Penguin Cupcakes made with Oreos

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Delight in these adorable Penguin Cupcakes made with Oreos that are perfect for any celebration or just a fun treat for kids!

Elara Whitfield

Created by

Elara Whitfield

Last updated on 2025-12-19T15:40:54.721Z

These Penguin Cupcakes are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Inspired by the cute and playful nature of penguins, these cupcakes are made with rich chocolate cake and decorated with Oreo cookies to create the perfect penguin face!

Why You'll Love These Cupcakes

  • Adorable and fun presentation that kids will love
  • Delicious chocolate flavor with a creamy frosting
  • Perfect for birthday parties or winter celebrations
  • Easy to make with simple ingredients

A Fun Baking Activity for Kids

Baking these Penguin Cupcakes is not just about the delicious outcome; it’s also a fantastic activity to do with kids! Children love to get involved in the kitchen, and this recipe offers a perfect opportunity for them to learn basic baking skills. From measuring ingredients to mixing the batter, every step can be a fun learning experience. Plus, the decorating part is where their creativity can truly shine. Let them create their own unique penguin designs, and watch as their excitement grows with each cupcake they decorate!

Using Oreo cookies to craft the penguin’s body adds a playful element that kids will absolutely adore. This hands-on experience not only fosters a love for baking but also encourages teamwork and family bonding. So gather your little helpers, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the delightful chaos of cupcake decorating together!

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, a winter gathering, or just looking for a fun treat, these Penguin Cupcakes are a hit for any occasion. Their whimsical design brings joy and smiles, making them a centerpiece that will delight both kids and adults alike. The rich chocolate flavor pairs wonderfully with the creamy frosting, ensuring that no one can resist grabbing one (or two) from the platter.

These adorable cupcakes can easily be customized for different events. For winter celebrations, consider adding a sprinkle of edible glitter to mimic snow, or use different colored candy for a festive touch. They are versatile enough to adapt to various themes, making them a go-to dessert for any festive gathering.

Storage and Serving Tips

Once your Penguin Cupcakes are frosted and decorated, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you're planning to make them in advance, consider baking the cupcakes ahead of time and frosting them closer to the serving date. This way, you can ensure that the frosting stays fresh and delicious, and the cupcakes retain their moistness.

For an extra touch when serving, consider presenting these cupcakes on a themed platter or cake stand. Adding some decorative elements like mini snowflakes or penguin figurines can enhance the festive atmosphere. Your guests will be dazzled by both the appearance and taste of these charming treats, making them the highlight of the celebration!

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup milk

For the Frosting

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder
  • 2-3 tbsp milk
  • Black and white Oreo cookies for decoration

Make sure to gather all your ingredients before you start baking!

Instructions

Prepare the Cupcake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with paper liners. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the egg, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and milk until well combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

Bake the Cupcakes

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

Prepare the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until combined. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Decorate the Cupcakes

Frost the cooled cupcakes generously with the chocolate frosting. Use the black and white Oreo cookies to create the penguin's body and face. Use mini chocolate chips for the eyes and a small candy for the beak.

Your adorable Penguin Cupcakes are now ready to impress!

Nutritional Information

These Penguin Cupcakes are not just visually appealing; they also bring a delightful taste experience. While they are indulgent, it's important to enjoy them in moderation. Each cupcake is rich in flavor, thanks to the combination of chocolate cake and creamy frosting. When calculating the nutritional value, keep in mind that these treats are best savored on special occasions.

If you're looking to make them a bit healthier, consider swapping out some of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour or using a sugar substitute. However, be cautious with substitutions, as they can affect the texture and flavor of the cupcakes.

Customization Ideas

One of the best aspects of these Penguin Cupcakes is their versatility. You can easily customize them to suit your taste or theme. For example, consider using flavored cake mixes like vanilla or red velvet for a unique twist. Additionally, the frosting can be swapped for cream cheese or a flavored buttercream, depending on your preference.

You can also opt for different toppings beyond Oreo cookies. Try using chocolate-covered pretzels for flippers or colorful candies for added flair. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to tailor these cupcakes to your special occasion!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different flavor of cake?

Yes, you can substitute the chocolate cake with vanilla or any other flavor you prefer.

→ How long do these cupcakes last?

They can be stored 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 just before serving.

→ What can I use instead of Oreos?

You can use any chocolate sandwich cookies or even homemade cookies for a similar effect.

Penguin Cupcakes made with Oreos

Delight in these adorable Penguin Cupcakes made with Oreos that are perfect for any celebration or just a fun treat for kids!

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time35 minutes

Created by: Elara Whitfield

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 cupcakes

What You'll Need

For the Cupcakes

  1. 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 cup granulated sugar
  3. ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  4. 1 tsp baking powder
  5. ½ tsp baking soda
  6. ½ tsp salt
  7. 1 large egg
  8. ½ cup vegetable oil
  9. 1 tsp vanilla extract
  10. 1 cup milk

For the Frosting

  1. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  2. 4 cups powdered sugar
  3. ¼ cup cocoa powder
  4. 2-3 tbsp milk
  5. Black and white Oreo cookies for decoration

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with paper liners. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 02

In another bowl, whisk together the egg, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and milk until well combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

Step 03

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

Step 04

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until combined. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 05

Frost the cooled cupcakes generously with the chocolate frosting. Use the black and white Oreo cookies to create the penguin's body and face. Use mini chocolate chips for the eyes and a small candy for the beak.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 22g
  • Protein: 3g