Name: Oreo Bat Cupcakes Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 36 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box Chocolate Cake Mix; 3 Eggs; 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil; 1 cup Water; 1 cup Butter, softened; 3 cup Powdered Sugar; 1/2 cup Cocoa Powder; 24 Oreo Cookies, divided; 24 Oreo Mini Cookies; 24 Candy Eyes

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 8 reviews

Hey friend, if you love a fun twist on a classic treat, you’re going to adore this Oreo Bat Cupcakes Recipe. These cupcakes are the perfect blend of rich chocolate, creamy frosting, and that unmistakable Oreo crunch all perched like little bat wings on top. I’ve made these for Halloween parties, and honestly, they’re the star of the show every time. So grab your apron – I’m going to walk you through how to make these spooky yet seriously decadent cupcakes step by step!

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Why This Recipe Works

Simplicity Meets Creativity: It’s amazing how a basic cake mix and frosting can transform into a festive bat design with just Oreo cookies and candy eyes.
Texture Play: The crushed Oreos on the frosting add a delightful crunch that balances the soft cupcake and creamy buttercream.
Kid-Approved & Crowd-Pleaser: The adorably spooky look makes them a hit with both kids and adults alike, perfect for parties or Halloween treats.
Easy to Customize: You can tweak the frosting flavors or swap candies to fit your own Halloween vibe or dietary needs.

The image shows two chocolate cupcakes decorated to look like bats. Each cupcake has a thick layer of dark brown crumbly chocolate on top, making the surface rough. In the center of each cupcake is a whole round chocolate cookie topped with two white candy eyes with black pupils. Attached on each side of the cookie are two half chocolate cookies, angled to resemble bat wings. The cupcakes sit on a white marbled surface with small plastic black spiders around them, adding a spooky touch. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let’s talk ingredients because knowing why we use each one can really boost your baking confidence. This Oreo Bat Cupcakes Recipe uses simple pantry staples that come together seamlessly, but each ingredient plays a specific role—whether it’s helping the cupcakes rise, keeping the frosting light and creamy, or creating that signature bat wing effect.

Chocolate Cake Mix: Using a boxed mix keeps things simple and consistent—the chocolate flavor is rich and pairs perfectly with Oreos.
Eggs: These provide structure and moisture to the cupcake batter.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cupcakes tender and moist without adding strong flavors.
Water: Helps loosen the batter and ensures even baking.
Butter (for frosting): Softened butter creates a rich, creamy base for buttercream that holds up well for decorating.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting without graininess, giving it a smooth finish.
Cocoa Powder: Adds deep chocolate flavor to your frosting to complement the cake.
Oreo Cookies: Full-size Oreos cut in half form the bat wings, crushed Oreos coat the frosting, and mini Oreos create the bat body—the star decoration!
Candy Eyes: These adorable little eyes bring the bats to life and add a fun Halloween touch.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best parts of this Oreo Bat Cupcakes Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I love switching things up depending on who I’m baking for or what I have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment—you might find your own perfect version!

Variation: On occasion, I swap regular Oreos with Double Stuf for an extra creamy twist. The bats seem even sweeter and more indulgent with that extra filling.
Dietary Modifications: For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and Oreo alternatives that fit your needs.
Seasonal Changes: Try adding orange food coloring to the frosting for a pumpkin-orange glow or use different colored candy eyes to brighten them up.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Oreo Bat Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Batter Like a Pro

Start by following the box instructions for the chocolate cake mix — add your eggs, vegetable oil, and water, and beat until everything is well combined and smooth. I like to mix on medium speed just until the batter looks evenly blended to avoid overmixing, which can make cupcakes tough. Pro tip: scrape down the sides of your bowl halfway through to get every bit of batter mixed in.

Step 2: Bake and Cool Your Cupcakes

Line your cupcake pans with paper liners and fill each about 2/3 full with batter — this helps your cupcakes rise just right without spilling over. Bake according to the package instructions, usually about 16 minutes. When they’re done, test with a toothpick; it should come out clean. The key is to cool your cupcakes completely before frosting — I usually pop mine on a wire rack and resist the urge to frost while still warm, or the frosting melts and slides off.

Step 3: Whip Up That Chocolate Buttercream

The frosting is where you really want to take your time. Beat softened butter until it’s fluffy and pale, which usually takes a few minutes on medium speed. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low to avoid a sugar cloud explosion. Then slowly add your cocoa powder, tasting as you go. If the frosting feels too thick, a splash of milk or cream helps make it spreadable and smooth.

Step 4: Decorate to Create Bat Magic

Carefully separate 24 Oreos in half — these will be the bat wings, so take your time to keep them intact. Then crush the remaining whole Oreos in a food processor to create a crumbly “dirt” to coat the frosting. After you spread a generous mound of frosting on each cooled cupcake, roll the frosted surface gently in the crushed Oreos.

Stick an Oreo half on each side to form wings, then press a mini Oreo cookie in the middle just between the wings. Finish your bats by applying two candy eyes right near the mini Oreo — instant spooky cuteness! I find pressing gently but firmly helps keep everything secure without breaking the cookies or squishing the frosting.

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Pro Tips for Making Oreo Bat Cupcakes Recipe

Use Room Temperature Butter: This makes the frosting super smooth and easy to spread for that perfect cupcake mound.
Don’t Rush Cooling: Patience here means your frosting won’t melt off, preserving your bat wings perfectly.
Gently Insert Cookies: Press Oreo halves and mini Oreos gently but firmly so they stay put without cracking.
Work in Batches: Assemble your cupcakes in small batches so frosting doesn’t dry out and Oreos stay fresh and crisp.

How to Serve Oreo Bat Cupcakes Recipe

A chocolate cupcake with a textured dark brown crumb layer on top, resembling dirt, sits in a white cupcake liner. On top of the crumbs is a mini Oreo cookie forming the face, with two white candy eyes with black dots placed on it. Two Oreo cookie halves are stuck on each side of the mini Oreo to look like wings. The cupcake is on a white marbled surface with small black plastic spider decorations around it, adding a spooky theme. More similar cupcakes are slightly blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I keep it simple and let the bat decorations shine, but if you want to get fancy, you can sprinkle some edible black glitter or mini chocolate chips around the base of each cupcake. A little orange or purple sanding sugar works nicely too, adding a festive sparkle perfect for Halloween gatherings.

Side Dishes

These cupcakes pair beautifully with fresh fruit platters or a light vanilla pudding for balance. If it’s a party vibe, I like serving them with a cold glass of milk or a fun Halloween-themed punch to complement all that chocolatey goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For one Halloween bash, I arranged the Oreo Bat Cupcakes Recipe cupcakes clustered on a dark platter lined with black lace doilies, surrounded by flickering tea lights. I even added tiny paper bat confetti to the table for extra flair. Presenting them on a tiered stand makes the bats look like they’re ready to take flight!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Oreo Bat Cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is hot or humid, pop them in the fridge to keep the frosting firm. Just be aware the cookies might soften a bit when refrigerated.

Freezing

Freezing works great if you want to prep ahead! Freeze the cupcakes without the Oreo “wings” and candy eyes to avoid sogginess. When you’re ready to serve, thaw completely, then decorate fresh for best results. I’ve found freezing beforehand really saves time when party day gets hectic.

Reheating

Since these are cupcakes, they’re best served at room temperature — I usually take them out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving. If you do want to warm them slightly, a 5-7 second zap in the microwave (frosted side up) works, but don’t overdo it or the frosting melts.

FAQs

Can I make the Oreo Bat Cupcakes Recipe without boxed cake mix?

Absolutely! You can use your favorite homemade chocolate cake recipe instead of a box mix. Just ensure your batter is thick enough to hold the Oreos on top once frosted. The key is a sturdy base that won’t collapse under the decorations.
What if I can’t find candy eyes for decorating?

No worries! You can use small dots of white and dark chocolate piped on with a toothpick for eyes, or reach for mini chocolate chips or sprinkles. It’s fun to experiment — just make sure they stick securely on the frosting.
How do I stop Oreos from breaking when placing them as wings?

Oreos can be fragile, so gently twist them apart to keep halves intact. When inserting into the frosting, hold the cookie by the edges and press softly but steadily. If one does break, just use the larger half or adjust with frosting to hold the piece together.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! Look for vegan cake mix options and swap out butter for a dairy-free spread like coconut oil-based margarine. For the Oreos, double-check as some varieties are accidentally vegan. Use vegan powdered sugar and cocoa powder as usual, and you’re set!

Final Thoughts

This Oreo Bat Cupcakes Recipe holds a special spot in my kitchen because it’s as much fun to make as it is to eat. The friendly bat faces bring smiles, and the simple ingredients mean you can whip them up anytime you want to impress without breaking a sweat. I can’t wait for you to try making your own batch — they’re perfect for Halloween, parties, or just anytime you want to add a little festive whimsy to your baking. Trust me, once you’ve mastered this recipe, you’ll have a go-to that friends and family will keep asking for. Happy baking!