Cookies and Cream Cupcakes

Cookies and Cream Cupcakes

A Complete Guide to the Ultimate Oreo Cupcake Recipe

Cookies and Cream Cupcakes are one of the most beloved treats for both kids and adults. If you are a fan of Oreo cookies and crave a cupcake that delivers rich chocolate flavor paired with a smooth cookies-and-cream frosting, this dessert will become a staple in your kitchen. Cookies and Cream Cupcakes combine moist chocolate cupcakes, a light and fluffy buttercream speckled with crushed Oreo cookies, and a glossy chocolate ganache to give the final touch of decadence. Crowning each cupcake with a halved Oreo cookie adds extra crunch and the signature cookies and cream appeal.

This detailed post walks through everything you need to know to master this recipe. Whether for birthdays, holidays, small gatherings, bake-sales, or just a sweet homemade treat, these cupcakes will always impress. If you love Oreo-based desserts such as cookies and cream cheesecake or Oreo ice cream, then you are going to fall in love with these Cookies and Cream Cupcakes. They are packed with recognizable flavor and deliver a nostalgic dessert experience with each bite.

In this guide, you will learn:

  • What makes Cookies and Cream Cupcakes so irresistibly good

  • Step-by-step instructions for perfect cupcakes every time

  • Expert baking tips to improve texture, structure, and flavor

  • Variations and creative twists you can try

  • How to store and freeze cupcakes properly

  • Nutritional insights and serving suggestions

  • Why this cupcake recipe is ideal for Oreo lovers

With more than 2500 words of helpful advice, this post serves as the only reference you will need to bake bakery-style Cookies and Cream Cupcakes right at home.

Why You Will Love Cookies and Cream Cupcakes

Cookies and Cream Cupcakes are not just ordinary chocolate cupcakes with frosting. Each component is thoughtfully crafted to create a dessert that surpasses expectations:

  1. Moist and Tender Chocolate Cupcakes
    The chocolate batter includes hot water, dark cocoa powder, and melted chocolate chips which ensure depth of flavor and supple texture.

  2. True Cookies and Cream Flavor
    The buttercream frosting is loaded with crushed Oreo cookie crumbs that remain slightly crunchy throughout the frosting.

  3. A Touch of Elegance
    A drizzle of chocolate ganache adds a luxurious finish and enhances the chocolate undertones.

  4. Eye-Catching Presentation
    Halved Oreo cookies make each cupcake look fun and professional.

  5. Crowd-Pleaser for All Ages
    With familiar flavors and a nostalgic taste, Cookies and Cream Cupcakes are universally appealing.

  6. Easy to Customize
    You can adjust sweetness, chocolate intensity, and even swap the base flavor to make them adaptable for any occasion.

Cookies and Cream Cupcakes deliver everything you could want from an Oreo-inspired dessert.

Ingredients for Cookies and Cream Cupcakes

Before you begin, gather everything you need for all three recipe components: the cupcake base, the cookies and cream buttercream frosting, and the chocolate ganache.

Chocolate Cupcakes

  • ¼ cup semisweet chocolate chips (45 g)

  • ¼ cup dark cocoa powder (22 g)

  • ¾ cup boiling water (177 ml)

  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour (94 g)

  • ¾ cup granulated sugar (150 g)

  • ½ teaspoon baking soda

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ⅓ cup vegetable oil (80 ml)

  • 2 large eggs at room temperature

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Cookies and Cream Buttercream Frosting

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (227 g)

  • 2 ½ cups powdered sugar (300 g)

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream (30 g)

  • ½ cup Oreo crumbs (50 g), about six cookies crushed

Chocolate Ganache

  • ¼ cup semisweet chocolate chips (45 g)

  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream (30 g)

Extra Decoration

  • 6 Oreo cookies split in half, to make 12 decorative halves

Essential Baking Equipment

You do not need a complex baking setup. A few basic pieces of equipment will help you bake like a professional.

  • Cupcake pan for 12 cupcakes

  • Cupcake liners

  • Large mixing bowls

  • Whisk or spatula

  • Stand mixer or electric hand mixer

  • Cookie scoop for evenly sized cupcakes

  • Piping bag fitted with a star tip (Ateco 826 recommended)

  • Wire cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cookies and Cream Cupcakes

Follow these directions carefully for the best possible results.

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cupcakes

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a cupcake pan with 12 cupcake liners.

  2. In a small heat-proof bowl, combine chocolate chips, dark cocoa powder, and boiling water. Stir until smooth and ensure chocolate chips are fully melted.

  3. Allow the chocolate mixture to cool slightly.

  4. In a separate large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.

  5. Pour in the cooled chocolate mixture and whisk until combined.

  6. Add vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is fully smooth with no visible lumps.

  7. Divide batter evenly among the cupcake liners — filling about two-thirds full.

  8. Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

  9. Cool cupcakes in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Cookies and Cream Buttercream Frosting

  1. In a stand mixer bowl, beat softened butter for 5 full minutes until it becomes paler and fluffy.

  2. Add half of the powdered sugar and mix on low speed until combined.

  3. Add the remaining powdered sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream.

  4. Scrape down the mixing bowl as needed and whip the frosting for 2 to 3 minutes on medium speed.

  5. Add finely crushed Oreo cookie crumbs and mix again on low speed until well blended.

  6. Continue mixing slowly for several minutes to eliminate air bubbles for the smoothest texture.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

  1. Combine chocolate chips and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl.

  2. Heat for 30 to 45 seconds, then let sit for a minute.

  3. Stir until smooth and silky.

  4. Allow ganache to cool slightly before drizzling to avoid melting the frosting.

Step 4: Assemble the Cookies and Cream Cupcakes

  1. Transfer the cookies and cream buttercream into a piping bag fitted with a decorative piping tip.

  2. Pipe a generous swirl of frosting onto each cooled cupcake.

  3. Drizzle chocolate ganache over the top.

  4. Finish by placing a halved Oreo cookie into the frosting.

The cupcakes should look polished and bakery-quality.

Baking Tips for Perfect Cookies and Cream Cupcakes

To ensure consistent results, keep these key tips in mind:

  • Use room-temperature eggs to provide the best cupcake rise.

  • Do not overmix the batter once wet ingredients are added, or cupcakes become dense.

  • Measure flour accurately using a kitchen scale or the spoon-and-level method to prevent dryness.

  • Crush Oreos finely for the frosting so that cookie chunks do not clog the piping tip.

  • Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting, or buttercream will melt.

  • Avoid over-baking; chocolate cupcakes dry quickly when baked too long.

  • Add cookies at the last moment before serving to maintain their crunch.

Following these strategies will significantly elevate the texture and appearance of your Cookies and Cream Cupcakes.

Variations on Cookies and Cream Cupcakes

Cookies and Cream Cupcakes are versatile and can be adapted for different preferences or occasions.

Vanilla Cookies and Cream Cupcakes

Swap the chocolate cupcake base for vanilla to create a lighter, milk-and-cookie-style dessert.

Oreo-Stuffed Cupcakes

Place a whole Oreo cookie at the bottom of each liner before adding batter for an extra crunchy surprise.

Extra Crunch Buttercream

Stir in larger Oreo chunks if you enjoy more texture in your frosting.

Mini Oreo Cupcakes

Make bite-sized versions for parties or dessert platters.

Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cupcakes

Top with frozen frosting or add a hidden scoop of ice cream for warm-weather celebrations.

Holiday-Themed Designs

Use seasonal Oreo cookies with colored filling to customize the theme.

How to Store Cookies and Cream Cupcakes

Proper storage keeps your cupcakes fresh and delicious.

Short-Term Storage

  • Store decorated cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature if planning to serve within 24 hours.

Refrigeration

  • If storing longer than a day, refrigerate cupcakes for up to 4 days.

  • Allow them to come to room temperature before serving, ideally 20 to 30 minutes for best texture.

Freezing Options

  • Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months.

  • Thaw fully, then decorate when ready to serve.

Avoid freezing fully decorated cupcakes with ganache and Oreo topping to maintain quality.

When to Serve Cookies and Cream Cupcakes

These cupcakes suit almost every special moment. They are particularly ideal for:

  • Birthday parties

  • Bake sales

  • Holiday gatherings

  • Graduations

  • Wedding or baby showers

  • Office parties

  • School treats

  • Weekend family desserts

Cookies and Cream Cupcakes hold up well when transported, making them a reliable option for events away from home.

Nutritional Information

The following nutritional values are estimated per cupcake and can vary depending on ingredient brands used:

  • Calories: Approximately 320 to 380

  • Fat: 22 g

  • Sugars: 30 g

  • Carbohydrates: 45 g

  • Protein: 3 g

Cookies and Cream Cupcakes are a dessert indulgence. Enjoy them in moderation while savoring every bite.

Troubleshooting Common Cupcake Issues

Even experienced bakers encounter challenges. Here are solutions to common problems:

Issue Cause Solution
Cupcakes sink in center Under-baked or oven temperature too low Use an oven thermometer to verify temperature and bake until center sets
Dry cupcakes Too much flour or over-baking Measure flour accurately and remove cupcakes from oven as soon as done
Frosting too thick Too much powdered sugar Add small amount of heavy cream until smooth
Frosting too loose Butter too soft or warm Chill bowl for 10 minutes and beat again
Ganache too runny Excess cream Add slightly more melted chocolate to thicken

Use these adjustments to perfect the final result.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different brands of chocolate sandwich cookies?
Yes, any brand will work, but traditional Oreos deliver the best cookies and cream flavor.

Can I make the cupcakes ahead of time?
The cupcake base can be baked one or two days ahead. Add frosting the day of serving.

Should I remove the cream filling before crushing the Oreos?
No. The filling adds sweetness and helps bind crumbs.

Why is boiling water used in the cupcake batter?
It blooms the cocoa powder, enhancing chocolate flavor and creating a tender crumb.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Heavy cream creates the richest texture, but whole milk may be substituted in a pinch.

Print

Cookies and Cream Cupcakes

Cookies and Cream Cupcakes
Print Recipe

Cookies and cream cupcakes are a dream treat for Oreo lovers! These moist chocolate cupcakes are topped with a fluffy cookies & cream buttercream, finished with a rich chocolate ganache, and crowned with a crunchy Oreo cookie. Perfect for birthdays, parties, or anytime you want an indulgent dessert that brings joy with every bite.

  • Author: salah saloh

Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Cupcakes

  • ¼ cup (45 g) semisweet chocolate chips

  • ¼ cup (22 g) dark cocoa powder

  • ¾ cup (177 ml) boiling water

  • ¾ cup (94 g) all-purpose flour

  • ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar

  • ½ tsp baking soda

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) vegetable oil

  • 2 large eggs, room temperature

  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Cookies and Cream Buttercream Frosting

  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, room temperature

  • 2 ½ cups (300 g) powdered sugar

  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

  • ¼ tsp salt

  • 2 tbsp (30 g) heavy cream

  • ½ cup (50 g) Oreo cookie crumbs (about 6 cookies)

Chocolate Ganache

  • ¼ cup (45 g) semisweet chocolate chips

  • 2 tbsp (30 g) heavy cream

Decoration

  • 6 Oreo cookies, halved (to make 12 toppers)

Instructions

Make the Chocolate Cupcakes

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a cupcake pan with 12 liners.

  2. In a small bowl, combine chocolate chips, cocoa powder, and boiling water. Stir until smooth and melted. Let cool slightly.

  3. In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.

  4. Add the cooled chocolate mixture and whisk until blended.

  5. Mix in vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth.

  6. Scoop batter into the liners, filling each about ⅔ full.

  7. Bake for 20 minutes, then transfer cupcakes to a cooling rack and let cool completely.

Make the Cookies & Cream Buttercream

  1. Beat the butter for 5 minutes until light and creamy.

  2. Add half the powdered sugar on low speed until combined. Add the rest and mix again.

  3. Add vanilla, salt, and heavy cream. Scrape the bowl as needed.

  4. Whip on medium for 2–3 minutes until smooth and fluffy.

  5. Fold in Oreo crumbs on low speed until well combined. Mix a little longer to remove air bubbles.

Make the Chocolate Ganache

  1. Add chocolate chips and heavy cream to a microwave-safe bowl.

  2. Heat for 30–45 seconds, let sit 1 minute, then stir until smooth.

  3. Allow to cool slightly for drizzling.

Assemble

  1. Add buttercream to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.

  2. Pipe a tall swirl on each cooled cupcake.

  3. Drizzle with cooled chocolate ganache.

  4. Top each cupcake with half an Oreo cookie.

Notes

  • Use room-temperature ingredients for a smooth cupcake batter and frosting.

  • Don’t overmix — this keeps the cupcakes light and tender.

  • Chill the cupcakes 10 minutes before piping if your kitchen is warm.

  • For extra Oreo flavor, press an Oreo into the bottom of each liner before baking.

  • Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.

Did you make this recipe?

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Final Thoughts

Cookies and Cream Cupcakes are the ultimate baked treat for those who adore Oreo desserts. They bring together the richness of dark chocolate cupcakes, the creamy sweetness of cookies and cream buttercream, and the elegance of a chocolate ganache drizzle. These cupcakes look impressive, taste amazing, and are surprisingly simple to prepare once you understand the steps and techniques detailed in this guide.

Whether you bake a batch for a celebration or simply to satisfy a craving, they provide a memorable dessert experience. From the first sight of the Oreo garnish to the final bite of moist cake and creamy frosting, these Cookies and Cream Cupcakes deliver true indulgence.

This recipe is both classic and fun, allowing room for creativity and personalization. With the tips, troubleshooting guidance, and variations included here, you can confidently bake cookies and cream cupcakes that taste as good as what professional bakeries offer.

Try this recipe, explore the variations, and share your cupcakes with family and friends. Cookies and Cream Cupcakes are a dessert worth making again and again.

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