How to Make Deep Fried Oreos: The Easiest Recipe for a Fairground Favorite
Prepare to elevate your dessert game with these absolutely irresistible deep-fried Oreos! Imagine biting into a warm, crispy exterior that gives way to a gloriously soft, melty Oreo cookie center, all perfectly sweet and utterly decadent. This simple recipe brings the iconic fairground treat right into your kitchen, ready in under 15 minutes with just a handful of everyday ingredients.
If you’re anything like me, you probably have a soft spot for Oreos. While I adore classic treats like Oreo Cupcakes, a luscious Oreo Cake, or festive Oreo Peppermint Cake Pops, nothing quite compares to the magic of a deep-fried Oreo. It’s a game-changer! Trust me when I say these will quickly become your new favorite way to enjoy America’s beloved cookie. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this incredibly easy and unbelievably delicious dessert.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Deep Fried Oreo Recipe
There are countless reasons why these deep-fried Oreos have earned a permanent spot as my all-time favorite treat, and I’m confident they’ll win you over too. Here’s why this recipe is an absolute must-try:
- Effortlessly Simple: You don’t need to be a pastry chef to master these. The recipe uses a convenient store-bought pancake mix, making the batter preparation incredibly quick and easy. No complicated measurements or advanced techniques required!
- Unforgettable Flavor & Texture: While a plain Oreo is delightful, frying it transforms it into something truly extraordinary. The outer crust becomes golden brown and perfectly crisp, while the cookie inside softens to a warm, cake-like consistency with a gooey cream center. It’s a textural paradise that tastes 100 times better than a plain cookie.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a lively barbecue, a casual party, an exciting game day gathering, or simply craving a special treat on a busy weeknight, deep-fried Oreos fit perfectly. They’re a crowd-pleaser that adds a touch of fun to any event.
- Minimal Time Commitment: From start to finish, this recipe requires minimal effort and takes less than 15 minutes to prepare. This means you can whip up a batch whenever a craving strikes without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Customizable Fun: With endless possibilities for toppings and even different Oreo flavors, this recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity.
What Exactly Are Deep Fried Oreos?
For those new to this delightful confection, a deep-fried Oreo is essentially an Oreo cookie enveloped in a rich, fluffy pancake-like batter and then quickly fried until golden brown. The process creates a magical contrast: the batter fries up into a warm, soft, and slightly chewy casing, while the intense heat softens the Oreo cookie itself, melting the cream filling into a luscious, gooey center. It’s a carnival staple, a fairground favorite, and a dessert that promises a unique and deeply satisfying experience. Think of it as a warm, doughy pillow hugging your favorite chocolate sandwich cookie – pure bliss!
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Deep Fried Oreos
You’ll be amazed at how few ingredients you need to create such an impressive dessert. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need, along with some helpful tips:
- Oreos: The star of the show! While I personally love using Double Stuffed Oreos for that extra creamy center, feel free to experiment with your favorite flavor. Mint, Golden, Peanut Butter, or even seasonal varieties work wonderfully and add a unique twist to this classic treat. Just ensure they are standard-sized cookies, not mini or thin versions, for best results with the batter.
- Pancake Mix: This is our secret weapon for speed and simplicity. A good quality store-bought pancake mix works perfectly and saves you time. If you prefer to make your batter from scratch or don’t have a mix on hand, you can certainly use a homemade pancake batter recipe. Just ensure the consistency is thick enough to coat the Oreos without dripping excessively.
- Whole Milk: For the richest, most flavorful batter, whole milk is highly recommended. Its fat content contributes to a tender, moist fried coating. If you need a substitute, 2% milk can work, but avoid skim milk as it may result in a less flavorful batter.
- Egg: A single room temperature egg helps bind the batter together, adds richness, and contributes to a beautiful golden-brown color when fried. Bringing it to room temperature helps it incorporate more smoothly into the batter.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a touch of vanilla extract elevates the flavor of the pancake batter, adding a warm, aromatic note that complements the chocolatey goodness of the Oreos. Don’t skip this!
- Oil for Frying: You’ll need a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoking point for deep frying. Excellent choices include vegetable oil, canola oil, peanut oil, or sunflower oil. Avoid olive oil or butter, as they have lower smoking points and can burn easily, imparting an unpleasant flavor.
- Powdered Sugar (Optional, but highly recommended): A dusting of powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar) right after frying adds a lovely touch of sweetness and a classic fairground finish.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Deep Fried Oreos
Frying Oreos might sound intimidating, but it’s incredibly straightforward and surprisingly quick! You can have a batch of these delectable treats ready in less than 10 minutes once your oil is heated. Follow these simple steps for perfect results:
- Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk, vanilla extract, and the room temperature egg. Whisk them together until they are well blended.
- Add Pancake Mix: Gradually stir in the store-bought pancake mix. Mix until just combined. It’s important not to overmix the batter; a few small lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to a tough or rubbery coating. The batter should be thick enough to generously coat the Oreos but still pourable.
- Heat the Oil: Pour your chosen frying oil into a deep pot or Dutch oven, ensuring there’s enough oil for the Oreos to be fully submerged. Heat the oil to a precise 365 degrees F (185 degrees C). Using a kitchen thermometer is crucial here to maintain the correct temperature – too low and the Oreos will be greasy, too high and they’ll burn before cooking through.
- Coat and Fry the Oreos: Carefully dip each Oreo cookie into the prepared pancake batter, ensuring it’s completely covered. Allow any excess batter to drip off slightly. Gently lower the coated Oreos into the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot and dropping the oil temperature. Fry for approximately 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they achieve a beautiful golden brown color and the batter appears cooked through.
- Drain and Serve: Once golden brown, remove the deep-fried Oreos from the oil using a slotted spoon or spider skimmer. Transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This step is key for a crispy, non-greasy finish.
- Garnish and Enjoy: For that ultimate fairground experience, generously dust the warm deep-fried Oreos with powdered sugar. Serve them immediately while they are warm and the centers are wonderfully gooey. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce makes them even more irresistible!
Tips for Achieving Deep Fried Oreo Perfection
While the recipe is simple, a few expert tips can elevate your deep-fried Oreos from good to absolutely phenomenal:
- Monitor Oil Temperature Closely: This is arguably the most important tip. Use a deep-fry thermometer to ensure your oil stays consistently at 365°F (185°C). If the oil is too cool, the batter will absorb too much oil, resulting in a greasy, soggy product. If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks or the Oreo has a chance to soften.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Fry Oreos in small batches (2-4 at a time, depending on your pot size). Overcrowding will significantly lower the oil temperature, leading to less crispy results.
- Ensure Even Coating: When dipping the Oreos in batter, make sure they are fully coated on all sides. Use a fork or tongs to gently rotate them for even coverage. Let any excess drip off before placing them in the oil.
- Drain Thoroughly: After frying, immediately transfer the Oreos to a wire rack set over a baking sheet lined with paper towels. This allows excess oil to drip away, preventing the bottoms from becoming soggy.
- Serve Immediately: Deep-fried Oreos are best enjoyed warm, right after they’ve been fried and dusted with powdered sugar. The warm, gooey center is what makes them so special. While they are still tasty cooled, the magical hot-and-soft experience is fleeting.
- Use the Right Equipment: A heavy-bottomed pot (like a Dutch oven), a reliable deep-fry thermometer, and a spider skimmer or slotted spoon are your best friends for safe and efficient frying.
Fun Variations and Customization Ideas
One of the joys of this recipe is how easily you can customize it to your liking or for special occasions. Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Different Oreo Flavors: Don’t limit yourself to the classic! Try mint Oreos, peanut butter Oreos, golden Oreos, or any limited-edition flavor you can find. Each will offer a unique and delicious twist.
- Colorful Batter: As mentioned, adding a few drops of no-taste food coloring to your pancake batter is a fantastic idea, especially for themed parties or holidays. Imagine vibrant red for Valentine’s Day, green for St. Patrick’s Day, or colors matching your favorite sports team for game day!
- Creative Toppings: Beyond powdered sugar, consider a drizzle of chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of sprinkles, or even chopped nuts. A scoop of your favorite ice cream on the side is always a winning combination.
- Spiced Batter: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg to your pancake batter for a warm, comforting flavor profile, especially delicious during cooler months.
Do I Need to Freeze Oreos Before Frying?
This is a common question, and the good news is: no, you don’t have to! While some recipes suggest freezing the Oreos beforehand to help them hold their shape and prevent the cream from melting too quickly, I’ve found it’s an unnecessary extra step for this particular recipe. With the right batter consistency and oil temperature, your Oreos will fry beautifully without any prior freezing. I’ve never encountered issues with them falling apart, so feel free to skip this step and save yourself some time.
How Far In Advance Can I Prepare Deep Fried Oreos?
For the absolute best taste and texture, I strongly recommend making and enjoying these deep-fried Oreos immediately after frying. The magic lies in the contrast between the crispy, warm exterior and the soft, gooey interior, which is at its peak right off the fryer. As they cool, the crispy batter can soften, and the warm, melty center will solidify. While still tasty at room temperature, they won’t have the same delightful experience. So, plan to fry them just before serving!
Can I Add Food Coloring to the Pancake Batter?
Absolutely, and it’s a fantastic idea! Adding food coloring to your pancake batter can transform these deep-fried Oreos into an even more festive and eye-catching treat. Imagine vibrant red for Valentine’s Day, green for St. Patrick’s Day, or colors matching a birthday party theme. It adds a wonderful element of fun, especially for kids’ parties or holiday gatherings.
A crucial tip: make sure to use a “no taste” or “flavorless” food coloring, typically gel-based. This ensures that the color changes without altering the delicious flavor of your batter and Oreos. Just a few drops are usually enough to achieve a vibrant hue.
What’s the Best Oil for Frying Deep Fried Oreos?
Choosing the right oil is essential for perfectly fried Oreos that are crispy and not greasy. You’ll want a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, meaning it can withstand high temperatures without burning or imparting a bitter taste. Excellent choices include:
- Vegetable Oil: A popular and affordable choice, great for general frying.
- Canola Oil: Another versatile and widely available option with a high smoke point.
- Peanut Oil: Offers a slightly nutty flavor that can complement desserts, also has a very high smoke point.
- Sunflower Oil: A good neutral option, similar to vegetable and canola.
Avoid oils like olive oil, butter, or extra virgin olive oil, as they have lower smoke points and will burn quickly at the temperatures required for deep frying, leading to an unpleasant taste and potentially harmful byproducts.
Storing Leftover Deep Fried Oreos
While best enjoyed fresh, if you happen to have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 days. However, be aware that the crispy batter will likely soften over time. Reheating them in an air fryer or oven at a low temperature (around 250°F or 120°C) for a few minutes can help to crisp them up again, but they might not fully regain their original texture. For the ultimate experience, it’s always best to fry only as many as you plan to eat immediately.
Explore More Delicious Dessert Recipes:
If you’re a fan of sweet treats, be sure to check out some of my other popular dessert recipes that are just as easy and satisfying:
- Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Decadent Double Chocolate Cookies
- Fun M&M Cookies
- Irresistible Cream Cheese Nutella Cookies
Tried this recipe? Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. And consider following me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
Deep Fried Oreos
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Ingredients
- 20 Oreo cookies
- 1 1/2 cups pancake mix
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 egg
- oil, for frying
- Powdered Sugar, if desired
Instructions
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Heat the oil to about 365 degrees F.
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While the oil heats up, mix the milk, egg, and vanilla extract in a large bowl.
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Add the pancake mix and mix until well combined.
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Dip the cookies into the batter and coat it well on both sides.
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Fry the cookies for about 1-2 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
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Sprinkle with powdered sugar and enjoy while warm.
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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