Indulge in the ultimate treat with these **Fudgy Oreo Brownies**, featuring a rich, chewy chocolate brownie base generously layered with a creamy, dreamy cookies and cream filling. Perfect for satisfying any sweet craving, these brownies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and remarkably easy to make from scratch!
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If your heart beats for anything cookies and cream, you’re in for a treat! Beyond these irresistible brownies, explore other delightful desserts like our Cookies and Cream Cupcakes, chewy Cookies and Cream Pudding Cookies, or a show-stopping Cookies and Cream Cake. Each recipe promises that beloved flavor combination you adore!
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Oreo Brownies
There’s something inherently comforting and utterly satisfying about a truly excellent brownie. But what if we told you that we could elevate that experience, taking a classic fudgy brownie to an entirely new level of deliciousness? Enter our incredible Oreo Brownies, a dessert creation that combines the best of both worlds: a rich, deeply chocolatey brownie and a sweet, creamy, irresistible cookies and cream filling.
This isn’t just any brownie; it’s a carefully crafted masterpiece designed to hit all the right notes. Imagine biting into a dense, moist, and wonderfully fudgy brownie that melts in your mouth, only to be met with a luscious, vanilla-infused cream cheese layer studded with crunchy chunks of America’s favorite cookie – Oreos! The contrast in textures and flavors is simply divine, creating a symphony of sweet satisfaction that will have you reaching for another slice.
Whenever these layered Oreo brownies make an appearance, they vanish almost immediately. It’s clear that the combination of classic chocolate brownies and a rich, cookies and cream cheesecake-like swirl is universally adored. They’re more than just a dessert; they’re an experience, a delightful indulgence that’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply an evening when you need a little extra chocolatey joy. Forget store-bought sweets; once you taste these homemade Oreo brownies, you’ll understand why they’re worth every moment in the kitchen.
Essential Ingredients for Your Layered Oreo Brownies
Crafting these extraordinary Oreo brownies requires two distinct, yet complementary, sets of ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect fudgy brownie base and the creamy, irresistible cookies and cream filling.
For the Rich Brownie Layers:
- Butter: Essential for that signature fudgy texture and rich flavor. Melted butter ensures a smooth batter.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and contributes to the brownies’ moistness and chewy edges.
- Vanilla Extract: A crucial flavor enhancer that deepens the chocolate notes.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together, adding structure and moisture for that perfect brownie chew.
- All-Purpose Flour: The primary structural component, creating the perfect density without being cakey.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: The heart of our brownies, delivering an intense, deep chocolate flavor. Choose a good quality cocoa for the best results.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors, particularly the chocolate.
For the Creamy Oreo Filling:
- Cream Cheese: Softened to room temperature, it forms the luscious, tangy base of our filling, adding a delightful cheesecake-like quality.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese, complementing the brownie layers.
- Egg: Helps to set the cream cheese filling, giving it a custardy texture when baked.
- Oreos (Chocolate Sandwich Cookies): The star of the filling! Chopped Oreos add crunch, chocolatey goodness, and that iconic “cookies and cream” flavor.
- Hershey’s Cookies and Cream Bar (4 oz): Chopped into pieces, this white chocolate bar infused with cookie bits further amplifies the cookies and cream experience, adding a melt-in-your-mouth texture and extra sweetness.
Crafting Your Decadent Layered Oreo Brownies
Making these cookies and cream brownies is a straightforward process, broken down into three simple stages: preparing the fudgy brownie batter, mixing up the creamy Oreo filling, and finally, assembling and baking this layered delight. You won’t even need a stand mixer – just a couple of mixing bowls and a trusty baking dish will do the trick!
Step 1: Prepare the Irresistible Brownie Layer
- First, in a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well incorporated and smooth. The sugar will begin to dissolve slightly into the warm butter.
- Next, crack in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Continue to whisk until the mixture is lightened slightly and thoroughly combined, ensuring no streaks of egg remain. This step is crucial for the brownie’s texture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps in the cocoa powder for a smooth brownie.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix carefully until just combined and smooth. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher brownies. The batter should be thick and rich. Set this aside while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Cookies and Cream Filling
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar and egg. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, beat these ingredients together until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for the best results – it will blend much more easily.
- Next, take your Oreos and the Hershey’s Cookies and Cream bar. Roughly chop them into small, bite-sized pieces. You want a good mix of crumbs and larger chunks for varied texture in your filling.
- Gently fold the chopped Oreos and cookies and cream bar into the smooth cream cheese mixture. Stir just until they are evenly distributed throughout the filling.
- Your delightful cookies and cream filling is now ready to be layered!
Step 3: Assemble and Bake Your Oreo Brownies
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly grease and flour (or line with parchment paper) a 9×13-inch baking dish. Parchment paper with an overhang on the sides makes for easy removal later.
- Take approximately two-thirds of your prepared brownie mixture and spread it evenly into the bottom of the baking dish. Since the batter is quite thick, an offset spatula can be very helpful for spreading it into an even layer.
- Carefully spoon the entire Oreo filling mixture over the brownie layer. Gently spread it out to form an even layer, ensuring it covers the brownie batter from edge to edge.
- Now, dollop the remaining one-third of the brownie mixture over the top of the Oreo filling. Don’t worry if it doesn’t cover perfectly; you’ll gently spread it.
- Using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, gently spread the dolloped brownie mixture over the cream cheese layer. Aim for an even, albeit rustic, top layer. Avoid pressing down too hard, as you don’t want to completely mix the layers.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the brownie layer comes out with moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter. The edges should look set.
- Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack before attempting to cut them. This is crucial for clean, neat slices and for the layers to fully set.
Expert Tips for Perfect Oreo Brownies Every Time
Achieving brownie perfection is all about a few key techniques. Follow these expert tips to ensure your Fudgy Oreo Brownies are nothing short of spectacular:
- Homemade vs. Box Mix: While our recipe features a delightful homemade brownie layer (which we highly recommend for superior flavor and texture), a boxed brownie mix can be a convenient alternative. If you choose a mix, opt for a family-sized box designed for a 9×13-inch pan to ensure you have enough batter for both layers.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For the creamy filling, ensure your cream cheese and egg are at room temperature. This allows them to blend smoothly and incorporate fully without lumps, leading to a perfectly consistent texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Brownie Batter: Overmixing develops gluten, which can result in tough, cakey brownies instead of the desired fudgy texture. Mix until just combined and smooth.
- Proper Cooling is Key: Patience is a virtue, especially with brownies! It’s absolutely essential to let these brownies cool completely before slicing. This allows the creamy Oreo filling to fully set, preventing a messy cutting experience and ensuring beautifully defined layers. For best results, chill them in the refrigerator for an hour or two after they’ve cooled to room temperature.
- Chocolate Bar Alternatives: The original version of this recipe used cookies and cream kisses, which can sometimes be harder to find. The Hershey’s Cookies and Cream bar is a fantastic and widely available substitute, offering the same great flavor and texture. Feel free to use whichever you can easily find or prefer!
- Cutting Techniques: For clean slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean with a damp cloth after each cut. This prevents the filling from sticking and creating ragged edges.
- Serving Size: This recipe yields approximately 24 servings. However, these brownies are incredibly rich and decadent. Don’t hesitate to cut them into smaller squares if you prefer, especially for a party or if you’re serving them alongside other desserts.
Serving Suggestions for Your Oreo Brownies
These fudgy Oreo brownies are undeniably delicious on their own, but a few simple additions can elevate them to an even more impressive dessert:
- À la Mode: Serve warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or cookies and cream ice cream for an ultimate indulgence. The contrast of warm brownie and cold ice cream is heavenly.
- Drizzled Delight: A drizzle of chocolate fudge sauce, caramel, or white chocolate ganache can add an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
- With a Beverage: Pair them with a cold glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee, or a rich hot chocolate for the perfect snack or after-dinner treat.
- Whipped Cream & Berries: A dollop of freshly whipped cream and a few fresh berries (like raspberries or strawberries) can cut through the richness and add a refreshing touch.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These brownies are fantastic for making ahead and storing, ensuring you always have a delicious treat on hand:
- Refrigerator Storage: Due to the cream cheese filling, it’s best to store any leftover Oreo brownies covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze individual brownie squares. Once completely cooled and cut, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or freezer bag, separated by parchment paper, for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use a different type of Oreo? Absolutely! While classic Oreos are used here, feel free to experiment with Golden Oreos, Mint Oreos, or any other flavor you love for a unique twist.
- My brownies came out too cakey, what went wrong? This usually happens from overmixing the brownie batter. When adding the dry ingredients, mix only until just combined. Too much mixing develops gluten, leading to a cake-like rather than fudgy texture.
- How do I get clean cuts? Ensure the brownies are completely cooled, ideally chilled in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Use a sharp, non-serrated knife and clean it with a damp cloth between each cut to prevent sticking.
- Can I reduce the sugar? You can slightly reduce the sugar in the brownie layer (up to ¼ cup) if you prefer less sweetness, but be aware it might affect the texture slightly. We don’t recommend reducing sugar in the cream cheese filling significantly, as it affects its consistency.
- What kind of cocoa powder should I use? Unsweetened natural cocoa powder or Dutch-processed cocoa powder will both work. Dutch-processed cocoa will give a darker color and milder chocolate flavor, while natural cocoa offers a slightly more intense, fruity chocolate note.
Explore More Delicious Brownie Recipes
Can’t get enough of brownies? Check out these other fantastic recipes to satisfy your chocolate cravings:
- Classic Fudgy Homemade Brownies
- Oreo Cream Cheese Stuffed Red Velvet Brownies
- Decadent Salted Caramel Brownies
- Irresistible Fudgy Nutella Brownies
- Unique Fudgy Biscoff Swirl Brownies
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Oreo Brownies
Pin Recipe
Super fudgy and filled with a creamy cookies and cream center, these Oreo Brownies are decadent and delicious. Perfect for when that chocolate craving hits!
Ingredients
Brownies:
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 18 chocolate sandwich cookies (Oreos)
- 1 (4 oz) Hershey’s Cookies and Cream Bar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray, or line with parchment paper or foil (if using foil, spray it with nonstick cooking spray).
- In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, 2 1/2 cups sugar, vanilla, and eggs. Mix well until thoroughly combined. Stir in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt until fully combined and smooth. Set aside.
- In another bowl, combine the cream cheese, 1/3 cup sugar, and egg. Beat until well combined and smooth.
- Roughly chop the Oreo cookies and the cookies and cream bar into small pieces.
- To the cream cheese filling, stir in the chopped Oreos and the cookies and cream bar until evenly distributed.
- Spread about two-thirds of the brownie mixture into the prepared baking dish. Since the batter is thick, an offset spatula will help spread it evenly. Drop the cream cheese mixture over the top of the brownie layer, spreading it into an even layer. Dollop the remaining brownie mixture over the top of the Oreo filling, then carefully spread this top brownie layer.
- Bake the brownies in the preheated oven until a tester inserted in the middle comes out with moist crumbs attached, about 45-55 minutes.
- Cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into bars. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator.
Recipe Notes:
The original recipe printed here called for a brownie mix, but this recipe has been updated with a homemade brownie. If you prefer to use a mix in place of the brownie layers, use a family-sized box (one made for a 9×13-inch baking dish).
The original recipe also used cookies and cream kisses instead of the bar, which can be substituted if available.
The serving size is calculated with 24 servings. These bars are quite rich, so you may cut them even smaller if desired.
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 309 kcal (15%),
Carbohydrates: 41 g (14%),
Protein: 4 g (8%),
Fat: 15 g (23%),
Saturated Fat: 9 g (56%),
Polyunsaturated Fat: 5 g,
Trans Fat: 0 g,
Cholesterol: 69 mg (23%),
Sodium: 140 mg (6%),
Fiber: 1 g (4%),
Sugar: 30 g (33%)
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