If you’ve ever wandered past a carnival stand, nose in the air, and caught the sweet, magical aroma of Fried Oreos, this recipe will transport you right back—without leaving your kitchen! These little chocolate-cookie clouds, wrapped in warm pancake batter and dusted with powdered sugar, are the ultimate nostalgic indulgence you’ll want to share (or not!) all year round.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Carnival Magic at Home: Now you can enjoy all the fun and flavor of classic Fried Oreos without waiting for the fair.
- Quick & Easy: Made with pantry staples and just 15 minutes of your time, these are dangerously simple to whip up on a whim.
- Irresistible Texture: The warm, cakey batter wraps around the soft, melty Oreo for a crunch-to-gooey bite you’ll crave.
- Customizable Treats: Swap your favorite Oreos or make mini versions—this recipe is made to play!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The real secret to unforgettable Fried Oreos lies in just a handful of everyday ingredients. Each one plays an essential role—building the golden, pillowy exterior or melting into that irresistible cookie center—so don’t skip a thing!
- Oreo cookies (about 18): The classic original is always a winner, but your favorite flavor works too—Double Stuf anyone?
- Pancake mix (1 1/2 cups): The shortcut to that perfect fluffy coat, making the batter light, airy, and golden.
- Egg (1): Helps bind everything together for a tender batter.
- Milk (3/4 cup): Gives the batter its pourable consistency and creaminess.
- Vanilla extract (1/4 teaspoon): Just a splash deepens the overall sweetness and lifts all the flavors.
- Oil for frying: Choose a neutral, high-heat oil like vegetable or canola for crisp, non-greasy results.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup + 1/2 cup): Used for both dusting and making the sweet optional glaze.
- Milk (1 tbsp): A touch for the glaze to bring it all together in a drool-worthy drizzle!
Variations
The beauty of Fried Oreos is how easy they are to customize! Once you master the basic method, you can mix things up to suit your cravings, your dietary needs, or even your wildest dessert dreams.
- Try Flavored Oreos: Use Golden Oreos, Red Velvet, Peanut Butter, or any limited-edition variety to change things up!
- Vegan Version: Pick a dairy-free pancake mix, plant-based milk, and skip the egg (use a flax egg) for vegan-friendly treats.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute your favorite gluten-free pancake mix and double-check your cookies for an inclusive carnival bite.
- Mini Fried Oreos: Use mini Oreos for tiny, poppable sweet bites—perfect for parties or sharing.
How to Make Fried Oreos
Step 1: Mix the Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the pancake mix, egg, milk, and vanilla extract until just combined—aim for a smooth batter, but don’t over-mix! A few little lumps are perfectly fine and help keep the coating fluffy and light.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
Pour several inches of oil into a deep, sturdy pot and heat it over medium-high heat. If you have a thermometer, you’re aiming for 350–360°F (about 180°C). No thermometer? Drop a bit of batter in—the oil should sizzle and the batter should puff up within seconds.
Step 3: Dip the Oreos
Using a fork or tongs, gently dunk each Oreo into the batter, making sure it’s completely coated. Let any excess drip off—this gives you that ideal, just-thick-enough layer that hugs the cookie.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden
Carefully lower the battered Oreos into the hot oil, a few at a time to avoid crowding. Fry for 3–4 minutes, turning with tongs to brown all sides evenly. They should puff up and become beautifully golden—watch them closely as they cook quickly!
Step 5: Drain & Glaze
Lift the Fried Oreos out with a slotted spoon and set them on paper towels to drain briefly. While they cool, whisk together the remaining powdered sugar and a splash of milk to make a glossy glaze for drizzling—totally optional, but so fun.
Step 6: Dust & Serve
Pile your Fried Oreos onto a platter, dust generously with powdered sugar, and finish with a drizzle of glaze if you’d like. Serve while warm for that classic melt-in-your-mouth experience!
Pro Tips for Making Fried Oreos
- Crispy Coating Every Time: Make sure your batter is thick but pourable—if it’s too thin, it’ll slide right off, so add a little extra pancake mix if needed.
- Oil Temperature Matters: Too hot and your Fried Oreos will brown too quickly and stay doughy inside; too cool and they’ll turn greasy. Stick to 350–360°F for best results.
- Don’t Crowd the Pot: Fry in small batches! Adding too many at once will drop the oil temperature and leave you with soggy, uneven treats.
- Serve Fresh & Warm: Fried Oreos are at their gooey, magical best straight from the fryer—make them right before serving for the ultimate delight.
How to Serve Fried Oreos
Garnishes
Dust your Fried Oreos with a generous blizzard of powdered sugar for that authentic carnival touch. For an extra-special presentation, drizzle with the simple glaze, a bit of chocolate syrup, or a scatter of colorful sprinkles—whatever makes your inner kid grin!
Side Dishes
Pair your golden Fried Oreos with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, fresh strawberries, or even a dollop of whipped cream. They’re fantastic alongside milkshakes or as a surprise finish to a casual dinner party.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack Fried Oreos in a tall glass or arrange them on a tiered dessert tray for dramatic effect. For parties, serve them on lollipop sticks as cake pops or create a customizable ‘build-your-own’ toppings bar—kids and adults will love both ideas!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Fried Oreos are definitely best fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. Lay them in a single layer between sheets of parchment to avoid sticking.
Freezing
While not quite as magical after freezing, you can freeze Fried Oreos in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Use within a month, and reheat straight from frozen for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, pop Fried Oreos in a 350°F oven or air fryer for a few minutes until warm and crisp again—avoid microwaving, as it will make them soft. Enjoy while still slightly warm for maximum nostalgia!
FAQs
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Can I bake Fried Oreos instead of frying them?
Baking will never quite replicate that classic crispness, but you can spray battered Oreos with a little oil and bake at 400°F until golden—about 10 minutes. They’re softer, but still tasty for a lighter spin!
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What’s the best oil for frying Fried Oreos?
Neutral oils with high smoke points, like canola or vegetable oil, are best because they won’t add unwanted flavor and can handle the high temperatures needed for this recipe.
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Can I use a different brand of chocolate sandwich cookies?
Absolutely! Any sturdy, filled sandwich cookie will work—though classics like Oreos hold up best to the frying process and have that comforting, familiar flavor everyone loves.
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How far in advance can I make the batter?
You can whisk together the batter a couple of hours ahead and store it covered in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before you start dipping your Oreos to keep it smooth and airy!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as smitten with these Fried Oreos as I am! Whether you’re whipping them up for a birthday, a retro movie night, or just to surprise your favorite people, each bite brings pure joy. Don’t wait for the next fair—bring the carnival home and treat yourself to a batch of warm, fluffy Fried Oreos today!
PrintFried Oreos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Total Time: 14 minutes
- Yield: 18 Fried Oreos 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious Fried Oreos at home with this easy recipe. These crispy treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!
Ingredients
Oreo Batter:
- 18 Oreo cookies
- 1 1/2 cups pancake mix
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Glaze:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp. milk
For Frying:
- Oil for frying
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
Instructions
- Oreo Batter: Combine the pancake mix, egg, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Stir to combine.
- Frying: Heat the oil in a deep pot to medium-high (180ºC). Dip each Oreo into the batter, then place in the oil. Cook for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown all over.
- Glaze: Make the glaze by combining powdered sugar with water until desired consistency is reached.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Fried Oreo
- Calories: 107
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg