Red Velvet Oreo Cupcakes

Serves: 16 cupcakes

INGREDIENTS

• Cupcakes:
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tbs cocoa powder
• 1½ cups vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2-3 tsp red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 7 Oreo Cookies, crushed in food processor
• 
  
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 2 8 oz packages of cream cheese, room temperature
• ½ cup of butter, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups powder sugar

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line muffin pan with cupcake liners. (I also used two muffin pans, I had batter for 16 cupcakes)
2. In a bowl on an electric mixer, beat together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla on medium low.
3. Add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture and beat on low until smooth and just combined.
4. Add MOST of the crushed Oreo cookies (set aside about 2 tbs to top of the cupcakes.) and stir on low until just incorporated.
5. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake cups, filled about ¾ full.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes. Do a toothpick test to make sure the cupcakes are cooked through. Cool completely before frosting.
7. Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and vanilla together until smooth and light. (about 2-3 minutes)
8. Lower the speed to low and slowly add the powder sugar. Beat until just incorporated. Increase the speed to medium-high and mix until very light and fluffy. (about another 1-1½ minutes)
9. Frost the cupcakes and sprinkle with remaining crushed Oreos.

Recipe Credit: Will Cook for Smiles