Cookies & Cream Brownies

These brownies are good and fun to make- the brownie layer by itself is just a good brownie recipe, and then adding the cream cheese plus the chopped Oreos really adds something.  I only had mini Oreos on hand when I made this, and they worked perfectly.  Use mini or regular size.

Cookies & Cream Brownies
adapted from Taste of Home

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
BROWNIE LAYER:
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup baking cocoa
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
12 Oreo cookies, crushed (double if using mini's)
8 Oreo cookies, coarsely chopped (double if using mini's)

1.  In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, egg and vanilla until smooth; set aside. For brownie layer, combine the butter, sugars and cocoa in a large bowl. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Combine flour and baking powder; gradually add to cocoa mixture. Stir in crushed cookie crumbs.

2.  Pour into a greased 9x9-in. baking pan. Spoon cream cheese mixture over batter. Sprinkle with coarsely chopped cookies. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs. Cool completely on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Store in the refrigerator.

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