If you’re a fan of that dreamy combo of crunchy cookies mixed with creamy sweetness, then this Cookies & Cream Cookies Recipe will quickly become your new obsession. Imagine soft, buttery cookies loaded with chunks of Oreos and melty white chocolate chips that create the perfect balance of texture and flavor. These delightful treats are utterly irresistible and perfect for sharing with friends or simply enjoying with a glass of milk. Get ready to fall head-over-heels for these cookies that bring the iconic cookies and cream flavor into a freshly baked, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll find that this Cookies & Cream Cookies Recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully to create those rich, creamy, and crunchy cookies you love. Each item plays its own crucial part, from the tangy cream cheese adding moisture and softness to the satisfying crunch of chopped Oreos.
- All-purpose flour (2 and 1/4 cups): The sturdy base that holds everything together without weighing down your cookies.
- Cornstarch (1 and 1/2 teaspoons): Helps make the cookies tender and gives them a delicate crumb.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Provides just the right amount of lift for that classic cookie texture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Full-fat brick cream cheese, softened (4 ounces): Adds a luscious creaminess that makes these cookies extra soft and irresistible.
- Unsalted butter, softened (3/4 cup): Brings richness and helps create that tender, melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens and lends a fine texture to the cookie dough.
- Light or dark brown sugar, packed (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and a hint of caramel depth to the flavor.
- Large egg, room temperature (1): Binds everything together while contributing moisture and structure.
- Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Infuses warmth and rounds out the flavor profile beautifully.
- White chocolate chips (1 cup): Sweet, creamy pockets that complement the Oreos and add luscious softness.
- Roughly chopped Oreos (1 and 1/4 cups): The star ingredient that delivers that iconic cookies and cream crunch.
How to Make Cookies & Cream Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This simple blend is your dry foundation, ensuring even distribution of leavening and salt throughout the dough for perfect texture and balance.
Step 2: Cream the Cream Cheese and Butter
Using a mixer, beat the softened cream cheese on medium-high speed until it’s totally smooth and creamy. Then add the butter and combine until the mixture looks seamless and luscious. This step is the secret to a tender, moist cookie with rich flavor, so take your time here for the best results.
Step 3: Add Sugars, Egg, and Vanilla
Next, add both the granulated sugar and brown sugar, beating until the mixture is smooth and creamy—about two minutes. Then add the egg and vanilla, mixing on high speed until everything is fully incorporated. This mixture will be fragrant and velvety, setting the stage for your cookies to shine.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture on low speed. Once combined, beat in the white chocolate chips carefully to get even distribution without overmixing. Then fold in the chopped Oreos gently using a spatula or wooden spoon, making sure those prized chunks stay intact for maximum cookie magic.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least two hours, or up to four days. Chilling lets the flavors develop and firms up the dough, which helps the cookies hold their shape and bake evenly. When ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften slightly if chilled longer than a few hours.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Using a medium cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons), scoop the dough onto the baking sheets about 3 inches apart. Bake for 12 to 13 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned but the centers are still soft and tender. The cookies will look delightfully gooey in the middle—that’s exactly what you want!
Step 7: Cool and Add Finishing Touches
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, so they set perfectly without breaking. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. For an extra pop of prettiness, gently press a few more white chocolate chips or Oreo pieces on top while the cookies are still warm—because who can resist that final touch?
How to Serve Cookies & Cream Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of crushed Oreos or a few white chocolate chips can elevate the visual appeal of your cookies and remind everyone of the delicious flavors inside. A small dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of melted white chocolate on top also pairs beautifully if you’re feeling a bit fancy.
Side Dishes
Nothing complements these cookies quite like a tall glass of cold milk or a cup of rich, freshly brewed coffee. For a fun twist, try serving with a scoop of vanilla or cookies and cream ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience that highlights every crumb and bit of creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider stacking your Cookies & Cream Cookies Recipe to create mini cookie towers or sandwich them with a filling like cream cheese frosting or marshmallow fluff for a decadent cookie sandwich. Wrapping a few in a colorful cellophane bag tied with a ribbon makes a perfect gift from the heart!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Cookies & Cream Cookies will stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them soft, chewy, and ready to enjoy whenever a cookie craving strikes.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these treats later, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container with parchment between layers for up to three months. You can also freeze the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a bag or container to bake fresh whenever you want.
Reheating
Warm your cookies gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked softness and melty white chocolate charm, making them taste just like they came out of the oven moments ago.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese instead of full-fat?
While it’s possible, full-fat cream cheese gives the best rich, creamy texture and flavor in this Cookies & Cream Cookies Recipe. Using low-fat might result in less tender cookies, but it’s up to your taste and dietary preferences.
Do I have to chill the dough before baking?
Yes! Chilling the dough firms it up and helps the cookies bake evenly while developing deeper flavors. Skipping this step can cause your cookies to spread too much and lose their ideal texture.
Can I substitute the white chocolate chips with regular chocolate chips?
Absolutely! While white chocolate chips give a creamy contrast to the Oreos, regular or even bittersweet chocolate chips would work nicely and add another lovely flavor dimension.
How do I keep the cookies soft for longer?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature with a slice of bread or a damp paper towel inside. This helps maintain moisture and keeps your Cookies & Cream Cookies Recipe deliciously soft for days.
Can I double the recipe for more servings?
Yes, doubling this Cookies & Cream Cookies Recipe is straightforward. Just be sure to mix thoroughly and bake on multiple trays, allowing enough space between cookies for proper spreading.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel as excited as I do to bake this fantastic Cookies & Cream Cookies Recipe. It’s truly a show-stopper for cookie lovers everywhere, blending creamy, crunchy, sweet, and soft all in one bite. Whether for a special occasion, a weekend treat, or just because, give these cookies a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort dessert!
Print
Cookies & Cream Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 38 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cookies & Cream Cookies feature a soft and creamy texture made with cream cheese and butter, loaded with white chocolate chips and chunks of Oreo cookies. Perfectly balanced with a sweet, slightly tangy flavor, they are simple to prepare and bake into irresistibly delightful treats that stay fresh for a week.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 and 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 4 ounces (113g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 cup (180g) white chocolate chips
- 1 and 1/4 cups (about 110g) roughly chopped Oreos (10 whole Oreos)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl until well combined. Set aside for later incorporation.
- Cream Cheese and Butter Mixture: In a large bowl using a hand or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the softened cream cheese on medium-high speed until completely smooth and creamy. Add the softened butter and beat until fully combined, scraping the bowl as necessary.
- Add Sugars and Eggs: Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the bowl and beat on medium-high until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, beating on high speed until fully combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom as needed to ensure even mixing.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture on low speed until just combined. Keeping the mixer on low, beat in the white chocolate chips. Then gently fold in the chopped Oreos by hand or mix on low speed until evenly distributed. Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or up to 4 days to firm up.
- Prepare to Bake: About 30 minutes before baking, remove dough from fridge to allow it to soften slightly. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cleanup.
- Shape and Bake Cookies: Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, portion heaping 1.5 tablespoons of dough per cookie and place them about 3 inches apart on the baking sheets. Bake for 12 to 13 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned but the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked.
- Cool and Finish: Remove cookies from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. While still warm, optionally press a few extra white chocolate chips or Oreo pieces on top for decoration.
- Storage: Store the cookies covered at room temperature; they stay fresh for up to one week.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for smooth creaming.
- Chilling the dough helps with texture and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
- If chilling longer than a few hours, allow dough to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to soften.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats on baking sheets to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- For best texture, do not overbake; cookies should look soft in the center when removed.
- Pressing additional chocolate chips or Oreo pieces on warm cookies is optional but enhances appearance.
