These Delish Fudgy Cookies and Cream Brownies are the kind of dessert that makes people stop what they’re doing and come into the kitchen—warm, intensely chocolatey brownies studded with crunchy cookies and a velvety cream swirl. They’re fudgy rather than cakey, built on good chocolate and butter, and they bridge two childhood favorites in one brilliant bite: a dense brownie and the playful crunch of cookies and cream. If you love texture contrast and deep chocolate flavor, this is an easy recipe to fall for.

My husband calls these “the blackout brownies” because once he starts, he can’t tell me how many he’s eaten. Our kids beg for them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream; my eldest will dunk the corner pieces in coffee like some sort of dessert ritual. They’ve become our go-to for potlucks and low-key dinner guests because they travel well and everyone seems to have an opinion about the best cookie-to-brownie ratio—ours is firmly biased toward maximum cookie.

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Just drop your email here and I'll send it right away! Plus you'll get new recipes every week. Yes please!

Why You’ll Love This Delish Fudgy Cookies and Cream Brownies

– Intensely fudgy texture that stays moist for days when stored properly.
– Big chocolate flavor balanced by crunchy cookie pieces and a subtle cream swirl.
– Foolproof way to dress up a classic brownie—impressive but not finicky, and kids love helping.
– Easy to customize: swap the cookies, add nuts, or fold in a few chocolate chips for extra richness.

Behind the Recipe

I developed this version after a few rounds of testing to get the brownie interior truly fudgy without being underbaked. The trick is a short bake at slightly lower temperature and using good-quality chocolate for depth. I also learned that folding in crushed cookies at the very end preserves their texture so they don’t dissolve into the batter. People often overmix and end up with a cakier crumb; gentle handling and a quick swirl of the cream layer are what keep these dense and indulgent. A light dusting of flaky salt after they come out of the oven really wakes up the chocolate, so don’t skip it if you like a little contrast.

★Top Reader Reviews

These Delish Fudgy Cookies and Cream Brownies are seriously indulgent with a perfect fudgy base and a creamy, crunchy topping from the Cookies 'n' Creme bars. The Oreos baked inside add a delightful texture, and the recipe is straightforward to follow. I gave it 4 stars because while delicious, the sweetness is pretty rich, so I’d recommend sharing these with friends!

– Rowan

Shopping Tips

– Baking Basics: Choose a reliable all-purpose flour and real cocoa powder (not Dutch-processed unless the recipe specifies) for the best flavor and structure.
– Fats & Oils: Use unsalted butter so you can control salt levels; if using salted, reduce any added salt in the recipe.
– Chocolate: Buy a good-quality baking chocolate or chopped dark chocolate (60–70% cacao) for rich flavor—cheap chocolate can taste waxy when melted.
– Eggs: Fresh, room-temperature eggs mix more smoothly into batter and help with a fudgy crumb; cold eggs can cause seizing when added to warm mixes.
– Nuts & Seeds: If adding nuts, buy them raw and toast them briefly at home for maximum crunch and flavor.

Prep Ahead Ideas

– Crush the cookies and measure dry ingredients the day before; store separately in airtight containers so they’re ready to fold in.
– You can melt and cool the chocolate-butter mixture a few hours ahead and keep it at room temperature, then whisk in eggs just before mixing.
– Par-bake (just until set but not fully finished) and finish baking later for fresher-tasting brownies when guests arrive; store covered in the fridge and warm for a few minutes before serving.

Time-Saving Tricks

– Melt chocolate and butter together in a microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals to avoid scorching.
– Use a food processor to quickly crush cookies into coarse pieces—this saves time and gives more uniform texture.
– Line your baking pan with foil or parchment overhang so you can lift the whole slab out to cool and slice neatly without scrubbing a pan.

Common Mistakes

– Overbaking: Even a few minutes too long turns fudgy brownies dry and cakey; use a tester and remove when a few moist crumbs cling to it. If overbaked, warm slices briefly and serve with ice cream to rescue dryness.
– Overmixing: Stirring until smooth can incorporate too much air; fold gently and stop when the batter is homogenous. If your batter looks too thick, a tablespoon of milk or cream can loosen it slightly.
– Adding cookies too early: Tossing them in at the start makes them soggy—fold them in last to keep crunch.
– Skipping the cool: Cutting too soon causes crumbly squares; let brownies cool fully (or chill briefly) for cleaner slices.

What to Serve It With

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an over-the-top dessert, or cut small and offer alongside coffee for casual entertaining. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dusting of cocoa powder adds a nice finishing touch.

✔Tips & Mistakes

– Keep an eye on edges—the center can still be fudgy while the rim gets crisp, which is perfect if you like variety in the same pan.
– If using mix-ins like extra chocolate chips, press a few on top after baking so the presentation looks intentional.

✔Storage Tips

Store in airtight containers in the fridge. It reheats beautifully, but if you sneak a bite cold straight from the container, it still works.

✔Variations and Substitutions

– Swap the cookies for chocolate sandwich cookies with mint filling for a mint-chocolate twist; I prefer keeping at least some of the original cookies for texture.
– For nut-free households, omit nuts entirely and add mini chocolate chips. If you want extra chew, fold in a few tablespoons of caramel bits.
– To lighten sweetness, use slightly less granulated sugar or replace part of it with brown sugar for a deeper, molasses note—don’t cut too much or it affects texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes. Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum, and the brownies will stay fudgy—just be gentle when folding to preserve texture.

How do I keep the cookies crunchy inside the brownie?

Fold in the crushed cookies at the very end, right before transferring to the pan; larger pieces hold up better than finely ground crumbs.

Why did my brownies come out cakey instead of fudgy?

Most likely overbaking or overmixing. Reduce bake time slightly and stop mixing once the ingredients are just combined; aim for glossy, slightly loose batter before it goes into the oven.

Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes—wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap then foil, or freeze the whole pan wrapped well. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bring to room temperature or warm briefly before serving.

What’s the best way to get clean slices?

Chill the brownies until firm, then use a sharp knife warmed in hot water and wiped dry between cuts for neat edges.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!