## Prep time
20 minutes
## Cook time
12-15 minutes
## Total time
35-40 minutes
## Servings
24 cookies
There’s something irresistibly delightful about combining the classic taste of Oreo cookies with soft, thick sugar cookies. If you’ve ever craved a cookie that offers the best of both worlds – the indulgent creaminess of Oreos and the comforting sweetness of a sugar cookie – you’ve come to the right place. These Oreo Sugar Cookies are not only visually appealing, thanks to their luscious frosting and cookie crumbles, but they also promise a melt-in-your-mouth experience that will leave you and your loved ones craving more.
In this article, you will learn how to make these delicious cookies from scratch. We’ll explore their unique texture, flavor, and how to achieve that perfectly frosted finish. You’ll also discover useful tips, variations, and answers to common questions. Let’s dive into the world of Oreo Sugar Cookies, guaranteed to enchant your palate and dazzle your guests!
What Are Oreo Sugar Cookies?
Oreo Sugar Cookies are a delightful fusion of two beloved treats. The base is a **soft, thick sugar cookie**, characterized by its tender, chewy texture and slightly crisp edges. This cookie is not just any sugar cookie; it’s elevated with crushed Oreo cookies mixed into the dough, infusing it with that signature chocolate wafer taste and creamy filling.
The finishing touch is a generous layer of **frosting**, often made with cream cheese or buttercream, which transforms these cookies into beautiful, decadent delights. Topped with additional crushed Oreos, these cookies not only look stunning but taste heavenly as well. Whether for a party, holiday celebration, or just an everyday treat, Oreo Sugar Cookies promise to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress everyone around.
Why You’ll Love These Oreo Sugar Cookies
These Oreo Sugar Cookies are the perfect choice for many reasons. First and foremost, the **taste** is out of this world! The sweetness of the sugar cookie complements the slight bitterness of the chocolate Oreos, creating a balanced flavor profile that’s both rich and satisfying. The addition of frosting gives them a luxurious feel, making them perfect for special occasions or even a simple weekend treat.
Another reason you’ll love this recipe is its **ease**. With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, even beginners can whip up a batch with confidence. Rather than relying on store-bought cookies, you can create something uniquely delicious in your kitchen.
Cost-effectiveness is another upside. Store-bought treats can add up quickly, while making your cookies at home allows you to create a larger quantity at a fraction of the price. Not to mention, by using ingredients you can control, you can cater these cookies to specific dietary needs or flavor preferences.
Finally, these cookies are incredibly **versatile**. You can change up the frosting, adjust the sweetness, or even throw in some additional ingredients like nuts or other candies, ensuring that there’s a version to suit everyone’s tastes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create perfect Oreo Sugar Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients. Each plays a vital role in contributing to the overall texture and flavor of the cookies.
– **All-Purpose Flour**: 2 ½ cups — This will provide the structure for the cookies. Make sure to aerate your flour before measuring to avoid dense cookies.
– **Baking Powder**: 1 teaspoon — This leavening agent is crucial for making the cookies light and fluffy.
– **Salt**: ½ teaspoon — Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
– **Unsalted Butter**: 1 cup (softened) — Adds richness and moisture. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming.
– **Granulated Sugar**: 1 cup — Sweetens the cookies and helps create a nice crust.
– **Brown Sugar**: ½ cup — Adds depth of flavor and moisture, contributing to the chewy texture.
– **Eggs**: 2 large — Acts as a binding agent and adds richness.
– **Vanilla Extract**: 1 tablespoon — Provides a wonderful aroma and enhances the sweetness of the cookies.
– **Crushed Oreos**: 1 cup — This is where the magic happens! Crushed Oreo cookies will give the cookies that signature flavor and texture.
– **Frosting**: 1 batch of your favorite frosting (cream cheese or buttercream recommended) — This will top your cookies, making them rich and sweet.
– **More Crushed Oreos**: For topping — Optional, but highly recommended for added crunch and flavor.
These ingredients combine to create the perfect cookie that is soft, thick, and brimming with that creamy, delicious cookies-and-cream flavor you know and love.
How to Make Oreo Sugar Cookies
Creating these delectable Oreo Sugar Cookies is a straightforward process. Follow these step-by-step instructions for the best results:
1. **Preheat Your Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to ensure the cookies don’t stick.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients**: In a medium bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, ensuring they are well combined. This step helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the mixture, promoting consistent rising.
3. **Cream the Butter and Sugars**: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Creaming should take about 3-4 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. This incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in a lighter cookie.
4. **Add Eggs and Vanilla**: Next, add the eggs—one at a time—and the vanilla extract to your creamed mixture. Beat until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary. The eggs will help emulsify the mixture and provide moisture.
5. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**: Gradually incorporate your dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps your cookies tender and chewy.
6. **Incorporate Crushed Oreos**: Fold in the crushed Oreos with a spatula. You want the pieces to be visible, contributing to the beautiful cookies-and-cream flavor and texture.
7. **Scoop the Cookie Dough**: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out rounded balls of dough and place them on your prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave enough space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly while baking.
8. **Bake**: Place the cookie sheets in the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still appear soft. Remember, the cookies will continue to cook while cooling on the sheet, so it’s better to take them out slightly underbaked.
9. **Cool**: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This rest time helps them set while maintaining a chewy center.
10. **Frost the Cookies**: Once the cookies have cooled completely, it’s time to frost! Spread a generous layer of frosting over the tops of each cookie using a spatula or piping bag for a decorative look.
11. **Top with Crushed Oreos**: Finish your cookies off by sprinkling more crushed Oreos on top of the frosting. This adds an extra crunch and a lovely finishing touch.
12. **Enjoy**: Now, the most exciting step – enjoying your freshly made Oreo Sugar Cookies! Bite into that soft, thick cookie with the delightful frosting and crushed Oreos for the ultimate delicious treat.
5 Variations & Substitutions
1. **Chocolate Chips Addition**: For an additional layer of flavor, consider mixing in ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips along with the crushed Oreos. This will enhance the texture and add a wonderful burst of chocolate goodness.
2. **Gluten-Free Version**: If you or someone you know is gluten intolerant, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. This will ensure that the cookies hold together nicely while still providing that soft and chewy texture.
3. **Different Frosting Flavors**: Switch up your frosting by using chocolate or mint-flavored buttercream instead of the traditional vanilla. These flavors will create unique and exciting twists while still keeping the essence of the cookies intact.
4. **Add Nuts**: If you enjoy a little crunch, consider adding ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the cookie dough. This adds a delectable nutty flavor and texture while complementing the Oreo cookies nicely.
5. **Oreo Flavors**: Feel free to experiment with different Oreo flavors, such as mint or seasonal options like pumpkin spice. Each will infuse your sugar cookies with its unique flavor profile, making it fun to change things up for different occasions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Oreo Sugar Cookies, there are a few pitfalls to watch for to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly.
First, be cautious about **overmixing** the cookie dough once the flour has been added. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies because it develops the gluten too much. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated, and then gently fold in the crushed Oreos.
Another mistake is using **cold butter** straight from the fridge. Room temperature butter is crucial for achieving the right texture. If your butter is too cold, it will not cream properly with the sugars, leading to denser cookies rather than the light, soft texture you’re aiming for.
Additionally, don’t skip the **cooling time** after baking. Pulling cookies off the baking sheet too soon can cause them to crumble. Allowing them to cool for a few minutes ensures they firm up enough to handle.
Lastly, be mindful of **baking times**. Every oven is different, so start checking your cookies a minute or two before the recommended baking time to avoid overbaking. You want the edges to be golden but the center should still appear soft; they will continue to bake off the heat once out of the oven.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips
To keep your Oreo Sugar Cookies fresh and delicious, storage is key. Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-5 days. This helps to maintain their softness and prevents them from becoming dry.
If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or reheat them in the microwave for about 15 seconds to restore softness.
It’s important to note that frost your cookies only before serving if you plan to freeze them. Frosted cookies can be stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days, but the frosting can become a bit messy if frozen. For best results, frost them fresh after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
**1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?**
While margarine can be used in place of butter, it’s not recommended as the flavor and texture may differ. Butter provides a rich flavor and creates a better texture due to its fat content. If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, consider using a vegan butter substitute concentrated in fats.
**2. Why did my cookies spread too much?**
If your cookies spread excessively, it might be due to warmer butter or not enough flour. Ensure your butter is softened but not melted. Also, measuring your flour correctly is essential. Too little flour can cause cookies to spread; spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it with a knife to prevent this.
**3. Can I double the recipe?**
Absolutely! This cookie recipe can be easily doubled if you’re looking to make a larger batch for a gathering or event. Just ensure you have ample space on your baking sheets and enough cooling racks for the cookies to cool on.
**4. How do I know when the cookies are done?**
You’ll know the cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look soft. They will firm up as they cool. It’s better to slightly underbake them than overbake, as this results in a chewy texture.
**5. Can I use other kinds of Oreos?**
Yes, feel free to use any flavor of Oreo cookies you like. Each will impart a unique taste, and using seasonal Oreos like pumpkin spice around fall can add an exciting twist to this cookie recipe.
### Conclusion
These Oreo Sugar Cookies are sure to be a hit whether it’s a casual family gathering or a festive occasion. The combination of soft, thick cookies, rich frosting, and that unmistakable cookies-and-cream flavor makes them irresistible. Armed with tips, variations, and FAQs, you’re ready to create your own batch of these delightful treats. Don’t hesitate to get creative with flavors or toppings to make them uniquely yours!
Try your hand at these cookies, and proudly share your creations with family and friends. You’ll quickly see why every cookie jar needs a stash of Oreo Sugar Cookies!
