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This decadent Oreo brookies recipe combines the best of both worlds - a chewy chocolate chip cookie base meets fudgy brownie batter with Oreo cookies studded throughout. I've been making these for years when I can't decide between cookies or brownies, and they never fail to impress at potlucks and family gatherings.
I first created these Oreo brookies for my daughter's birthday party, and they've become our most requested dessert. Even my husband, who claims not to have a sweet tooth, can't resist sneaking one from the cooling rack.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- Unsalted butter: at room temperature ensures proper creaming with the sugars
- Light brown sugar: adds moisture and chewiness to the cookie base
- Granulated sugar: provides structure and crispness to the edges
- Egg yolk: creates richness without making the dough too cakey
- Vanilla extract: enhances the overall flavor profile
- All-purpose flour: gives structure while keeping the cookie tender
- Fine sea salt: balances the sweetness throughout the cookie
- Baking soda: helps the cookie portion rise properly
- Chopped Oreos: folded into the dough for texture and flavor bursts
For the Brownie Batter
- Unsalted butter: creates richness in the brownie batter
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: melt perfectly into the base for intense chocolate flavor
- Granulated sugar: provides sweetness and helps create that classic brownie crackle top
- Whole egg: binds the batter while adding moisture
- Vanilla extract: rounds out the chocolate flavor
- All-purpose flour: gives just enough structure without making brownies tough
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: intensifies the chocolate flavor
- Fine sea salt: enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Pan:
- Line your 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang on all sides for easy removal. Preheat your oven to 350°F to ensure it reaches the proper temperature before baking begins.
- Make the Cookie Dough:
- Cream together butter and sugars for a full 2 minutes until light and fluffy. This incorporates air into the mixture which helps create that perfect chewy texture in the final cookie.
- Add Wet Ingredients:
- Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract just until combined. Overmixing at this stage can make your cookies tough, so be gentle once the egg is incorporated.
- Add Dry Ingredients:
- Fold in the flour, salt, baking soda, and chopped Oreos using gentle motions until just combined. Stop mixing as soon as no dry flour pockets remain to ensure tender cookies.
- Create the Brownie Batter:
- Melt butter and chocolate chips together until completely smooth. Let cool slightly before proceeding so the hot mixture doesn't cook your eggs.
- Mix Wet Brownie Ingredients:
- Whisk sugar, egg, and vanilla vigorously for 2 minutes until the mixture becomes light and airy. This creates that perfect crackly brownie top everyone loves.
- Combine Chocolate and Egg Mixture:
- Stream the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture while stirring constantly. Mix only until combined to keep the brownies fudgy.
- Add Dry Brownie Ingredients:
- Fold in flour, cocoa powder, and salt just until combined. Overmixing will develop gluten and make your brownies cakey rather than fudgy.
- Assemble the Brookies:
- Scoop tablespoons of cookie dough into the prepared pan, alternating with brownie batter to create a checkerboard pattern. This ensures perfect distribution of both elements.
- Level the Surface:
- Press down cookie dough portions to match the height of the brownie batter for even baking. The different batters should be at the same level.
- Add Oreo Topping:
- Sprinkle additional chopped Oreos across the surface for visual appeal and extra flavor in every bite.
- Bake the Brookies:
- Bake at 350°F for 25-27 minutes, covering loosely with foil after 20 minutes to prevent over-browning. The brookies are done when the cookie portions are golden and a toothpick inserted into brownie sections has moist crumbs.
My favorite part of this recipe is watching people take their first bite. There's always a moment of surprise when they taste how the cookie and brownie elements complement each other so perfectly. My niece once declared these "better than birthday cake" which might be the highest praise a dessert can receive!
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What makes Oreo brookies unique?
Oreo brookies combine three layers of flavor: chewy cookie, rich brownie, and crunchy Oreos, creating a perfect dessert fusion.
- → How do I prevent overbaking?
Cover the brookies loosely with foil after 20 minutes to prevent the cookie layer from browning too much.
- → Can I freeze Oreo brookies?
Yes, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- → What equipment is needed?
You'll need a square 8x8 baking pan and parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.
- → How can I make the recipe more decadent?
For extra richness, add a layer of melted chocolate or drizzle caramel on top after baking.