Red Velvet Oreo Cupcakes (Printable)
Soft red velvet cupcakes with hidden Oreos and creamy cookies and cream frosting for a decadent treat.
# What You’ll Need:
→ For the Cupcakes
01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - 1 cup granulated sugar
07 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
08 - 1/2 cup buttermilk, room temperature
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
10 - 1 tablespoon red food coloring (liquid or gel)
11 - 12 whole Oreo cookies (plus extra for garnish if desired)
→ For the Cream Cheese Frosting
12 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
13 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
14 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
15 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
16 - 4 crushed Oreo cookies
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
02 - Place one whole Oreo cookie at the bottom of each cupcake liner.
03 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.
04 - In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.
05 - Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated.
06 - Mix in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until the mixture is smooth and evenly colored.
07 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
08 - Divide the batter evenly over the Oreo cookies in the cupcake liners, filling each liner about three-quarters full.
09 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cupcake portion comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely in the pan before frosting.
10 - Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then mix until light and fluffy. Gently fold in the crushed Oreo cookies.
11 - Pipe or spread the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes. Garnish with extra Oreo crumbs or mini Oreo cookies if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The Oreo hiding at the bottom of each cupcake is a total surprise that makes people close their eyes and smile on the first bite.
- Cream cheese frosting with crushed Oreos folded in is basically the best thing you will ever spread on anything.
02 -
- Overmixing the batter after adding flour produces tough, rubbery cupcakes that no amount of frosting can save.
- Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the cake portion, not the Oreo at the bottom, which will always be soft and misleading.
03 -
- A pinch of espresso powder in the dry ingredients deepens the chocolate flavor without making the cupcakes taste like coffee.
- Gel food coloring gives a much more vibrant red with less liquid, which keeps the batter thick and the crumb tender.