Red Velvet Oreo Cupcakes (Printable)
Soft red velvet cupcakes with hidden Oreo centers and cookies-and-cream cheese frosting.
# What You'll Need:
→ Cupcake Batter
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)
→ 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 Oreo cookies, crushed (for folding into frosting)
# How To Make:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper cupcake liners.
02 - Set one whole Oreo cookie into the bottom of each cupcake liner.
03 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.
04 - In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until pale, light, and fluffy.
05 - Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until fully incorporated.
06 - Blend in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until the mixture is smooth and uniformly colored.
07 - Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
08 - Divide the batter evenly among the prepared liners, filling each about three-quarters full to cover the Oreo at the bottom.
09 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake portion comes out clean. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely 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 generously over the cooled cupcakes. Garnish with additional Oreo crumbs or mini Oreo cookies if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The Oreo hidden at the bottom of every cupcake is a surprise nobody expects and everyone loves.
- Red velvet and cookies and cream together taste like the best dessert mashup you never knew you needed.
02 -
- If the cupcakes dome too much, your oven might be running hot, check with an oven thermometer and consider lowering by 10 degrees.
- Frosting warm cupcakes is the fastest way to make a melted mess, wait until they are completely cool to the touch.
03 -
- Crush Oreos for the frosting by hand in a zip bag rather than a food processor so you get varied chunk sizes instead of fine dust.
- The espresso powder trick is not optional in my kitchen anymore, it transforms the flavor from good to memorable.