Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting the most delightful **Homemade Oreo Cookies** right in your kitchen! Forget the store-bought variety for a moment, because these soft, chewy, and intensely chocolatey cookies are a game-changer. What makes them incredibly easy and fudgy? The secret is a simple devil’s food cake mix base, transforming a baking shortcut into a gourmet treat. Each perfectly baked, tender cookie is then generously filled with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting, creating a sandwich that’s reminiscent of whoopie pies but with that distinct Oreo magic. Prepare a tall glass of cold milk, because these homemade delights are about to become your new favorite obsession.
Our recipe for homemade Oreo cookies offers a unique texture and flavor profile that stands out. While they may differ slightly from the crunchy, commercial Oreos you’re accustomed to, their irresistible soft chewiness and rich, decadent chocolate flavor will win you over instantly. The cookie itself requires just three core ingredients, making the mixing process quick and effortless. This simplicity not only saves time but also guarantees consistent results every time you bake. And don’t stop at the classic cream cheese filling – we encourage you to unleash your creativity and explore various filling options to personalize your Oreo experience.
Indulge in Homemade Oreo Cookies: A Soft, Chewy Dream
These homemade Oreo cookies, complete with their signature cream cheese filling, redefine the classic chocolate sandwich cookie. Imagine a soft, cake-like cookie, similar in its delightful texture to a whoopie pie, cradling a rich, homemade cream cheese frosting. It’s a harmonious blend of deep chocolate and creamy sweetness that creates an unforgettable dessert experience. Unlike the crispness of traditional Oreos, our version offers a tender bite that melts in your mouth.
You don’t need a special occasion to whip up a batch of these extraordinary cookies, but they certainly elevate any gathering. They make a fantastic addition to barbecues, potlucks, or even festive holiday parties. For a charming touch at baby showers or birthday celebrations, consider making mini homemade Oreos. Feeling celebratory? Feel free to add vibrant, festive sprinkles to the edges of your finished cookies, customizing them for any event. These cookies aren’t just a dessert; they’re an expression of homemade joy and culinary creativity.
If you’re captivated by the ease and deliciousness of Soft and Chewy Homemade Oreos made with cake mix, you’ll be thrilled to explore other flavor adventures. Be sure to try our tempting Lemon Oreos for a bright, zesty twist, or dive into the refreshing combination of our Mint Chocolate Oreo Cookies. Each variation offers a delightful new way to enjoy this beloved cookie sandwich, proving just how versatile and fun homemade baking can be.
Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Oreos
Creating these incredible homemade Oreo cookies begins with a few key ingredients. The simplicity of this list is what makes this recipe so appealing, promising a decadent result without needing a pantry full of exotic items. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Devil’s Food Cake Mix: This is the star ingredient for our fudgy chocolate cookies. To yield approximately 18 full-sized Oreos, you’ll need two standard 15.25-ounce boxes of Devil’s Food Cake Mix. You can, of course, opt for any other store-bought chocolate cake mix that catches your eye. For those with dietary restrictions, sourcing a gluten-free version of chocolate cake mix can easily transform this into a gluten-free treat! The cake mix is crucial for achieving that signature soft, chewy, and intensely chocolatey cookie texture with minimal effort.
- Eggs: Four large eggs are essential for binding the cookie dough and contributing to its moist, tender consistency. While not strictly critical, allowing your eggs to come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before mixing can help them incorporate more evenly into the batter, leading to a smoother dough and potentially better-textured cookies.
- Vegetable Oil: This ingredient plays a vital role in keeping our cookies wonderfully moist and fudgy. You’ll need 2/3 cup of vegetable oil. If you don’t have vegetable oil on hand, canola oil or avocado oil are excellent substitutes, offering similar neutral flavors and consistency. The oil contributes to the cookies’ characteristic chewiness, differentiating them from recipes that use butter in the cookie base.
For the Irresistible Cream Cheese Frosting
The velvety cream cheese frosting is the perfect complement to the rich chocolate cookies, balancing their sweetness with a delightful tang. Achieving a smooth, fluffy frosting is key, and it starts with these ingredients:
- Butter: You’ll need 1/2 cup of softened butter. The choice between salted or unsalted butter is entirely yours, depending on your preference for a subtle hint of salt in your frosting. The most crucial aspect here is that the butter is genuinely soft – not melted – to ensure it mixes seamlessly with the other ingredients, creating a light and airy texture.
- Cream Cheese: One 8-ounce brick of full-fat cream cheese is required for that classic tangy flavor and creamy consistency. Just like the butter, it must be softened to room temperature. If you happen to forget to pull it out in advance, a quick zap in the microwave for 8-10 seconds at a time can help, but be vigilant! Overheating can cause it to melt and ruin the frosting’s texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Two teaspoons of pure vanilla extract will infuse your frosting with a warm, aromatic depth that enhances all the other flavors. Opting for pure vanilla extract over imitation varieties will always yield the best, most authentic taste.
- Powdered Sugar: This fine sugar is indispensable for creating a smooth, non-gritty frosting texture. You’ll need 5 cups of powdered sugar, which adds the necessary sweetness and body without any unpleasant granular feel. Sifting the powdered sugar can help prevent lumps, ensuring an even smoother frosting.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Oreos at Home
Ready to transform simple ingredients into extraordinary homemade Oreo cookies? Follow these clear and easy steps to achieve baking success:
- Prepare for Baking: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). While the oven heats, prepare your baking sheets. Line them with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. If neither is available, a light spray of nonstick cooking spray will suffice. Set these prepared sheets aside.
- Mix the Oreo Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the devil’s food cake mix, large eggs, and vegetable oil. Start mixing on low speed, gradually increasing until all the ingredients are fully combined and a cohesive, thick dough forms. Alternatively, you can achieve this by hand in a large mixing bowl using a sturdy spatula, though it may require a bit more arm strength. Be careful not to overmix; stop once just combined.
- Scoop and Shape: Using a small cookie scoop or two spoons, scoop out portions of the dough and roll them gently into 1-inch balls. Place these dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced approximately 3 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking. This step ensures consistent cookie size and even baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the baking sheets to your preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. The cookies are done when their edges are lightly set and they appear slightly puffed and cracked on top. Due to their dark color, it can be tricky to tell when chocolate cookies are fully baked without overbaking them. A good tip: once you see them puff up and develop small cracks on the surface, bake for just 1 more minute. Remember, these are meant to be soft and chewy, not crisp.
- Cool the Cookies: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven. Let them rest on the baking sheets for 2-5 minutes. This brief cooling period on the hot pan allows them to firm up slightly, making them easier to transfer without breaking. After this initial cooling, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This step is crucial before frosting to prevent your filling from melting.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: While your cookies cool, it’s time to make the delicious frosting. In the bowl of your stand mixer (using the whisk attachment this time), combine the room temperature butter and room temperature cream cheese. Beat on medium-high speed for about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well-aerated. Stop the mixer, add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Start mixing on low speed until the sugar is fully incorporated to avoid a powdered sugar cloud. Once combined, increase the speed to high and beat for another 30 seconds until the frosting is exceptionally light and fluffy.
- Assemble Your Homemade Oreos: Once the cookies are completely cool, transfer your prepared cream cheese frosting to a pastry bag fitted with a large round tip (or simply use a spoon if you prefer a rustic look). Pipe a generous amount of frosting onto the flat side of half of your chocolate cookies. If desired, before topping with another cookie, you can gently roll the edges of the frosting in festive sprinkles to add extra visual appeal and a fun crunch.
- Serve or Store: Your delectable homemade Oreo cookies are now ready! You can serve them immediately for the freshest experience. For optimal texture and flavor, many find that allowing the filled cookies to meld together overnight in the refrigerator enhances their softness and creaminess. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer enjoyment. Enjoy every single bite!
Exciting Homemade Oreo Recipe Variations
The beauty of making your own Oreo cookies lies in the endless possibilities for customization! This recipe serves as a fantastic foundation, but don’t hesitate to let your culinary imagination soar. Experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create unique, signature Oreo cookie recipes that are truly your own. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Mint Chocolate: For a refreshing twist, dive into our dedicated recipe for Mint Chocolate Oreos. This variation typically involves adding a touch of mint extract to the cookie dough or frosting, or incorporating finely chopped Andes mints for an extra burst of minty flavor.
- Peanut Butter Power: Elevate your chocolate cookies with the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter. Add 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter directly to the cookie dough during mixing. For the filling, blend 1-2 tablespoons of peanut butter into your cream cheese frosting recipe for a truly irresistible peanut butter Oreo experience.
- Double Chocolate Decadence: For the ultimate chocolate lover, intensify the cocoa flavor in both the cookie and the filling. Stir 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder into your cake mix cookie dough. Then, replace the cream cheese frosting with a luxurious chocolate ganache for a deeply rich, indulgent treat.
- Red Velvet Charm: Transform your Oreos into a visually stunning and subtly flavored dessert by using red velvet cake mix for the cookie dough. The vibrant red cookies paired with the classic cream cheese frosting create a beautiful and delicious red velvet sandwich cookie, perfect for holidays or special occasions.
- Salted Caramel Delight: Combine sweet and savory with this delightful variation. Fold 1/2 cup of caramel chips (or chopped caramel candies) into the cookie dough before baking. Just before placing them in the oven, sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie to enhance the caramel notes. You can also mix a swirl of homemade caramel sauce into the cream cheese filling for an extra layer of richness.
- Birthday Cake Funfetti: Turn your Oreos into a party! Incorporate a generous amount of rainbow sprinkles directly into the cookie dough for a festive “funfetti” effect. Fill these colorful cookies with a simple vanilla cream filling (a basic buttercream can work wonders here) and, for an extra celebratory touch, roll the edges of the filled cookies in even more sprinkles. It’s like a birthday cake in cookie form!
Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Oreos
Since these chocolate cookies are already dark in color, determining when they’re perfectly baked can be a bit tricky. The goal for these Homemade Oreo Cookies is a soft, chewy texture, so it’s crucial to prevent overbaking. The easiest indicator is when they begin to puff up and develop small cracks on their surface. At that point, let them bake for just 1 more minute, then remove them from the oven. This ensures they remain deliciously tender.
Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly adaptable for different sizes. Whether you envision charming mini Oreos for a dessert platter or impressive giant Oreos for a dramatic presentation, you can certainly adjust the dough ball size. The key is to keep a close eye on the baking time; smaller cookies will bake faster, while larger ones will require more time. Look for the same visual cues – puffiness and slight cracking – to determine doneness.
Yes, and we highly recommend it! Preparing these Homemade Oreos in advance can actually enhance their flavor and texture. Once the cookies are assembled with their cream cheese filling and allowed to rest overnight in the refrigerator, the moisture from the frosting beautifully softens the cookies further. This results in an even more incredibly soft, moist, and wonderfully melded cookie sandwich, making them taste even more amazing the next day.
While Devil’s Food cake mix is recommended for its deep chocolate flavor and fudgy consistency, you can experiment with other chocolate cake mixes like dark chocolate fudge or even German chocolate cake mix for slightly different flavor nuances. The key is to use a standard boxed cake mix to ensure the proper texture and ease of preparation.
For perfectly round cookies, use a cookie scoop of your desired size to ensure uniform portions. After baking, while the cookies are still warm on the baking sheet, you can take a large round cookie cutter (slightly larger than your cookies) or the rim of a glass and gently swirl it around each cookie. This technique gently pushes the edges back into a perfect circle before they fully set.
Storing and Freezing Instructions for Homemade Oreos
To ensure your delicious homemade Oreo cookies stay fresh and delightful for as long as possible, follow these simple storage guidelines:
- Refrigerator Storage: Once assembled with the cream cheese frosting, store your Homemade Oreos in an airtight container. Place the container in the refrigerator, where they will remain fresh and wonderfully soft for up to 3 days. For best results, consider placing a piece of parchment paper between layers of cookies if stacking them, to prevent sticking.
- Freezer Storage: These cookies are excellent for freezing, either filled or unfilled. To freeze filled Oreos, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once firm, transfer them to freezer bags or another airtight, freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper if needed. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. You can also freeze the plain, unfilled chocolate cookies for the same duration. Thaw frozen cookies in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
Homemade Oreos Recipe
The Carefree Kitchen
Pin
Rate
10 minutes
10 minutes
20 minutes
18
cookies
Ingredients
-
2
15.25-ounce boxes
devil’s food cake mix -
4
large
eggs -
2/3
cup
vegetable oil
Cream Cheese Frosting for Oreos
-
1/2
cup
butter,
room temperature -
8
ounces
cream cheese,
room temperature -
2
teaspoons
vanilla extract -
5
cups
powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat (or spray with nonstick cooking spray) and set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the cake mix, eggs, and oil. Mix on low speed using the paddle attachment until fully combined.
- Scoop and roll the dough into 1″ balls, then place them onto the prepared baking sheet about 3″ apart.
- Bake in a preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly brown and set on the edges. (Tip: once the cookies are puffed and cracked on top, cook for 1 more minute)
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the pan for 2-5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely while you make the frosting.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the room temperature butter and room temperature cream cheese. Beat with the whisk attachment until light and fluffy, or about 2-3 minutes. Turn off the mixer and add the powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix on low until fully incorporated, then beat on high for about 30 seconds until it is light and fluffy again.
- Transfer frosting to a piping bag with a large round tip and pipe frosting over half of the cookies. If desired, add sprinkles to the edges before you top with another cookie.
- Serve cookies immediately, freeze, or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.
Dessert
American
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Discover More Easy Homemade Cookie Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with the simplicity and deliciousness of these cake mix homemade Oreo cookies, you’ll be thrilled to explore more easy cookie recipes from our collection. Baking delicious treats doesn’t have to be complicated, and these recipes are proof! Perfect for quick desserts, snack time, or special occasions, each offers its own unique flavor and charm. Expand your baking repertoire with these fantastic options:
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These **Homemade Oreo Cookies** stand out as a testament to how simple ingredients, like a devil’s food cake mix, can create an extraordinary dessert. Soft, wonderfully chewy, and generously filled with a tangy cream cheese frosting, they are an undeniable crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making them for a party, a quiet evening at home, or simply to satisfy a craving, this easy recipe guarantees a delightful experience. We invite you to try them and discover the joy of homemade goodness that outshines the original!