Oreo Cookie Dough Brownies: The Ultimate Dessert Recipe

Oreo cookie dough brownies: Prepare to enter a realm of pure dessert ecstasy! Imagine sinking your teeth into a fudgy, intensely chocolatey brownie, swirled with creamy, dreamy Oreo-studded cookie dough. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will have you reaching for seconds (and thirds!).

While the exact origins of combining brownies and cookie dough are shrouded in delicious mystery, the concept speaks to our innate desire for the best of both worlds. Brownies, a beloved American classic, offer a rich, decadent experience, while cookie dough provides that nostalgic, comforting sweetness we all crave. Marrying these two treats is a stroke of genius, a testament to the power of culinary innovation!

What makes these Oreo cookie dough brownies so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures – the soft, chewy brownie base, the slightly gritty, melt-in-your-mouth cookie dough, and the satisfying crunch of the Oreo pieces. The combination of chocolate and vanilla is a timeless pairing that appeals to everyone. Plus, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make, making it the perfect treat for a weekend baking project or a last-minute dessert for a gathering. Get ready to experience brownie perfection!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Brownie Base:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• For the Oreo Cookie Dough:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups crushed Oreo cookies (about 24 cookies)
• For the Oreo Topping (Optional):
• 12 Oreo cookies, halved or quartered

Preparing the Oreo Cookie Dough:

1. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the milk and vanilla extract until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the salt throughout the dough.
4. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough cookie dough. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which we want to avoid for a tender cookie dough.
5. Fold in the Crushed Oreos: Gently fold in the crushed Oreo cookies until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. I like to use a spatula for this step to avoid overmixing. Make sure the Oreo pieces are well incorporated, but don’t completely pulverize them. You want to see those delicious Oreo bits!
6. Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended): For easier handling, wrap the cookie dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will help the dough firm up and prevent it from spreading too much during baking. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but the dough will be stickier.

Making the Brownie Base:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. This is my preferred method, as it ensures the brownies won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Melt the Butter: In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. You can also melt it in a saucepan over low heat on the stovetop. Be careful not to burn the butter.
3. Whisk in Sugar and Cocoa Powder: Whisk in the granulated sugar and cocoa powder into the melted butter until well combined. The mixture will be thick and pasty. Make sure there are no lumps of cocoa powder.
4. Add Salt, Baking Powder, and Vanilla: Stir in the salt, baking powder, and vanilla extract. These ingredients enhance the flavor and texture of the brownies.
5. Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Be sure to fully incorporate each egg before adding the next. This helps to create a smooth and emulsified batter.
6. Gradually Add Flour: Gradually add the flour, mixing on low speed until just combined. Again, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing will result in tough brownies. Mix until the flour streaks disappear.

Assembling and Baking the Brownies:

1. Pour Brownie Batter into Pan: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Use a spatula to ensure the batter reaches all corners of the pan.
2. Drop Cookie Dough by Spoonfuls: Drop spoonfuls of the Oreo cookie dough evenly over the brownie batter. You can use a small cookie scoop or a spoon to do this. Don’t worry about covering the entire surface of the brownie batter; you want to have a good balance of brownie and cookie dough in each bite.
3. Swirl the Cookie Dough (Optional): Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cookie dough into the brownie batter. Be careful not to overmix, as this can muddy the layers. The goal is to create a marbled effect.
4. Add Oreo Topping (Optional): If desired, arrange halved or quartered Oreo cookies on top of the cookie dough. This adds extra Oreo flavor and visual appeal.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownie comes out with moist crumbs attached. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the brownies and adjust the time accordingly.
6. Cool Completely: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting and serving. This is important because the brownies will continue to set as they cool. If you try to cut them while they are still warm, they will be gooey and messy. I usually let them cool for at least 2 hours, or even overnight, for the best results.
7. Cut and Serve: Once the brownies are completely cool, cut them into squares and serve. Enjoy! These brownies are best served at room temperature.

Tips for Perfect Oreo Cookie Dough Brownies:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter and eggs will help the ingredients to combine more easily and create a smoother batter.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the brownie batter or cookie dough will result in tough brownies and cookies. Mix until just combined.
• Adjust Baking Time: Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the brownies and adjust the baking time accordingly.
• Let Cool Completely: Letting the brownies cool completely before cutting is essential for clean cuts and a fudgy texture.
• Add Variations: Feel free to add other mix-ins to the brownie batter or cookie dough, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles.
• Storage: Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Troubleshooting:

• Brownies are too dry: This could be due to overbaking or using too much flour. Make sure to measure the flour accurately and don’t overbake the brownies.
• Brownies are too gooey: This could be due to underbaking or not letting the brownies cool completely. Bake the brownies until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, and let them cool completely before cutting.
• Cookie dough is too sticky: This could be due to not chilling the dough or using too much butter. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before using, and make sure to measure the butter accurately.
• Brownies are sticking to the pan: Make sure to grease and flour the baking pan thoroughly, or line it with parchment paper.

Enjoy your delicious Oreo Cookie Dough Brownies!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Oreo cookie dough brownies are truly a must-try for anyone who loves a decadent, fudgy treat with a delightful textural contrast. I know, I know, I might be biased, but trust me on this one. The combination of rich, chewy brownie, sweet and slightly salty cookie dough, and those iconic Oreo chunks is simply irresistible. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will have you reaching for another bite before you even realize it.

But why are these brownies so special? It’s the perfect balance. The brownie base is intensely chocolatey, providing a deep, satisfying foundation. Then comes the cookie dough, adding a layer of sweetness and a slightly gritty texture that complements the fudgy brownie beautifully. And finally, the Oreos – those little pockets of crunchy, creamy goodness that elevate the whole experience to another level. It’s a dessert that’s both comforting and exciting, familiar yet surprisingly unique.

This isn’t just a brownie; it’s an experience.

Now, let’s talk about serving suggestions and variations because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love options? These brownies are fantastic on their own, warm from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top. Or, for an extra touch of indulgence, try drizzling them with melted chocolate or caramel sauce. A sprinkle of sea salt can also enhance the flavors and add a delightful salty-sweet contrast.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different Oreo flavors. Golden Oreos would add a buttery, vanilla twist, while mint Oreos would create a refreshing and festive treat. You could even try using double-stuffed Oreos for an extra creamy filling. The possibilities are endless!

Another fun variation is to add a layer of ganache on top of the brownies after they’ve cooled. A simple chocolate ganache would be delicious, but you could also try a peanut butter ganache or even a white chocolate ganache for a different flavor profile.

For a more sophisticated presentation, cut the brownies into squares and dust them with powdered sugar. You could also arrange them on a platter with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream. These brownies are perfect for parties, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress your friends and family.

But honestly, the best way to enjoy these Oreo cookie dough brownies is however you like! There are no rules when it comes to indulging in a delicious treat.

I truly hope you give this recipe a try. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a relatively simple recipe to follow, and the results are well worth the effort. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover Oreos you might have lying around (although, let’s be real, who ever has leftover Oreos?).

So, go ahead, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake some seriously amazing brownies. And when you do, please, please, please share your experience with me! I’d love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and how much everyone enjoyed them. You can leave a comment below, tag me on social media, or even send me a picture of your creations. I can’t wait to see what you come up with! Happy baking!