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These fudgy Oreo brownies are my secret weapon for turning any ordinary day into a celebration. Combining the iconic flavor of Oreo cookies with rich, gooey brownies creates a chocolate lover's dream that disappears within minutes whenever I serve them.
I first made these brownies for my nephew's birthday when I was out of cake mix. They were such a hit that the kids forgot all about the missing cake and have requested these Oreo brownies for every gathering since.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: melted and cooled slightly for the perfect fudgy texture that store bought mixes can never achieve
- Granulated sugar: provides the ideal sweetness while helping create that crackly top crust
- Large eggs: for binding and structure make sure they're room temperature for best results
- Vanilla extract: adds depth to the chocolate flavor look for pure vanilla not imitation for best results
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: delivers intense chocolate flavor without additional sweetness
- All purpose flour: just enough to hold everything together while keeping brownies dense and fudgy
- Salt: enhances all the flavors especially the chocolate dont skip this essential ingredient
- Oreo cookies: the star of the show providing pockets of creamy sweetness throughout
- Optional chocolate chips: for extra melty chocolate pockets throughout use semisweet for best results
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Baking Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and either grease your 8x8 pan thoroughly or line with parchment paper leaving overhang on two sides for easy removal. The parchment method is my preference as it ensures nothing sticks and makes cleanup infinitely easier.
- Create Your Batter Base:
- Whisk together the melted butter and sugar until completely combined about 1 minute of vigorous whisking. The mixture should look slightly lighter in color and be smooth not grainy. This step incorporates air that helps create that perfect crackly brownie top.
- Add The Wet Ingredients:
- Crack in your eggs and pour in the vanilla then whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly thickened. This usually takes about 2 minutes of hand whisking. The batter should fall from the whisk in a ribbon that briefly sits on the surface before disappearing.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
- Sift the cocoa powder flour and salt directly into the wet mixture. This prevents lumps especially in the cocoa powder. Using a rubber spatula gently fold everything together with no more than 15 to 20 strokes. Stop when you no longer see dry flour but before the batter becomes completely uniform. Overmixing leads to tough brownies.
- Add The Oreos:
- Roughly chop your Oreos into quarters not too small as you want substantial cookie chunks in each bite. Gently fold these pieces into the batter along with chocolate chips if using. Reserve a few Oreo pieces for the top. The folding should be minimal just enough to distribute the cookies.
- Bake To Perfection:
- Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Press those reserved Oreo pieces decoratively into the top. Bake for exactly 25 minutes for maximum fudginess. The center should be set but still slightly soft and a toothpick will come out with a few moist crumbs.
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I discovered the perfect timing for these brownies accidentally. My daughter called just as they needed to come out of the oven. By the time I hung up they had rested in the turned off oven for five extra minutes creating the perfect balance between fudgy and set. Now I always let them rest in the cooling oven for exactly five minutes before removing.
Storage Tips
These Oreo brownies stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The key is allowing them to cool completely before storing otherwise condensation will form making the top soggy. For longer storage refrigerate for up to a week though the texture becomes denser when chilled. Let refrigerated brownies come to room temperature before serving for best flavor experience.
Cutting Perfect Squares
For clean professional looking brownie squares wait until they have completely cooled about 2 hours at room temperature. For even cleaner cuts refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes first. Use a large sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between each cut. This technique prevents the fudgy interior from sticking to the knife and tearing your beautiful brownies.
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Serving Suggestions
Transform these Oreo brownies into an epic dessert by warming each square for 15 seconds in the microwave and topping with vanilla ice cream and hot fudge sauce. For special occasions I create a brownie sundae bar with various toppings caramel sauce crushed candy pieces whipped cream and cherries. At holiday gatherings I sometimes add a tablespoon of peppermint extract to the batter and top with crushed candy canes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use double-stuffed Oreos?
Yes, double-stuffed Oreos work perfectly and add extra creaminess to the brownies.
- → How can I make the brownies fudgier?
Slightly underbake the brownies and chill them before slicing for a fudgier texture.
- → Can I freeze these brownies?
Absolutely! Store them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months.
- → What other mix-ins can I add?
Try adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even crushed cookies for extra flavor and texture.
- → How do I know when the brownies are done?
Check by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter.