Mint OREO® Cookies M&M’s® Brookies

Introduction & Inspiration

This recipe, which combines brownies, sugar cookies, Mint OREO®s, and M&M’s®, is the ultimate indulgence. It’s a “brookie” – a brownie-cookie hybrid – taken to the next level.

The inspiration came from a desire to create a truly decadent and festive treat, perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any occasion that calls for something special.

I’ve always loved the combination of mint and chocolate, and the addition of OREO®s and M&M’s® just takes it over the top.

It’s a recipe that’s sure to impress, a show-stopping dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make, thanks to the use of boxed mixes.

Nostalgic Appeal

This recipe draws on several nostalgic elements. Brownies and sugar cookies are classic childhood favorites.

The use of boxed mixes evokes memories of baking with family, often using convenient shortcuts.

OREO®s and M&M’s® are iconic candies that have been around for generations, bringing back fond memories.

The combination of all these elements creates a treat that’s both familiar and exciting, appealing to all ages.

Semi-Homemade Focus

This recipe embraces the “semi-homemade” approach, using boxed mixes as a convenient base but adding extra elements to create something unique.

It’s about taking shortcuts without sacrificing flavor or creativity. It’s a great option for busy bakers.

It’s a testament to the fact that you don’t need to make everything from scratch to create a delicious and impressive dessert.

The addition of Mint OREO®s and green M&M’s® elevates the boxed mixes, transforming them into a festive and flavorful treat.

Flavor Goal

The flavor goal is a symphony of rich chocolate, sweet sugar cookie, refreshing mint, and colorful candy crunch.

The brownie layer provides a fudgy, chocolatey base, while the sugar cookie layer adds a contrasting sweetness and texture.

The Mint OREO®s contribute a creamy, minty flavor and a satisfying crunch. It’s a great addition.

The green M&M’s® add pops of color and extra chocolate, along with a classic candy shell crunch.

It’s a multi-layered flavor experience that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. It is an explosion of flavor.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s examine each ingredient:

Betty Crocker™ Fudge Brownie Mix: This provides the fudgy, chocolatey base for the brookies. Any brand of brownie mix will work.

Water, vegetable oil, and eggs: These are the standard ingredients called for on most brownie mix boxes, adding moisture and structure.

Betty Crocker™ Sugar Cookie Mix: This forms the cookie layer, adding a contrasting sweetness and texture.

Butter and egg: These are the typical ingredients needed for the sugar cookie mix, providing richness and binding.

Green M&M’s® Milk Chocolate Candies: These add pops of color, extra chocolate, and a classic candy crunch.

Thins Mint Flavor Creme OREO® Cookies: These contribute a creamy, minty flavor and a satisfying crunch, complementing the chocolate and sugar cookie layers.

The use of boxed mixes makes this recipe incredibly convenient, while the addition of OREO®s and M&M’s® elevates it to a special treat.

Essential Equipment

Here’s the equipment you’ll need:

• 9-inch square pan: This is the perfect size for these brookies, creating a nice, thick layer.
• Foil: For lining the pan, making it easy to remove the brookies after baking.
• Cooking spray: To prevent the brookies from sticking to the foil.
• Medium bowl: For mixing the sugar cookie dough.
• Offset metal spatula or back of a spoon: For pressing the cookie dough evenly over the brownie layer.

That’s a pretty manageable list of equipment!

List of Ingredients with Measurements

Here’s the ingredient list with precise measurements:

• 1 box Betty Crocker™ Fudge Brownie Mix
• Water, vegetable oil, and eggs (as called for on the brownie mix box)
• 1 pouch (17.5 oz) Betty Crocker™ Sugar Cookie Mix
• Butter and egg (as called for on the cookie mix pouch)
• 1 ¼ cups green M&M’s® milk chocolate candies, divided
• 12 Thins Mint Flavor Creme OREO® Cookies, cut into fourths (about 1 cup)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s break down the process:

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch square pan with foil, allowing the foil to hang over the sides for easy removal. Spray the foil with cooking spray.
2. Make the Brownie Layer: Prepare the brownie batter as directed on the box. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
3. Bake the Brownies: Bake for 32 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out almost clean. The brownies should be set around the edges.
4. Cool Slightly: Cool the brownies in the pan for 10 minutes. This allows them to set up a bit before adding the cookie layer.
5. Make the Cookie Dough: While the brownies are cooling, prepare the sugar cookie dough as directed on the pouch for drop cookies. Stir in 1 cup of the green M&M’s®.
6. Layer the Cookie Dough: Drop half of the cookie dough mixture in chunks on top of the baked brownie layer. Add half of the chopped Mint OREO® Cookie pieces. Repeat with the remaining cookie dough and OREO® pieces.
7. Press and Top: Use the back of a spoon or an offset metal spatula to gently press the cookie dough together, forming an even layer. Top with the remaining ¼ cup of green M&M’s®, pressing them gently into the dough.
8. Bake Again: Bake for 23 to 28 minutes, or until the cookie layer is set. Cover the pan with foil for the last 10 minutes if necessary to prevent overbrowning.
9. Cool Completely: Cool the brookies completely in the pan (at least 2 ½ hours). This is crucial for allowing them to set up properly.
10. Cut and Serve: Once cooled, lift the brookies out of the pan using the foil overhang. Cut into 4 rows by 4 rows to create 16 bars.

Troubleshooting

Here are a few potential issues and solutions:

• Brownies Too Gooey: If the brownies are still too gooey after the initial baking time, bake them for a few more minutes before adding the cookie layer.
• Cookie Dough Too Dry: If the cookie dough seems too dry, add a teaspoon or two of milk or water until it reaches the desired consistency.
• Cookie Layer Overbrowning: Cover the pan with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent overbrowning.
• Brookies Sticking to Foil: Make sure to spray the foil generously with cooking spray before adding the brownie batter.

Tips and Variations

Here are some ways to customize this recipe:

• Different Brownie Mix: Use a different flavor of brownie mix, such as dark chocolate or salted caramel.
• Different Cookie Mix: Use a different flavor of cookie mix, such as chocolate chip or peanut butter.
• Different OREO®s: Use different flavors of OREO®s, such as Golden OREO®s or Birthday Cake OREO®s.
• Different M&M’s®: Use different colors or flavors of M&M’s® to match different holidays or themes.
• Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the brownie batter or cookie dough.
• Add Frosting: Once the brookies are cooled, frost them with your favorite frosting, such as chocolate, vanilla, or cream cheese frosting.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These brookies are a decadent treat on their own, but here are some serving ideas:

• Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm and cold is delicious.
• Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee. Classic pairings!
• Serve them at a party or gathering as a show-stopping dessert.
• Package them in a decorative tin or box for a homemade gift.
• Add to an ice cream sundae bar.

Nutritional Information

These brookies are definitely an indulgence, as they contain sugar, fat, and chocolate from the various components.

The exact nutritional information will vary depending on the specific brands of mixes and ingredients you use.

It’s best to enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It’s okay to treat yourself!

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

Recipe Summary: These Mint OREO® Cookies M&M’s® Brookies combine a fudgy brownie layer with a sweet sugar cookie layer, studded with Mint OREO®s and green M&M’s®. It’s a decadent and festive treat that’s surprisingly easy to make.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time? A: Yes, you can make them a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

Q: How long do they last? A: Stored properly, they should stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

Q: Can I freeze them? A: Yes, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag or container.

Q: Can I use homemade brownie and cookie recipes instead of mixes? A: Absolutely! Just use your favorite recipes and follow the same layering and baking instructions.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free? A: No, it is not.