Cookies and cream brownies have exploded in popularity, becoming the ultimate fusion dessert for anyone who can’t decide between chocolate and Oreos. The magical combination of fudgy chocolate base, crunchy cookie pieces, and hints of creamy white chocolate creates an irresistible texture contrast that makes these fudgy cookies and cream brownies impossible to resist. While the original Oreo cookie has been around for generations, this modern twist brings together the best of both worlds.
What makes these best cookies and cream brownies stand out is their versatility – they’re sophisticated enough for dinner parties yet nostalgic enough for family gatherings. The perfect balance of sweetness and richness satisfies intense chocolate cravings while incorporating that familiar cookies and cream flavor profile. If you’re looking to add a show-stopping dessert to your baking repertoire, this Oreo cookies and cream brownies recipe deserves a permanent spot in your collection.
Cookies and Cream Brownies
Equipment
- 9×9 Baking Pan
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 10 pieces chocolate sandwich cookies roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Sift in the cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder, stirring to incorporate.
- Fold in the flour until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the chopped chocolate sandwich cookies and white chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Top with additional chopped chocolate sandwich cookies for extra crunch.
- Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for a fudgier texture.
- Customization: Add extra white chocolate drizzle on top for a bakery-style finish.
- Freezing Tip: Wrap individual brownie squares in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
The Delicious Story Behind Cookies and Cream Brownies
The cookies and cream flavor combination gained significant popularity in the early 1980s when ice cream makers started incorporating crushed Oreo cookies into vanilla ice cream. This flavor profile quickly became a cultural phenomenon, expanding beyond ice cream into milkshakes, cakes, and eventually – brownies. The homemade cookies and cream brownies we know today represent the perfect marriage between America’s favorite cookie and the classic chocolate brownie.
What’s fascinating about cookies and cream brownies is how they’ve evolved over time. Bakers have experimented with different ratios of cookie to brownie, various layering techniques, and creative add-ins that build on the base concept. According to 2025 cookies and cream brownies trends, we’re seeing more artisanal versions featuring premium chocolate, homemade sandwich cookies, and unexpected flavor twists like espresso or sea salt. The continued popularity of this dessert speaks to its perfect balance of nostalgia and indulgence.
If you enjoy these brownies, you might also be interested in trying my cookies and cream layer cake for your next special occasion. It builds on many of the same beloved flavors but in cake form!
Everything You Need for Perfect Cookies and Cream Brownies
Before diving into baking, gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment for your easy cookies and cream brownies recipe. Having everything measured and ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter
- 8 ounces (227g) semi-sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
- ¾ cup (150g) firmly packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup (90g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (128g) white chocolate chips
- 24 Oreo cookies, divided
Equipment:
- 8″ or 9″ square baking pan
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
- Cooking spray
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Wire cooling rack
Using high-quality ingredients makes a noticeable difference in the final result. For the best ingredients for cookies and cream brownies, choose premium chocolate with 50-60% cacao content and fresh Oreo cookies. The quality of your chocolate directly impacts the richness and depth of flavor in these decadent treats.
For those who love exploring different Oreo-based creations, my best Oreo cookies recipe offers another delicious way to enjoy this classic cookie flavor in a new form.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cookies and Cream Brownies
Follow these detailed instructions to create perfectly fudgy cookies and cream brownies from scratch. The key is patience during each step to ensure proper texture and flavor development.
- Prepare your pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line your baking pan with foil or parchment, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
- Melt the chocolate: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the butter and chopped semi-sweet chocolate. Stir frequently until completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat and let cool for 15 minutes so it won’t cook the eggs.
- Add sugars and eggs: Once the chocolate mixture has cooled slightly, whisk in both brown and granulated sugars until fully incorporated. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and glossy.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Gently fold in the flour and salt with a spatula, mixing just until no dry streaks remain. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour and make your brownies less fudgy.
- Add white chocolate: Fold in the white chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Create the Oreo layer: Pour approximately one-third of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread into an even layer. Arrange 16 whole Oreo cookies in a grid pattern on top of the batter, pressing them down slightly.
- Cover with remaining batter: Pour the rest of the brownie batter over the Oreo layer, using a spatula to spread it evenly and ensure all cookies are covered.
- Add the cookie topping: Roughly chop the remaining 8 Oreo cookies and sprinkle them over the top of the brownie batter.
- Bake to perfection: Bake for 30-34 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). For fudgier brownies, aim for the lower end of the baking time.
- Cool completely: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 1 hour. Once cooled, lift the brownies out using the foil overhang and cut into squares.
The layering technique is what makes these cookies and cream brownies special. You get distinct textures in each bite – the fudgy brownie base, the slightly softened but still crunchy Oreo middle, and the crumbly cookie topping. For those who enjoy related desserts, check out my easy cookies and cream cookies recipe for another delicious treat.
Full Recipe Card: Cookies and Cream Brownies
Cookies and Cream Brownies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 32 minutes
Cooling Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 47 minutes
Servings: 16 brownies
Nutritional Information (per brownie):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Sugar: 27g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 120mg
Ingredients:
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter
- 8 ounces (227g) semi-sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
- ¾ cup (150g) firmly packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup (90g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (128g) white chocolate chips
- 24 Oreo cookies, divided
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8″ or 9″ square baking pan with foil and spray with nonstick spray.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter and chocolate over medium heat, stirring frequently. Cool for 15 minutes.
- Whisk sugars into the cooled chocolate mixture. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each. Add vanilla.
- Gently fold in flour and salt just until combined.
- Fold in white chocolate chips.
- Pour one-third of batter into pan. Arrange 16 Oreos in a single layer. Pour remaining batter over Oreos.
- Coarsely chop remaining 8 Oreos and sprinkle over the top.
- Bake for 30-34 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool completely before cutting into squares.
Recipe Notes:
- For extra fudgy brownies, bake for 28-30 minutes.
- Allow eggs to come to room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Don’t overmix after adding flour to maintain a tender texture.
- Double-stuffed Oreos work particularly well in this recipe.
Creative Variations and Expert Tips
While the classic cookies and cream brownies recipe is already delicious, there are several variations you can try to customize the flavor to your preferences. These variations will help you create your own signature version of this beloved dessert.
Tasty Variations:
- Mint Cookies and Cream: Use mint Oreos instead of regular ones for a refreshing twist.
- Peanut Butter Dream: Swirl 1/4 cup of warmed peanut butter into the batter before baking and use peanut butter Oreos.
- Triple Chocolate: Add an additional 1/2 cup of milk chocolate chips along with the white chocolate chips for extra chocolate goodness.
- Caramel Drizzle: After baking, drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the brownies for a sweet finish.
- Espresso Boost: Add 1 tablespoon of espresso powder to the chocolate mixture to intensify the chocolate flavor.
For an exciting seasonal twist, try incorporating Oreos with limited-edition flavors. The cookies and cream brownies with white chocolate base pairs beautifully with various Oreo flavors. If you enjoy these kinds of flavor combinations, my cookies and cream swirl fudge recipe offers another delicious way to enjoy this classic pairing.
Pro Tips for Perfect Brownies:
- Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until the ingredients are combined to avoid tough brownies.
- Use room temperature eggs: This helps them incorporate more evenly into the batter.
- Line your pan properly: The foil or parchment overhang makes removal and cutting much easier.
- Check early: To make cookies and cream brownies more fudgy, start checking for doneness 2-3 minutes before the minimum baking time.
- Cool completely: Allow brownies to cool fully before cutting for clean, neat squares.
- Use a warm knife: Run your knife under hot water and wipe dry between cuts for the cleanest edges.
For serious bakers looking to take their homemade cookies and cream brownies to the next level, consider investing in a high-quality 8-inch light-colored metal baking pan. Dark pans absorb more heat and can lead to over-baked edges. You can also submit your own version of this recipe to be featured on our site by visiting our recipe submission page.
Ultimate Storage Guide for Cookies and Cream Brownies
Proper storage is crucial to maintaining the perfect texture and freshness of your cookies and cream brownies. With the right techniques, you can enjoy these treats for days or even months to come.
Short-Term Storage (Up to 3 Days):
- Room Temperature: Store completely cooled brownies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature.
- Prevent Drying: Add a slice of bread to the container – it will keep the brownies moist without affecting their flavor.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: Keep the container in a cool, dark place to prevent melting or softening.
When storing cookies and cream brownies for a few days, the key is protecting them from air exposure which causes them to dry out. The Oreo layers will gradually soften more over time, creating an even more integrated texture that many people actually prefer on day 2 or 3.
Long-Term Refrigerator Storage (Up to 1 Week):
- Airtight Container: Place brownies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers.
- Bring to Room Temperature: For the best texture and flavor, let refrigerated brownies come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
- Humidity Control: The refrigerator can sometimes add moisture, so adding a paper towel on top can help absorb excess humidity.
The best way to store brownies for maintained freshness over several days is in the refrigerator, especially during warmer weather. The cooler temperature helps preserve the integrity of the chocolate and prevents any potential spoilage. If you’re looking for other delicious Oreo-based desserts that store well, check out my Oreo tiramisu recipe for a fantastic make-ahead option.
Freezer Storage (Up to 3 Months):
- Cut First: Cut brownies into individual squares before freezing for easier portioning later.
- Double Wrap: Wrap each brownie tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container.
- Label Clearly: Mark the date on the container so you know when they were frozen.
- Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw wrapped brownies at room temperature for about 1-2 hours.
When storing cookies and cream brownies to keep fresh long-term, freezing is your best option. The frozen brownies maintain their flavor and texture remarkably well. For an extra special treat, try warming a thawed brownie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds – it creates a delightful gooey texture that tastes almost freshly baked. If you love sharing your baking creations, check out our business directory to find local dessert shops where you might discover more inspiring cookies and cream creations.
Why These Brownies Will Become Your Signature Dessert
These best cookies and cream brownies have earned their place in my dessert rotation for good reason. Their perfect balance of textures offers something for everyone – the fudgy brownie base satisfies intense chocolate cravings, while the Oreo cookies add that familiar crunch and nostalgic flavor that transports you back to childhood. The addition of white chocolate chips creates pockets of creamy sweetness that elevate the entire experience.
What truly sets this easy cookies and cream brownies recipe apart is its adaptability. It’s equally at home at casual family gatherings or dressed up on a dessert table for special occasions. The dramatic visual appeal of the layered cookies against the dark brownie background makes for an impressive presentation that belies how simple they are to make. Even novice bakers can achieve spectacular results with this straightforward recipe.
The combination of textures and flavors in these brownies creates a memorable dessert experience that guests will talk about long after the last crumb is gone. The contrast between rich chocolate brownie and familiar cookies and cream elements offers the perfect balance of innovation and comfort. For those looking to expand their dessert horizons, these brownies make an excellent starting point for exploring the world of fusion desserts. Check out our churro-themed apparel shop for cute accessories to wear while baking your next batch!
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, preparing for a bake sale, or simply treating yourself after a long day, these cookies and cream brownies deliver satisfaction in every bite. Their versatility means they can be adapted to any season or holiday – just switch up the Oreo flavors or add themed sprinkles on top. Once you’ve mastered this recipe, it will become your go-to when you need a foolproof dessert that never disappoints.