Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

If you love the crave-worthy combo of rich chocolate, tangy cream cheese, and classic cookies and cream, these Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies are calling your name! Imagine fudgy red velvet brownies with bold cocoa flavor, swirled with luscious cream cheese, and packed with chunks of chocolate sandwich cookies. Each bite is a celebration of color, taste, and pure joy—making them a perfect dessert for when you want something fun, a little decadent, and absolutely irresistible.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies is in how each ingredient, while straightforward, plays a starring role in the final show-stopping treat. From the rich cocoa to the iconic cookies and creamy swirl, every component has a delicious job to do.

• Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, melted): Melted butter guarantees a super moist and fudgy brownie base that’s hard to resist.
• Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and gives the brownies their classic glossy, crackled top.
• Eggs (2 large): Bind everything together and give the brownies structure and richness.
• Red Food Coloring (1 tablespoon): That striking red velvet color comes from this splash—feel free to use gel or liquid.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavors, adding a comforting, aromatic touch.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (1/3 cup): The heart of the chocolate flavor—use a good quality cocoa for best results.
• All-Purpose Flour (3/4 cup): Just enough to give the brownies their chew without weighing them down.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A pinch balances the sweetness and brings out all the other flavors.
• Chocolate Sandwich Cookies (like Oreos, 8 crushed): For that signature “cookies & cream” twist with every bite.
• Cream Cheese (4 ounces, softened): Adds tangy, creamy swirls that offset the sweetness and make each bar extra special.
• Powdered Sugar (2 tablespoons): Lightly sweetens the cream cheese for the perfect swirl.

How to Make Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure you leave some overhang for easy lifting later. This step ensures you won’t miss a crumb when it’s time to slice and serve!

Step 2: Mix the Brownie Base

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks glossy. Add the eggs, red food coloring, and vanilla extract, and stir until everything is nice and smooth. Sift in the cocoa powder, then gently fold in the flour and salt just until you see no dry streaks—don’t overmix! Now, fold in half of your crushed chocolate sandwich cookies for pockets of cookie goodness throughout the batter.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Swirl

In a separate small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Beat until completely smooth and creamy—a hand mixer or even a sturdy spoon works great here. This swirl is what sets Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies apart, so don’t skimp on getting it luscious and lump-free.

Step 4: Assemble & Swirl

Spread the brownie batter evenly into your prepared pan, being sure to nudge it into all the corners. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the batter. Use a butter knife or toothpick to gently swirl the cream cheese into the brownie base, creating those gorgeous marbled patterns. Sprinkle the remaining crushed cookies over the top for even more cookies & cream flair.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. You’ll know the brownies are done when the center is just set and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Let the pan cool completely on a wire rack—this is key for slicing beautifully sharp, photo-worthy brownies.

How to Serve Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies

Garnishes

For that finishing touch, dust your brownies with a little extra powdered sugar right before serving, or drizzle them with melted white or dark chocolate if you’re feeling especially indulgent. A sprinkle of additional crushed cookies right before serving amplifies the cookies & cream magic!

Side Dishes

These brownies are rich, so serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream, or even a cold glass of milk. If you’re hosting guests, a platter paired with fresh berries makes for a colorful, crowd-pleasing dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning party treat, cut the Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies into small squares and stack them high on a cake stand. You could also skewer brownie cubes with berries or marshmallows for a fun dessert kebab, or even use two brownies as “buns” with a scoop of ice cream sandwiched in between for the ultimate brownie ice cream sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay irresistibly fudgy and delicious for up to five days. The slight chill from the fridge actually makes their texture even denser and more decadent!

Freezing

For longer-term storage, these brownies freeze beautifully. Place individual squares between layers of parchment paper in an airtight container or zip-top bag, and freeze for up to three months. Simply thaw in the fridge or at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge.

Reheating

If you like your brownies just slightly warm and gooey, pop a serving in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This wakes up all the creamy, chocolatey flavors—plus, it’s pure bliss when paired with a scoop of ice cream.

FAQs

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Absolutely! Simply double all the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on the baking time; it might take a few extra minutes, so start checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark.

What’s the best way to crush the cookies for the brownies?

The easiest way is to place the cookies in a zip-top bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin. You want a mix of larger chunks and finer crumbs for the best texture throughout the brownies.

Can I use a different type Dessert

Sure! While classic chocolate sandwich cookies give the traditional cookies & cream flavor, feel free to experiment with peanut butter-filled cookies, mint varieties, or even golden sandwich cookies for a creative twist.

How do I know when the brownies are done?

Look for set edges and a center that’s just firm, with a toothpick inserted into the middle coming out with a few moist crumbs. Don’t wait for a completely clean toothpick—otherwise you’ll miss out on that fudgy texture.

Can I make these Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies gluten free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free blend, and use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies. The results are still rich and delicious, with all the classic cookies & cream flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about the combination of cocoa, tangy cream cheese, and crunchy cookies in these Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, they never fail to impress and delight. So grab those ingredients, fire up the oven, and let’s make brownies everyone will swoon over!

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