Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
If you are craving a dessert that combines rich chocolate, a pop of creaminess, and a delightful crunch, the Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. These brownies perfectly marry the deep, velvety texture of red velvet cake with swirls of luscious cream cheese and the irresistible crunch of crushed Oreos on top. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself, this recipe is sure to deliver smiles and satisfied sweet tooths with each decadent bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies Recipe lies in its simple yet purposeful ingredients. Each component plays a vital role — from the vibrant red velvet cake mix that sets the rich base, to the smooth cream cheese swirl adding moistness and tang, finishing with crunchy Oreos to provide a satisfying texture contrast.
- Red velvet cake mix: The perfect foundation, bringing that classic deep red color and gentle cocoa flavor.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the brownies moist and tender without overpowering the other flavors.
- Large eggs: Help bind the batter together, ensuring a sturdy but soft texture.
- Milk: Adds moisture, balancing the density of the mix for the perfect brownie consistency.
- Vanilla extract (two teaspoons total): Enhances the sweetness and adds a warm, aromatic depth.
- Cream cheese: The star of the swirl, giving a luscious, tangy contrast that cuts through the sweetness.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the cream cheese for an irresistible swirl effect.
- Oreo cookies: Crushed to a perfect size, their crunch tops off these brownies with nostalgic charm and texture.
How to Make Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This small prep step makes sure your brownies come out clean and intact, ready for that delicious cream cheese swirl and Oreo topping.
Step 2: Mix the Brownie Batter
In a large bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, milk, and half of the vanilla extract. Stir everything together until the batter is silky smooth, ensuring there are no lumps. This is the essential base that gives your brownies that vibrant color and moist crumb.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl
In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and the remaining vanilla extract until silky and completely smooth. This creamy mixture will add richness and a slightly tangy flavor that complements the red velvet base perfectly.
Step 4: Create Those Irresistible Swirls
Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the brownie batter in the pan. Then, use a knife or a skewer to gently swirl the two mixtures together in a marbled pattern. This step not only looks stunning but ensures you get that creamy bite in every square.
Step 5: Add the Cookies & Cream Topping
Sprinkle the crushed Oreos generously over the top of the swirled batter. Press them lightly into the surface so they stick while baking, adding the signature cookies & cream crunch that takes these brownies over the top.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs for that perfect gooey texture. Overbaking will dry them out, so keep an eye on that timer!
Step 7: Cool and Cut
Once baked, let the brownies cool completely in the pan. Cooling is crucial—it helps set the swirls and topping, so when you cut into squares, each piece holds its shape with beautiful layers of red velvet, cream cheese, and cookie crunch.
How to Serve Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
For a lovely finishing touch, you can dust these brownies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or add a drizzle of white chocolate on top. Fresh berries like raspberries also pair beautifully, bringing a touch of natural sweetness and color contrast.
Side Dishes
Serve these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience. A cup of rich coffee or creamy hot chocolate is also a great companion, especially when sharing with friends and family during cozy gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Try presenting your Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies Recipe layered in a clear glass trifle bowl with whipped cream or frosting between layers. Or cut them into bite-sized squares and serve them on a wooden platter garnished with crushed Oreos and fresh mint for a charming dessert platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This will maintain their moist texture and delicious flavor, so you can enjoy every crumb fresh and tasty.
Freezing
If you want to save these treats for longer, wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen brownies will keep well for up to three months and thaw beautifully when brought back to room temperature.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked warmth, microwave brownies for 15 to 20 seconds or warm in a low oven for a few minutes. This helps soften the cream cheese swirl and melts the Oreos just a bit, giving you a freshly baked feel every time.
FAQs
Can I use homemade red velvet cake batter instead of the cake mix?
Absolutely! Homemade batter will give you more control over ingredients and sweetness, but the boxed mix is a fantastic shortcut that delivers consistent results and vibrant color every time.
What type of cream cheese works best for the swirl?
Full-fat, softened cream cheese is ideal for creating the richest and smoothest cream cheese swirl. Avoid low-fat varieties, as they can be less creamy and may alter the texture of the swirl.
Can I substitute Oreos with other cookies?
Yes! While Oreos give that classic cookies & cream vibe, crushed chocolate chip cookies, Biscoff, or even chocolate wafers would bring a delicious twist to the topping and texture.
How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?
The toothpick test is your best friend—insert it midway through and near the edges. The toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely dry or wet batter, ensuring gooey yet fully cooked brownies.
Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?
Definitely. Double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, usually adding 5 to 10 minutes, so keep an eye on the doneness as you bake.
Final Thoughts
You absolutely must give the Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies Recipe a try—it’s one of those magical desserts that feels both nostalgic and new at the same time. Whether you’re baking for a party, a cozy night in, or just because you deserve it, these brownies deliver layers of flavor and texture that will have everyone asking for seconds. Treat yourself and watch these beauties disappear in no time!
Print
Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies combine the rich, velvety flavor of red velvet cake with a creamy cheesecake swirl and crunchy Oreo topping. Perfect for dessert lovers, this easy-to-make treat features a moist, tender brownie base enhanced with a luscious cream cheese layer and finished with a delightful cookie crunch.
Ingredients
Brownie Base:
- 1 box of red velvet cake mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping:
- 10 Oreo cookies, crushed
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent the brownies from sticking.
- Make Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix together until the batter is smooth and well incorporated. Pour and spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, without lumps.
- Create Swirls: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter. Using a knife or a skewer, gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter to create a marbled effect throughout.
- Add Topping: Evenly sprinkle the crushed Oreo cookies over the top of the brownie batter and press them lightly to adhere.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, indicating the brownies are cooked through but still moist.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan to set before cutting them into 12 squares. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to achieve a smooth swirl mixture.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal of the brownies from the pan.
- Do not overbake; brownies should be moist and fudgy inside.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of salt to the brownie batter to balance the sweetness.
- Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- To make it gluten-free, use a red velvet cake mix that is certified gluten-free and gluten-free Oreos.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
