Deep Fried Oreos: A Fun and Delicious Treat for Any Occasion
Few desserts evoke the kind of nostalgia and excitement that deep-fried Oreos do. Whether you’re at a fair, a carnival, or a food truck festival, the sight of these golden, crispy, powdered-sugar-dusted delights always captures attention. With the first bite, the crisp exterior gives way to a warm, melty center that’s an absolute treat for the senses. The indulgent flavor, the irresistible crunch, and the smooth, sweet Oreo filling combine in a way that makes deep-fried Oreos one of the most popular and beloved fair foods out there.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 20 Oreo cookies: The star of the show! You’ll need a package of Oreos—any variety will work, but the classic chocolate ones are the most popular choice for this recipe. If you want to get creative, you can also experiment with different Oreo flavors, such as mint or golden Oreos, to create your own unique version of this treat.
- 1 1/2 cups pancake mix: This forms the base of the batter. You can use any pancake mix you like, whether it’s a regular or buttermilk variety. If you don’t have pancake mix, you can also make your own batter using flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: The vanilla extract adds a rich flavor to the batter and enhances the overall taste of the fried Oreos. It complements the sweet, creamy filling of the Oreo, bringing everything together perfectly.
- 1 cup whole milk: The milk helps create a smooth batter that coats the Oreos evenly. Whole milk works best for a rich batter, but you can substitute it with any milk of your choice—whether it’s almond milk, oat milk, or a non-dairy alternative.
- 1 egg: The egg binds the ingredients together and helps create a smooth and thick batter that adheres well to the Oreos.
- Oil for frying: You’ll need enough oil to submerge the cookies while frying. A neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or canola oil, works best. This will ensure that the Oreos fry evenly and don’t absorb too much oil.
- Powdered sugar (optional): This is for sprinkling on top of the fried Oreos. The powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and makes the fried Oreos even more visually appealing.
Instructions
- Prepare the Oil: Start by heating the oil in a deep fryer or a large pot. You’ll want the oil to reach around 365°F. Use a thermometer to make sure the temperature is just right. If the oil is too hot, the batter will burn quickly; if it’s too cold, the Oreos will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Make the Batter: While the oil heats up, grab a large mixing bowl. Add the whole milk, egg, and vanilla extract to the bowl and whisk them together until smooth. The egg should be fully incorporated, and the mixture should be free of any lumps. Once the liquid ingredients are mixed together, slowly add in the pancake mix. Stir the batter until it’s smooth and thick, with no visible lumps. It should be thick enough to coat the cookies, but not so thick that it becomes difficult to dip.
- Coat the Oreos: Take one Oreo cookie at a time and dip it into the batter, making sure it’s completely coated. Use a spoon to scoop some of the batter on top of the Oreo, ensuring that the entire cookie is evenly covered. Be sure to dip the Oreos just before frying to prevent the batter from becoming too thick and difficult to handle.
- Fry the Oreos: Once the oil has reached the correct temperature, carefully place the coated Oreos into the hot oil. Fry them in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each Oreo for about 1-2 minutes on each side or until the batter turns golden brown. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to turn the Oreos halfway through frying. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking or burning.
- Drain the Fried Oreos: Once the Oreos are golden and crispy, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil. This step is important for ensuring that the Oreos remain crispy rather than soggy.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: While the Oreos are still warm, dust them with powdered sugar. You can do this by placing the sugar in a small sifter or using a spoon to sprinkle it evenly over the cookies. The powdered sugar adds a light sweetness and gives the Oreos a pretty, festive appearance.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the deep-fried Oreos while they’re still warm. The contrast between the crispy batter and the gooey filling is what makes these treats so irresistible. The warmth of the Oreo combined with the crunch of the batter creates an unforgettable eating experience.
Notes
- Monitor the Oil Temperature: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is key to making the perfect deep-fried Oreos. If the oil is too hot, the cookies will burn on the outside before the inside has a chance to cook. If the oil is too cold, the cookies will become soggy and greasy. Use a thermometer to keep track of the temperature.
- Customize the Batter: If you want to get creative with the batter, feel free to experiment. You can add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cocoa powder to the batter for an extra burst of flavor. You can also substitute the pancake mix with a different kind of batter if you prefer. The possibilities are endless!
- Try Different Cookies: While classic Oreo cookies are the go-to for this recipe, you can try using other cookie varieties to create your own version of deep-fried cookies. For example, golden Oreos, mint-flavored Oreos, or even flavored sandwich cookies can all work wonderfully in this recipe.
- Make a Dipping Sauce: If you want to take your deep-fried Oreos to the next level, serve them with a dipping sauce. A rich chocolate sauce, a sweet caramel sauce, or a raspberry coulis would pair wonderfully with the crispy, sweet cookies.
- Serve with Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve the deep-fried Oreos with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream pairs beautifully with the warm, crispy Oreos, creating a dessert that’s pure bliss.