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These Cookies and Cream Brownies are what happens when you merge classic red velvet, crunchy Oreo cookies, and melt-in-your-mouth white chocolate. The recipe is all about stirring up a batch in no time when you need an extra-special treat, but do not want to mess with measuring flour and cocoa from scratch. The first time I whipped this up for a party, there was not a crumb left in sight and someone texted me asking for the recipe before they even made it to their car.
Honestly I threw this together when I realized I had Oreos and red velvet cake mix in my cupboard It tasted so good that now I keep these ingredients on hand just for this dessert
Ingredients
- Red velvet cake mix: This sets the gorgeous deep red color and base flavor A fresh box gives the best rise and a classic chewy brownie texture
- Unsalted butter melted: Gives the brownies richness and chew Salted butter can make it a bit too salty so go for unsalted if you can
- Large eggs: These bind everything together and give the brownies structure Use fresh eggs at room temperature for the best mix
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth Pure vanilla always upgrades boxed mixes
- White chocolate chips: They bring a creamy pop to every bite I prefer the kind that hold their shape when baked
- Crushed Oreo cookies: The crunch and chocolate creaminess is why these brownies are so addictive Go for classic Oreos and crush just enough to get a mix of chunks and crumbs
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prep your pan with grease or parchment paper This keeps the bars from sticking and makes for easy removal later
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl add the cake mix melted butter eggs and vanilla Blend with a sturdy spoon or spatula until completely smooth and shiny No dry bits should remain
- Fold in Mix-Ins:
- Add the white chocolate chips and crushed Oreos Gently turn them into the batter until everything looks evenly distributed Overmixing can crush the cookies too much so go easy
- Spread and Bake:
- Transfer the batter to your prepared pan and level it out Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes Watch for the surface to gently crack and set A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs not wet batter
- Cool and Slice:
- Let the brownies cool fully in the pan on a rack This helps them set up and makes slicing neater Use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts for tidy squares
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The white chocolate chips are always my favorite part I remember my niece carefully picking them out from her pieces at a family BBQ and then giggling as she tried to sneak extras from the pan before anyone noticed
Storage Tips
To keep these brownies chewy and soft store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days If you want them to last longer wrap pieces in plastic or foil and freeze them for up to two months Let thaw at room temperature before enjoying
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find red velvet cake mix use chocolate cake mix and stir in a teaspoon of red food coloring For extra gooey brownies add a tablespoon of cream cheese to the batter You can swap vanilla extract with almond for a different twist
Serving Suggestions
These are delicious as they are but for a party tray try dusting them lightly with powdered sugar For an ice cream sundae chop a square and serve with vanilla or cookies and cream ice cream and a little drizzle of chocolate sauce
Cultural and Historical Context
Red velvet cake became famous for its dramatic color and mild cocoa flavor while brownies are an American staple Combining the two with Oreos and white chocolate is a playful nod to how fun American baking can be Bringing these to any gathering is like offering a slice of family tradition with a modern twist
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a homemade red velvet cake mix instead of a box?
Yes, you can substitute a homemade red velvet cake mix. Just ensure the dry ingredients match the proportions in a standard box mix for best results.
- → What type of white chocolate chips work best?
Any good-quality white chocolate chips will work. For extra creaminess, choose chips made with real cocoa butter.
- → Can these brownies be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- → Are there alternatives to Oreo cookies?
You can use other chocolate sandwich cookies or swap in your favorite creme-filled cookies for a similar taste and texture.
- → How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.