Oreo Owl Cupcakes (Print Version)
Chocolate cupcakes decorated with Oreo cookies to create whimsical owl faces, complete with candy eyes and beaks.
# What You'll Need:
→ Cupcakes
01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 - 1 tsp baking powder
04 - 1/2 tsp baking soda
05 - 1/4 tsp salt
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
08 - 1/2 cup milk
09 - 1/3 cup vegetable oil
10 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
→ Chocolate Frosting
11 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
12 - 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
13 - 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
14 - 2-3 tbsp milk
15 - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
→ Owl Decoration
16 - 24 Oreo cookies, double-stuffed preferred
17 - 24 brown chocolate candies for pupils
18 - 12 orange or yellow chocolate candies for beaks
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
02 - Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
03 - Whisk eggs and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Blend until combined.
04 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Stir until just incorporated, being careful not to overmix.
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.
06 - Beat butter until creamy. Gradually mix in powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Add vanilla and 2 tbsp milk. Beat until fluffy, adding more milk if needed for spreading consistency.
07 - Frost cooled cupcakes generously with chocolate frosting.
08 - Carefully twist Oreos apart, keeping cream on one side. 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. Use Oreo halves without cream on top corners as owl eyebrows if desired.
10 - Serve and enjoy your whimsical owl cupcakes.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The combination of rich chocolate cake and creamy frosting satisfies serious dessert cravings while still being absolutely adorable
- Kids and adults alike cannot help smiling when they see these playful owls perched on the serving tray
02 -
- Twisting the Oreos apart gently takes practice and some will inevitably break but that just means more cookie pieces for you to snack on while decorating
- Room temperature cupcakes are essential because the frosting will slide right off warm cake creating a messy situation nobody wants
03 -
- Double stuffed Oreos are worth the extra cost because the thicker cream layer creates more prominent eyes that really stand out
- Chill the frosted cupcakes for 15 minutes before decorating to help the cookie eyes stay in place perfectly