Double Chocolate Oreo Cupcakes with Brownie Buttercream Frosting

We had a barbecue for a church activity, so I had to come up with a fabulous dessert to bring.  When I asked my Hungry Puppies what they thought, cupcakes was the answer.  With chocolate frosting. I was slightly inspired by the Brownie Batter Oreo Cookies that are everywhere right now, so I came up with these.   Chocolate cupcakes with chocolate chips and Brownie Batter Oreo chunks, topped with brownie buttercream frosting and an extra Brownie Batter Oreo.  These cupcakes are so full of chocolatey goodness they are irresistible! Original cupcake recipe found here.  Note:  If you don't have Brownie Batter Oreos, just use regular Oreos, or chocolate cream Oreos.

Double Chocolate Oreo Cupcakes with Brownie Buttercream Frosting

Cupcakes:

1 box chocolate cake mix

1/2 cup oil

3 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3/4 cup milk

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

12 Oreos, chopped

Frosting:
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, room temperature
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon butter flavoring
1 1/2 teaspoons meringue powder
1/2 cup cocoa powder
3/4 cup brownie mix (powder)
3 cups powdered sugar
3 - 4 Tablespoons milk
12 Oreos, cut in half

Preheat the oven to 350F.  Place cupcake papers in 24 muffin cups.

For the cupcakes, in a large bowl, stir together the cake mix, oil, eggs, vanilla, milk, and sour cream until well blended.  Add the mini chocolate chips and chopped Oreos, and stir until evenly distributed.  

Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake papers, filling each about 3/4 full.  Place the cupcakes in the oven and bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  Remove cupcakes from the oven.  Take the cupcakes out of the pan, and let cool completely on a cooling rack before frosting.

For the frosting, cream together the butter, shortening, vanilla, butter flavoring, and meringue powder until smooth.  Add the cocoa powder and brownie mix and beat until incorporated.  Add the powdered sugar and beat until smooth (frosting will be thick).  Beat in 2 tablespoons of milk until incorporated.  Beat in the remaining milk a little at a time if needed to reach the desired consistency.

Spread or pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes.  Top with an Oreo half.  Makes 24 cupcakes.

Enjoy!  -Cardamommy