Some desserts just hit the sweet spot between indulgent and nostalgic, and these Cookies & Cream Brownies are exactly that. Imagine rich, fudgy brownies infused with coffee for depth, layered with a creamy Oreo cheesecake swirl. Trust me, one bite of these, and you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love Cookies & Cream Brownies
Is this Cookies & Cream Brownies for you? Let’s see. Cookies & Cream Brownies are…
- Ultra fudgy: The Ghirardelli brownie mix guarantees a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Perfectly balanced: The slight tang from cream cheese offsets the rich chocolate for a harmonious bite.
- Packed with Oreos: Every bite has a delightful cookie crunch.
- Infused with coffee: Enhances the chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee.
- Easy but impressive: Looks bakery-worthy but comes together effortlessly.
A quick tip: For even more Oreo goodness, crush some extra cookies on top before baking!
Ingredients in Cookies & Cream Brownies
Here’s what makes these brownies so irresistible:
Ghirardelli Brownie Mix: The base for ultra-rich and fudgy brownies, ensuring a perfect texture every time.
Eggs: Used in both the brownie batter and the cheesecake swirl to bind and add richness.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the brownies moist and tender.
Strongly Brewed Coffee: Intensifies the chocolate flavor, making these brownies taste even more decadent.
Cream Cheese: The key to a luscious, tangy cheesecake layer that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture to balance flavors.
Oreos: The signature cookies add a fun crunch and classic cookies & cream taste.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this decadent dessert:
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 325°F and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This makes for easy removal and clean slicing.
Prepare the Brownie Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix, 1 egg, vegetable oil, and brewed coffee. Stir until smooth, then pour ¾ of the batter into the prepared pan.
Make the Cheesecake Swirl: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and remaining egg until smooth and creamy.
Layer the Magic: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter. Crumble 12 Oreos and sprinkle them over the top. Then, dollop the remaining brownie batter and use a knife to swirl everything together.
Add the Final Touch: Roughly chop the last 4 Oreos and scatter them on top for extra crunch and visual appeal.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Let cool completely before slicing.
How to Serve Cookies & Cream Brownies
These brownies are delicious on their own, but here are a few ways to take them up a notch:
With Ice Cream: Warm up a brownie and serve with a scoop of vanilla or cookies & cream ice cream.
Drizzled with Chocolate: Melt some white or dark chocolate and drizzle it over the top for extra indulgence.
With a Glass of Milk: Nothing beats the classic brownie-and-milk combo!
As a Dessert Platter: Serve alongside other bite-sized treats for a stunning dessert board.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Chill for Cleaner Slices: Refrigerate the brownies for 30 minutes before slicing for cleaner, sharper edges.
Customize Your Oreos: Use flavored Oreos like mint, peanut butter, or birthday cake for a fun twist.
Storage Tips: Keep brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Make It Extra Gooey: For a fudgier texture, slightly underbake them and let them set as they cool.
Tips & Variations
- Secret Tip: Adding a pinch of espresso powder to the brownie mix enhances the chocolate flavor even more.
- Extra Crunch: Fold in some chocolate chips or extra Oreo crumbles for added texture.
- Frosting Option: Top with a layer of cookies & cream frosting for an extra decadent treat.
These Cookies & Cream Brownies are rich, creamy, and packed with crunchy cookie goodness. Perfect for parties, bake sales, or just an indulgent treat at home. Give them a try and let me know what you think!
Cookies & Cream Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 box Ghirardelli brownie mix
- 2 large eggs divided, room temperature
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup strongly brewed coffee
- 1 brick 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 16 Oreos original or Double Stuf
Instructions
- Preheat the oven & prepare the pan:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Spray an 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick spray and line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Prepare the brownie batter:
- In a medium bowl, mix the brownie mix, 1 egg, vegetable oil, and coffee until combined.
- Prepare the cream cheese layer:
- In a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the remaining egg and mix until just combined.
- Assemble the brownies:
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan (err on the side of using less for the base).
- Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the brownie base and spread gently.
- Place the Oreos in a single even layer on top of the cream cheese.
- Spoon the remaining brownie batter over the Oreos, spreading gently to coat.
- Bake:
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, until set.
- Let cool at least 4 hours at room temperature before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: These brownies taste even better the next day! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Storage: Refrigerate for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
