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Indulge in the ultimate homemade treat with our gourmet homemade Oreo Cookie. This recipe takes the classic Oreo experience to a whole new level, featuring soft, rich devil’s food cake cookies paired with a luscious creamy cheese frosting. It’s an in-depth and delightful twist on the beloved store-bought favorite. It’s perfect for impressing at gatherings or just enjoying an upscale oreo at home.
This cookie is one of my originals. I have been making this cookie since I was 18 years old. When I was dating my now husband, I made these for him and I’m pretty certain they’re the reason he fell hard for me. Okay I’m only half serious, but he really did love these addicting cookies. These nostalgic treats are made better by the soft, rich chocolate cake cookies sandwiched around the mouth watering cream cheese frosting.
The Chemistry of the Oreo Cookie
The chemistry of baking is fascinating, especially when it comes to cookies. In this recipe, the devil’s food cake mix provides a rich chocolate flavor and tender crumb, thanks to the balance of ingredients in the mix. The use of shortening, instead of butter, in the cookies contributes to their soft texture. Shortening has a higher melting point than butter, which helps the cookie retain their shape and offers a unique texture. The cream cheese frosting adds not only flavor but also a smooth, stable structure due to its fat content and moisture level, which pairs perfectly with the soft cookies.
Why use devil’s food cake mix for cookies?
Devil’s food cake mix is a convenient and reliable base for cookies, ensuring a deep chocolate flavor and a consistently soft, moist texture. It simplifies the process without sacrificing taste or quality. I generally prefer everything to be made from scratch, but as the saying goes, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.
Can I substitute butter for shortening in the cookies?
While you can substitute butter for shortening, it will change the texture. Butter will make the cookies spread more and give them a slightly different flavor. Shortening helps in keeping the cookies soft and maintaining their shape.
Why whip the frosting for 2 minutes?
Whipping the frosting thoroughly incorporates air, making it lighter in both color and texture. This airy, fluffy consistency is key to creating that luxurious and smooth mouthfeel that contrasts beautifully with the soft cookies.
Can these cookies be made in advance?
Absolutely! You can bake the cookies a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature. The frosting can also be made ahead and refrigerated. Simply bring it to room temperature and then give it a quick whip before assembling.
What is in the Oreo Cookie?
Devils food cake
Provides a rich chocolate base and simplifies the baking process.
Shortening
Being 100% fat, it provides a flakier texture and prevents spreading because it does not melt down in the oven.
Eggs
Adds both a protein (egg whites) and fat (egg yolks). The egg whites help with rising because, when foamed, little air pockets get trapped inside the egg white mixture. The water content in egg whites encourages steam while baking, which helps with gluten formation, resulting in nice and thick treats. Egg yolks have emulsifying properties that bring batters and doughs together and help them from collapsing. Unless otherwise specified, always use large eggs.
Cream cheese
Provides a unique, tangy flavor. When baked it adds moisture to your treat.
Unsalted butter
Often the main ingredient of frosting, it adds structure to your buttercream. It also adds a smooth and velvety texture. Butter melts at body temperature, so it will make your frosting have a melt-in-your-mouth sensation.
Powdered Sugar
Is just finely ground granulated sugar. It will absorb moisture in your batter or dough. It dissolves easily, ensuring a smooth texture without grittiness. Because it is so fine, it can melt quickly in the oven and spread cookies out more. Powdered sugar also stabilizes and thickens the frosting, thanks to the small amount of cornstarch it contains.
Vanilla Extract
When using pure vanilla extract, as opposed to imitation flavoring, it will add the deep rich flavor that everybody wants in a treat.
How to store the Oreo Cookie
Store the cookies in an airtight container, at room temperature, for up to 3 days. The frosting should be refrigerated and can last for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw to room temperature before enjoying.
Can you make them in advance?
These cookies are perfect for making ahead. Prepare the cookies and frosting separately. Store the cookies at room temperature and the frosting in the refrigerator. Allow the frosting to come back to room temperature and be sure to give it a whip before assembling the day of serving for the freshest taste.
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Why make the homemade Oreo Cookie?
This gourmet homemade Oreo Cookie is perfect for special occasions, weekend baking projects, or anytime you crave a luxurious treat. They’re a hit at parties and make an impressive gift during the holidays.
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Oreo Cookie
Ingredients
Cookie
- 2 boxes devils food cake
- 1 cup shortening
- 4 eggs
Frosting
- 8 ounce cream cheese
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 5 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees
- In a standing mixer combine the devils food cake, shortening and eggs. Mix until fully combined
- Scoop the cookie dough onto a light metal cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 9 minutes.
- Let the cookies cool for on the tray for 5-10 minutes before removing from the pan to finish cooling
- Frost one cookie with the cream cheese frosting & place another cookie on top
Frosting
- In a standing mixer soften the butter and cream cheese together
- Add the sugar and vanilla and mix until combined
- Once combined, whip the frosting on high for 2 minutes until the frosting until it is lighter in color and texture
Nutrition
Have you tried this recipe?
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