There’s nothing quite like the moment you sink your teeth into a warm batch of Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies. With that first bite, you experience an explosion of flavors—a rich cocoa base meets creamy frosting and crunchy Oreo bits. It’s a sweet symphony that makes your taste buds dance like no one’s watching.
As I dive into this delightful recipe, I can’t help but recall my cousin’s birthday party. Picture this: a bustling kitchen filled with laughter and the smell of baked goodies wafting through the air. Everyone was gathered around the table when these brownies appeared; they vanished faster than you can say “more please.”
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies are incredibly easy to prepare, making them a go-to for any occasion
- The unique flavor profile will impress your guests while satisfying your sweet tooth
- Their stunning visual appeal comes from the vibrant red color and creamy white topping
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to be served at birthdays or just because!
Everyone who tasted these decadent treats raved about them; they were an instant hit with friends and family alike!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy creaming; it helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated Sugar: This will sweeten the batter nicely; feel free to experiment with brown sugar for extra depth.
- Eggs: Bring them to room temperature so they incorporate better with the other ingredients.
- Red Food Coloring: Choose a high-quality gel food coloring for vibrant results without altering the flavor.
- Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolatey base—Dutch-processed works best here.
- All-Purpose Flour: Sifted flour helps prevent lumps; it’s a simple step that makes everything smoother.
- Baking Soda: This leavening agent ensures your brownies rise perfectly—no one likes flat brownies!
- Salt: A pinch balances out sweetness; don’t skip it unless you’re feeling adventurous!
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds a lovely aromatic note that enhances every bite.
- Oreo Cookies: Crushed Oreos add crunch and flavor—because more cookies are always better!
- Cream Cheese Frosting: For that luscious topping—store-bought is fine if you’re short on time.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
Add Eggs and Color: Next, beat in eggs one at a time along with the red food coloring until fully combined. Don’t be afraid to channel your inner artist!
Sift Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients until just combined—don’t overmix!
Add Oreos: Fold in half of the crushed Oreos gently into the brownie batter until evenly distributed. Save some for sprinkling on top later!
Bake Until Perfect: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean but still moist.
Add Frosting: Once cooled completely, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Sprinkle remaining crushed Oreos over the frosting for an extra crunch.
Now all that’s left is to slice these beauties into squares—you might want to hide them from yourself or risk devouring an entire tray in one sitting!
By following these steps closely while having fun in your kitchen, you’ll create irresistible Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies that are sure to delight everyone around you! Enjoy every delicious bite!
You Must Know
- The Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies are a delightful twist on the classic brownie
- Their rich chocolate flavor, combined with creamy Oreo chunks, creates an indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion
- The vibrant red color adds a festive touch, making them a hit at parties
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Melt the butter and chocolate together, then mix in sugar and eggs before combining with dry ingredients. This order ensures a smooth batter and even baking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out Oreos for other cookies like mint chocolate or peanut butter cookies. You can also add nuts or sprinkles for extra texture and flair.
Storing & Reheating
Store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. To enjoy them warm, microwave individual squares for about 10 seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the perfect brownie texture, don’t overmix your batter after adding the flour
- Allow them to cool completely before cutting; this ensures clean edges
- Also, use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor and richness
Baking these brownies brought back memories of my childhood when I’d bake with my grandma every weekend. The smell of chocolate wafting through the house always felt like a warm hug!
FAQ
Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Using cake flour will yield a lighter texture, but it may alter density.
How do I know when my brownies are done?
Insert a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
Can I freeze Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies?
Yes, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to three months for best results.
Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings
Description
Indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies. These decadent treats combine chocolatey brownie layers with creamy frosting and crunchy Oreo pieces for an irresistible bite.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Red food coloring
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Vanilla extract
- Oreo cookies
- Cream cheese frosting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Cream together unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing in red food coloring until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, sift together cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold half of the crushed Oreos into the batter gently.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean but moist.
- Once cooled, spread cream cheese frosting on top and sprinkle with remaining crushed Oreos.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie square (50g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Substitute Oreos with other cookies like mint chocolate or peanut butter for a unique twist. Store brownies in an airtight container for up to five days or freeze tightly wrapped for up to three months.
