Rich, chewy, and irresistibly decadent, Cookies & Cream Bars are the ultimate dessert mash-up of soft cream cheese blondies and crunchy Oreo cookie goodness. Every bite bursts with nostalgia.
These indulgent bars are packed with crushed Oreos, melty mini chocolate chips, and a silky cream cheese base that makes them soft, chewy, and loaded with flavor. Perfect for parties or late-night cravings.
The Sweet Stars of Our Cookies & Cream Bars
- Butter – Adds rich flavor and moisture for a tender, chewy texture that anchors every bite.
- Cream cheese – The secret weapon for a dense, fudgy bite and a subtle tangy balance to all the sweetness.
- Sugar – Sweetens the deal and helps caramelize the edges for that golden finish.
- Eggs + yolk – Ensure structure and richness; the extra yolk intensifies the chew.
- Vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavor with a cozy, aromatic warmth.
- All-purpose flour – The sturdy base that binds it all together while keeping things soft.
- Baking powder – Adds just enough lift for a soft, thick bar that doesn’t fall flat.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate and Oreo flavors.
- Mini chocolate chips – Little pockets of melted chocolate in every bite for a double chocolate punch.
- Crushed Oreo cookies – The signature ingredient that brings crunch, creaminess, and cookies & cream magic.
How to Make These Cookies & Cream Bars
Start by creaming the butter and cream cheese until smooth, then beat in the sugar for a light and fluffy base.
Add the eggs and vanilla, blending until smooth. In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients and slowly combine them with the wet ingredients to form a thick batter.
Fold in crushed Oreo cookies and mini chocolate chips for a loaded, cookie-studded batter. Spread it evenly in a greased 9×13 pan.
Top with even more cookie crumbles and chocolate chips, then bake until golden and set. Cool completely before slicing into bars.
Sweet Tips & Dreamy Variations
For perfectly chewy bars, don’t overbake—pull them out when the edges are just golden. Letting them cool completely before slicing helps maintain clean, fudgy squares. Want to switch it up? Try Golden Oreos for a vanilla twist or swirl in a few tablespoons of peanut butter for added richness. These bars are also a hit with a drizzle of melted white chocolate over the top for a bakery-style finish.
If you’re feeling adventurous, throw in a handful of toffee bits or swap the mini chocolate chips with dark chocolate chunks to balance the sweetness with a little depth.
Keeping the Magic Fresh: Storing Your Bars
To keep your Cookies & Cream Bars as irresistible as day one, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic and placed in a zip-top bag for up to three months. When you’re ready to indulge again, just let them thaw at room temperature or give them a quick 10-second zap in the microwave for a warm, gooey treat.
Cookies & Cream Dream Bars
Ingredients
- 18 crushed Oreo cookies plus 6 more for topping (ensure pieces remain chunky)
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips reserved for topping
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup mini chocolate chips
- 2 large eggs plus 1 additional yolk
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking pan. In a stand mixer, blend the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Pause to scrape down the bowl, then add the sugar and continue mixing until the mixture becomes light and airy. Incorporate the eggs and extra yolk, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing well. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually integrate the dry ingredients into the cream cheese blend, pausing to scrape down the sides to ensure an even mix. Fold in ¾ cup of mini chocolate chips along with 18 crushed Oreos. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Scatter the remaining 2 tablespoons of mini chocolate chips and the 6 crushed Oreo pieces on top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn a golden hue. Let cool thoroughly before slicing into bars.
