If you have a sweet tooth and love desserts with a fun twist, you are going to adore this Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies Recipe. This treat perfectly balances the rich, moist texture of red velvet brownies with the creamy tang of a luscious cream cheese swirl, all topped off with irresistibly crunchy Oreo cookie bits. It’s a playful dessert that feels both familiar and exciting, making every bite a delightful surprise.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create a textured masterpiece that highlights each flavor beautifully. From the vibrant red velvet base to the smooth cream cheese swirl and crunchy cookie topping, every component is essential.
- Red velvet cake mix: The foundation of our brownie, giving that classic deep red color and subtle cocoa flavor.
- Vegetable oil: Adds moisture and keeps the brownies tender and soft.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and help the batter bind perfectly.
- Milk: Enhances the batter’s smoothness and richness.
- Vanilla extract: Introduces a warm flavor that elevates both the brownie and cream cheese components.
- Cream cheese (softened): The star of the swirl, offering that rich, tangy contrast to the sweet base.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese without graininess for a silky texture.
- Oreo cookies (crushed): Adds iconic crunch and chocolate-vanilla flavor to top it all off.
How to Make Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing an 8×8-inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper. This step ensures your brownies won’t stick and will come out beautifully clean after baking.
Step 2: Whip Up the Brownie Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir everything thoroughly until you have a smooth, luscious batter. This simple mixture forms the moist and colorful body of your Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies Recipe.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip them until creamy and free of lumps. This creamy mix will bring that dreamy, tangy layer into your brownies, creating the iconic swirl effect.
Step 4: Create the Swirls in the Batter
Drop spoonfuls of your cream cheese mixture straight onto the red velvet batter in the pan. Then, take a knife or skewer and gently swirl the mixtures together. This is where the magic happens, with the contrasting colors merging into a gorgeous marbled pattern that tastes as delightful as it looks.
Step 5: Add the Crunchy Cookie Topping
Sprinkle the crushed Oreos evenly over the top of your swirled batter. Press them down lightly to ensure they stick during baking and add that wonderful crunchy texture that makes this Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies Recipe truly special.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Check by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, your brownies are ready. They should be set but still decadently fudgy inside.
Step 7: Cool Before Cutting
Allow your brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. This resting time helps the brownies set perfectly, preventing your swirls and delicious crumbly topping from falling apart when you cut them.
How to Serve Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Consider adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate for an elegant touch. Fresh berries on the side can brighten up the dessert visually and add a burst of fresh flavor that complements the richness of the brownies.
Side Dishes
Offer a scoop of vanilla or cookies and cream ice cream alongside these brownies to create a delightful ice cream sundae experience. A hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk pairs beautifully to balance the sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
You could serve these brownies as a layered dessert in a parfait glass with whipped cream and crushed Oreos, or even cut into bite-sized pieces and presented on a decorative tray for parties. These brownies have a crowd-pleasing look and flavor that make them a showstopper wherever you serve them.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cookies & cream red velvet brownies stay fresh when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigeration is a great option to maintain the cream cheese swirl’s freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze the brownies after baking and cooling by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen properly, they can last up to two months without losing texture or flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen brownies, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and warm slightly in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds if desired. This helps revive that soft, gooey texture and enhances the cream cheese swirl’s creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use homemade red velvet cake batter instead of box mix?
Absolutely! Homemade red velvet batter will give the brownies a more personalized flavor, though using the box mix keeps the recipe simple and quick without sacrificing taste.
What if I don’t have Oreo cookies for the topping?
You can substitute with any chocolate sandwich cookies or even crushed chocolate chip cookies to add crunch, though Oreos add that classic cookies & cream flavor that complements the brownies perfectly.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
If using a gluten-free red velvet cake mix and ensuring other ingredients are gluten-free, this recipe can easily be adapted for gluten-sensitive diets.
How thick should the cream cheese swirl be?
The cream cheese layer should be thick enough to create distinct swirls but not too thick that it overpowers the brownie batter. About a few spoonfuls dotted across the batter is just right.
What’s the best way to prevent overbaking these brownies?
Set your timer close to the minimum baking time and check with a toothpick. The brownies should still have a few moist crumbs to keep them fudgy and rich rather than dry.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies Recipe—it’s a delicious blend of textures and flavors that feels like a comforting hug in dessert form. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, these brownies are sure to bring smiles all around. Grab your ingredients and give this recipe a try; you’ll quickly understand why it’s a favorite that everyone keeps coming back for.
Print
Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies combine the rich, velvety flavor of red velvet cake with a decadent cream cheese swirl and a crunchy Oreo cookie topping. Quick to prepare and baked to perfection, they make a delightful dessert that’s both visually appealing and irresistibly tasty.
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 mixing bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until the batter is smooth and well combined. Pour and spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Create Swirls: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the brownie batter. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cream cheese into the brownie batter to create a marbled effect.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the crushed Oreo cookies evenly over the top of the batter, pressing them lightly so they stick to the surface.
- 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.
- Cool & Serve: Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
- For best results, ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth swirl.
- Do not overmix the batter once the cream cheese swirl is added to keep the marbled effect.
- You can substitute crushed Oreos with other sandwich cookies if preferred.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- These brownies can be wrapped and frozen for up to 2 months.
