Penguin Cupcakes made with Oreos

Name: Penguin Cupcakes made with Oreos
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients: 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; 1 cup buttermilk; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup cocoa powder; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 12 Oreo cookies; 24 mini chocolate chips; 12 candy eyes

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Delightful Penguin Cupcakes made with Oreos that are perfect for parties or a fun baking activity with kids!

Created by

Lila Morgan

Last updated on 2025-12-18T14:42:31.108Z

These whimsical Penguin Cupcakes made with Oreos are not only adorable but also delicious! They're a hit at any gathering, bringing smiles to both kids and adults alike.

        Why You Will Love These Penguin Cupcakes
        Adorable design that captivates everyone
Rich chocolate flavor combined with creamy frosting
Fun and easy to make with kids

      

The Joy of Baking Together

Baking is not just about creating delicious treats; it's about creating memories. These Penguin Cupcakes made with Oreos are an excellent opportunity for families to bond in the kitchen. Children love getting involved in the process, from mixing the batter to decorating the penguins. The joy of watching their creations come to life is invaluable and adds a personal touch to your baking experience.

Involving kids in the kitchen teaches them essential life skills, including measuring ingredients, following instructions, and practicing patience. Plus, they can express their creativity through decoration. Whether it's adding extra sprinkles or customizing their penguin's appearance, these cupcakes are a fantastic canvas for artistic expression.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Penguin Cupcakes are versatile enough to suit any gathering. Whether it’s a birthday party, a school event, or simply a fun weekend treat, these adorable cupcakes are sure to impress. Their charming design not only delights children but also brings a smile to adults, making them a hit at any party.

Additionally, these cupcakes are easy to transport, making them ideal for potlucks or bake sales. They can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container, ensuring they remain fresh and delightful when served. With their rich chocolate flavor and cute design, they are bound to be a crowd-pleaser.

Making Baking Fun

One of the best aspects of these Penguin Cupcakes is how fun they are to make! The simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it an approachable recipe for bakers of all skill levels. Even if you're a beginner, you’ll find joy in the process and satisfaction in the end result.

Moreover, decorating the cupcakes is where the real fun begins! Kids can unleash their creativity and personalize each cupcake. With a little practice, you’ll have a whole flock of adorable penguins ready to impress your guests. The laughter and excitement shared during this activity are what make baking truly 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
1 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Frosting

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

For Decoration

12 Oreo cookies
24 mini chocolate chips
12 candy eyes

Gather all your ingredients before starting the preparation for best results!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Make the Cupcake Batter

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.

Bake the Cupcakes

Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with batter. Bake for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.

Prepare the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with heavy cream, until you achieve a smooth consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Frost the Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes are cool, generously frost each one with the chocolate frosting.

Decorate the Penguins

Press an Oreo cookie into the frosting for the penguin's body. Use mini chocolate chips for the eyes and candy eyes to complete the penguin look.

Enjoy your adorable Penguin Cupcakes!

Tips for Success

To ensure your cupcakes are perfectly fluffy, be careful not to overmix the batter. Mixing just until combined will give you the light texture you desire. Also, make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results. Use a kitchen scale for precision if possible, especially for dry ingredients like flour and sugar.

When it comes to frosting, let your butter sit at room temperature to soften, but avoid melting it. This will create a creamy base that's easy to work with. If your frosting is too thick, add a bit more heavy cream to achieve your desired consistency.

Storing and Serving

To keep your Penguin Cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

These cupcakes can also be frozen for up to three months. Frosting them before freezing is not recommended, as it may lose its texture. Instead, freeze the cooled cupcakes individually and frost them once they’ve thawed. This way, you can enjoy a fresh batch of penguins at any time!

Variations to Try

While the classic chocolate flavor is delightful, you can easily customize these Penguin Cupcakes to suit your taste. Consider adding a hint of peppermint extract to the frosting during the holidays for a festive twist, or incorporate a layer of fruit preserves between the cupcake and frosting for a burst of flavor.

You can also experiment with different types of cookies for the penguin body. Try using chocolate-covered biscuits or even vanilla-flavored cookies for a lighter penguin design. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to make these cupcakes uniquely yours!

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 buttermilk?

You can substitute buttermilk with a mixture of milk and vinegar or lemon juice. Use 1 cup of milk and add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for about 5 minutes.

→ How do I store leftover cupcakes?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I use different decorations?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your decorations. You can use colored icing, sprinkles, or even different candies.