Cookies & Cream Meets Red Velvet in These Amazing Brownies

These Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies are the perfect indulgence, combining the velvety richness of red velvet, the fudgy texture of brownies, and the irresistible crunch of cookies & cream. With their vibrant color and luscious taste, they’re sure to become your new favorite guilt-free treat!

Ingredients

For the Red Velvet Brownie Base

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for a lower-carb option)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar substitute (like Stevia, Monk Fruit, or Splenda)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• 2 tablespoons reduced-fat butter, melted

For the Cookies & Cream Layer

• 1/3 cup crushed light chocolate sandwich cookies (or reduced-fat Oreo cookies)
• 2 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar substitute
• 1/4 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat and Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.

Prepare the Red Velvet Brownie Base

1. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk the sugar substitute, applesauce, egg, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and melted butter until smooth.
3. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until well combined. The batter will be thick and slightly sticky.

Make the Cookies & Cream Topping

1. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, powdered sugar substitute, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
2. Gently fold in the crushed cookies, reserving a few pieces for garnish.

Assemble and Bake

1. Spread the red velvet brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
2. Drop spoonfuls of the cookies & cream mixture over the brownie batter and use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the two layers together for a marbled effect.
3. Sprinkle the reserved crushed cookies on top for added texture and flavor.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as the brownies will continue to set as they cool.

Cool and Serve

1. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing into 12 squares. For clean edges, refrigerate the brownies for 15-20 minutes before cutting.
2. Serve and enjoy as a delightful treat or a dessert centerpiece for any occasion.

Nutritional Information

(Per Serving – 1 Brownie)

• Calories: ~110
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fat: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• WW Points: ~4 (varies based on ingredients used)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Decadent Yet Light: This recipe satisfies your sweet tooth with a rich and indulgent flavor profile while keeping the points low.
2. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, a holiday gathering, or simply a weeknight dessert, these red velvet brownies add a touch of elegance to your table.
3. Easy to Customize: You can tweak the recipe by adding a drizzle of melted dark chocolate, a sprinkle of crushed nuts, or even swapping the cookies for a different low-point topping.
4. Make-Ahead Friendly: These brownies store well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making them a great option for meal prep or entertaining.

Tips for Success

• Use the Right Food Coloring: Gel-based food coloring will give the most vibrant red color without affecting the consistency of the batter.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the brownie batter, mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated to avoid a dense texture.
• Chill for Clean Cuts: Refrigerate the brownies before slicing to ensure perfect squares with clean edges.
• Experiment with Flavors: Swap the vanilla extract for almond or peppermint extract for a unique twist.

Serving Suggestions

• As a Dessert Plate Star: Pair these brownies with a scoop of low-fat vanilla frozen yogurt or a dollop of whipped topping for an elevated dessert.
• Gift-Worthy Treat: Wrap individual brownies in parchment paper and tie with a festive ribbon for a thoughtful, homemade gift.
• Potluck Favorite: Bring these brownies to your next potluck or party and watch them disappear in no time!

These Cookies & Cream Red Velvet Brownies are everything you want in a dessert: rich, fudgy, creamy, and perfectly sweet. The striking red velvet base, swirled with a cookies & cream topping, makes this dessert as stunning as it is delicious. Best of all, it fits into your Weight Watchers plan, so you can indulge without the guilt. Try this recipe today and experience the joy of a treat that’s both indulgent and mindful!