Penguin Cupcakes made with Oreos

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Delight your guests with these adorable Penguin Cupcakes made with Oreos that are perfect for any occasion!

Chelsea Payne

Created by

Chelsea Payne

Last updated on 2025-12-18T15:42:33.505Z

These Penguin Cupcakes are not only cute but also delicious! Made with rich chocolate cake and topped with creamy frosting, they are sure to be a hit at your next party.

Why You'll Love These Penguin Cupcakes

  • Adorable penguin design that will impress your guests
  • Rich chocolate flavor paired with creamy frosting
  • Fun and interactive to make with kids

The Perfect Treat for Any Occasion

These Penguin Cupcakes made with Oreos are not just a delightful dessert; they're a conversation starter! Perfect for birthday parties, winter celebrations, or any gathering, they bring a touch of whimsy to your dessert table. Their charming design will capture hearts, and the rich chocolate flavor will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Whether you're hosting a children's party or a festive holiday get-together, these cupcakes add a playful element. Kids will love their cute penguin faces, while adults will appreciate the delicious taste. Plus, they are easy to make, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the festivities with your guests.

Fun for the Whole Family

Making these Penguin Cupcakes is a fantastic way to involve the whole family in the kitchen. Kids can help with mixing the batter, frosting the cupcakes, and decorating them with Oreos and candy. This interactive activity not only fosters creativity but also makes for wonderful family bonding time.

As you create these adorable treats together, you can share stories and laughter, making the baking experience memorable. The joy of decorating each cupcake into a cute penguin is sure to bring smiles to everyone's faces, encouraging kids to express their artistic sides.

Tips for Success

To ensure your cupcakes turn out perfectly, make sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Baking is both an art and a science, and even small variations can affect the outcome. Sifting your dry ingredients helps to aerate the flour and cocoa powder, leading to lighter, fluffier cupcakes.

When it comes to frosting, be patient and let your cupcakes cool completely before applying the frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a beautiful finish. If you're not comfortable with piping, don’t hesitate to use a simple spatula to spread the frosting. The key is to have fun and enjoy the process!

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk

For the Frosting

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Black food coloring
  • White chocolate for decoration

For Decoration

  • 12 Oreo cookies
  • Chocolate chips for eyes
  • Orange candy for beaks

Make sure to gather all ingredients before starting the recipe.

Instructions

Prepare the Cupcake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together oil, eggs, vanilla, and buttermilk.

Combine both mixtures until smooth.

Bake the Cupcakes

Fill cupcake liners with the batter and bake for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let them cool completely.

Make the Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and heavy cream, beating until fluffy. Mix in vanilla and black food coloring until you achieve a nice black color.

Decorate the Cupcakes

Frost the cooled cupcakes with the black frosting. Place an Oreo cookie on top for the penguin's body. Attach chocolate chips for eyes and an orange candy for the beak.

Enjoy your delicious Penguin Cupcakes!

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Once your Penguin Cupcakes are decorated, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, consider refrigerating them, though note that the frosting may lose some of its texture. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste experience.

These cupcakes are best served on the same day they are made, but if you have leftovers, they still taste great the next day. For an extra touch, consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm cup of hot cocoa, making your dessert experience even more delightful.

Customization Ideas

Feel free to get creative with your Penguin Cupcakes! You can experiment with different flavors of cake mix or frosting to suit your taste. For example, try using red velvet cake for a fun twist or a cream cheese frosting for added richness. You can also use different candies for eyes and beaks to add variety and fun colors.

Additionally, consider making mini versions of these cupcakes for a bite-sized treat that’s perfect for parties or gatherings. The smaller size means you can enjoy a variety of flavors without feeling too indulgent. No matter how you customize them, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different flavor for the cupcakes?

Yes! You can easily substitute the chocolate with vanilla or any other flavor you prefer.

→ How can I store these cupcakes?

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

→ Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and frost them on the day of serving.

→ What can I use instead of Oreos?

You can use any sandwich cookie or even homemade cookies to create the penguin design.

Penguin Cupcakes made with Oreos

Delight your guests with these adorable Penguin Cupcakes made with Oreos that are perfect for any occasion!

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time35 minutes

Created by: Chelsea Payne

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 12 cupcakes

What You'll Need

For the Cupcakes

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

For the Frosting

  1. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  2. 4 cups powdered sugar
  3. 1/4 cup heavy cream
  4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  5. Black food coloring
  6. White chocolate for decoration

For Decoration

  1. 12 Oreo cookies
  2. Chocolate chips for eyes
  3. Orange candy for beaks

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together oil, eggs, vanilla, and buttermilk. Combine both mixtures until smooth.

Step 02

Fill cupcake liners with the batter and bake for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let them cool completely.

Step 03

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and heavy cream, beating until fluffy. Mix in vanilla and black food coloring until you achieve a nice black color.

Step 04

Frost the cooled cupcakes with the black frosting. Place an Oreo cookie on top for the penguin's body. Attach chocolate chips for eyes and an orange candy for the beak.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g