When I saw this recipe, I knew I had to make these brownies for my sweet husband who loves all three main ingredients........chocolate, Oreo cookies, and peanut butter. I altered the recipe a bit as it called for using regular Oreo cookies- but I substituted peanut butter Oreo cookies instead. Although I didn't taste them, they did smell yummy while they were baking and Tony said they were very rich and delicious! 1 box Brownie Mix (9x13 size)
8 oz package cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup sugar
2 T creamy peanut butter
10 peanut butter Oreo cookies, broken into pieces (I used the Kroger brand b/c they were cheaper)
2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
3 T creamy peanut butter
3 T half and half (I was out of half and half and simply left this ingredient out and the ganache came out just fine)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare brownie mix according to package directions (or use your favorite homemade brownie recipe) and place into a 9 x 13 inch pan lined with foil that has been sprayed with Pam. In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sugar, and 2 T peanut butter until smooth. Stir in cookie pieces until combined. Using a spoon, spoon cookies and cream mixture evenly over brownie mix. Using a knife, gently swirl cookies and cream into brownies without scraping the bottom of the dish. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean from center. Cool completely. Place chocolate chips into a microwave safe bowl and microwave for about 1 minute. Stir in remaining peanut butter and stir chocolate chips until smooth. Place back in the microwave for 15-30 more seconds if not smooth. Stir in half and half until glossy smooth, then spread over cooled brownies. Cut into squares and serve.
TIP OF THE DAY: If you are not a peanut butter fan, you can simply use regular Oreo cookies and omit the peanut butter to make Cookies and Cream Brownies.
Edited to ADD: Here are just two comments from my sweet co-workers about these brownies: "These are the BEST brownies I have EVER eaten!", "Those brownies deserve a high 5 they are so good!". And a tip for anyone who lives here in CS and shops at Kroger- I found the PB Oreo's at Kroger on RP on a manager special for only $1.09!
