If you’re craving the ultimate indulgent treat, Cookies and Cream Brownies are here to make your dessert dreams come true. These rich, fudgy brownies are layered with a creamy cheesecake swirl and packed with chunks of Oreo cookies in every bite. The texture contrast is divine—crunchy cookies, silky cream cheese, and gooey chocolate all working together to create a bite that’s as memorable as it is delicious.

Whether you’re making a batch for a birthday, a casual gathering, or a just-because baking session, these brownies bring the wow factor. Kids love them, adults can’t resist them, and they disappear fast. They’re the perfect hybrid of two classic desserts: brownies and cookies and cream. Once you taste them, you’ll find any excuse to make another pan.

Why You’ll Love This Cookies and Cream Brownies Recipe

Double the delight: The rich chocolate base meets a tangy cheesecake swirl for the ultimate dessert mashup.
Easy ingredients: Made with pantry staples and a pack of Oreo cookies.
Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for parties, bake sales, or holiday trays.
Customizable: Try different flavored sandwich cookies or add a drizzle of ganache on top.
Freezer-friendly: These brownies store well, making them perfect for make-ahead treats.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving in, make sure your kitchen is ready for brownie bliss. Here’s what you’ll need to make the process smooth:

Mixing Bowls: Essential for separately combining the brownie batter and cheesecake filling.
Electric Mixer or Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth, lump-free cream cheese mixture.
Rubber Spatula: Ideal for folding in cookie chunks without breaking them too much.
8×8 or 9×9 Baking Pan: The perfect size for thick, chewy layers.
Parchment Paper: Makes lifting the brownies from the pan a breeze and ensures easy cleanup.
Toothpick or Knife: For swirling the cheesecake layer into the brownie batter for a marbled effect.

Using the right tools will save you time and improve your results—and with a dessert this good, you’ll want every layer to shine.

Ingredients for the Cookies and Cream Brownies

Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and that classic fudgy brownie texture.
Granulated Sugar: Balances the bitterness of cocoa and sweetens the cream cheese layer.
Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and depth of flavor.
Eggs: Gives structure and binds everything together.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances both the chocolate and cream cheese flavors.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation that holds everything together.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Brings deep chocolate flavor to the brownie base.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance all the sweetness.
Cream Cheese: The star of the creamy layer that pairs perfectly with the cookies.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese without grittiness.
Oreo Cookies: The namesake ingredient—crumbled and layered throughout for a satisfying crunch.

How To Make the Cookies and Cream Brownies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Line your baking pan with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures easy removal and clean edges.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter

In a large bowl, melt butter and mix in both sugars. Whisk in eggs and vanilla until smooth. Fold in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt until combined. Set aside.

Step 3: Create the Cheesecake Layer

In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and a touch of vanilla until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Spread half of the brownie batter in the pan. Add dollops of the cheesecake mixture and sprinkle over chopped Oreos. Top with the remaining brownie batter and gently swirl with a knife for that marbled effect.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Let cool before slicing into decadent squares.

How to Serve and Store These Brownies

Serve these brownies slightly warm for a gooey center or chilled if you prefer a firm bite with more defined layers. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk.

To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze individually wrapped squares for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make them extra gooey?

Use a bit less flour or slightly underbake the brownies for a fudgier texture.

Can I use different cookies?

Absolutely! Golden Oreos, peanut butter cookies, or even peppermint sandwich cookies all work well.

Do I need to chill before slicing?

It helps! Chilling the brownies makes slicing cleaner and keeps the layers intact.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes—just use a 9×13 pan and adjust baking time by adding 5-10 more minutes.

Are these gluten-free?

Only if you use gluten-free flour and cookies. Double-check all ingredients.

Want More Brownie Ideas?

If you love these Cookies and Cream Brownies, you’ll probably enjoy these other chocolate-packed favorites:

Quick and Easy Fudgy Chocolate Brownie Cookies for chewy, bite-sized bliss.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread for a nutty and chocolaty loaf.
Chocolate Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake with layers of richness and a sweet crunch.
Brownie Refrigerator Cake for a chilled dessert layered with creamy textures.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups for a fun handheld treat.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you swirl in extra cream cheese? Add crushed cookies on top? Or go rogue with a drizzle of dark chocolate?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore more daily delights on my Pinterest board here: Kitchen By Kate on Pinterest