If there’s one dessert that never fails to turn heads and spark conversation, it’s a batch of Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies. This show-stopping recipe combines the classic luxe flavor of red velvet with the irresistible crunch of chocolate sandwich cookies, tied together with a silky swirl of cream cheese. Whether you want to impress at a potluck or surprise your friends with a decadent treat, this is one brownie you’ll be dreaming about long after the last crumb is gone.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the bold colors and flavors fool you — these brownies rely on simple, easy-to-find ingredients that each play an essential part. Every component, from the cream cheese to the vibrant red food coloring, helps to build the beautiful layers of color, texture, and flavor that make Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies so unforgettable.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Using unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness and ensures a rich, fudgy brownie base.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): This essential sweetener helps create a glossy top and tender crumb.
- Large eggs (2): The binding magic behind chewy, dense, and irresistible brownies.
- Red food coloring (1 tablespoon): Just a splash brings that iconic red velvet hue to life.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): For extra warmth that rounds out the cocoa and sweetness.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/4 cup): Adds those deep chocolate notes while keeping things light and velvety.
- All-purpose flour (3/4 cup): The backbone of your brownies, providing structure without heaviness.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch elevates all the surrounding flavors.
- Chocolate sandwich cookies (12, crushed): Classic cookies amp up the cookies & cream magic, offering crunch in every bite.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Swirled throughout the batter, this adds creamy tang that balances the sweetness.
- Powdered sugar (2 tablespoons): Blends smoothly into the cream cheese for a luscious swirl.
- White chocolate chips (1/2 cup, optional): For moments of sweetness and a pop of creamy texture on top.
How to Make Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Before anything else, preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This little bit of effort saves you loads of time on cleanup, and makes lifting those beautiful brownies out of the pan a total breeze.
Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
Grab your largest mixing bowl and whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until it’s luxuriously smooth. Then, add the eggs, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture looks glossy and deeply red — this step sets the tone for every decadent bite.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Stir in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt, but don’t overmix — just until everything comes together. This ensures your Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies turn out fudgy rather than cakey.
Step 4: Fold in Cookies
Gently fold in half of the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies to give every square a hit of that cookies & cream flavor. The chunks add the perfect mix of crunch and chocolatey goodness.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl
In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until super smooth. Then dollop spoonfuls of this dreamy mixture on top of the brownie batter.
Step 6: Swirl and Finish
With a butter knife, swirl the cream cheese gently into the brownie batter, making pretty marbled patterns. Sprinkle the remaining crushed cookies and those white chocolate chips (if you’re using them) over the top for extra pizzazz.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be patient — let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting, so your Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies stay neat and gorgeous.
How to Serve Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate is all you need to dress up these brownies. For a party-ready touch, plop a mini sandwich cookie or a swirl of whipped cream right on top of each square — a look as tempting as a bakery window.
Side Dishes
For a truly indulgent treat, pair your Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cold glass of milk. Berries, especially raspberries or strawberries, bring a refreshing tang that highlights the rich, chocolatey layers.
Creative Ways to Present
Layer cut brownies in parfait glasses with extra whipped cream and crushed cookies for a dramatic dessert cup, or turn them into brownie sundaes with hot fudge and sprinkles. At holiday time, stack them into a “brownie tower” centerpiece, garnished with sparkling sugar and festive ribbons.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, these brownies keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. The flavor deepens overnight, so they’re just as irresistible the second (or third) time around.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap individual brownies snugly in plastic wrap and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature to maintain their fudgy texture and that signature cookies & cream crunch.
Reheating
If you crave a warm brownie, pop a square in the microwave for about 10 seconds — just enough to make the chocolate chips melty. The cream cheese swirl will get lusciously gooey all over again!
FAQs
Can I use a different size pan for these brownies?
Absolutely! If you double the recipe, a 9×13-inch pan works perfectly — just increase the baking time by about 5 to 8 minutes and keep an eye on the doneness.
Do Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies need to be refrigerated?
While these are safe at room temperature for a few days, if your kitchen is especially warm or you want them to last longer, you can store them in the fridge. Just let them come to room temperature before eating for the fudgiest bite.
How do I get clean, sharp edges when slicing the brownies?
Let the brownies cool completely before cutting. For extra tidy slices, chill them for 30 minutes, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between each cut.
Can I make Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies gluten free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend and use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies. Keep an eye on texture and adjust the baking time if needed.
What can I use instead of white chocolate chips?
If you’re not a fan of white chocolate, feel free to swap in dark or milk chocolate chips, or simply leave them out — your Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies will still be delicious.
Final Thoughts
It’s no wonder these Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies become a favorite wherever they go. With their vibrant color, rich taste, and playful cookie crunch, they’re the kind of dessert people remember — and request again and again. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if you end up sneaking a second helping!
Print
Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent fusion of red velvet brownies swirled with creamy cheesecake filling and studded with crushed chocolate sandwich cookies. These Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies are a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 chocolate sandwich cookies (crushed)
Cheesecake Swirl:
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Toppings:
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar. Add eggs, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Stir in cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Fold in half of the crushed cookies.
- Prepare the pan: Pour the batter into the pan and spread evenly.
- Create the swirl: Beat cream cheese with powdered sugar, then dollop over the batter. Swirl gently with a knife.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle remaining crushed cookies and white chocolate chips over the top.
- Bake: Bake for 28–32 minutes until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and slice: Allow to cool before slicing into squares.
Notes
- For extra richness, use dark cocoa powder.
- You can double the recipe and bake in a 9×13-inch pan—adjust baking time accordingly.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
