If you have a serious sweet tooth and love the marriage of classic flavors with a twist, then you are going to absolutely adore this Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies Recipe. Imagine the rich, velvety taste of red velvet cake transformed into a dense, fudgy brownie base, perfectly balanced with a luscious cream cheese swirl and topped with crunchy Oreo cookie pieces for that iconic Cookies & Cream vibe. It’s an indulgent treat that’s as visually stunning with its marbled swirls as it is delicious, making it a total showstopper at any bake sale, family gathering, or cozy night in. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your new go-to dessert obsession.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies Recipe is easier than you might think, and each one plays a starring role in the final explosion of flavors and textures. From the rich red velvet cake mix that gives it that distinctive flavor and gorgeous color, to the tangy cream cheese that adds a dreamy swirl, every ingredient is essential.
- Red velvet cake mix: The foundation for the brownie base providing that signature color and flavor without extra fuss.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the brownies moist and fudgy by adding the perfect amount of richness.
- Eggs: Bind everything together for the perfect, chewy texture you want in brownies.
- Milk: Adds tenderness and smoothness to the batter.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its sweet, warm aroma.
- Cream cheese (softened): Makes the luxurious swirl that contrasts beautifully with red velvet’s sweetness.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the cream cheese swirl perfectly.
- Oreo cookies (crushed): The iconic topping that brings crunch and that beloved cookies & cream flavor punch.
How to Make Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and either grease it with butter or line it with parchment paper for an easy release later. This initial step ensures your brownies bake evenly and don’t stick when it’s time to enjoy.
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 gently but thoroughly until you have a smooth, velvety batter with no lumps. Pour and spread this luscious base evenly into your prepared pan, making sure every corner is covered for perfect brownies from edge to edge.
Step 3: Mix the Cream Cheese Swirl
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Keep going until the mixture is silky and free of lumps—this creamy swirl component is what will give the brownies that irresistible marbled look and add a slightly tangy richness to balance the sweet red velvet.
Step 4: Create Beautiful Swirls
Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the red velvet batter in your pan. Then take a knife or wooden skewer and swirl it through the batter in figure-eight motions or circular patterns. Don’t overmix—you want distinct swirls, not a fully blended batter.
Step 5: Add the Crunchy Oreo Topping
Sprinkle the crushed Oreo cookies evenly across the top, pressing them in lightly so they stick during baking. These cookies add that ultimate cookies & cream crunch that perfectly complements the soft brownie below.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop your pan into the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan to set all those wonderful layers before slicing.
Step 7: Slice and Enjoy
Once cooled, cut into generous squares and get ready to savor every single bite. That rich red velvet color, creamy cheese swirl, and Oreo crunch all in one bite is nothing short of dessert heaven.
How to Serve Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra wow factor, top your brownie squares with a dollop of whipped cream and a mini Oreo cookie or two. A light dusting of powdered sugar also makes them look gorgeous and adds a subtle sweetness without overpowering the flavors.
Side Dishes
These brownies are delicious on their own but also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. A side of fresh berries can also add a nice burst of freshness to balance out the rich dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies Recipe as a layered dessert in a glass jar with alternating layers of brownie pieces, whipped cream, and crushed Oreos. It’s perfect for parties and makes every spoonful a delightful surprise. You can also cut them into bite-sized squares for easy sharing at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once baked and completely cooled, keep your brownies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This preserves the moist texture and flavor, though they do taste wonderful even after a day or two!
Freezing
If you want to make a batch ahead or save some for later, these brownies freeze beautifully. Wrap the cooled brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
To warm up your brownies, pop a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm it in a low oven (300°F/150°C) for 10 minutes. This brings back that ooey-gooey texture and makes the cream cheese swirl lovely and soft again.
FAQs
Can I use homemade red velvet cake batter instead of the box mix?
Absolutely! While the box mix makes this recipe quick and easy, using your favorite homemade red velvet batter will add a personal touch and can enhance the flavor even more. Just make sure your batter is sturdy enough to hold the swirl and cookies on top.
Is it necessary to soften the cream cheese before mixing?
Yes, softening the cream cheese ensures it mixes smoothly with the powdered sugar and vanilla, creating that perfect swirl texture without lumps. You can soften it quickly by leaving it at room temperature for about 30 minutes or microwaving it for 15 seconds.
Can I substitute crushed Oreos with another cookie?
While crushed Oreos provide that iconic cookies & cream flavor and contrast, you can experiment with other sandwich cookies or chocolate chip cookies if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the classic Oreo taste really makes this recipe shine.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies around 30 minutes into baking. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter, they are perfectly done. Overbaking can dry them out, so keep an eye on the time.
Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?
Yes, doubling the recipe is straightforward—use a larger pan, such as a 9×13-inch, and increase the baking time slightly, checking for doneness as you go. Keep the ratio of ingredients the same to maintain that perfect Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies Recipe balance.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a recipe that combines nostalgic flavors with an impressive, crowd-pleasing look, this Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s a gorgeous, deliciously rich dessert that feels fancy but is incredibly simple to make. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience that magic of creamy, chocolaty, and tangy all in one bite. Happy baking!
Print
Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies combine the rich, chocolaty flavor of red velvet with a creamy, tangy cream cheese swirl and a crunchy Oreo cookie topping. Perfectly baked to a moist, fudgy texture, they’re a decadent treat ideal for dessert lovers craving a twist on classic brownies.
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). Prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make Brownie Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until the batter is smooth and well mixed. Pour and spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Create Swirls: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture onto the surface of the brownie batter in the pan. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter, creating marbled patterns.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the crushed Oreo cookies evenly over the top of the swirled brownie batter, pressing them lightly into the surface to adhere.
- Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 12 squares for serving.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to achieve a smooth swirl mixture.
- Do not overmix the brownie batter to maintain a fudgy texture.
- Crushed Oreos can be substituted with other cookies if preferred.
- Allow brownies to cool completely for clean cutting and better texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
