Oreo Hot Chocolate

Last updated on December 11, 2025

I still remember the first time I tried to make this at home: a rainy afternoon, a stack of Oreos on the counter, and a mug that somehow always seems to get colder the moment I take a sip. I poked and prodded the cookies like a science experiment, worried I’d break something irreplaceable—only to end up with a cup of warm, cookie-studded chocolate that tasted like a hug. If you’re craving that same cozy feeling, or curious how a few simple pantry ingredients can turn into a rich, velvety drink, you’re in the right place. I’ll walk you through everything step by step so it’s stress-free and totally doable—even if this is your first time making homemade hot chocolate.

Why I Love This Recipe of Oreo Hot Chocolate

There’s something deeply comforting about blending two classic treats—Oreos and hot chocolate—into one mug. For me, this recipe brings together the nostalgia of dunking cookies in milk as a kid and the grown-up pleasure of a slow, steaming drink on a cold night. It’s not fussy. It’s forgiving. And it gives you real, pleasant texture: tiny softened cookie bits, a whisper of cream filling, and that chocolatey body that clings to your spoon.

Beginner cooks will appreciate how straightforward the method is. You don’t need special tools or obscure ingredients—just a small saucepan, a whisk, and a little patience. The magic happens on the stovetop as the cookies dissolve and the mixture thickens into something luxuriously creamy. It’s also flexible: swap in different milks, sweeten to taste, or top it with whatever you like. I often make a double batch when friends come over because everyone wants seconds.

One unexpected perk: this drink feels indulgent but is fast. No melting chocolate blocks or tempering required. It’s ideal for cozy evenings, movie nights, or weekend breakfasts when you want something special without a long prep time. If you like desserts inspired by cookies, you might also enjoy this homemade Oreo chocolate cake I tried recently—its layers and flavors pair nicely with a mug of hot chocolate. Check it out here: Oreo chocolate cake recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Oreo Hot Chocolate

Essentials

3 Oreo cookies (regular filled Oreos)
2/3 cup milk (see substitutions below for non-dairy options)
1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Whipped cream (optional, for topping)

Optional add-ons and flavor boosters

A pinch of kosher salt to balance sweetness
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract for depth
1/2 tablespoon cocoa powder for extra chocolate intensity
Mini marshmallows or marshmallow fluff on top
A dash of instant espresso or strong coffee for mocha notes
Chocolate shavings or extra crushed Oreos for garnish
A small drizzle of chocolate syrup or caramel for visual appeal

Substitutions and shortcuts

Dairy-free milks: You can easily make this with almond, oat, or soy milk. Note that oat milk gives the creamiest texture closest to regular milk. If you want a guide to the best dairy-free options for sweet treats, I found a helpful breakdown here: 3 best dairy-free chocolate options for sweet treats.
Sugar: Swap granulated sugar for brown sugar (adds caramel notes) or powdered sugar if you want it to dissolve faster. Keep the amount similar, but taste as you go.
Cookies: If you can’t find Oreos, use any chocolate sandwich cookie with a cream filling. The filling is what makes this recipe special—so aim to use a cookie with a soft center.
Quick method: If you’re in a real hurry, pulse the cookies in a food processor with a splash of milk to make a coarse powder, then whisk into warmed milk. You’ll lose a bit of the silky thickening effect but gain speed.

Notes on ingredient quality

Oreos: Use fresh cookies. Stale cookies won’t dissolve as smoothly, and the filling may separate oddly.
Milk: Full-fat milk will create the richest texture. If you choose a low-fat option, expect a slightly lighter mouthfeel.
Sugar: This recipe is moderately sweet—taste before adding extra. You can always add a bit more later.

How to Make Oreo Hot Chocolate Step-by-Step

Before we start, gather everything: a small saucepan, a whisk (or fork), a measuring cup, a sturdy mug, and the Oreos. This method is deliberately simple and hands-on so you can adjust as you go.

Step 1 — Prep the Oreos

Lay the Oreos flat on a cutting board. Carefully twist each cookie to separate the two chocolate wafers. Use the edge of a butter knife to lift the cream filling from the center. Place the cream fillings in a small bowl and set aside. Don’t worry if a little cookie crumbs come off—the crumbs are welcome later. Reserve the chocolate wafer halves in a separate bowl or break them into halves to make them easier to melt.

Step 2 — Warm the milk gently

Pour 2/3 cup milk into a small saucepan and set the heat to low or low-medium. Slow, gentle heat is the key here—don’t let the milk boil. You want it steaming and just starting to form tiny bubbles around the edges. This prevents scalding and helps the cookies dissolve more evenly.

Step 3 — Add the cookies and sugar

Add the broken Oreo wafers and 1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar to the warm milk. Stir briefly to combine. At this stage, the milk should be warm, not boiling. If you’re using cocoa powder or a pinch of salt, add it now. These ingredients will blend better if introduced to warm milk rather than cold.

Step 4 — Whisk and dissolve

Using a whisk, stir the mixture continuously but gently. The goal is to help the cookies release their flavor and soften until they dissolve into the milk. This takes patience—about 3 to 6 minutes depending on heat level and the freshness of your Oreos. You’ll notice the milk darkening and the mixture beginning to thicken.

Step 5 — Watch for the thickening moment

For a minute or two the liquid will seem thin, and then it will suddenly thicken and become luxuriously smooth. Keep whisking through this transition so the texture stays even. If you add vanilla extract, do it after the mixture has thickened slightly, when you’ve removed the pan from the heat.

Step 6 — Incorporate the cream fillings

Remove the saucepan from the heat once the mass is thick and velvety. Drop in the reserved Oreo cream fillings and stir vigorously until they melt into the hot chocolate. The cream filling helps give the drink body and that classic Oreo flavor. Taste now; if you want it sweeter, add a touch more sugar, stirring until dissolved.

Step 7 — Serve and garnish

Pour the hot chocolate into a mug. Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream if you like, then sprinkle crushed Oreo crumbles or chocolate shavings over the top. For extra flair, add mini marshmallows, a dusting of cocoa, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.

Step 8 — Enjoy and store

Sip while it’s warm. If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge and gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, whisking as it warms. The texture may change slightly, so you can thin it with a splash of milk if it becomes too thick.

Common Mistakes to Avoid Oreo Hot Chocolate

Heating too fast

One of the most common mistakes is turning the heat up too high to speed things along. High heat can scald the milk, giving it a burnt or “cooked” flavor that overpowers the cookie notes. It can also cause the mixture to separate or bind into lumps. Keep the heat low and patient. Slow warmth helps the Oreo wafers dissolve gently and releases the flavor without destroying the milk’s natural sweetness. If you see large bubbles or steam aggressively rising, lower the heat immediately.

Skipping the cream filling step

Some people toss the entire cookie into the pot without separating the cream. While that works to an extent, the filling plays a specific role—it melts into the drink and helps create a silkier, slightly thicker texture. If you skip this step, you’ll still have a tasty drink, but it won’t have that full, almost custardy feel that makes Oreo Hot Chocolate feel so indulgent. Separating and stirring the cream in at the end gives the best flavor and consistency.

Not whisking enough

If you leave the mixture alone while it heats, cookie pieces can clump or sit at the bottom and burn. Constant, attentive whisking helps break the cookies down evenly and distributes the melted filling without lumps. It also allows you to catch the moment it thickens; if you stop whisking, you may miss the transition and end up with a runnier or grainy drink. A rhythm of steady whisking—kind of soothing, really—gives the smoothest result.

Serving Suggestions for Oreo Hot Chocolate

Cozy movie-night pairing

This hot chocolate is perfect for settling in with a classic movie. Serve it alongside simple snacks—salted popcorn, warm biscotti, or a cheese board if you want something savory to contrast the sweetness. For an extra comfy touch, offer blankets and make a tray with a mug, a small bowl of extra crushed Oreos, and a spoon. The warmth of the drink balances well with buttery or salty bites, and the combination keeps everyone happily munching.

Dessert platter addition

Turn your hot chocolate into part of a dessert tasting. Offer small glasses or mugs of Oreo Hot Chocolate with mini cookies, chocolate truffles, or slices of chocolate cake. It pairs especially well with vanilla or cream-flavored desserts that echo the cookie filling. A scoop of vanilla ice cream gently dropped into a mug for an affogato-like twist is surprisingly delightful—like a warm-cold contrast that screams indulgence.

Brunch or weekend treat

For a leisurely weekend breakfast, set up a hot-chocolate station. Offer oat or almond milk as alternatives, a bowl of extra cookie crumbles, whipped cream, marshmallows, and a syrup selection. Guests can customize their mugs. This drink is a wonderful companion to pancakes, waffles, or French toast—especially when you want to make breakfast feel like a special occasion. The creamy, sweet richness pairs nicely with citrus or berry flavors on the plate, cutting through and balancing the sweetness.

Conclusion

You’ve learned how to make a simple, cozy Oreo Hot Chocolate that feels like dessert and comfort wrapped into one warm cup. It’s easier than it looks: three cookies, a splash of milk, a little sugar, and a few minutes of gentle whisking make a surprisingly luxurious drink. You can customize it in endless ways—swap in your favorite milk, add a pinch of salt or espresso, top it with marshmallows or whipped cream, and make it your own. Whether you’re making a single mug for yourself or a tray of drinks for friends, this recipe is beginner-friendly and endlessly comforting.

If you want to explore similar versions or see another home cook’s take on an Oreo-inspired hot chocolate, I recommend checking out this Oreo Hot Chocolate Recipe (Dunkin Donuts Copycat) – Whiskaffair for another approach and inspiration: Oreo Hot Chocolate Recipe (Dunkin Donuts Copycat) – Whiskaffair.

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FAQs About Oreo Hot Chocolate

Can I make Oreo Hot Chocolate ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it ahead, but it’s best fresh. If you must prepare it earlier, store it in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, whisking as it warms. The texture may thicken in the fridge, so stir in a splash of milk while reheating to bring it back to drinking consistency.

Is Oreo Hot Chocolate good with non-dairy milk?

Absolutely. Oreo Hot Chocolate works nicely with almond, soy, or oat milk. Oat milk tends to provide the creamiest, most neutral base that mimics cow’s milk well. Be aware that different milks can change the mouthfeel and sweetness slightly—taste as you go and adjust sugar if needed.

Can I make Oreo Hot Chocolate for a crowd?

Yes. Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings and warm the mixture in a wider saucepan or small stockpot to keep heat even. Whisk constantly and in batches if needed. For large groups, consider making a concentrated base (more cookies per cup of milk) and then thinning with hot milk when serving so each cup stays fresh.

How can I make Oreo Hot Chocolate less sweet?

Reduce the sugar or use unsweetened non-dairy milk. You can also add a pinch of salt to balance sweetness and a touch of unsweetened cocoa powder to add bittersweet depth. Start by cutting sugar in half and taste, adding more if needed.

Can I use double-stuffed Oreos for Oreo Hot Chocolate?

Yes, double-stuffed Oreos will make an even richer, creamier drink because they have more filling to melt into the mix. You may want to reduce added sugar slightly since the extra filling adds sweetness.

Final note: Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own. I often try small variations—more cookie crumbs for texture, a dash of cinnamon, or even a splash of flavored syrup—and each twist keeps the drink exciting. Cozy up with your mug and enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade Oreo Hot Chocolate.

Oreo Hot Chocolate

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Why I Love This Recipe of Oreo Hot Chocolate