Decadent Cookies and Cream Cookies: The Easiest Homemade Recipe

Say goodbye to store-bought mixes and hello to this incredibly easy and utterly decadent recipe for Homemade Cookies and Cream Cookies. Each delightful bite is generously loaded with crushed Oreo goodness, delivering an unparalleled cookie experience that will become a new family favorite.

This fantastic cookie recipe for Cookies and Cream cookies is not only super straightforward to whip up, but also promises an amazingly creamy and delicious outcome, packed with an abundance of beloved Oreo cookies. You simply cannot go wrong with this delightful dessert. It’s truly one of the Easiest Cookie Recipes for Kids and adults alike!

Whenever I get the opportunity to bake with Oreo cookies, I get genuinely excited! Is there anyone else who absolutely adores anything Oreo-flavored? If you’re a fan, you must try our Oreo Cheesecake Bars or our Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies. They’re guaranteed crowd-pleasers!

These Cookies and Cream cookies are incredibly fun to make and taste even better when paired with a cold glass of milk. Beyond these, I also have a soft spot for other simple yet scrumptious recipes like Avalanche Cookies, Milky Way Cookies, Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cookies, and the ever-popular Snickers Cookies Recipe, all known for their ease of preparation. We also frequently enjoy the delightful textures of Custard Cookies, the unique sweetness of Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies, the simplicity of Cake Mix Cookies, and the classic charm of Italian Cookies.

Why We Adore These Cookies and Cream Cookies

There are countless reasons why these Cookies and Cream cookies stand out as a truly exceptional treat. From their straightforward preparation to their irresistible texture and flavor, they tick all the boxes for a perfect homemade dessert.

• Effortlessly Easy to Make – Forget complicated recipes or lengthy baking processes. These cookies are surprisingly simple to make from scratch, making them perfect for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike. Even my kids were eager to get involved, proving just how accessible and enjoyable this recipe is for the whole family.
• The Magic of Simple Ingredients – The beauty of these cookies lies in their straightforward ingredient list, which magically transforms into a dough that bakes up incredibly soft and chewy. The true secret weapon? Cream cheese! It’s the unexpected ingredient that adds a delightful tang and contributes to that wonderfully tender crumb, setting these cookies apart from others.
• Perfect Crunchy Texture – The inclusion of crushed Oreo cookies isn’t just for flavor; it’s also about creating the perfect textural contrast. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch from the cookie pieces, complementing the soft, chewy base. This delightful interplay of textures is what makes these Cookies and Cream cookies truly addictive.
• Wonderfully Thick Cookies – We absolutely love how wonderfully thick these cookies turn out. Their substantial size and soft interior are reminiscent of a classic, melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter cookie, but with the unmistakable and beloved flavor of cookies and cream. They feel hearty and indulgent, making each one a satisfying treat.

Key Ingredients for Success

Crafting these delectable Cookies and Cream cookies requires a few basic ingredients that, when combined, create a truly magical dessert. The quality of each component plays a role in the final texture and flavor, so choose wisely!

• Butter. Ensure your unsalted butter is fully softened at room temperature. This is crucial for achieving a smooth, well-combined dough and a tender cookie texture. Cold butter will result in a lumpy dough, affecting the final bake.
• Cream Cheese. Just like the butter, the cream cheese should also be softened to room temperature. This allows it to cream smoothly with the butter and sugars, contributing to the cookie’s unique softness and slight tang.
• Light Brown Sugar. This ingredient adds moisture and a lovely caramel note, contributing to the chewy texture. For an extra special touch, consider trying our Homemade Brown Sugar Recipe.
• Baking Soda. A key leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and spread slightly, ensuring a soft and airy crumb. If you’re ever in a pinch, these are the Best Baking Soda Substitutes to keep in mind.
• Oreos. For the best results and texture, regular Oreo cookies work best. Avoid using “double stuffed” varieties as they can alter the dough consistency and make the cookies overly sweet. Coarsely crushed Oreos provide the perfect crunch without overpowering the cookie base.

The comprehensive ingredient list, including precise measurements for each item, can be found in the recipe card at the very bottom of this page.

Creative Additions and Simple Substitutions

While the classic Cookies and Cream recipe is perfect as is, it’s also a fantastic base for creativity! Feel free to experiment with these additions and substitutions to customize your cookies and make them uniquely yours.

• White Chocolate Chips. For an extra layer of sweetness and a beautiful visual contrast, add white chocolate chips to your cookie dough. They melt beautifully and complement the dark Oreos perfectly. You can even try using a mix of both white and regular chocolate chips for a truly decadent chocolate chip cookie experience. Milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips would also be delicious!
• Different Oreo Cookies. Don’t limit yourself to the classic! The world of Oreos is vast and full of exciting flavors. Experiment by substituting different flavors of crushed Oreo cookies in this recipe. Think Mint Oreos for a refreshing twist, Golden Oreos for a vanilla-forward cookie, or even Peanut Butter Oreos for an added nutty depth. Each flavor will bring its own unique character to these delightful cookies.
• Candy Pieces. For an extra festive touch, consider folding in small candy pieces like M&M’s, chopped Heath bars, or mini Reese’s peanut butter cups. These additions not only boost flavor but also add a fun pop of color and texture.
• Extracts. A dash of almond extract or a hint of peppermint extract (especially with mint Oreos!) can elevate the flavor profile of your cookies. Start with a small amount and adjust to your preference.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Cookies and Cream Cookies

Follow these easy steps to bake a batch of homemade Cookies and Cream cookies that are sure to impress. With a little care and attention, you’ll have perfectly soft, chewy, and flavorful cookies every time.

Step 1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and both the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This process incorporates air and creates a tender cookie texture.

Step 2. Once the butter and sugar mixture is thoroughly creamed, add in the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until just combined, ensuring the egg is fully incorporated but being careful not to overmix at this stage.

Step 3. In a separate, large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, salt, cornstarch, and baking soda. Sifting these ingredients together can help prevent lumps and ensure even distribution throughout the dough.

Step 4. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet butter and sugar mixture. Mix on low speed, or use a paddle attachment if using a stand mixer, until the ingredients are just combined. It is vital not to overmix the dough, as this can develop gluten and lead to tough, rather than tender, cookies.

Step 5. Gently fold in the coarsely crushed Oreo Cookies. Use a spatula or wooden spoon for this step to avoid crushing the Oreos too much and to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6. Using a cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons for medium-sized cookies), roll the cookie dough into uniform balls. Place these dough balls onto a prepared baking sheet, leaving ample space between each cookie to allow for spreading.

Step 7. Bake the cookies for 12-13 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn a light golden brown and the centers still look slightly soft. Remember that cookies continue to bake for a few minutes after being removed from the oven.

Step 8. Finally, once baked, let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes directly on the cookie sheet. This crucial step allows them to set properly before carefully transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy these warm, chewy, and irresistibly delicious cookies!

Expert Tips for Perfect Cookies

Achieving bakery-quality Cookies and Cream cookies at home is entirely possible with a few insider tricks. Pay attention to these expert tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly soft, chewy, and full of flavor every single time.

• Accurate Flour Measurement – Measuring flour correctly is paramount for the right cookie texture. Too much flour can lead to dry, crumbly cookies, while too little can make them spread excessively. Always spoon the flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge rather than scooping directly from the bag.
• Mindful Mixing of Ingredients – When combining your wet and dry ingredients, resist the urge to overmix. Mix until the ingredients are just barely combined, with no visible streaks of flour. Overmixing develops gluten, which can result in tough, dense cookies. A gentle touch, whether by hand or using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, is key.
• Dough Preparation & Chilling – While we often skip chilling for immediate baking, if you prefer a thicker cookie with a more developed flavor, or if you’re preparing the dough ahead of time, a period of refrigeration is beneficial. Place the cookie dough mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 days, before rolling and baking. This helps the flavors meld and prevents excessive spreading.
• Even Baking – To ensure all your cookies bake evenly, it’s best to bake one cookie sheet at a time in the center rack of your oven. This allows for proper heat circulation around each cookie. If you must bake multiple sheets, rotate them halfway through the baking time.
• Proper Cooling Techniques – Resist the temptation to move your cookies immediately after taking them out of the oven. Allow them to cool for about 5 minutes on the hot cookie sheet. This crucial resting period allows the cookies to finish setting and firm up, preventing them from falling apart when transferred to a cooling rack.
• Prepping Your Baking Pan – For easy cleanup and to ensure your cookies don’t stick, always line your baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat. These materials also help to distribute heat more evenly, contributing to a consistent bake across your batch.
• The Benefits of a Cookie Scoop – A cookie scoop is your best friend for making uniform cookies. By ensuring each cookie ball is the same size, you guarantee that they will all bake at the same rate, preventing some from being underdone and others overdone. It also makes scooping the dough incredibly fast and easy. We recommend a medium-sized cookie scoop for these thick, satisfying treats.
• Avoid Overbaking – Keep a close eye on your cookies! They should be lightly golden at the edges but still appear soft in the center when you pull them from the oven. Remember, they will continue to set and bake slightly on the hot baking sheet even after removal, so it’s better to underbake slightly than to overbake.
• Boost the Chocolate – Feel free to add in some additional chocolate chips, either semi-sweet, milk, or white chocolate, to this recipe. This gives it so much more flavor and varying textures, enhancing the overall cookie experience.

Storage Solutions

Proper storage is essential to maintain the freshness and deliciousness of your homemade Cookies and Cream cookies. While some baked goods containing cream cheese require refrigeration, these cookies have a smaller amount, simplifying their storage needs.

Generally, items with a large quantity of cream cheese, such as a cheesecake, must be refrigerated. However, baked goods with a modest amount of cream cheese, like these cookies, typically do not need to be stored in the fridge. The cookies have a smaller amount of cream cheese and should remain fresh and delightful when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer freshness, especially in warmer climates, refrigeration is always a safe option, just bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

How to Freeze for Later Enjoyment

These Cookies and Cream cookies are perfect for making ahead or saving for a rainy day, as they freeze exceptionally well. You have two convenient options for freezing them: either after they’ve been baked or as raw cookie dough.

• Freezing Baked Cookies – If you’ve already baked a batch and want to save some for later, allow the cookies to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper if stacking. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 months when stored properly. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave for a fresh-baked feel.
• Freezing Raw Cookie Dough – Freezing the dough is an excellent way to have fresh cookies on demand!
• Combine the Dough – Prepare the cookie dough exactly as you normally would, following all recipe steps up to incorporating the Oreos.
• Form and Flash Freeze – Scoop the cookie dough into individual balls, using your preferred cookie scoop size. Place these dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Don’t bake them yet! Instead, place the entire baking sheet into the freezer and let the cookie dough balls flash freeze for 1 to 2 hours, or until solid.
• Transfer to Storage – Once flash-frozen, transfer the hardened cookie dough balls into a freezer-safe container or a large freezer bag. You can also wrap individual dough balls in plastic wrap for ultimate convenience.
• Prevent Sticking – Because you flash froze the cookies, they won’t stick together in the container, making it easy to grab just a few at a time when you’re ready to bake.
• Ready to Bake – When you’re ready to enjoy fresh-baked cookies, simply remove the desired number of frozen dough balls and bake as normal according to the recipe instructions. You may need to allow a few extra minutes of baking time for the frozen cookies, typically 2-4 minutes more, but keep an eye on them.
• Cookie Dough Freezes Great – This specific cookie dough freezes exceptionally well and bakes up just the same as fresh dough. We often bake half of the dough for immediate enjoyment and freeze the rest for future cravings.
• Perfect for Meal Prepping & Making Ahead – Having frozen cookie dough on hand is a fantastic way to prepare for unexpected guests or simply satisfy a sweet tooth without the full prep time. You can find even more helpful tips and tricks on freezing baked cookies and how to freeze cookie dough for future use.

More Simple & Delicious Cookie Recipes

If you loved making these Cookies and Cream delights, you’re in for a treat with our other easy-to-follow cookie recipes. Explore more ways to satisfy your sweet cravings with minimal effort:

• Warm & Cozy Hot Cocoa Cookies
• Irresistible Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies Recipe
• Easy Pumpkin Cookies with Cake Mix
• Refreshing Andes Mint Cookies
• Classic Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

Don’t wait! Make these incredible Cookies and Cream Cookies today for a truly special and memorable treat. We promise you won’t regret it! Afterwards, please come back and leave a comment and a star rating to let us know how much you loved them.