If there’s one recipe that’s guaranteed to spark a bit of joy from the very first bite, it has to be these Cookies & Cream Cookies. Imagine plush, bakery-style cookies absolutely packed with chunks of chocolatey Oreos and dreamy swirls of creamy white chocolate chips—all held together by a dough that’s as soft as a pillow and as decadent as your favorite childhood dessert. This treat merges everything you love about classic cookies and cookies & cream ice cream into one unforgettable bite. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just yourself, these cookies transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Cookies & Cream Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baking a batch of Cookies & Cream Cookies couldn’t be easier when you’re working with kitchen staples and a few star players. Each ingredient here is carefully picked to maximize that signature cookies & cream flavor and create the best possible texture in every single cookie.

All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the dough and guarantees a tender, chewy texture.
Cornstarch: The secret to extra-soft cookies that stay thick and luscious—don’t skip it!
Baking soda: Gives these cookies just the right amount of lift, so they puff beautifully in the oven.
Salt: Enhances every sweet bite and balances the richness of the other ingredients.
Full-fat brick cream cheese: Brings unbeatable creaminess and a subtle tang that pairs perfectly with Oreos.
Unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and contributes to that melt-in-your-mouth texture you’ll adore.
Granulated sugar: Ensures a sweet bite and helps achieve those crisp cookie edges.
Light or dark brown sugar: Delivers caramel notes and keeps the cookies extra moist and flavorful.
Large egg: Binds everything together and gives the cookies structure and softness.
Pure vanilla extract: Deepens the overall flavor and gives these cookies their classic aroma.
White chocolate chips: Melty, creamy bursts that mimic the “cream” in cookies & cream.
Roughly chopped Oreos: The heart and soul of Cookies & Cream Cookies; those crunchy, chocolatey pieces are pure joy!

How to Make Cookies & Cream Cookies

Step 1: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. This quick step is more than just mixing—combining these essentials now means your dough will bake up evenly, with the perfect lift and a dreamy soft bite every time.

Step 2: Cream the Cream Cheese and Butter

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s velvety smooth. Then add the butter and beat until the mixture is light, fluffy, and thoroughly blended. This creamy base is what sets Cookies & Cream Cookies apart and gives them their signature softness.

Step 3: Add Sugars, Egg, and Vanilla

Next, toss in the granulated sugar and brown sugar, and continue beating until everything is luxuriously creamy, which should take about two minutes. Drop in the egg and vanilla extract, then beat again until just combined. Scrape down the sides of your bowl to catch every last bit for a uniform cookie dough.

Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low just until you have a cohesive dough. Once blended, add the white chocolate chips and keep the mixer on low just enough to incorporate them evenly. Then, gently fold in the chopped Oreos using a spatula or wooden spoon—be gentle; you want chunky pieces running through every cookie!

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover your dough tightly and chill it in the fridge for a minimum of two hours (or up to four days). Chilling is the not-so-secret step that helps the Cookies & Cream Cookies hold their shape and achieve that irresistible thick and chewy texture. If you chill for longer, just let the dough rest at room temperature for about half an hour before scooping and baking.

Step 6: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment or silicone baking mats. This prevents sticking and gives you evenly baked, golden-brown cookies every single time.

Step 7: Scoop, Bake, and Decorate

Roll heaping 1.5-tablespoon balls of cookie dough (a medium cookie scoop is your best friend here) and set them 3 inches apart—cookies will spread! Bake for 12 to 13 minutes, just until the edges are lightly bronzed and centers still look slightly under-baked. Right out of the oven, press a few extra white chips or Oreo pieces into the warm cookies for bakery-style flair. Let them cool for five minutes, then move to a rack to cool completely—if you can wait that long!

How to Serve Cookies & Cream Cookies

Garnishes

If you want to make these Cookies & Cream Cookies look absolutely irresistible, garnish them with a sprinkle of finely crushed Oreos or a drizzle of melted white chocolate just before serving. You can even crown each cookie with a mini Oreo for that extra wow factor—there’s no such thing as too much cookies & cream!

Side Dishes

For the ultimate treat, serve your Cookies & Cream Cookies alongside a tall glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Hosting a dessert spread? Pair them with fudgy brownies or fruity bars for a playful medley of flavors and textures that everyone will love.

Creative Ways to Present

Try sandwiching a scoop of cookies & cream ice cream or whipped cream between two Cookies & Cream Cookies for an unforgettable homemade ice cream sandwich. For parties, stack the cookies on a tiered dessert platter or wrap them in cellophane with a cute ribbon for an instantly giftable snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Cookies & Cream Cookies will stay fresh and fabulous when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. The cookies keep their signature softness, so every day feels like they just came out of the oven.

Freezing

Freezing this dough is a game changer! Simply scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can bake up a warm batch of Cookies & Cream Cookies anytime the craving strikes. Frozen, baked cookies will keep for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

If you love warm cookies, pop a baked cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven gooeyness. For larger batches, a couple minutes in a low oven (around 300°F) will rejuvenate those white chocolate chips and fill your kitchen with cookie-scented happiness all over again.

FAQs

Do I really need to chill the dough for Cookies & Cream Cookies?

Absolutely! Chilling helps the cookies set up thick and chewy instead of spreading thin, and it also lets the flavors deepen for the best possible cookies & cream experience.

Can I substitute the cream cheese?

While the cream cheese is key to that ultra-soft, creamy texture, you can swap it for the same amount of unsalted butter in a pinch—the cookies will still be delicious but slightly less rich.

How do I get those pretty chunks of Oreo on top?

As soon as your cookies come out of the oven, press a few extra Oreo pieces and white chocolate chips gently into the tops. It’s simple, but gives them that bakery-style look and an extra burst of flavor with every bite.

Can I use double-stuffed Oreos or another variety?

Definitely! Double-stuffed, golden, or flavored Oreos all work beautifully in Cookies & Cream Cookies. Just chop them roughly so you get big, satisfying pieces in each cookie.

What’s the best way to measure flour for this recipe?

For best results, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This prevents overpacking and ensures your Cookies & Cream Cookies stay perfectly soft, not dry or dense.

Final Thoughts

It’s impossible to take just one bite of these Cookies & Cream Cookies—they’re that good! So go ahead and treat yourself (and everyone you love) to a batch of these show-stopping cookies. Once you taste that combination of creamy, crunchy, and chocolatey goodness, there’ll be no turning back. Happy baking!