Chocolate Oreo Cupcakes Recipe (Moist, Rich & Easy!)

If you’re a chocolate lover and an Oreo fan, this Chocolate Oreo Cupcakes recipe is about to become your new go-to dessert. These cupcakes are rich, moist, fudgy, and packed with crushed Oreo cookies in every bite. Topped with a fluffy Oreo buttercream frosting, they feel like a bakery-style treat—but made right at home with simple ingredients.

Whether you’re baking for a birthday party, holiday dessert table, weekend indulgence, or just a family treat, these cupcakes deliver that perfect cookies-and-cream flavor everyone loves. This article will walk you through everything: ingredients, step-by-step instructions, expert tips, variations, storage instructions, and more. Let’s get baking!

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Oreo Cupcakes Recipe

There are so many reasons this recipe stands out:

Super moist texture: Thanks to buttermilk and oil.
Deep chocolate flavor: A mix of cocoa powder and melted chocolate for richness.
Loaded with Oreos: Crushed cookies in the batter + frosting.
Bakery-style frosting: Light, creamy, and full of cookie bits.
Easy to customize: Add fillings, different toppings, or swap flavors.

This is the kind of recipe that looks gourmet but is surprisingly simple to make!

🧁 Ingredients You’ll Need for Chocolate Oreo Cupcakes Recipe

Here are the ingredients broken down into two parts: the cupcakes and the Oreo buttercream frosting.

For the Chocolate Oreo Cupcakes

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
½ cup buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup hot water or hot coffee (enhances chocolate flavor)
10 Oreo cookies, crushed (leave some chunky pieces)

For the Oreo Buttercream Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
10 Oreo cookies, finely crushed (use a food processor for smooth frosting)

🥣 How to Make This Chocolate Oreo Cupcakes Recipe

Follow these easy steps for the perfect cupcakes.

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan & Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
Add an Oreo cookie to the bottom of each liner for an extra surprise (optional but delicious).

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:

Flour
Sugar
Cocoa powder
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt

Make sure everything is well combined so your cupcakes rise evenly.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

Eggs
Buttermilk
Vegetable oil
Vanilla extract

Whisk until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Add Hot Water (or Coffee)

Slowly add the hot water or coffee into the batter while stirring gently. This will thin the batter, making it smooth and shiny. It’s supposed to be liquid—don’t worry!

Step 6: Fold in Crushed Oreos

Add the crushed Oreos and fold gently. The chunks give the cupcakes their iconic cookies-and-cream flavor.

Step 7: Fill the Cupcake Liners & Bake

Fill each liner about 2/3 full.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.

🍦 How to Make Oreo Buttercream Frosting

This frosting is creamy, fluffy, and absolutely perfect.

Step 1: Beat the Butter

Beat softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy—around 2–3 minutes.

Step 2: Add Powdered Sugar

Add powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, mixing well.

Step 3: Add Cream & Vanilla

Pour in the heavy cream (or milk) and vanilla. Beat again until smooth.

Step 4: Fold in Crushed Oreos

Add finely crushed Oreo crumbs. If the crumbs are too chunky, the piping tip may clog—so crush them well.

Step 5: Frost the Cupcakes

Use a piping bag with a large tip or simply spread frosting with a knife.
Top with a mini Oreo or crushed Oreo pieces.

😋 Expert Tips for Perfect Chocolate Oreo Cupcakes

Want bakery-quality cupcakes? These tips help guarantee it:

✔ Use buttermilk

It adds moisture and tenderness. If you don’t have it, mix 1 tbsp vinegar with ½ cup milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.

✔ Don’t overmix

Overmixing leads to dense cupcakes. Mix until ingredients are just combined.

✔ Use hot coffee

It deepens the chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee.

✔ Let cupcakes cool completely

Warm cupcakes will melt the frosting.

✔ Crush Oreos correctly

For the batter: leave some chunks.
For frosting: grind into a fine powder.

🍫 Flavor Variations for This Chocolate Oreo Cupcakes Recipe

You can easily customize this recipe! Try these ideas:

1. Oreo Cheesecake Cupcakes

Add a tablespoon of cheesecake mixture on top before baking.

2. Mint Oreo Cupcakes

Mix ½ teaspoon mint extract into the frosting.

3. Peanut Butter Oreo Cupcakes

Add ¼ cup creamy peanut butter to the frosting.

4. Deluxe Oreo Filling

Pipe whipped cream or Oreo mousse inside the cupcake.

5. White Chocolate Oreo Cupcakes

Top with melted white chocolate drizzle.

📦 How to Store These Cupcakes

Room Temperature

They last up to 2 days in an airtight container.

Refrigerator

Store for up to 5 days. Bring to room temp before eating.

Freezer

Freeze unfrosted cupcakes up to 3 months.
Freeze frosting separately or frost and freeze fully.

These cupcakes hold up amazingly well for meal prep or events.

👩‍🍳 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make this recipe without buttermilk?

Yes! Use regular milk plus 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice.

2. Can I use chocolate cake mix instead?

Absolutely. Add crushed Oreos to the batter and use the Oreo buttercream to make it taste homemade.

3. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this Chocolate Oreo Cupcakes recipe doubles beautifully for parties.

4. What’s the best frosting tip for Oreo frosting?

A large round or star tip works best. Avoid small piping tips—they will clog.

5. Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yep! They stay fresh for days and freeze well.

⭐ Final Thoughts: The Best Chocolate Oreo Cupcakes Recipe

This Chocolate Oreo Cupcakes recipe is everything you want in a dessert—rich, moist, chocolatey, and loaded with Oreos. The combination of soft cupcakes and creamy cookies-and-cream frosting creates a treat that’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or sweet cravings. It’s easy enough for beginners and impressive enough for special occasions.

If you love chocolate, Oreos, or cupcakes in general, this recipe will become one of your favorites!