Cookies and cream buttercream is the ultimate treat for anyone who loves a perfect blend of creamy frosting and crunchy oreo cookie bits. This indulgent frosting is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, making it the perfect addition to cupcakes, cakes, or any other dessert you want to elevate.
Whether you’re preparing for a special event or just looking to try something new in the kitchen, this cookies and cream buttercream will become a go-to favorite. The combination of cream, heavy cream, and powdered sugar creates a rich and smooth texture that perfectly complements the delightful crunch of the oreo cookie.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy buttercream and crunchy oreo cookie bits creates a perfect balance of sweet and satisfying flavor.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients like cream, heavy cream, and powdered sugar, and easy steps, you can make this delicious frosting in under 15 minutes.
- Versatile: Perfect for cupcakes, cakes, cookies, or as a filling for other desserts—you’ll never run out of ways to use it!
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the flavor by swapping cookies or adding extracts like mint or peanut butter.
- Perfect Texture: The creamy, smooth consistency is easy to spread and pipe, making it ideal for decorating and frosting any cake or cupcake.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s for a birthday party, holiday celebration, or just because, this frosting is sure to impress everyone.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 12-15 servings (enough for about 24 cupcakes or a 9-inch cake)
Difficulty Level: Easy
Dietary Information:
- Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free cookies)
- Vegetarian (contains dairy)
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
- 10-12 Oreo cookies (or any cookies of your choice)
- Pinch of salt (optional, to balance sweetness)
Equipment
- Electric mixer (stand mixer or hand mixer)
- Spatula or whisk
- Large mixing bowl
- Cookie crumbs container (for crushing cookies)
- Piping bags and decorating tips (optional, if decorating cupcakes or cakes)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cookies
Start by preparing your cookies. If you’re using Oreos, twist them apart and remove the cream center. Place the cookie halves in a food processor and pulse until they’re finely crushed. You should have about 1 cup of cookie crumbs. Set the crumbs aside for later.
Pro Tip: You can also place the cookies in a Ziploc bag and crush them using a rolling pin if you don’t have a food processor. Just be sure to get them nice and fine for the best texture in your buttercream!
Step 2: Make the Buttercream Base
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Start with 3 cups of powdered sugar and gradually add more if you prefer a stiffer consistency. Beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy—this should take about 3-5 minutes.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Heavy Cream
Once your butter and sugar mixture is fluffy, add the vanilla extract and a tablespoon of heavy cream (or milk if you prefer). Continue mixing until everything is well combined. If the frosting is too thick, add more heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
Pro Tip: For a richer flavor, use heavy cream. If you want a lighter frosting, you can opt for milk instead.
Step 4: Fold in the Cookie Crumbs
Now it’s time to add the crushed cookies! Fold the cookie crumbs into your buttercream using a spatula or on the lowest setting of your mixer. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to retain some texture from the oreo cookie.
Pro Tip: Save a few cookie crumbs for sprinkling on top of your finished cupcakes or cake for added visual appeal.
Step 5: Adjust the Texture
If your buttercream is too stiff, you can add a little more cream to loosen it up. If it’s too runny, add a little more powdered sugar to thicken it. The goal is to get a smooth, spreadable frosting that holds its shape when piped onto cupcakes or cakes.
Step 6: Frost Your Desserts
Once your cookies and cream buttercream is ready, it’s time to decorate! Spread the frosting onto your cake or cupcakes using a spatula, or pipe it using a piping bag for more intricate designs.
Pro Tip: If you’re decorating cupcakes, try using a star tip for a beautiful swirl design.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Now that your cookies and cream buttercream is on your cake or cupcakes, it’s time to enjoy! The rich, creamy texture pairs perfectly with the crunch of the cookies, making each bite irresistible.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cookies and Cream Buttercream
- Use Room Temperature Butter: For the best texture, make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Room-temperature butter will whip up much fluffier than cold butter, making it ideal for buttercream.
- Crush the Cookies Well: If you’re not using a food processor, make sure to crush the oreo cookie finely. Large chunks of cookie can create a gritty texture in your frosting.
- Add a Pinch of Salt: If you find that the frosting is too sweet, add a pinch of salt to help balance the flavors.
- Storage: This buttercream can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Before using, let it come to room temperature and give it a quick stir to bring it back to the perfect consistency.
- Try Different Cookies: While Oreos are the most popular choice, feel free to experiment with other cookies. Chocolate chip cookies, chocolate sandwich cookies, or even graham crackers can work well for unique flavor variations in your cake or cupcakes.
Variations You Can Try
- Mint Cookies and Cream Buttercream: Add a few drops of mint extract to the buttercream for a refreshing twist on the classic cookies and cream flavor. Pair this with a chocolate cake for a mint-chocolate experience!
- Peanut Butter Cookies and Cream Buttercream: For a peanut butter lover’s dream, use peanut butter cookies in place of Oreos for a rich, nutty flavor.
- Vegan Cookies and Cream Buttercream: If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, use vegan butter and non-dairy milk. Choose gluten-free cookies to make this recipe entirely vegan and gluten-free!
- Chocolate Cookies and Cream Buttercream: Swap the vanilla cookies for chocolate sandwich cookies (like the chocolate version of Oreos) for a chocolatey version of this frosting. It pairs well with chocolate cakes!
Conclusion
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just looking to add a new frosting to your recipe repertoire, cookies and cream buttercream is sure to become a favorite. With its creamy texture and delightful crunch, this frosting is perfect for cupcakes, cakes, and more. It’s easy to make, customizable, and sure to please any crowd. Plus, the combination of rich buttercream and crunchy cookies is simply irresistible!
So next time you’re in the kitchen, try this cookies and cream buttercream recipe, and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a delicious, homemade frosting. Happy baking!
