Carnival cravings at home? Yes, please! These Fried Oreos are the ultimate nostalgic treat—crispy golden outsides hugging melty, chocolatey cookies inside, all crowned with a dreamy drizzle of glaze. No need to wait for the fair—this recipe brings that magical delight right to your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Pure Carnival Nostalgia: Each bite instantly transports you to that first magical taste of freshly fried Oreos at the fair.
- Ultra Simple Ingredients: You probably have everything you need right in your pantry—no fancy equipment or special mixes needed!
- Melty Center, Crispy Shell: The quick-fry batter turns perfectly golden and puffs up around the softened, warm Oreo for total dessert bliss.
- Crowd-Pleaser for All Ages: Whether you’re 8 or 88, a plate of homemade fried Oreos never fails to draw a crowd and lots of happy smiles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Fried Oreos lies in their simplicity—the basics you know and love, put together in an unforgettable way. Each ingredient has a role: the crisp batter, the creamy glaze, the iconic cookie at the heart of it all.
- Oreo Cookies (18): The star of the show! Double Stuf, classic, or even a fun flavor, they all work wonders.
- Pancake Mix (1 ½ cups): Your shortcut secret to pillowy, golden batter—use any favorite brand.
- Egg (1): Helps bind the batter and adds richness.
- Milk (¾ cup, plus 1 tbsp. for glaze): Makes the batter just right—thick but still easily dippable.
- Vanilla Extract (¼ teaspoon): Adds a warm, subtle sweetness to the batter.
- Powdered Sugar (¼ cup for glaze, more for dusting): Sweetens the glaze and gives that swoon-worthy snowy finish.
- Oil for Frying: A neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil works best for a light, crisp exterior.
Variations
Once you get the hang of making Fried Oreos, let your imagination run wild! Changing up the cookies, batter, or toppings makes it so easy to put your own spin on this playful dessert.
- Try Different Cookies: Swap in Golden Oreos, peanut butter sandwiches, or even gluten-free sandwich cookies for a twist.
- Chocolate Batter: Mix a tablespoon of cocoa into the pancake batter for a double-chocolate treat.
- Sparkle With Sprinkles: Top your glazed fried Oreos with colorful sprinkles while the glaze is still wet for a truly festive feel.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use your favorite plant-based milk and egg replacer for a vegan-friendly treat.
How to Make Fried Oreos
Step 1: Make the Batter
Start by combining the pancake mix, egg, milk, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps—you’re aiming for a thick but pourable batter that clings nicely to every Oreo.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
Pour enough neutral oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot so it’s at least a few inches deep. Heat over medium-high until it reaches about 350–360°F (180°C). Not sure if it’s hot enough? Drop a bit of batter in—it should gently sizzle and puff.
Step 3: Dip and Fry
Hold each Oreo with tongs or gently with your fingers, dip it fully in the batter, and immediately place it in the hot oil. Fry in batches, turning occasionally, until cookies are golden brown all over—just 3 to 4 minutes!
Step 4: Drain and Glaze
Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried Oreos, letting excess oil drip off, then transfer them to a paper towel–lined plate. Whisk powdered sugar with a tablespoon of milk for a quick glaze and drizzle generously over the warm cookies. Dust with extra powdered sugar for a fairground finish!
Pro Tips for Making Fried Oreos
- Batter Consistency Counts: If your batter seems too thin, whisk in a bit more pancake mix—the perfect coating should hug the cookie, not drip off.
- Oil Temperature is Everything: Keep your oil around 350–360°F; too hot will burn the outside before the inside warms, too cool makes them oily.
- Don’t Crowd the Pot: Fry Oreos in batches so they don’t stick together and the oil temperature stays steady for crunchy results every time.
- Serve Fresh and Warm: Fried Oreos are at their ooey-gooey, melt-in-your-mouth best within minutes of frying—plan to serve immediately!
How to Serve Fried Oreos
Garnishes
Don’t stop at just the glaze and powdered sugar! Try a cloud of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate or caramel syrup, or even a sprinkle of crushed cookies on top for extra pizzazz.
Side Dishes
If you’re serving these at a party, pair fried Oreos with a bowl of fresh berries to balance the sweetness. They’re also fun alongside milkshakes, floats, or even fruit kabobs—cool, creamy, and crisp makes for dessert perfection.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve them in paper cones for a true carnival vibe, arrange in a ring on a colorful platter, or thread them onto skewers for a playful dessert kabob—kids and adults alike will love the extra fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to have any leftovers, let them cool to room temperature, then store in a single layer in an airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 2 days, but keep in mind the texture is best on day one!
Freezing
Fried Oreos can be frozen, though the batter may soften. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a zip-top bag for storage. Defrost at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating
For the best “just-fried” texture, reheat leftovers in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes. Avoid the microwave, which can make the batter chewy instead of crisp.
FAQs
-
Can I use any flavor of Oreo for Fried Oreos?
Absolutely! While classic chocolate Oreos are the traditional choice, Golden Oreos, peanut butter, mint, or practically any seasonal flavor can be transformed into a fun new treat—just use your favorite.
-
Do I really need to use pancake mix for the batter?
Pancake mix is a super simple way to get fluffy, golden batter in no time, but you can use a homemade mix of flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt if you prefer making it from scratch.
-
What’s the best oil for frying Oreos?
Choose a neutral, high-smoke-point oil like canola or vegetable oil for light, even frying. Avoid olive oil, as its flavor is too strong for sweet recipes like these.
-
Can I make Fried Oreos in advance for a party?
Fried Oreos are at their best straight out of the oil, but you can fry them a few hours ahead and keep them warm, uncovered, in an oven set to 200°F until serving time. Just wait to glaze and dust with sugar right before guests arrive for maximum freshness!
Final Thoughts
Once you taste the joy of homemade Fried Oreos, you’ll want to share them at every gathering, movie night, or whenever you crave a little carnival magic at home. Gather your friends, fry up a batch, and let the smiles and powdered sugar fly—trust me, these are pure happiness on a plate!
Print
Fried Oreos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Total Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Frying
- Method: Stovetop
Description
Indulge in a carnival favorite with this easy and delicious Fried Oreos recipe. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these fried treats are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Ingredients
Oreo Cookies:
- 18 Oreo cookies
Batter:
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare Batter: In a bowl, combine pancake mix, egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until well mixed.
- Fry Oreos: Heat oil in a deep pot to medium-high. Dip each Oreo in the batter and fry for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, turning occasionally.
- Make Glaze: Mix powdered sugar and water to make a glaze.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Fried Oreo
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
