Oreo Owl Cupcakes (Print Version)
Charming chocolate cupcakes decorated as playful owls with creamy frosting and cookie details.
# What You'll Need:
→ For the Cupcakes
01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
05 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
08 - 1/2 cup milk
09 - 1/3 cup vegetable oil
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ For the Frosting
11 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
12 - 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
13 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
14 - 2-3 tablespoons milk
15 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ For Decoration
16 - 24 Oreo cookies, double-stuffed preferred
17 - 24 brown chocolate candies for pupils
18 - 12 orange or yellow chocolate candies for beaks
# Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
02 - In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well blended.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Add milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract; blend until fully combined.
04 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough cupcakes.
05 - Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners. Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely before decorating.
06 - Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually mix in powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Add vanilla and 2 tablespoons milk; beat until fluffy and spreadable, adding more milk if needed.
07 - Generously frost cooled cupcakes with chocolate frosting, creating a smooth surface for decoration.
08 - Carefully twist Oreos apart, keeping cream on one side. Place two cream-sided halves on each cupcake as eyes.
09 - Press a brown candy on each cream-filled eye for pupils. Position an orange or yellow candy below the eyes as the beak. Optionally, place Oreo halves without cream on top corners as eyebrows.
10 - Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The decorating is so forgiving that even messy attempts turn out adorable
- Double-stuffed Oreos make the eyes pop and save you prep time
- Kids can practically handle the decoration step themselves
02 -
- Twist Oreos slowly or the cream will stick to both sides and you'll lose half your eyes
- Wait until cupcakes are completely cool before frosting or your decorations will slide right off
- Double-stuffed Oreos are worth the extra money here—regular ones look a bit sad as owl eyes
03 -
- Warm your knife slightly before cutting cupcakes in half if you want to check the crumb without making a mess
- Keep a few extra Oreos on hand since about three always break during the twisting phase