Ultimate Brownies

When I first found a similar version of this recipe for these on Pinterest, I was mystified; I had to make them. Of course, there was no way I was going to be stuck with an entire pan of these laying around the house for days … I’d look like a blimp by day two. So, keeping this concept in the back of my mind, I whipped up a batch for our end-of-summer cookout at the office. And what a great idea. My boyfriend and I had a few and were able to get rid of the rest guilt-free. Plus, they were a huge hit at the office party. If it weren't for someone making a cream puff, they would have won the dessert category. Now, to find another rich, decadent dessert to try for next year’s party …

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 Tbsp. vanilla extract

2-1/2 cups flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

2 cups chocolate and peanut butter chips

1 package Double Stuf Oreo cookies

1 package fudge brownie mix (to be prepared as directed on the box)

Preheat the oven to 350°. Line a 9-by-13-inch pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream the butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs, followed by vanilla and mix well. Mix together the flour, baking soda and salt  in a medium bowl. Slowly add to the creamed sugar mixture and continue to beat until well combined. Fold in the chocolate and peanut butter chips. Press the cookie dough evenly into the parchment-paper-lined pan. Place the Oreos on top of the cookie dough. Prepare the brownie mix as directed on the package. Pour the batter on top of the cookies and smooth it around with a spatula. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking an additional 20-30 minutes; the brownies may look slightly under-baked, which will make them perfectly gooey inside. Let cool completely before cutting. Trim off the edges if desired before serving.