Who doesn’t love a delicious, rich, and indulgent cupcake? Especially when it’s packed with the irresistible flavors of chocolate and Oreos! These Chocolate Oreo Cupcakes are the perfect treat for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a party, or just craving a decadent dessert. Let’s dive into this ultimate recipe that will satisfy every sweet tooth!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Moist and Rich – Thanks to the combination of black cocoa powder and sour cream.
- Loaded with Oreos – There’s an Oreo surprise at the bottom of each cupcake and crushed Oreos in the frosting!
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for beginners.
- Crowd-Pleaser – These cupcakes are guaranteed to impress both kids and adults.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chocolate Cupcakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup black cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder
- ½ cup hot water
- 16 Oreo cookies (optional, for the base)
For the Oreo Cream Cheese Frosting:
- ¾ cup butter (room temperature)
- 3 ¾ cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 oz cream cheese (cold)
- ½ cup crushed Oreos
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making the Chocolate Cupcakes
- Preheat & Prep – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup cupcake pan with liners. This recipe makes about 16 cupcakes, so you may need to bake in two batches.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together flour, black cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients – In a separate jug, whisk eggs, oil, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Dissolve Espresso Powder – Mix hot water with espresso powder in a small bowl.
- Combine & Mix – Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Then, mix in the espresso water.
- Oreo Surprise (Optional) – Place an Oreo at the bottom of each cupcake liner for an extra treat.
- Fill & Bake – Fill the cupcake liners ¾ full and bake for 14-16 minutes. Check with a toothpick – it should come out clean.
- Cool Down – Let the cupcakes cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Making the Oreo Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cream Butter & Sugar – In a stand mixer, beat butter and confectioners’ sugar on low speed until combined.
- Add Flavoring – Mix in vanilla extract and salt.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese – Add cold cream cheese and mix until just combined.
- Fold in Oreos – Gently mix in crushed Oreo cookies. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of heavy cream or milk.
Assembling the Cupcakes
- Pipe the Frosting – Using a piping bag fitted with a Wilton 1M tip, frost each cupcake beautifully.
- Garnish – Sprinkle extra crushed Oreos or add a mini Oreo on top for decoration.
- Enjoy! – Serve immediately or store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Pro Tips for the Best Chocolate Oreo Cupcakes
- Use Black Cocoa Powder – This gives the cupcakes a deep, Oreo-like chocolate flavor.
- Don’t Overmix – Overmixing the batter can make the cupcakes dense instead of light and fluffy.
- Use Cold Cream Cheese – This helps create a thick, pipeable frosting.
- Measure Precisely – Weighing ingredients with a kitchen scale ensures accuracy and perfect results.
Related Recipes:
Apple Crisp Cheesecake – Best Fall Dessert Recipe
Chocolate Orange Cheesecake – Zesty & Decadent Dessert
Brownie Bottom Cheesecake – Rich & Creamy Dessert Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Frost them before serving for the best texture.
2. Can I freeze these cupcakes?
Absolutely! Freeze unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
3. What can I use instead of black cocoa powder?
If you can’t find black cocoa powder, Dutch-processed cocoa powder works as a great substitute.
4. How can I make the frosting less sweet?
Try reducing the confectioners’ sugar slightly or adding a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
5. Can I use a different frosting?
Of course! These cupcakes taste amazing with classic vanilla buttercream, chocolate ganache, or even peanut butter frosting.
These Chocolate Oreo Cupcakes are a dream come true for any Oreo and chocolate lover. Moist, flavorful, and topped with a luscious Oreo cream cheese frosting, they’re simply irresistible. Whether for a special occasion or just a personal treat, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. Try it out and let us know how you liked it!