Name: Oreo Cupcakes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2/3 cup butter, softened; 1-3/4 cups sugar; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2-1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1-1/4 cups 2% milk; 20 Oreo cookies, coarsely crushed (about 2 cups); 1 cup butter, softened; 3 cups confectioners’ sugar; 2 tablespoons 2% milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1-1/2 cups finely crushed Oreo cookie crumbs; Optional: Additional crushed Oreo cookies and mini Oreo cookies for garnish

Print Recipe· 4.3 from 11 reviews

If you have a soft spot for anything Oreo and love the idea of a cupcake that brings together rich chocolatey cookie bits with tender, moist cake, then you are in for a treat. This Oreo Cupcakes Recipe combines the beloved crunch and flavor of Oreos seamlessly into fluffy cupcakes topped with luscious frosting speckled with lots of cookie crumbs. It’s the kind of dessert that makes any occasion feel special, yet is simple enough to whip up on a whim when the craving for something indulgently nostalgic hits. Trust me, once you make these, Oreo cupcakes will become a go-to favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large silver mixing bowl contains a creamy white mixture with dark brown crumbled cookie pieces being stirred together with a wooden spoon. To the right, there is a small metal bowl with some thicker beige batter and a mixing attachment resting inside, and above that is a clear measuring cup with a small amount of liquid inside. The scene is set on a white marbled tile surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to achieving perfection in this Oreo Cupcakes Recipe. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s the butter providing richness, the baking powder helping the cupcakes rise beautifully, or the Oreos themselves bringing that iconic flavor and texture that makes these cupcakes unforgettable.

Butter (2/3 cup softened): Adds creamy richness and keeps the cupcakes moist.
Sugar (1-3/4 cups): Sweetens and helps create a tender crumb.
Eggs (2 large, room temperature): Bind the batter and lend structure for a fluffy result.
Vanilla extract (1-1/2 teaspoons): Enhances flavors with its warm, sweet aroma.
All-purpose flour (2-1/2 cups): The backbone for the cupcake’s soft texture.
Baking powder (2-1/2 teaspoons): Provides the lift so cupcakes aren’t dense.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and deepens the flavor.
2% Milk (1-1/4 cups): Adds moisture and helps make the batter smooth.
Oreos (20 cookies, coarsely crushed, about 2 cups): The star that brings crunch and that unmistakable chocolate-cookie taste.
Butter for frosting (1 cup softened): Ensures a creamy, spreadable frosting.
Confectioners’ sugar (3 cups): Sweet, fluffy base for the frosting.
2% Milk for frosting (2 tablespoons): Thin the frosting for easy spreading.
Vanilla extract for frosting (1 teaspoon): Lifts the frosting’s flavor.
Finely crushed Oreo cookie crumbs (1-1/2 cups): Mixed into frosting to tie the whole Oreo experience together.
Optional garnish: Additional crushed Oreos and mini Oreos for an extra-special touch.

How to Make Oreo Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

Start by softening your butter until it’s room temperature, then cream it together with sugar until you have a light and fluffy mixture. This step is crucial because air whipped into the butter and sugar will help your cupcakes rise beautifully. Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition to fully incorporate them. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the batter with a warm, inviting aroma.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

While your wet ingredients are blending nicely, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. This ensures the leavening agent and salt are distributed evenly, which is key to a perfectly textured cupcake. Adding these dry ingredients gradually into your butter mixture, alternating with the milk, keeps the batter smooth and prevents lumps. Be gentle but thorough when folding in the coarsely crushed Oreos to maintain the integrity of those chunks.

Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line your muffin tin with cupcake liners. Fill each liner about three-quarters full with the batter, giving room for the cupcakes to rise. Bake them for 20 to 22 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack so they cool completely — this helps the cupcakes finish setting, making them easier to frost.

Step 4: Make the Oreo Frosting

For the frosting, beat softened butter with confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the finely crushed Oreo cookie crumbs, being careful not to overmix so you keep little bursts of Oreo texture within the frosting. This frosting is delightfully rich with a cool, sweet creaminess contrasted by bits of crunchy Oreo.

Step 5: Frost and Garnish

Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, pipe or spread the Oreo-infused frosting generously on top. This step allows you to get creative by adding extra crushed Oreos or adorably placing mini Oreo cookies as a finishing touch, making these cupcakes look as irresistible as they taste.

How to Serve Oreo Cupcakes Recipe

A metal wire cooling rack on a white marbled surface holds twelve golden brown cupcakes with visible dark specks inside. Six cupcakes have smooth, light-colored frosting with tiny dark spots piped in a spiral pattern on top, while the other six are unfrosted. To the right of the rack is a white bowl filled with whole dark sandwich cookies, and below it is a large clear piping bag filled with the same speckled frosting, resting on the surface. In front of the rack and to the left is a white bowl containing crushed dark cookie crumbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Decorating Oreo cupcakes can be as simple or as playful as you want. Sprinkling additional crushed Oreos over the frosting adds texture and visual appeal, while placing mini Oreo cookies on top instantly signals the flavor fans will enjoy inside. For a little extra flair, a drizzle of chocolate ganache or dusting of powdered sugar can complement the cookies and cream theme beautifully.

Side Dishes

Oreo cupcakes are a star on their own but pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. For a party, serving alongside fresh berries or a light fruit salad adds a refreshing contrast that balances the rich sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Presenting your Oreo cupcakes in a themed cupcake stand or arranging them on a platter lined with Oreo crumbs can make a big impression. Wrapping individual cupcakes in mini clear bags with festive ribbons also turns them into charming gifts or favors. For celebrations, consider adding small edible toppers or signage to personalize them for birthdays, holidays, or Oreo-themed parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, keep them fresh by storing cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Because of the buttercream frosting, it’s best not to leave them exposed to heat or sunlight. If you want to extend their life slightly, refrigeration is an option, but allow cupcakes to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze Oreo cupcakes either frosted or unfrosted. For best results, freeze the unfrosted cupcakes wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a sealed freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw completely before frosting. If already frosted, flash freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a container to avoid smudging the frosting.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy, allow frozen cupcakes to thaw at room temperature for a few hours. If you like, you can warm them slightly in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds to bring out fresh-baked warmth, but avoid overheating or frosting might soften excessively.

FAQs

Can I substitute the 2% milk for something else?

Absolutely! You can use whole milk for extra richness or even a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk to make the cupcakes dairy-free with a slight flavor twist. Just keep the same quantity for the best batter consistency.

Do I need to use fresh Oreo cookies or can I use stale ones?

Fresh Oreos are ideal because they have the best texture and flavor. Stale Oreos might still work but may lose some crunch and alter the overall texture inside the cupcakes and frosting.

Is it possible to make these cupcakes gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking, but ensure it includes xanthan gum or another binder. The texture might be slightly different, but the Oreo flavor will still shine through.

Can these cupcakes be made dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free butter substitutes, plant-based milk, and a vegan-friendly sugar to adapt the recipe. Just make sure your Oreos are the dairy-free variety depending on your needs.

How long do Oreo cupcakes stay fresh?

When stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, these cupcakes stay fresh for about two days. Refrigeration can extend life up to five days but might affect the cupcake’s softness.

Final Thoughts

Making this Oreo Cupcakes Recipe is like giving yourself a little celebration in every bite. The combination of moist cake loaded with crunchy Oreo bits and the luscious cookie crumb frosting is simply unbeatable. It’s a recipe I come back to time and again for birthdays, get-togethers, or when I just need a sweet pick-me-up. Trust me, once you bake and share these cupcakes, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them in your baking lineup!