Ultimate Oreo Brownies: Indulgent, Fudgy, and Loaded With Cookies
Gooey chocolate and creamy cookie bits come together in every rich, fudgy square.
Ultimate Oreo Brownies: Irresistibly Fudgy and Packed With Cookies
Cookies and cream fans, prepare to meet your new favorite homemade dessert: Oreo brownies. With a decadent chocolate batter loaded with melty chocolate chips and generous chunks of classic chocolate sandwich cookies, this recipe guarantees every bite is deeply flavored, ultra-moist, and full of iconic cream-filled crunch.
Whether you’re searching for a showstopping dessert for a special occasion, an ultimate gift for the Oreo lover in your life, or simply craving a classic chocolate treat, these brownies check all the boxes and more.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love These Oreo Brownies
- What Makes an Oreo Brownie So Special?
- Oreo Brownies Ingredients
- Ingredient Swaps and Variations
- Step-by-Step Directions
- Expert Baking Tips
- How to Store and Freeze
- Serving Suggestions
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why You’ll Love These Oreo Brownies
- Chocolaty and rich: Using both Dutch process cocoa and chocolate chips delivers a deep, fudgy flavor you can’t resist.
- Loaded with Oreo cookies: Chopped Oreos in the batter and on top mean every bite is packed with cookies and cream crunch.
- Easy and reliable: Simple pantry ingredients and minimal prep make this recipe perfect for bakers at any level.
- Flexible: Make them cakey or fudgy by adjusting the baking time, and swap in your favorite Oreo flavors for creative twists.
What Makes an Oreo Brownie So Special?
An Oreo brownie takes the classic homemade brownie and elevates it with chopped chocolate sandwich cookies—giving you textural contrast and the iconic cookies-and-cream combo. Here’s what sets these brownies apart:
- Double chocolate: The combination of Dutch process cocoa powder and chocolate chips creates a brownie that’s both richly flavored and melt-in-your-mouth fudgy.
- Cookie crunch: Lightly crushed Oreo cookies (in both the batter and as a topping) add an addictive crunch and creamy vanilla accents.
- Customizable: Experiment with different Oreo flavors—think mint, peanut butter, caramel, or limited edition—for endless possibilities.
Oreo Brownies Ingredients
Below is the line-up of ingredients you’ll need to achieve ultra-fudgy, cookies-and-cream-packed brownies. Each ingredient serves a specific purpose—don’t skip the details!
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter, cubed | 1 1/4 cups | For richness and fudgy texture |
| Granulated sugar | 1 1/2 cups | Sweetener; aids in shiny crust |
| Light brown sugar (packed) | 1 1/4 cups | Enhances moistness and depth |
| All-purpose flour | 1 3/4 cups | Structure and chew |
| Dutch process cocoa powder, sifted | 1 1/2 cups | Richer color & chocolate taste |
| Kosher salt | 1 tsp. | Balances sweetness; flavor |
| Instant espresso powder (optional) | 1 tsp. | Boosts chocolate flavor |
| Large eggs, room temperature | 5 | Binding & richness |
| Vanilla extract | 1 Tbsp. | Round, sweet flavor |
| Semi-sweet chocolate chips | 1 cup | Pockets of melted chocolate |
| Oreo sandwich cookies, divided | 30 (lightly crushed) | For batter & topping |
| Baking spray with flour | as needed | To prevent sticking |
Ingredient Swaps and Variations
- Oreo flavor options: Use Mint Oreos, Peanut Butter Oreos, Birthday Cake Oreos, or any limited edition or holiday flavors for a new take.
- Cocoa powder: If you don’t have Dutch process cocoa, regular unsweetened cocoa will work; the color will be lighter and the flavor a bit more tart.
- Chocolate chips: Swap milk chocolate chips for a sweeter brownie or dark chocolate chips for extra depth.
- Espresso powder: Totally optional, but it intensifies the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat oven: Set oven to 350ºF. Prepare a 13-by-9-inch baking pan by greasing with baking spray with flour.
- Melt butter: In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the cubed butter (30-60 seconds). Add granulated and brown sugars; whisk until combined. Microwave 1 more minute, then whisk until sugars begin to dissolve and mixture looks thick and shiny. Let cool slightly.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk flour, sifted cocoa powder, salt, and (if using) espresso powder.
- Eggs and vanilla: Whisk eggs into butter-sugar mix one at a time. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine batter: Slowly stir dry mixture into wet, just until no flour streaks remain—do not overmix!
- Add mix-ins: Gently fold in chocolate chips and three-quarters of the lightly crushed Oreo cookies.
- Prepare pan: Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. Sprinkle remaining Oreos over top for a bakery-style finish.
- Bake: Place in oven. For moist and fudgy brownies, bake for 40 minutes; for a more set, chewy result, extend to 50 minutes. Test doneness with a toothpick—look for moist crumbs.
- Cool and slice: Allow brownies to fully cool in the pan for clean slices. Cut into squares and serve.
Expert Baking Tips
- Don’t overmix: Over-stirring can make brownies tough; fold ingredients in gently to maintain that tender, fudgy texture.
- Measure flour correctly: Use the “spoon and level” method: spoon flour into your measuring cup and level off with a knife—never scoop directly with the cup.
- Sifting cocoa: Sifted cocoa prevents lumps and ensures a silky batter.
- Room temperature eggs: Help the batter mix together more smoothly for an even crumb.
- Use the right pan: A metal baking pan yields the best results; glass pans may require a slightly longer bake time.
- Slice cleanly: For perfect squares, let brownies cool completely, or chill before cutting. Use a sharp, damp knife and wipe clean after each slice.
What others are reading
How to Store and Freeze Oreo Brownies
- Room temperature: Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing instructions: Tightly wrap cooled, uncut brownies or individual pieces in plastic wrap, then foil. Store in the freezer for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature for optimal texture.
- Advance prep tip: These brownies can be baked a day ahead for even easier slicing and denser flavor. Store whole, unsliced for maximum freshness.
Serving Suggestions
- With ice cream: Top freshly cut brownies with vanilla (or cookies and cream) ice cream, whipped cream, hot fudge, and extra Oreo crumbles for a decadent sundae.
- Pack for parties and potlucks: Slice into bite-sized squares for easy sharing and snacking at any gathering.
- Special occasions: Add festive sprinkles or swap in holiday-themed Oreos for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or other celebrations.
- Gift idea: Box up brownies in a pretty tin or cellophane and tie with a ribbon—perfect for hostess gifts or bake sales.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are there real Oreo cookies inside Oreo brownies?
Absolutely! This recipe calls for roughly 30 Oreo sandwich cookies, both in the batter and as a topping. You get creamy, chocolaty cookie bits in every bite, and you can even try different Oreo flavors for a unique spin.
Do I have to use Dutch process cocoa powder?
Dutch process cocoa powder creates a deeper, mellower chocolate flavor and a darker color, thanks to its treatment with alkali (which reduces acidity). If you only have regular unsweetened cocoa, the brownies will still be delicious, but they’ll have a lighter color and slightly tangier taste.
How can I get brownies more fudgy or more cake-like?
It’s all about the baking time and ratio of ingredients. For ultra-fudgy brownies, bake a little less—about 40 minutes. For a firmer, more cake-like bite, bake closer to 50 minutes. Always check with a toothpick: a few moist crumbs mean fudgy perfection; a dry toothpick means they’re more set and chewy.
How do I store Oreo brownies? Can I freeze them?
Store at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container, or freeze for up to one month. Let thaw before serving for best texture. See “How to Store and Freeze” above for full instructions.
Can I make Oreo brownies ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, brownies baked a day ahead are often easier to slice and boast a deeper, more developed flavor profile. Just keep them tightly covered until ready to serve.
Can I use other sandwich cookies or mix-ins?
Definitely! Mint, peanut butter, golden, or birthday cake Oreos all work beautifully. You can also add a handful of chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or swirl in a little peanut butter to customize.
Baker’s Cheat Sheet: Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Brownies too dry? Overbaking is the most common cause. Always check by 40 minutes, and pull them out when there are still a few moist crumbs on the toothpick.
- Batter isn’t mixing smoothly? Make sure all cold ingredients (especially eggs) are at room temperature for even blending.
- Oreos sinking: Crush cookies lightly, not to a powder, and reserve some for sprinkling on top just before baking to ensure even distribution.
- Cakey not fudgy: For the ooey-gooey result, use the shorter baking time and measure flour carefully—too much flour gives drier brownies.
Final Thoughts: The Cookies and Cream Lover’s Dream
With gooey centers, crispy edges, and pockets of melted chocolate and creamy cookies, these Oreo brownies are what dessert dreams are made of. Whether enjoyed alone with a cold glass of milk, jazzed up with ice cream, or served at your next celebration, their deceptively easy method and irresistible flavor make them an instant favorite for all ages.
Try them with your own twist and discover why homemade Oreo brownies are the ultimate homemade treat for every chocolate and cookie enthusiast.
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