These chewy Dutch cocoa brownies have the same deep flavor as Oreo cookies, swirled with a sweet cream cheese layer for the perfect cookies-and-cream treat.

These Dutch cocoa fudgy brownies are everything you want in a chocolate dessert. They are rich, chewy, and packed with flavor.

What is Dutch Cocoa?

Dutch-process cocoa is cocoa powder that has been alkalized to remove acidity, resulting in a smooth flavor and dark color. It’s the same kind of cocoa used in Oreo cookies, which is why it makes brownies taste so rich and familiar.

Ingredients

Oil – Helps the brownies retain moisture and makes them chewy. Oil creates that dense, fudgy texture we want in a brownie. 

Sugar – Sweetens the brownies and helps keep them soft. 

Dutch Processed Cocoa-  also known as black cocoa powder- provides the deep chocolate flavor and Oreo-like dark color.

Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth to the brownies

Eggs bind the batter together and give the brownies their chewy texture.

 All-purpose flour provides the brownies with structure.

Salt – Just a pinch balances out the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.

Baking powder – adds just a little lift so the brownies aren’t too dense, while still keeping them fudgy.

Cream cheese swirl – adds creamy contrast to the dark chocolate base, almost like the filling of an Oreo baked right into the brownie.  The cream cheese mixture consists of warmed cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla.

Optional Ingredients: Chocolate chips will give these brownies a deeper chocolate flavor.  You can also choose to make a cream cheese frosting for the top.  

Equipment

8-inch by 11-inch baking pan 

Cooking Spray or Parchment Paper 

Spatula for scraping out the brownie batter

A knife for cutting the brownies

Microwave safe Small bowl- for making the cream cheese swirl

Medium bowl for mixing

Storage: You can store leftover brownies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days.   You can store these in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.  You can also wrap each brownie in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Try out one of my other brownie recipes.

Peppermint Cosmic Brownies

Swiss Miss Brownies

Flourless Sweet Potato Brownies

Print

Cookies and Cream Swirl Brownies

These chewy Dutch cocoa brownies have the same deep flavor as Oreo cookies, swirled with a sweet cream cheese layer for the perfect cookies-and-cream treat.

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups granulated sugar
• 1.25 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 2/3 cup dutch processed cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Cream Cheese Swirl

• 8 ounces Cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup Powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease or line an 8x8 pan (or similar size) with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, oil, and cocoa until smooth and glossy.

3. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla.

4. In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.

5. Pour brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.

6. In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.

7. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter. Use a knife to gently swirl the two together.

8. Bake 30–35 minutes, until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

9. Cool completely before slicing. For neat squares, chill the brownies in the refrigerator before cutting.

These brownies taste reminiscent of an Oreo cookie, only fudgier.  The hardest part about them is not having the entire pan!  You can have them as is, or with a scoop of cookies and cream ice cream on top!

Did you make these Cookies and Cream Swirl Brownies?  I would love to hear how they turned out for you!  Please comment below this blog post or tag me on social media and let me know what you think!  You can find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram.