Oreo Donuts

Fried Oreo donuts made with pillowy soft dough topped with cream cheese icing and chopped Oreo cookies.

Have you had those deep fried Oreos sold at the fair? They are amazing! Deep fried Oreos are the inspiration behind these decadent donuts.

Oreo donuts will satisfy any Oreo fan. These rich and indulgent treats are perfect for celebrating birthdays, holidays, and special occasions.

Chopped Oreos are incorporated two ways. First, the chopped cookies are knead into the yeast dough same fashion that confetti sprinkles were added in these funfetti cinnamon rolls. Second, additional chopped cookies are loaded a top the fried, glazed donuts.

Yeast Dough

The Oreo dough starts like any other yeast dough. It is best to use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. However, with a bit of extra effort, it is possible to knead the dough by hand.

Working with yeast is much easier than you think! Have no fear. Use this comprehensive yeast guide to help tackle all your yeast dough woes.

Yeast requires three things to grow: 1) moisture, 2) warm environment, and 3) sugar. As such, it is important to pay attention to the temperature of your work space as well as your ingredients!

As detailed in the recipe card, you’ll be using your oven as a “proof box” to help the yeast dough rise and expand.

Important Frying Tools

• Candy thermometer :Even consistent oil temperature will produce properly cooked donuts. Attach a candy thermometer (or deep fry thermometer) to the pot to maintain the oil temperature.
• Heavy bottomed pot: I used this 5.5 quart Staub. This particular pot works over fire, electric, or induction burners. This pot is well insulated and does a great job maintaining cooking temperature.
  • However, any heavy bottomed pot will do. Just make sure the pot has a thick bottom to prevent oil from scorching or overheating. 
• Timer : These donuts take about 40 seconds to cook on each side. Use a kitchen timer or use your smartphone’s timer to ensure even cooking.
• Spider Strainer : The strainer is perfect for lowering the raw dough into the hot oil. It’s also great for flipping the donuts, as well as removing the cooked donuts from the hot oil.

Frying with Shortening Versus Oil

The majority of donut shops fry their goods in vegetable shortening. Since shortening is solid at room temperature, the fried donuts will look and feel less greasy. Frying in shortening also results in a crispier exterior.

If you have access to restaurant supply stores, I suggest using “Donut Fry Shortening.” Otherwise, use standard vegetable shortening. 

However, since most of us don’t have giant tubs of shortening at home, you can certainly fry these donuts in vegetable oil or canola oil.

Canola oil is slightly healthier, while vegetable oil (which is really just soybean oil) is the cheapest option. These two oils have a high smoke point, making them suitable for deep frying. 

Sweet Cheese Cheese Glaze

The icing glaze is a simple mixture of cream cheese, butter, and confectioners’ sugar. Be sure to use block-style full-fat cream cheese for the best flavor and texture.

Beat all the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. If texture is too thick, add additional milk one tablespoon at a time until desired textured is achieved.

The cream cheese glaze is a bit sticky, allowing the chopped Oreo topping to latch on. If you prefer a lighter transparent glaze, try this maple glaze.

And, for those that prefer an over the top experience, try two glazes like these strawberry shortcake doughnuts. The fried donut is first coated with a very thin sugar glaze. Once that glaze sets, it is iced with a thick cream cheese frosting.

How long do these Oreo Donuts keep?

Like with most donuts, these are best eaten the day they’re made. 

Fried foods are best consumed immediately. Try to eat these within 8 hours of frying. Overtime, the donuts will stale.

More Oreo Dessert Recipes

• Mint Oreo Brownies
• Oreo Cheesecake Tart
• Cookies and Cream Rolls (cinnamon roll variation)