Irresistible Cookies and Cream Baked Donuts with Decadent Chocolate Ganache
Prepare to fall head over heels for these truly delightful Cookies and Cream Baked Donuts! Imagine fluffy, tender donuts infused with the irresistible crunch of crushed Oreo cookies, all without the mess and greasiness of frying. Each golden-brown donut is then generously dipped into a rich, velvety chocolate ganache, creating a treat that’s pure bliss. These oven-baked marvels capture the iconic cookies and cream flavor profile perfectly, offering a lighter yet equally satisfying experience compared to their fried counterparts. If your heart beats for moist cake donuts and the classic combination of dark chocolate cookies and creamy filling, this easy Oreo baked donut recipe is about to become your new obsession.
The universal appeal of cookies and cream—that perfect harmony of dark chocolate, crisp cookies, and creamy vanilla filling—is truly undeniable. These baked Oreo donuts elevate that beloved combination, presenting it in a convenient and utterly delicious chocolate-glazed form. If these delectable treats capture your fancy, you’ll also adore my equally simple Oreo muffin recipe!
This recipe proudly features Lifeway Kefir, whose organic kefir products are packed with healthy probiotics, protein, and calcium. Plus, it’s a fantastic, lactose-intolerance-friendly ingredient! In this recipe, Lifeway Kefir is key to making these baked cookies and cream donuts exceptionally moist, light, and flavorful. Its subtle tang complements the sweetness beautifully, creating a donut with a perfectly balanced taste and a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
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Why You’ll Adore This Baked Oreo Donut Recipe
Baking donuts at home might sound intimidating, but this recipe makes it incredibly easy and rewarding. Here’s why these cookies and cream baked donuts will quickly become a favorite:
- No Frying Required: Say goodbye to splattering hot oil, messy cleanup, and the heavy feeling of fried donuts. This baked donut recipe offers a lighter alternative that’s just as satisfying, making it a healthier choice for breakfast or dessert. You get all the flavor without any of the fuss!
- Packed with Oreo Goodness: Just like my popular Cookies and Cream Edible Cookie Dough, these donuts feature generous amounts of crushed Oreo cookies mixed directly into the batter. This ensures a delightful cookies and cream flavor in every single bite, along with a wonderful textural contrast from the cookie pieces.
- Luxurious Chocolate Ganache Glaze: Each fluffy baked donut is crowned with a glossy, rich chocolate ganache. This decadent glaze adds an extra layer of chocolatey indulgence and a beautiful finish that makes these homemade donuts look professionally made and utterly irresistible.
- Effortlessly Easy & Impressive: You don’t need to be a seasoned baker to master this recipe. With straightforward steps and common ingredients, anyone can create these stunning and delicious donuts. They’re perfect for impressing guests at brunch, treating your family, or simply enjoying a special moment with a homemade sweet treat.
- Moist and Fluffy Texture: Thanks to the inclusion of kefir, these cake-style donuts are incredibly moist and boast a tender, fluffy crumb that truly sets them apart. They are soft, airy, and a joy to eat, making them a perfect companion to your morning coffee or an afternoon snack.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Oreo Donuts
Creating these heavenly cookies and cream baked donuts requires a few simple yet crucial ingredients. Quality matters, especially for the stars of the show! Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to gather:
- All-Purpose Flour, Granulated Sugar, Salt, and Baking Powder: These dry ingredients form the foundational structure and sweetness of our cake donuts. The baking powder, when combined with the acidity of the kefir, acts as a leavening agent, ensuring your donuts rise beautifully and achieve that coveted light and fluffy texture in the oven. Accurate measurement of flour is key to avoiding dry donuts – consider using a kitchen scale for best results!
- Large Egg: The egg provides structure, moisture, and richness to the donut batter, contributing to a tender crumb. Ensure it’s at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter.
- Vanilla Extract and Vanilla Kefir: These homemade cake donuts are infused with a delightful double dose of vanilla! The vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor, while the Lifeway Organic Vanilla Whole Milk Kefir adds incredible moisture, a slight tanginess, and a creamy texture. Kefir, a fermented milk drink similar to yogurt, also contributes beneficial probiotics, making these treats a little bit healthier.
- Neutral Oil: Using a neutral-flavored oil like vegetable or canola oil is essential. It provides moisture without imparting any strong flavors, keeping your homemade baked donuts wonderfully tender and soft.
- Oreo Cookies: The unmistakable star of these cookies and cream donuts! You can use the classic name-brand Oreos or your favorite chocolate sandwich cookies. Crushing them into small pieces (but not powder!) ensures pockets of chocolatey crunch throughout the donut batter.
- Heavy Whipping Cream and High-Quality Chocolate Chips: These two ingredients are all you need for the luscious chocolate ganache glaze. Using heavy whipping cream is crucial for the ganache’s luxurious texture and ability to emulsify properly. Opt for high-quality chocolate chips (or finely chopped baking chocolate with at least 60% cocoa) for the best flavor and a smooth, rich finish.
For a precise list of ingredients and their exact measurements, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card located below.
Creative Substitutions & Delicious Variations
This cookies and cream donut recipe is fantastic as is, but don’t hesitate to get creative and customize it to your liking. Here are some ideas to inspire your next batch:
- Extra Oreo Crunch Topping: For an irresistible textural contrast and an even more pronounced cookies and cream aesthetic, sprinkle some additional crushed Oreo cookie pieces directly on top of the still-wet chocolate ganache glaze. The cookies will adhere beautifully, adding a delightful crunch.
- Candy Bar Infusion: Elevate the sweetness by chopping up a Hershey’s Cookies ‘N’ Cream bar. You can either gently fold some of these chopped pieces into the donut batter before baking, or for an extra special touch, sprinkle them over the chocolate ganache after dipping. This adds another layer of vanilla and white chocolate goodness.
- Kefir Alternatives: If Lifeway’s vanilla kefir isn’t available, their plain whole milk kefir can be used instead. For a tangier profile, or if you can’t find kefir at all, a good substitute is buttermilk. Alternatively, you can use Greek yogurt that has been slightly watered down with milk to achieve a similar consistency to kefir. This ensures the necessary acidity and moisture for the donut batter.
- Different Cookie Flavors: While Oreos are classic, feel free to experiment with other chocolate sandwich cookies or even different types of cookies entirely. Imagine golden vanilla sandwich cookies for a “golden cookies and cream” donut, or mint chocolate cookies for a festive twist!
- White Chocolate Drizzle: After the chocolate ganache has set, melt some white chocolate chips and drizzle them artfully over the donuts for an elegant and extra sweet finish.
- Sprinkle Fun: Add some festive sprinkles to the wet ganache for a pop of color, making these donuts perfect for birthdays or celebrations.
Please note: This recipe has been thoroughly tested with the original ingredients. If you decide to replace or add any ingredients, we encourage you to share your results in the comments section below! Your feedback helps other bakers in our community.
Simple Steps to Bake Irresistible Cookies and Cream Donuts
Making these delicious baked donuts is a straightforward process. Follow these easy steps to create a batch of perfectly fluffy, flavor-packed cookies and cream treats:
Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, and baking powder. Whisk them together thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. This step is crucial for the donut’s texture and rise.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients. In a separate medium-sized bowl, lightly whisk the egg until just broken. Then, stir in the vanilla kefir, neutral oil (like vegetable or canola), and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined, but avoid over-whisking.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients, Add Oreos. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, gently fold until they are just combined and no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough donuts. Finally, fold in the crushed Oreos, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 4: Bake the Donuts. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your donut pan, even if it’s non-stick. Transfer the batter into a piping bag (or a gallon-sized Ziploc bag with a corner snipped off for a makeshift piping bag) and pipe it evenly into each donut cavity, filling them about three-quarters full. Bake for 20-24 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when gently touched and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let them cool slightly in the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache. While the donuts cool, prepare your ganache. Place the high-quality chocolate chips or chunks in a small/medium heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan or microwave, heat the heavy whipping cream until it’s simmering (just before boiling). Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips, ensuring they are fully submerged. Let it sit undisturbed for 5 minutes, allowing the heat to melt the chocolate.
Step 6: Glaze the Donuts. After 5 minutes, remove the cover and gently stir the chocolate and cream mixture with a rubber spatula in a circular motion, starting from the center and working outwards, until it transforms into a smooth, glossy ganache. Once the donuts are completely cooled (this is important so the ganache doesn’t melt off), dip the tops into the warm ganache. For an extra flourish, sprinkle additional Oreo crumbs on top immediately after dipping, if desired!
Expert Baking Tips for Flawless Donuts
Achieving bakery-quality baked cookies and cream donuts at home is easier than you think with a few simple tricks up your sleeve. These expert tips will help ensure your donuts are perfectly tender, flavorful, and beautifully glazed every time:
- Mastering Oreo Crushing: To efficiently crush your Oreos without creating a mess or getting your hands sticky, place them in a sturdy Ziploc bag. Seal the bag, removing as much air as possible, then use a rolling pin, the bottom of a heavy glass, or even a wine bottle to lightly beat and roll over the cookies until they are broken into small, uniform pieces. Avoid turning them into a fine powder; you want distinct bits of cookie for texture. A food processor can also work wonders for a quick and even crush.
- The Piping Bag Advantage: For the cleanest and most efficient way to transfer your donut batter into the donut pan, a piping bag is your best friend. It allows for precise filling and prevents batter from smearing the pan’s surface. If you don’t have a piping bag, easily create your own: simply transfer the batter into a large gallon-sized Ziploc bag, twist the top to secure it, and snip off one corner with scissors. This creates a makeshift piping bag that works just as well.
- Grease Your Pan, Always: Even if your donut pan is labeled as “non-stick,” it’s always a good practice to lightly grease it before adding your batter. A quick spray with cooking spray or a brush of melted butter ensures an absolutely clean release for your baked donuts. This small step also promotes a beautiful golden-brown crust on the donuts, enhancing both their appearance and texture.
- Avoid Overmixing: This is a golden rule in baking, especially for cake-style donuts. Overmixing the batter develops the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in a tough, dense, and chewy donut rather than the desired light and fluffy texture. Mix the wet and dry ingredients only until they are just combined and the flour streaks have disappeared. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
- Cool Completely Before Glazing: Patience is a virtue when it comes to glazing. Ensure your baked donuts are completely cooled to room temperature before dipping them into the chocolate ganache. If the donuts are even slightly warm, the ganache will melt, slide off, and create a messy, uneven coating. A wire cooling rack is ideal for allowing air to circulate around the donuts, speeding up the cooling process.
- Precision with Ganache: For the smoothest, most luxurious ganache, resist the urge to stir immediately after pouring hot cream over the chocolate. Allow it to sit for the full 5 minutes as directed. This gives the chocolate ample time to melt properly. When you do stir, start slowly from the center and gradually expand outwards until the mixture is uniform and shiny.
Common Questions About Cookies and Cream Donuts
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to help you bake the best cookies and cream donuts:
No, it is highly recommended to stick with heavy whipping cream. Heavy whipping cream has a significantly higher fat content compared to milk or even half-and-half. This fat content is crucial for properly emulsifying the ganache, giving it that rich, thick, and glossy consistency. If you use a lower-fat dairy product, your ganache will likely be too thin, runny, and won’t set correctly on your donuts.
For the absolute best taste and texture, these donuts are ideally enjoyed the same day they are baked. However, you can certainly prepare them in advance. The cooled, unglazed donuts can be frozen for up to one month. Simply thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy, and then prepare the ganache and glaze them fresh. Glazed donuts can be stored in the refrigerator, but are best within 1-2 days.
The most common culprit for dry, crumbly donuts is over-measuring the flour. When scooping flour directly from the bag, it can become compacted, leading to too much flour being added. It’s highly recommended to use a food scale to weigh your dry ingredients in grams for the most accurate measurements (check the “metric” tab in the recipe card). Additionally, overmixing the batter or overbaking the donuts can also contribute to a dry texture. Ensure you mix just until combined and bake only until a toothpick comes out clean.
Lifeway Kefir products are widely available. You can typically find them in the dairy section of most major grocery stores. For specific retailers near you, visit lifewaykefir.com and use their store locator.
Yes, absolutely! While semi-sweet chocolate chips are recommended for a balanced sweetness, you can experiment with dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa) for a richer, more intense flavor, or even milk chocolate for a sweeter, creamier ganache. Just ensure you use high-quality chocolate for the best results, as it significantly impacts the final taste and texture.
If you don’t have a food processor, the Ziploc bag and rolling pin method is very effective. Place your Oreos in a sturdy freezer bag, seal it, and then use a rolling pin or a heavy object (like a sturdy mug or bottle) to gently smash them until you reach your desired crumb size. This method allows for good control over the texture, ensuring you get both fine crumbs and small chunks for added character in your donuts.
Proper Storage for Freshness
Knowing how to properly store your cookies and cream baked donuts will help maintain their freshness and delicious taste for as long as possible. Here’s a guide to keeping your homemade treats at their best:
Room Temperature
If your donuts are unfrosted (without the chocolate ganache), they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps to keep them soft and prevents them from drying out. Ensure they are completely cool before placing them in the container to avoid condensation, which can make them soggy.
Refrigerator
Glazed donuts, especially those with ganache, are best enjoyed the same day they are made. However, if you have leftovers, they can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To prevent the ganache from sticking and making a mess, it’s a good idea to place a piece of parchment paper or wax paper between each donut layer. The refrigerator can alter the texture slightly, making the donuts a bit denser, but they will still be delicious.
Freezing Instructions
Freezing is an excellent option if you want to prepare these donuts well in advance or save them for a later treat. Place the cooled, *unglazed* donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature, then prepare and apply the chocolate ganache fresh.
More Kefir Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed baking with Lifeway Kefir in this recipe, you’ll love exploring its versatility in other delicious treats. Kefir adds moisture, tang, and a nutritional boost to a variety of baked goods. Here are a few more recipes where this fantastic ingredient shines:
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Easy Triple Chocolate Brownie Muffins
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Orange Chocolate Cake with Ganache
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Chocolate Donuts with Sprinkles
-
Easy Almond Coffee Cake
Did you try this recipe?
Leave a ⭐️ review below and tag @brokenovenbaking & @lifewaykefir on Instagram!
📖 Recipe
Cookies and Cream Baked Donuts with Chocolate Ganache
Kayla Burton
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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Donut pan -
Mixing bowls -
Measuring spoons -
Scale/measuring cups -
Whisk -
Spatula -
Wire cooling rack
Kayla’s Top Tip
Weigh dry ingredients in grams (g) with a food scale for best results!
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Ingredients
Cookies and Cream Donuts
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1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour weighed in grams or spooned and leveled
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⅓ cup (67 g) granulated sugar
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⅛ teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon (4 g) baking powder
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1 large egg room temperature
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½ cup (120 g) Lifeway Organic Vanilla Whole Milk Kefir
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¼ cup (55 g) vegetable oil or other neutral oil
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract
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6 crushed (72 g) Oreo cookies or other chocolate creme-filled sandwich cookies
Chocolate Ganache
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⅓ cup (79 g) heavy whipping cream
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½ cup (85 g) high quality chocolate chunks or chocolate chips or chopped baking chocolate, >60% cocoa
Instructions
Cookies and Cream Donuts
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan, even if it’s non-stick, to ensure easy release.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, and baking powder until well combined.
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In a separate medium bowl, lightly whisk the large egg. Then, stir in the vanilla kefir, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is uniform.
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Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold them together using a rubber spatula until just combined and no streaks of flour are visible. Be careful not to overmix. Finally, fold in the crushed Oreo cookies.
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Transfer the donut batter to a piping bag (or a Ziploc bag with a snipped corner). Pipe the batter evenly into the greased donut pan cavities, filling each about ¾ full. Bake for 20-24 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown, spring back when gently poked, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Chocolate Ganache
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Place the high-quality chocolate chunks or chips evenly into the bottom of a small to medium heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, heat the heavy whipping cream until it’s simmering, but not boiling. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chunks, ensuring they are submerged. Cover the bowl immediately and let it sit for 5 minutes.
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After 5 minutes, remove the cover. Using a rubber spatula, stir the mixture gently in a circular motion, starting from the center and working outwards, until it transforms into a smooth, glossy chocolate ganache.
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Once the donuts are completely cooled, dip the tops into the warm ganache, allowing any excess to drip off. If desired, immediately sprinkle extra crushed Oreos on top of the wet ganache for an added crunch and visual appeal. Let the ganache set before serving.
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Notes
Storage: For the best quality and flavor, these cookies and cream donuts are best enjoyed on the day they are made. Unglazed donuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month. Glazed donuts can be refrigerated for 2-3 days; place parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Nutrition: The provided nutrition information is an estimated value per donut, assuming the recipe yields 6 donuts. Please note that the accuracy of the calorie count and other nutritional data is not guaranteed and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
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