite-sized squares and placing them in decorative cupcake liners. You could also layer small brownie cubes in a clear jar with crushed Oreos and frosting for a fun dessert parfait. The possibilities are endless and fun to explore!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover brownies keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The frosting might soften slightly but it will still be delicious and moist. If you prefer a firmer frosting, store them in the refrigerator.
Freezing
You can freeze both frosted and unfrosted brownies. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen brownies can last up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to retain their texture and flavor.
Reheating
For an extra gooey experience, warm individual brownie pieces in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Warmth enhances the fudginess and makes the frosting velvety soft—just don’t overdo it or the frosting might melt completely.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate instead of cocoa powder in this Cookies and Cream Brownies Recipe?
While cocoa powder provides a deep, pure chocolate flavor and the right texture, you can melt high-quality dark or milk chocolate and substitute it. However, you’ll need to adjust the amount of butter and possibly the sugar, so it’s easiest to follow the recipe as written for perfect results.
Do I have to use salted butter, or can I use unsalted?
You can definitely use unsalted butter if that’s what you have on hand. Just add a pinch of salt to the brownie batter to enhance the flavors. Salted butter adds a subtle savory balance to the sweet, so it’s preferred but not mandatory.
How can I make these brownies more cakey instead of fudgy?
For a cakier brownie, try reducing the butter slightly and adding an extra egg or a bit more flour. Be careful not to overmix to keep them tender. This Cookies and Cream Brownies Recipe is designed for fudgy perfection, so tweaks might change the texture.
What’s the best way to crush Oreo cookies for the frosting?
The easiest way is to place the Oreos in a sealed plastic bag and crush them using a rolling pin or the back of a spoon until you get fine crumbs with some small chunks for texture. Avoid pulverizing too much so you retain that delightful crunch in the frosting.
Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Yes! Frosting can be prepared a day in advance and kept covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to frost, simply let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes and give it a quick whip to restore its creamy texture before spreading.
Final Thoughts
This Cookies and Cream Brownies Recipe is truly a celebration of two beloved desserts coming together in one irresistible treat. The fudgy, chocolaty base combined with that creamy, crunchy frosting will turn any ordinary day into something special. I encourage you to dive in, make a batch, and watch how quickly these brownies disappear—you’ll be thrilled to have discovered a new favorite!
Print
Cookies and Cream Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cookies and Cream Brownies combine rich, fudgy chocolate brownies with a creamy, vanilla frosting studded with crushed Oreo cookies. Baked to perfection and topped with a luscious cookies and cream frosting, these treats are perfect for parties, dessert tables, or whenever a chocolate craving strikes.
Ingredients
Brownies
- 1 cup salted butter (melted)
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Cookies and Cream Frosting
- 1 cup salted butter (softened)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 12 Oreo cookies (finely crushed)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350° F (175° C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with foil and spray the foil with non-stick spray to ensure easy removal of the brownies.
- Mix Brownie Batter: In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the melted butter and cocoa powder. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform in color.
- Add Dry Ingredients and Eggs: Next, add the all-purpose flour and granulated sugar to the cocoa mixture, beating together gently. Then add the eggs and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. Mix just until combined to avoid overmixing; the batter will be thick.
- Bake Brownies: Pour the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare Cookies and Cream Frosting: In a large bowl, blend the softened butter, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and milk or heavy cream together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until the frosting is fluffy and well combined.
- Add Crushed Oreos: Fold the finely crushed Oreo cookies into the frosting gently, just until evenly distributed throughout the frosting.
- Frost the Brownies: Spread the cookies and cream frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Slice into 16 bars and serve immediately or store for later enjoyment.
Notes
- Ensure the brownies are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- For a richer frosting, substitute heavy cream for milk.
- Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for neat brownie bars.
- You can use regular Oreos or any Oreo flavor for a twist on the frosting.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
