Cookies and Cream Brownies

You may not want to frost these brownies, since the marbled top is too pretty to cover up. Besides, the tasty cream cheese layer makes them taste like they're already frosted. The crushed cookies add extra chocolate flavor and a fun crunch.

Yield

24 servings

Cream Cheese Marble Ingredients

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, room temperature
1/4 cup granulated (white) sugar
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Brownie Layer Ingredients

1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
1/2 cup granulated (white) sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup baking cocoa
2 large eggs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 cream-filled chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 11 x 7-inch baking pan with Pan Release or cooking spray.

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; blend well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine flour and baking powder; stir into the cocoa mixture. Stir in vanilla and cookie crumbs.

Pour into the prepared baking pan. Spoon cream cheese mixture over batter; cut through batter with a knife to swirl.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs. Cool completely on a wire cooling rack. Cut into bars.