Who doesn’t love the creamy, chocolatey goodness of Oreos? If you’re a fan of this iconic cookie, then you’re in for a treat! These vegan Oreo muffins are the perfect combination of soft, fluffy muffins and crunchy, chocolaty Oreo bits.
What’s more, they’re 100% plant-based, making them ideal for anyone following a vegan diet. With just the right balance of sweetness and texture, these muffins make for a perfect snack, breakfast option, or dessert. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe!
Pin it for later!
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need simple pantry ingredients along with a pack of vegan-friendly Oreo cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 12 Oreo cookies, roughly chopped (ensure they are vegan-friendly)
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat milk works great)
- ½ cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Buttercream Frosting
- ½ cup vegan butter (room temperature)
- 2 ½ to 3 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 to 3 tbsp plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat)
- 6 Oreo cookies (crushed into fine crumbs)
Optional:
- Additional Oreos for garnish (whole or chopped)
- ¼ cup dairy-free chocolate chips for added sweetness
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your oven reaches the right temperature by the time you finish prepping the batter. Take out your muffin tray and line it with paper muffin liners. This not only helps prevent sticking but also makes cleanup much easier.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients first ensures that the baking powder and soda get evenly distributed throughout the batter, giving you light and fluffy muffins.
For the chopped Oreos, gently fold them into the dry mix. Coating the Oreo pieces with flour helps them stay well-distributed in the batter and prevents them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the plant-based milk, vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil), apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract. The apple cider vinegar works with the baking soda to create a chemical reaction that makes the muffins rise. The vinegar will not affect the flavor, so don’t worry about it tasting sour.
Make sure all the wet ingredients are well-combined for a smooth mixture. It’s important to get an even blend to avoid lumps in the batter.
Step 4: Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring everything together. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold the ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing the batter. Overworking the flour can cause the muffins to become dense and chewy rather than light and airy.
Once your batter is thick and mixed, it’s time to add any optional ingredients. If you like an extra chocolaty touch, sprinkle in the dairy-free chocolate chips at this point and gently fold them in.
Step 5: Fill the Muffin Liners
Spoon the batter evenly into the lined muffin tray, filling each cup about ¾ full. This will give the muffins enough room to rise without overflowing. For added flair, you can press an additional Oreo piece into the top of each muffin for a decorative finish. Alternatively, sprinkle the tops with crushed Oreos to create a crunchy topping.
Step 6: Bake the Muffins
Place the muffin tray in the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your muffins after the 18-minute mark. To check if the muffins are done, insert a toothpick into the center of one muffin. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, the muffins are ready.
If you find that the tops are browning too quickly but the insides need more time, cover the muffins lightly with aluminum foil and continue baking.
Prepare the Frosting
Step 1: Cream the Vegan Butter
In a large mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature vegan butter using an electric mixer or hand whisk. Beat for about 2–3 minutes until the butter becomes light, fluffy, and creamy. This step is crucial for ensuring your frosting has a smooth texture.
Step 2: Add the Powdered Sugar
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Continue beating on a low speed to prevent the sugar from flying out of the bowl. Once incorporated, increase the speed to medium and beat for another 2–3 minutes until the mixture turns light and fluffy. If the frosting becomes too thick, add 1 tablespoon of plant-based milk at a time until you achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Oreo Crumbs
Mix in the vanilla extract. Then, fold in the finely crushed Oreo cookies using a spatula or spoon. Ensure the Oreo crumbs are evenly distributed throughout the frosting, giving it that signature cookies-and-cream flavor.
Cool and Serve
Once the muffins are fully baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool in the tray for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling them in the tray for a few minutes allows them to firm up, making it easier to remove the muffins without breaking them.
Once your muffins have completely cooled, spread the buttercream frosting generously on top of each muffin using a spatula. For a more professional look, you can pipe the frosting onto the muffins using a piping bag with your preferred nozzle.
Serve your vegan Oreo muffins warm or at room temperature. You’ll love how the Oreos add a pleasant crunch while the muffin base remains soft and tender.
Tips for Success
- Choosing the Right Oreos: Many Oreo varieties are accidentally vegan, but always double-check the label to be sure. Avoid Oreos with milk-based fillings, which may not be suitable for vegans.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to dense muffins, so once the wet and dry ingredients are just combined, stop stirring.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best results, make sure your plant-based milk and oils are at room temperature before mixing. This helps everything combine more smoothly.
- Storing Your Muffins: These muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to two months. Just warm them up in the microwave before serving for that freshly baked taste.
- Vary the Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different Oreo flavors or add-ins, like nuts, coconut flakes, or even a swirl of peanut butter, to make these muffins your own.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Vegan Oreo muffins are the perfect balance of indulgence and wholesomeness. You get the delicious taste of Oreos, which contrast nicely with the softness of the muffin base. These muffins are a hit at parties, great for kids’ lunch boxes, or just a tasty treat for yourself when you need a sweet pick-me-up. They’re easy to whip up, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, but they deliver maximum flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
While the base recipe is straightforward and delicious, you can easily modify these vegan Oreo muffins to suit your preferences:
- Gluten-Free Option: If you need a gluten-free version, replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your Oreos are gluten-free as well.
- Oil-Free: For an oil-free version, you can replace the vegetable oil with applesauce. This substitution will result in slightly denser muffins but will still taste great.
- Sugar Alternatives: If you want to lower the sugar content, you can substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a liquid sweetener like maple syrup. Adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe if needed.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a dedicated vegan or just looking for a new muffin recipe to try, these vegan Oreo muffins are a must-bake. They combine the nostalgic taste of Oreos with the comfort of a soft, warm muffin in each bite. Simple enough to make with kids, these muffins will surely become a favorite in your household. Happy baking!
