These Oreo Cupcakes are a chocolate lover’s dream come true. Soft, moist chocolate cupcakes are crowned with a luscious Oreo buttercream frosting made with crushed Oreo cookies for maximum flavor. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a sweet treat, these showstopper cupcakes are both easy to make and irresistibly delicious.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cupcakes:

120 g boiling water
200 g granulated sugar
50 g Dutch processed cocoa powder
160 g all-purpose flour
1 tsp instant espresso powder
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
120 g sour cream (room temperature)
75 g vegetable oil
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Oreo Buttercream:

6 Oreo cookies (crushed)
200 g butter (cool, room temperature)
315 g powdered sugar (sifted)
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp whole milk (room temperature)
12 whole Oreos + extra crushed Oreos for garnish

Directions

For the Chocolate Cupcakes:

Preheat oven to 160ºC/320ºF. Line a 12-cup cupcake tin with paper liners.
Boil water and set aside to cool slightly.
In a large bowl, combine sugar, cocoa powder, flour, espresso powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together sour cream, oil, eggs, vanilla, and boiled water.
Gradually add wet ingredients to dry, gently mixing until smooth and lump-free.
Divide batter among cupcake liners and bake for 20–23 minutes. Let cupcakes cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Oreo Buttercream:

Blend Oreos into fine crumbs using a food processor or crush in a ziplock bag with a rolling pin.
Beat butter on medium-high for 4 minutes, scrape down sides, then beat 2 more minutes.
Add sifted powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk in two parts, mixing on low until fully incorporated each time.
Mix in crushed Oreos until evenly distributed.
Transfer frosting to a piping bag with a round tip (e.g., Wilton 1A), frost cooled cupcakes, and decorate with an Oreo and extra cookie crumbs.

Nutrients (Per cupcake, approx.)

Calories: 466 kcal
Carbohydrates: 62 g
Protein: 4 g
Fat: 24 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Cholesterol: 69 mg
Sodium: 307 mg
Sugar: 47 g
Fiber: 2 g
Calcium: 39 mg
Iron: 2 mg

A Match Made in Dessert Heaven

What makes Oreo Cupcakes so special is the way they marry the deep richness of a chocolate cupcake with the familiar crunch and flavor of Oreo cookies. The chocolate base is soft, moist, and rich without being overly dense, while the frosting brings the essence of cookies and cream in the smoothest way possible. Each bite offers a delightful contrast—tender cake, creamy buttercream, and a bit of that signature Oreo crunch on top.

The beauty of this dessert lies in its balance. The slight bitterness of Dutch-processed cocoa is softened by sweet buttercream, and the crushed Oreos add just the right amount of texture. Even the hint of espresso powder in the cupcake batter enhances the chocolate flavor without overpowering the palate. It’s these little touches that make Oreo Cupcakes not just a treat, but a bakery-worthy indulgence you can make at home.

Perfect for Any Celebration

Oreo Cupcakes aren’t just delicious—they’re versatile. Their festive appearance makes them ideal for birthdays, holiday parties, bake sales, or school events. Dress them up with whole Oreo cookies, crushed crumbs, or even themed sprinkles to match the occasion. Because they’re individually portioned, they’re also easy to serve and even easier to transport.

You can customize the look of the cupcakes to suit your vibe. Want to go all out? Pipe the frosting tall and add half an Oreo on top for drama. Looking for something simple? A dollop of frosting with a light sprinkle of cookie crumbs still delivers full flavor. These cupcakes are easy to adapt, making them the ultimate go-to dessert for a variety of events.

The Secret to a Moist and Flavorful Cupcake

The magic of the cupcake base lies in a well-balanced recipe that includes sour cream, oil, and eggs to achieve that perfect crumb. Sour cream contributes moisture and richness, while oil helps maintain a tender texture even after cooling. The addition of instant espresso might surprise some, but it’s a baker’s trick to enhance the depth of chocolate—making it taste bolder and more pronounced.

The resulting cupcake is fluffy, rich, and chocolatey without being overly sweet. This makes it the ideal base for a sweet Oreo buttercream topping, ensuring that each element complements rather than competes with the other. For best results, it’s important to use room-temperature ingredients and not to overmix the batter, which helps maintain that light yet moist texture.

That Irresistible Oreo Buttercream

The true star of this recipe is the Oreo buttercream frosting. Made with real crushed Oreo cookies, it’s creamy, smooth, and packed with the flavor of America’s favorite sandwich cookie. Unlike typical cookies and cream frostings that can be cloying or overly sugary, this buttercream strikes a perfect balance of flavor and texture.

The key is in the preparation. Beating the butter thoroughly until it’s light and fluffy creates a stable base, while sifted powdered sugar and just the right amount of milk keep the texture smooth. The crushed Oreos are added last to preserve the cookie pieces and avoid overprocessing. The result is a frosting that pipes beautifully and tastes like an indulgent blend of Oreo filling and whipped cream.

For best piping results, use a round or open star tip. This not only creates a stunning swirl effect but also prevents any cookie bits from clogging the nozzle. Top each cupcake with an Oreo cookie, or crush a few extra for that bakery-style finish.

Fun Variations to Try

While the classic Oreo Cupcake recipe is already a knockout, there are endless variations you can explore. Try stuffing a whole Oreo cookie at the bottom of each cupcake liner before adding the batter for a surprise crunch. You can also swap the chocolate base with a vanilla or red velvet version for a fun twist.

If you’re baking for someone who loves cream cheese frosting, substitute half the butter in the buttercream with cream cheese for a tangy complement to the sweet cookie flavor. For a summer-friendly version, make mini cupcakes and top them with mini Oreos—they’re perfect for parties or kids’ events.

You can even go gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free sandwich cookies. The adaptability of Oreo Cupcakes makes them a canvas for your creativity while still holding on to their cookies-and-cream core.

Nostalgic Flavors for All Ages

There’s something universally comforting about the flavor of Oreos. It reminds many people of childhood snacks, lunchbox treats, or milk-and-cookie nights. Combining that nostalgia with the richness of a homemade chocolate cupcake takes the experience to a whole new level. Oreo Cupcakes appeal to kids and adults alike, bridging generations through a shared love of chocolate and cookies.

They’re the type of dessert that evokes joy at first glance—and keeps delivering from the first bite to the last. With their familiar taste and gourmet look, they’re the kind of treat people remember and request again and again.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Oreo Cupcakes also score high in convenience. You can bake the cupcakes a day ahead and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. The frosting can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator—just let it come to room temperature and re-whip before piping.

Frosted cupcakes should ideally be consumed within 2–3 days for the best flavor and texture. If you’re making a large batch, unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen and thawed as needed. This makes them a great option for event planning or weekend prep.

Conclusion

Oreo Cupcakes are a chocolatey, creamy dream come true. With their moist cake base, rich Oreo-studded buttercream, and versatile presentation options, they’re the perfect dessert for just about any occasion. They embody the comforting nostalgia of childhood treats while adding a touch of gourmet indulgence that makes them feel special.

Whether you’re baking for a party, whipping up a batch just because, or introducing someone to the magic of homemade desserts, Oreo Cupcakes will not disappoint. They’re simple to make, stunning to serve, and absolutely impossible to resist.

This recipe proves that you don’t need complex techniques or fancy ingredients to create something memorable. Sometimes, all it takes is a good cupcake and a few crushed cookies to make dessert magic.