Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fun, nostalgic, and incredibly easy to make. The hidden Oreo at the bottom adds a delightful crunch, and the frosting is loaded with cookie crumbs for that perfect cookies-and-cream flavor. These cupcakes are perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any time I want a sweet treat that feels special but doesn’t take all day to make.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

12 chocolate cupcakes
24 Oreo cookies, divided (half for inside cupcakes, and half for topping at the end)

Oreo Frosting:
3/4 cup butter
2 1/4 cups powdered sugar
1 ½–2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup Oreo cookie crumbs (from crushing Oreos in a food processor or with a rolling pin)

Directions

1. I prepare the chocolate cupcake batter—either from scratch or using my favorite cake mix.

2. I line a muffin tin with cupcake liners and lightly spray them with cooking spray.

3. I place one whole Oreo cookie at the bottom of each liner.

4. I spoon the cupcake batter over the Oreo until each liner is about two-thirds full.

5. I bake the cupcakes at 350°F (175°C) for 17–24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Once baked, I let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

For the Frosting:
7. I beat the butter with an electric mixer until it’s light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
8. I gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla, continuing to mix until smooth and creamy.
9. I stir in the crushed Oreo cookie crumbs until evenly distributed.
10. I frost the cooled cupcakes generously and top each one with an additional Oreo for a fun finishing touch.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 12 cupcakes and takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 17–24 minutes of baking time, for a total of around 40 minutes. Each cupcake contains approximately 499 calories.

Variations

I sometimes use golden Oreos for a vanilla twist or fill the centers with a spoonful of whipped cream for extra decadence. For a festive touch, I mix in sprinkles or drizzle melted chocolate over the frosting. When I want a lighter frosting, I replace part of the butter with cream cheese for a tangy, cookies-and-cream flavor.

Storage/Reheating

I store unfrosted cupcakes covered at room temperature or in the fridge for 2–3 days. The Oreo frosting keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, I freeze the cupcakes and frosting separately for up to 3 months. To freeze frosted cupcakes, I flash-freeze them uncovered for 30 minutes before transferring to an airtight container to help the frosting maintain its shape.

FAQs

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, I often bake the cupcakes a day in advance and frost them right before serving.

Do I need to use homemade cupcake batter?

No, a good-quality boxed chocolate cake mix works perfectly for this recipe.

How do I crush the Oreos for the frosting?

I pulse them in a food processor or crush them in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin until fine.

Can I use store-bought frosting?

Yes, but I recommend adding crushed Oreos to make it taste homemade.

How do I make the frosting stiffer?

I add more powdered sugar until it reaches my desired consistency.

Can I use double-stuffed Oreos?

Absolutely! They make the cupcakes even richer and more indulgent.

Can I make mini cupcakes?

Yes, I just use mini muffin tins and bake them for 10–12 minutes.

How can I make them dairy-free?

I use dairy-free butter and a plant-based milk alternative instead of cream.

Can I freeze the frosted cupcakes?

Yes, I flash-freeze them for 30 minutes, then store in a sealed container for up to 3 months.

How do I prevent the Oreos from getting soggy?

I let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting and store them in an airtight container.

Conclusion

I love how these Oreo Cupcakes combine everything I adore about the classic cookie into one delicious dessert. The crunchy Oreo base, moist chocolate cake, and cookies-and-cream frosting make every bite irresistible. They’re simple to bake, look stunning, and are guaranteed to make any occasion a little sweeter.