Penguin Cupcakes made with Oreos

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Delight in these adorable Penguin Cupcakes made with Oreos, perfect for parties or a fun family treat!

Nora Ellis

Created by

Nora Ellis

Last updated on 2025-12-18T14:56:33.445Z

These Penguin Cupcakes made with Oreos are not only visually appealing but also a delicious treat that will bring joy to any gathering. The unique design is sure to impress your guests!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Adorable penguin design that's fun for all ages
  • Decadent chocolate flavor with a creamy frosting
  • Easy to make with simple ingredients

A Fun Baking Adventure

Baking these Penguin Cupcakes is a delightful adventure that brings the whole family together. Whether you're an experienced baker or a novice, this recipe is straightforward and enjoyable. The process of mixing, baking, and decorating becomes a fun activity for kids and adults alike. Gather your loved ones in the kitchen and let the creativity flow as you transform simple ingredients into festive treats.

Each step offers an opportunity to engage with your little ones, teaching them valuable skills and techniques in the kitchen. From measuring ingredients to frosting the cupcakes, this recipe is perfect for creating lasting memories while enjoying delicious treats. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready for some delightful family bonding time!

Perfect for Any Occasion

These adorable Penguin Cupcakes are not just for winter holidays; they are versatile enough for any occasion! Birthdays, school parties, or just a fun weekend treat—these cupcakes add a whimsical touch to any celebration. Their charming design and rich chocolate flavor are sure to impress guests of all ages.

Imagine a dessert table adorned with these cute penguins, captivating the attention of children and adults alike. They are an excellent choice for themed parties or simply as a delightful surprise for your family. Serve them at your next gathering, and watch as they disappear quickly!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Penguin Cupcakes turn out perfectly, make sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Baking is a science, and even a slight variation can impact the final product. Use a kitchen scale for precision if possible, especially for flour and sugar. Additionally, be mindful of the baking time; every oven is different, so check for doneness a minute or two before the recommended time.

When it comes to frosting, let your cupcakes cool completely before applying the chocolate frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and losing its shape. For the best results, use a piping bag to achieve a more professional-looking finish. Don't hesitate to get creative with the decoration—adding fun details can make these cupcakes even more special!

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup milk

For the Frosting

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Decoration

  • 12 Oreo cookies
  • 24 mini chocolate chips
  • White candy melts or frosting for eyes

Make sure to gather all your ingredients before you start for a smooth baking experience!

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with cupcake liners.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk until well combined.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Bake the Cupcakes

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Prepare the Frosting

While the cupcakes cool, beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Mix in the heavy cream and vanilla until smooth.

Frost the Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with the chocolate frosting.

Decorate as Penguins

To create the penguin look, place an Oreo on top of each frosted cupcake. Use mini chocolate chips for eyes and melted white candy melts or frosting for the eye whites.

Enjoy your delightful Penguin Cupcakes with friends and family!

Storage and Shelf Life

Once you've made these delightful Penguin Cupcakes, you may wonder how to store them for maximum freshness. These cupcakes can be kept at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. If you want to prolong their shelf life, consider refrigerating them; they can last up to a week when stored properly in the fridge.

If you decide to freeze them, it’s best to freeze the cupcakes without frosting. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw and frost them as desired.

Variations and Customizations

While the classic chocolate flavor of these Penguin Cupcakes is irresistible, feel free to get creative with variations! Try adding different flavors to your cupcakes, such as vanilla or peppermint, to offer a unique twist. You can also experiment with different types of frosting, like a cream cheese frosting or a flavored buttercream, to complement the chocolate base.

For a healthier option, consider substituting some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or incorporating pureed fruits like applesauce into the batter. This will add moisture and a hint of natural sweetness. Enjoy the fun of customizing your cupcakes to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and frost them on the day you plan to serve.

→ What can I use instead of Oreos?

You can use any chocolate sandwich cookie, but Oreos work best for the penguin design.

→ How should I store leftover cupcakes?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze these cupcakes?

Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost them when ready to serve.

Penguin Cupcakes made with Oreos

Delight in these adorable Penguin Cupcakes made with Oreos, perfect for parties or a fun family treat!

Prep Time30 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time50 minutes

Created by: Nora Ellis

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 cupcakes

What You'll Need

For the Cupcakes

  1. 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 cup granulated sugar
  3. 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  4. 1 tsp baking powder
  5. 1/2 tsp baking soda
  6. 1/2 tsp salt
  7. 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  8. 2 large eggs
  9. 1 tsp vanilla extract
  10. 1 cup milk

For the Frosting

  1. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  2. 4 cups powdered sugar
  3. 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  4. 1/2 cup heavy cream
  5. 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Decoration

  1. 12 Oreo cookies
  2. 24 mini chocolate chips
  3. White candy melts or frosting for eyes

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with cupcake liners.

Step 02

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 03

In another bowl, mix the oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk until well combined.

Step 04

Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Step 05

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 06

While the cupcakes cool, beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Mix in the heavy cream and vanilla until smooth.

Step 07

Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with the chocolate frosting.

Step 08

To create the penguin look, place an Oreo on top of each frosted cupcake. Use mini chocolate chips for eyes and melted white candy melts or frosting for the eye whites.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 22g
  • Protein: 3g