Cookies & Cream Cookies

### **Instructions:**

#### 1. **Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.

#### 2. **Mix the Wet Ingredients:**
– In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
– Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and continue mixing until smooth.

#### 3. **Combine the Dry Ingredients:**
– In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
– Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until fully combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could lead to dense cookies.

#### 4. **Add the Oreo Pieces:**
– Gently fold in the crushed Oreos by hand. The crushed cookies should be evenly distributed throughout the dough, creating that signature cookies and cream texture.
– If you’re using white chocolate chips and/or semi-sweet chocolate chips, fold them into the dough as well for added flavor and creaminess.

#### 5. **Shape the Dough:**
– Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of cookie dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
– If you prefer larger cookies, you can use a larger scoop and increase the baking time slightly.

#### 6. **Bake the Cookies:**
– Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes or until the edges are golden brown, but the centers are still soft. The cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet once removed from the oven, so don’t worry if they seem a little underdone in the center.
– Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

#### 7. **Serve and Enjoy:**
– Once cooled, serve these indulgent **Cookies & Cream Cookies** with a cold glass of milk or your favorite beverage. They make the perfect treat for a cozy afternoon snack, a party dessert, or a sweet gift for a loved one!

### **Tips:**
– **Crushing the Oreos:** You can crush the Oreos by placing them in a zip-top bag and using a rolling pin or mallet to break them into pieces. Be sure not to crush them too finely—leave some larger chunks for added texture.
– **Chill the Dough:** If you prefer a thicker cookie with a chewier texture, you can refrigerate the cookie dough for 30 minutes to an hour before baking. This helps prevent excessive spreading and keeps the cookies thick.
– **Storage:** Store your **Cookies & Cream Cookies** in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They also freeze well, so you can make a big batch and save some for later!

### **Why You’ll Love This Recipe:**
– **Irresistible Flavor:** The classic combination of chocolate and vanilla is taken to a whole new level with the addition of crunchy Oreo pieces and creamy chocolate chips.
– **Perfect Texture:** These cookies strike the perfect balance between chewy, soft centers and slightly crisp edges. Each bite gives you the best of both worlds!
– **Quick and Easy:** With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these cookies come together effortlessly—ideal for when you need a sweet treat in a flash.
– **Fun and Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe by adding in other mix-ins like mini marshmallows, peanut butter chips, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce.

### **Conclusion:**
**Cookies & Cream Cookies** are a dreamy treat that combines everything you love about the famous cookies and cream flavor in a cookie form. With their soft, chewy centers, crunchy Oreo pieces, and sweet vanilla undertones, these cookies are bound to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re enjoying them as an everyday snack or bringing them to a party, these cookies are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s face. Try them today, and indulge in the deliciousness!