Chocolate Oreo Cupcakes
Soft, light, moist chocolate cupcakes topped with an easy Oreo buttercream frosting. These Chocolate Oreo Cupcakes are the ultimate dessert for Oreo lovers!
It’s been far too long since I’ve shared a cupcake recipe with you. So I figured it would only be fitting to share a cupcake recipe that included two things we both seem to love, chocolate and Oreos.
If you’ve ever felt intimidated when it comes to making cupcakes from scratch I promise you that it’s actually pretty easy. You can mix everything together for these chocolate cupcakes in one bowl in about 15 minutes. That being said, if you’re a little short on time or just want to make things a little easier you can certainly use a box mix for the chocolate cupcakes.
Besides, what really makes these cupcakes taste phenomenal is the Oreo buttercream frosting. Yes, there’s actual Oreos crushed up and mixed into the frosting and then they’re topped with a mini Oreo too. Because, why not?
Recipe Ingredients
These Oreo cookie cupcakes are ridiculously good. Here’s everything you’ll need to make them:
- All-purpose flour: Spoon and level the flour when measuring it so your cupcakes aren’t dense.
- Cocoa powder: Use natural unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Helps the cupcakes rise in the oven.
- Oil: A neutral oil, like canola or vegetable, will work.
- Granulated sugar and brown sugar: I use half brown sugar in my chocolate cupcakes to add extra moisture and flavor.
- Buttermilk: This is what keeps the cupcakes extra tender, soft, and moist. If you don’t have any on hand, you can use my homemade buttermilk substitute.
- Egg: To help bind everything together.
- Vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
- Espresso powder: I promise your cupcakes will not taste like coffee. Espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor in desserts and makes them taste extra chocolatey. You can use instant coffee granules or 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee instead of the espresso powder, but I love to keep espresso powder on hand to use in chocolate desserts. It’s definitely worth buying a small container to keep on hand!
- Butter: I recommend using unsalted butter since the amount of salt in salted butters can vary between different brands.
- Powdered sugar: Feel free to sift the powdered sugar before making the Oreo buttercream to avoid lumps.
- Heavy whipping cream: Should be at least 36% fat. Helps thin the buttercream slightly and make it creamy.
- Oreos: You will be using the whole Oreo, no need to remove the filling. Make sure your Oreo cookies are finely crushed too.
How to Make Oreo Cupcakes
The base of these cupcakes starts with my favorite chocolate cupcake recipe. I wrote an entire post on chocolate cupcakes, so check that out if you want more details.
The chocolate cupcake base comes together like a regular cake batter — whisk together the dry ingredients, then add in the wet. The batter will be very thin, but don’t worry, this is normal! Divide the batter between cupcake liners and bake until done.
And finally, these cupcakes are topped with a super delicious Oreo buttercream frosting.
One important thing when it comes to making the frosting is to make sure your Oreos are finely crushed, especially if you’re planning to pipe it. You want to make sure there are not any chunks of Oreo in the frosting, otherwise, they may get stuck in your piping tip.
I prefer to use a blender or food processor to really crush up the Oreos as finely as I can. If you’re just planning to frost these cupcakes with a knife or spatula, then a good old Ziplock bag and rolling pin work fine for crushing up the Oreos.
I also like to buy a small pack of mini Oreos to top on these cupcakes. You can usually find a small snack size container of mini Oreos in the snack aisle of your grocery store for about $1. They’re an inexpensive way to add a little something extra to these cupcakes!
Or you could top these cupcakes with some chocolate ganache too. Just throwing that out there.
Can I Make This Recipe Into a Cake?
Yes, you may make this into a one layer cake. I would bake it in a 9-inch cake pan for 30 minutes.
You could also double the cupcake recipe to make a layered cake. The frosting would be enough to lightly frost a two-layer cake, but if you want more frosting I would multiply it by 1.5.
Baking Tips
- When measuring your flour, don’t scoop it out of the container with the measuring cup. Instead, stir the flour around, spoon it into your measuring cup, and level it off with the back of a knife.
- You may use instant coffee granules instead of espresso powder in these cupcakes, but I find espresso powder adds the best flavor.
- If you plan to pipe the Oreo frosting, I suggest using a blender or food processor to finely crush the Oreos so they don’t get stuck in your piping tip.
More Easy Cupcake Recipes to Try!
- Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Carrot Cake Cupcakes
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cupcakes
- Red Velvet Cupcakes
- Chocolate Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting
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Chocolate Oreo Cupcakes
Ingredients
For the chocolate cupcakes:
- 1 cup (125 grams) all-purpose flour , spooned & leveled
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons (30 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) light or dark brown sugar , packed
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) canola or vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) boiling water
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder or instant coffee granules (optional, but recommended)
For the Oreo frosting:
- 1 cup (230 grams) unsalted butter , softened to room temperature
- 3 cups (360 grams) powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons (30-45 ml) heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup finely crushed Oreo crumbs (about 9 Oreos)
- Optional: 16 mini Oreos
Instructions
To make the chocolate cupcakes:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two 12-count muffin pans (or one 24-count muffin pan) with 16 cupcake liners and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk in the granulated sugar and brown sugar until well combined. Then, add the oil, buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract and mix until just combined.
- Add the instant espresso powder (or instant coffee granules) to the ½ cup boiling water and mix until fully dissolved. Add to the mixing bowl and mix until everything is just combined. The batter will be thin.
- Evenly distribute the batter between all 16 cupcake liners, making sure to just fill each one a little over halfway full. Bake at 350°F for 17-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cupcakes comes out clean and the tops spring back when lightly touched.
- Remove from the oven, carefully remove the cupcakes from the pan, and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
To make Oreo buttercream:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer, beat the butter on medium speed for about 1 minute or until smooth.
- Mix in the powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Add the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract and mix on medium-high speed until the mixture is well combined and creamy. Then, mix in the Oreo crumbs on low-medium speed until well combined, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Pipe the frosting on the cooled cupcakes and top each one with a mini Oreo. Serve and enjoy!
Hiya
I only have baking powder . Will that make a huge different ?
Thanks
Hi, Sonia! You do need both the baking soda and baking powder for the cupcakes to rise properly. You could probably increase the amount of baking powder in the recipe to compensate for it, but baking soda is 3-4x stronger then baking powder. Without testing it it’s hard to say how much you would need to use.
These are the best chocolate cupcakes ever! I’ve made this recipe about 8 times now, and they come out perfectly each time. Super light and fluffy, and very easy to make. My go to recipe! Thank you so much.
So happy to hear that, Robyn!
I want to make these for an outdoor event. How long will the buttercream hold in 80 degree weather?
It won’t hold up long, butter can start melting at 82°F. Shortening has a higher melting point, so you could substitute shortening for the butter. Other than that, I’d recommend leaving them somewhere cool or inside.
I plan to make these as an order for Fathers Day for a friend and I was curious if cutting the recipe ingredients in half for 8 cupcakes will work?
You can try to, but it may be kind of difficult to do with the egg. The cupcakes will freeze just fine though, so you can make the full batch and freeze any leftovers!
Hello, thank you for sharing this receipt, it’s great, I’ve made it with my kids sooo many times!
Just wondering if it’s possible to make a cake version of it? Would you have any suggestions? Mainly regarding it I could keep the quantities the same and suggested cook time?
Thanks
You could double the cupcake recipe to make a layered cake. The frosting would be enough to lightly frost a two-layer cake, if you want more frosting I would multiply it by 1.5. Hope that helps!
Is it ok to use plain flour instead of all purpose
Coz it is not available easily
Yes, I believe they are the same thing.
I’m interested in making these into a cake. How long should the cake bake for? Same temp?
Thanks!
Hi, Kyla! You may make this into a one layer cake, I would bake it in a 9-inch cake pan for 30 minutes. For a layered cake, you can double the cupcake recipe.
Hello, I’m planning on baking these cupcakes because I love how simple the recipe is. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe and the cupcakes shown look so delicious, can’t wait! I was planning on using olive oil because that’s all I have, do you think that would still work and will the cake still turn out good?
Thank you
You can use it, but it may change the flavor of the cupcakes a little. I do recommend using a neutral-flavored oil if possible.
Hoping to bake these in the week. I was just wondering which size nozzle would be required for the piping. Thank you x
I used the Wilton 1M piping tip. As long as the Oreos are crushed finely in the frosting, you should be able to use any piping tip.
Hello, can I make this eggless? If so how? I am not vegan so am happy to use the other dairy ingredients needed but I’m a vegetarian who doesn’t eat eggs!
Hi, Ashley! I haven’t tried an egg substitute in this recipe. A flax egg may work or if there’s another egg replacer that you’ve had success using in the past that may work too.
Thank you Danielle
Can I add crushed Oreos into the cake batter too? Do you think that would turn out well?
I haven’t tried it, but this batter is really thin so they may just sink to the bottom.
I am wondering if these can be assembled start to finish the day before serving? I’m worried about the oreo that is used for a garnish on top becoming soggy? (But I really, really need to make them ahead of time and get them individually packaged!!)
Yes, you can assemble them the day before serving them. The Oreo may soften a little since it’s touching the frosting, but it shouldn’t be soggy.
Thank you for the quick and helpful response! Greatly appreciated =)
Can I use your vanilla cupcake recipe and add crushed oreos to the batter?
Yes, that would be fine!
Made this yesterday, the cakes so moist and chocolatey and also very light. I put an Oreo in the bottom of each one. Love this recipe definitely will do again.
I just made these cupcakes and they were a huge hit! The recipe was very easy to follow and the cupcakes were super moist and delicious. I will definitely make these again!
Hello! I’ve made this recipe multiple times and I love it.
Question – if I wanted to attempt using gluten free flour, would it hold up? I know I may have to cook it slightly longer, but other than that do you foresee any issues? I plan to use the bobs red mill 1:1 gluten free baking flour.
Thanks in advance!
I haven’t tested it with gluten-free flour so I’m not sure. If it’s one that substitutes 1:1 for all-purpose flour it may be okay.
I just made these cupcakes for my son’s birthday and they are absolutely delicious! Amazing chocolate flavor, light & fluffy!
I have a question about the frosting..we found it to sweet for our taste, is there something I can change to make it less sweet?
Thanks!!!
You could reduce the powdered sugar by 1/2 to 1 cup, just keep in mind that it will be softer.
I have fixed this icing twice and both times it doesn’t get thick. What am I doing wrong? I go exactly by the directions
Sorry you’re having trouble with the frosting, Deb. Did you double check your measurements? Did you use 2 sticks of butter and 2 to 3 tablespoons of heavy cream?
Amazing yet easy recipe. Cake super light and fluffy, frosting has great Oreo taste
This recipe is so easy and yet so good, thank you for sharing it!!