So, you’ve decided to abandon all pretense of being healthy today and dive headfirst into a pool of glorious, decadent fun. Excellent choice. We’re not here to judge; we’re here to fry Oreos and fill them with Nutella. This is the kind of project that turns a regular Tuesday into a story you’ll tell for years. “Remember that time we made fried Nutella Oreos?” “Yeah, that was a good day.”
Why This Recipe is Awesome
Let’s cut to the chase. This recipe is the culinary equivalent of a trust fund: it requires very little work for a massive payoff. It’s ridiculously simple, almost idiot-proof (I made them without burning my kitchen down, so you definitely can), and the result is a mind-blowing dessert that will make you the hero of any gathering. Or, you know, a hero to yourself on a lonely Wednesday night. We support both lifestyles here. It’s the perfect mashup of a state fair classic and the chocolate-hazelnut spread we all wish we could bathe in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather your squad. This is a team effort between you and your grocery store. No fancy, hard-to-find ingredients here.
- Oreos: The classic. The star. The crunchy chocolate canvas for our masterpiece. One standard pack will do.
- Nutella: Or any other chocolate-hazelnut spread. Get the big jar. You’ll want to eat the rest with a spoon later. I know you.
- Pancake Mix: This is our secret weapon for the easiest batter known to humankind. No one needs to know.
- Milk: Whole milk is best for a rich batter, but any milk you have will work. Even that questionable almond milk from the back of the fridge. Maybe.
- Oil for Frying: Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. You’ll need enough to have about 2 inches in your pot.
- Powdered Sugar: For the fancy, snowy finish that makes it look like you tried really hard.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep Your Station: Pour your oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. You want it about 2 inches deep. Start heating it over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, test it by dropping a tiny bit of batter in. If it sizzles and floats immediately, you’re golden.
- Create the Creamy Center: This is the most delicate operation. Gently twist apart each Oreo. Spread a generous layer of Nutella on one side and sandwich it back together. Be brave, but be careful—they’re fragile cookies with big dreams.
- Whisk the Wonder Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of pancake mix with ⅔ cup of milk. You’re aiming for a smooth, slightly thick batter that’s similar to, well, pancake batter. Shocking, I know.
- The Dip & Drip: One by one, lovingly dunk each prepared Oreo into the batter. Ensure it’s fully coated. Let any excess batter drip off for a second. This prevents a weird batter-tail from forming in the oil.
- Fry to Golden Perfection: Carefully place 2-3 coated Oreos into the hot oil. Don’t crowd the pot! Fry for about 1-2 minutes per side, until they’re a beautiful, golden brown. They should flip over easily when ready.
- The Cool Down: Use a slotted spoon to rescue your golden treasures from the oil. Let them drain on a wire rack set over a baking sheet or on a plate lined with paper towels. This keeps them crispy, not soggy.
- The Final Flourish: Once they’re just cool enough to not burn your fingerprints off, dust them liberally with powdered sugar. Serve immediately and accept your applause.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- The Oil Temperature Tango: Too hot, and your cookies will be burnt on the outside and cold in the middle. Too cold, and they’ll absorb all the oil and become sad, greasy sponges. A thermometer is your best friend here.
- Overcrowding the Pool: Tossing in too many Oreos at once is a party foul. It causes the oil temperature to plummet, leading to uneven, oily cooking. Give them space to sizzle.
- Skipping the Drip: That extra second of letting excess batter drip off is crucial. Otherwise, you’ll end up with weird, lumpy, batter-heavy blobs instead of perfectly coated cookies.
- Impatient Eating: I get it. The temptation is real. But biting into a molten-hot Nutella center is a surefire way to lose all your taste buds for a week. Let them cool for a few minutes. Your mouth will thank you.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- Gluten-Free? Use your favorite gluten-free sandwich cookies and a GF pancake mix. The world is your (gluten-free) oyster.
- Dairy-Free? Swap the milk for your favorite non-dairy alternative. Almond, oat, or soy milk will work just fine in the batter.
- No Pancake Mix? No panic. You can use 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Not a Nutella Fan? First, who are you? Second, it’s okay. Try a dollop of peanut butter, cookie butter, or even a marshmallow fluff inside instead.
- Air Fryer Option: You can try this in an air fryer! Spray the basket, coat the cookies, and spray them again with cooking spray. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway. They won’t be as decadent, but they’ll still be tasty.
FAQ
Can I bake these instead of frying?
You could try to bake them, but you’d be missing the entire point. The crispy, fried exterior is what makes this a state-fair-level treat. Baking will give you a soft, pancake-like result. Still good, but not legendary.
How do I store the leftovers?
“Leftovers.” That’s a funny word. In the unlikely event you have any, they’re best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a day. They will get softer. Re-crisp them for a few minutes in an air fryer or toaster oven.
Can I make the batter from scratch?
Absolutely! As mentioned above, a simple batter of flour, baking powder, sugar, and milk works great. But the pancake mix is our favorite shortcut for maximum laziness and minimum dishes.
My Oreos broke while assembling! Help!
It happens to the best of us. If an Oreo breaks, just smoosh it together anyway. Once it’s dipped in batter and fried, no one will ever know. It’s a delicious secret.
What’s the best oil for frying?
A neutral oil with a high smoke point is key. Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are all perfect candidates. Avoid olive oil or butter—they’ll burn and add a weird flavor.
Is there a way to make these less messy?
Not really, and that’s part of the fun! Embrace the powdered sugar mustache and the Nutella-smudged smile. It’s a sign of a dessert well enjoyed
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Final Thoughts
Fried Nutella Oreos are an outrageously decadent mashup of your favorite sweets—crispy on the outside, warm and gooey on the inside, with melted Nutella wrapped around a classic Oreo. Each bite is rich, over-the-top, and totally worth the splurge.
Perfect for parties, fair-style fun at home, or whenever you want to wow a crowd with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Golden, gooey, and absolutely unforgettable—Fried Nutella Oreos are dessert on a whole new level.
Tip: Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm for the ultimate treat. Dip in chocolate sauce or whipped cream if you’re feeling extra.
