Oreo Owl Cupcakes (Printable)
Charming chocolate cupcakes decorated as playful owls using Oreos and candies
# 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
# Directions:
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.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Add milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract; blend until combined.
04 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring until just incorporated.
05 - Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.
06 - Beat butter until creamy. Gradually mix in powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Add vanilla and 2 tablespoons milk; beat until fluffy, adding more milk if needed for spreading consistency.
07 - Frost cooled cupcakes generously.
08 - Carefully twist Oreos apart, keeping cream on one side for owl eyes. Place two halves cream-side up on each cupcake.
09 - Press a brown candy on each eye for pupils. Position an orange or yellow candy below the eyes as the beak. Optionally, use Oreo halves without cream on top corners as owl eyebrows.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- These cupcakes transform a simple chocolate treat into something that makes people actually gasp when you bring them out
- The decorating process is surprisingly forgiving, making it perfect for baking with kids or anyone who thinks they are not artistic
- Double stuffed Oreos create the most satisfyingly creamy eyes that stay perfectly in place
02 -
- Completely cooled cupcakes are non negotiable because the frosting will slide right off warm cake
- Twisting Oreos apart slowly and gently preserves the cream side much better than rushing through this step
- Have extra candies on hand because somehow a few always disappear during the decorating process
03 -
- Chill your frosted cupcakes for 15 minutes before decorating to help the Oreo eyes stay in place
- Use tweezers for placing the tiny candy pupils, it gives you much more precision than clumsy fingers