Elevate your brownie game with these Ultimate Cookies and Cream Brownies, where every layer promises a burst of indulgent flavors. Featuring gluten-free and vegan chocolate sandwich cookies baked into the brownies, topped with a luscious cookies and cream buttercream, decadent chocolate ganache, and more cookie crumbles, these treats are a dream come true for dessert lovers. Not only are they a delight for the taste buds, but they're also gluten-free, nut-free, egg-free, and easily vegan, making them a perfect treat for everyone to enjoy.
Why You'll Love This: These brownies take the classic comfort dessert to new heights with their multi-layered texture and rich flavors. The contrast between the soft, chewy brownie base, the creamy buttercream, and the silky ganache, all studded with crunchy cookie pieces, creates a memorable dessert experience. Plus, their allergen-friendly ingredients mean that you can share them with all your friends and family without worry.
Perfect Occasion: Whether you're hosting a party, looking for the perfect potluck dessert, or simply in need of a decadent treat to brighten a regular day, these Cookies and Cream Brownies are your go-to. They're especially great for celebrations, holiday gatherings, or as a special treat for anyone with dietary restrictions who still wants to indulge in a rich, chocolatey dessert.
Decoration Tips: These brownies are already a showstopper, but for an extra touch of elegance, consider dusting the ganache with a fine layer of powdered sugar or drizzling with white chocolate. A few whole gluten-free/vegan chocolate sandwich cookies placed strategically on top can also add visual interest and hint at the flavors inside.
- For the Brownies:
- 8 oz baking chocolate, chopped
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter or vegan baking stick
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 heaping tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 6 tablespoons water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ cup milk (dairy or plant-based) mixed with 2 teaspoons white vinegar
- 5 tablespoons cocoa powder (mix of Dutch or natural unsweetened and dark)
- 1 ¼ cups gluten-free flour
- 16 gluten-free/vegan chocolate sandwich cookies
- For the Buttercream:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter or vegan baking stick, room temperature
- 2-2.5 cups confectioners’ sugar
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons water, room temperature
- 6 gluten-free/vegan chocolate sandwich cookies, broken into small chunks
- For the Ganache:
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup unsalted butter or vegan baking stick
- For the Topping:
- 3 gluten-free/vegan chocolate sandwich cookies, broken into small chunks
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
- Melt chocolate, butter, and oil. Mix in cornstarch solution, sugar, vanilla, baking powder, salt, milk-vinegar mixture, cocoa, and flour until combined. Fold in 16 cookie pieces.
- Spread half the batter in the pan, press in 16 cookies, top with remaining batter, and bake for 40 minutes. Cool completely.
- For the buttercream, beat butter, sugar, vanilla, and water. Fold in cookie chunks and frost cooled brownies.
- Chill frosted brownies. Make ganache by melting chocolate and butter, pour over frosting, and sprinkle with cookie chunks.
- Chill until set, then cut into squares and serve.
Enjoy these indulgent Cookies and Cream Brownies, a gluten-free treat that doesn't compromise on flavor or texture, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while accommodating various dietary needs.
