If you’re someone who thinks there’s no such thing as too much cookies and cream, these Cookies & Cream Cookies are about to become your next obsession. Imagine the soft, buttery base of a classic cookie, made even more indulgent with swirls of cream cheese, rich vanilla, melty white chocolate chips, and big, irresistible chunks of Oreo cookies in every single bite. These cookies are a dream come true—decadent enough for a celebration but easy enough for a Monday night treat. Get ready to experience a cookie that truly captures the magic of that iconic cookies & cream flavor, only better, because you baked it yourself!

Cookies & Cream Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Cookies & Cream Cookies is refreshingly simple, but each element plays a crucial part in achieving just the right combination of chewy, soft, and perfectly creamy. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need and why every ingredient matters.

All-purpose flour: Gives the cookies their classic structure and helps them hold up to all the delicious add-ins.
Cornstarch: For that incredibly soft, tender texture that practically melts in your mouth.
Baking soda: Ensures your cookies rise beautifully and have just the right amount of chew.
Salt: Balances all the sweet elements and makes the cookie flavors pop.
Full-fat brick cream cheese: Adds irresistible richness and softens the cookie crumb like a dream.
Unsalted butter: Infuses every bite with deep, buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with cookies & cream.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and keeps the texture light and classic.
Light or dark brown sugar: Adds a hint of molasses flavor and helps keep the cookies nice and chewy.
Large egg: Binds everything together and gives structure to the dough.
Pure vanilla extract: Elevates all the flavors, adding warmth and a classic bakehouse aroma.
White chocolate chips: Add creamy sweetness with a melty, luxurious finish in every bite.
Roughly chopped Oreos: The true heart of Cookies & Cream Cookies—big, chunky pieces ensure cookies & cream flavor through and through.

How to Make Cookies & Cream Cookies

Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This simple step is essential—combining your dry ingredients first helps ensure that the leavening and salt are evenly distributed, which means every cookie bakes up just right. It’s your first step toward those dreamy, bakery-style Cookies & Cream Cookies.

Step 2: Beat Cream Cheese and Butter

In a large mixing bowl, grab your hand mixer or trusty stand mixer fitted with the paddle. Beat the softened cream cheese all by itself first, until it’s completely smooth and luxurious—no lumps allowed! Add the softened butter and beat again until the two are fully unified. This unique combo sets Cookies & Cream Cookies apart, making every bite extra rich and creamy.

Step 3: Cream the Sugars, Add Egg and Vanilla

Now, add in both sugars—granulated and brown—and beat until the mixture turns light and fluffy, usually about 2 minutes. You want everything to be well incorporated for the perfect sweet flavor. Once your sugars are creamed, toss in the egg and vanilla, then beat once more until the batter is pale and smooth. Scrape down the sides and base of the bowl to make sure no deliciousness is left behind.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

With your mixer on low speed, gently pour the dry ingredients into the wet batter. Mix just until everything is combined for a tender crumb. Overmixing is a no-go here—stop as soon as you don’t see streaks of flour.

Step 5: Add White Chocolate and Oreos

Still on low speed, add the white chocolate chips, letting them evenly distribute through the dough. Next comes the star of the show: those glorious chopped Oreo pieces! Either use your mixer on low or fold them in by hand with a spatula; this keeps the Oreo chunks nice and big for extra cookies & cream punch in every bite. The dough will be thick and heavy, just the way it should be.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Now for a bit of patience. Cover the dough and chill it in the fridge for at least 2 hours (up to 4 days, if you want to prep ahead). This gives the flavors time to meld and ensures your Cookies & Cream Cookies bake up thick and soft, not spread too thin. If you chill longer than a couple hours, let the dough rest at room temp for about 30 minutes before scooping and baking.

Step 7: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C), and while it warms up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cleanup and even baking. This minute of prep will save you so much effort later when you’re transferring melt-in-your-mouth cookies!

Step 8: Roll and Bake

Scoop the chilled dough using a medium cookie scoop, about 1.5 heaping tablespoons per cookie, and place them at least 3 inches apart on your baking sheets. Pop them in the oven for 12–13 minutes—just until the sides are lightly browned. The centers will still look soft, but trust the process! That’s the secret to gooey, tender Cookies & Cream Cookies.

Step 9: Cool and Decorate

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes; this helps them set without overbaking. If you’re all about presentation, now’s your chance to press extra white chips or Oreo pieces on top. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely—or sneak a warm one right away!

How to Serve Cookies & Cream Cookies

Garnishes

For the ultimate finishing touch, sprinkle a few more white chocolate chips and a light dusting of crushed Oreos right on top of your Cookies & Cream Cookies while they’re still a touch warm. This not only amps up the visual appeal, but also gives every bite a bakery-inspired crunch and melt.

Side Dishes

These cookies are rich with cookies & cream goodness, so a glass of cold milk is the obvious classic. For a fun twist, serve with a small scoop of vanilla or cookies & cream ice cream. Coffee or a hot chocolate makes for a dreamy dunk as well—perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or a casual dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

If you really want to wow, stack your Cookies & Cream Cookies in a glass jar tied with ribbon for gifting, or layer them on a pretty cake stand at your next party. Or, turn two cookies into decadent ice cream sandwiches with a scoop of your favorite ice cream in between. There’s no such thing as too indulgent when it comes to cookies & cream!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once baked, your Cookies & Cream Cookies will stay perfectly fresh stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They hold onto their soft, chewy texture, and the flavors seem to deepen over a few days—if they last that long!

Freezing

These cookies are a dream for freezing, either before or after baking. For unbaked dough, simply scoop it into balls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. You can bake directly from the freezer—just add an extra minute or so to bake time. Baked cookies can be frozen in a sealed bag for up to two months and thawed at room temp whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

Want that fresh-from-the-oven taste? Pop a Cookie & Cream Cookie in the microwave for 5–10 seconds to revive the gooey white chocolate and make the whole cookie melt-in-your-mouth soft. If you froze your cookies, let them thaw before giving them a quick warm-up.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

For best results, stick with full-fat brick-style cream cheese. Low-fat or spreadable versions can impact the texture, making the dough too soft and the cookies too flat. The richness from the real deal is a must in Cookies & Cream Cookies.

Do I have to chill the dough?

Yes, chilling is key! This step ensures the cookies don’t spread too thin and gives you those thick, soft cookies & cream treat everyone craves. Plus, it makes the flavor even more pronounced.

Can I substitute the white chocolate chips?

Definitely! White chocolate pairs beautifully with Oreos, but you can swap in milk or dark chocolate chips if that’s your preference. Just note that if you skip the chips altogether, the cookies will lose a bit of their creamy, sweet character.

What’s the best way to chop the Oreos?

Give the Oreos a rough chop—they should be chunky, not pulverized! You want some bigger pieces throughout the dough to ensure every Cookie & Cream Cookie is packed with contrast and crunch.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Absolutely! The dough keeps chilled for up to 4 days before baking. This makes Cookies & Cream Cookies the perfect make-ahead treat, ready to bake whenever the craving strikes.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re baking for a party or for yourself, these Cookies & Cream Cookies are too good to resist. They’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser—sure to bring big smiles and requests for the recipe wherever you share them. Treat yourself to homemade cookies & cream magic; you truly won’t regret it!