Those irresistible Starbucks Cookies and Cream Cake Pops have captured my heart (and taste buds) for years! After countless coffee shop visits that left my wallet considerably lighter, I’ve finally perfected a homemade version that’ll make your heart skip a beat. These delightful treats feature rich chocolate cake infused with crushed Oreos, all enrobed in a dreamy white chocolate coating. The best part? You can make about 28 cake pops for less than $10 – that’s roughly $0.35 per pop compared to Starbucks’ $3.75 each!
I’ve discovered a brilliantly simple method that transforms an ordinary boxed cake mix into these extraordinary little bites of heaven. Trust me when I say these homemade Starbucks Cookies and Cream Cake Pops are IDENTICAL to the coffee shop version, only fresher and far more affordable. Ready to save some serious cash while indulging your cake pop addiction? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll LOVE These Starbucks Cookies and Cream Cake Pops
These aren’t just any cake pops – they’re a game-changer for anyone who’s ever stood in line at Starbucks debating whether to splurge on their favorite treat. Here’s why you’ll be obsessed:
- Budget-Friendly Indulgence: Make approximately 28 cake pops for less than $10 total (that’s a 90% savings compared to buying them at Starbucks!)
- Foolproof Method: Even complete beginners can master this simple technique
- Perfectly Balanced Flavor: The ideal combination of chocolate cake, cookie bits, and sweet white chocolate coating
- Customize to Your Taste: Adjust the Oreo intensity or chocolate coating to suit your preferences
- Impressive Presentation: These look EXACTLY like the Starbucks version – perfect for parties or gifting!
Making these adorable treats is surprisingly straightforward and requires minimal baking skills. The magic happens when you combine freshly baked cake with just the right amount of crushed cookies and a touch of frosting. The result? Perfectly moist, flavorful cake balls that hold their shape beautifully.
Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box) – I prefer Betty Crocker, but any brand works beautifully!
- ¼ cup vanilla frosting – The Betty Crocker vanilla frosting creates the perfect texture
- 12 Oreo cookies, separated (cream filling reserved)
- 1 bag (12 oz) white candy melts – Creates that iconic smooth, glossy coating
- Lollipop sticks – For that authentic cake pop experience
- Additional crushed Oreos for decoration
What makes this recipe truly special is separating the Oreo cream from the cookies. The cream gets mixed into the cake for added moisture and flavor, while the crushed cookies provide that distinctive cookies and cream texture we all love.
How to Make Perfect Starbucks Cookies and Cream Cake Pops
Creating these delightful treats is surprisingly simple! Follow these steps for perfect results every time:
1. Prepare and Bake the Cake
Start by preparing your chocolate cake batter according to the package directions. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or two 8×8-inch round cake pans. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Pro Tip: Don’t overbake the cake! A slightly moist cake creates a better texture for your cake pops.
2. Prepare the Oreo Mixture
While your cake is baking, carefully separate the Oreo cookies from their cream filling. Set the cream filling aside (this will be mixed into the cake later). Process the chocolate cookie portions in a food processor until they become fine crumbs.
3. Create the Cake Pop Mixture
Once the cake has completely cooled, crumble it with a fork in a large bowl. Add the reserved Oreo cream and vanilla frosting to the crumbled cake. Mix until well combined – the mixture should be moist enough to hold together when pressed but not overly wet.
Baker’s Secret: Adding the actual Oreo cream to the cake mixture creates an authentic cookies and cream flavor that’s impossible to achieve any other way!
4. Form the Cake Balls
Using a cookie scoop for consistency, portion the mixture and roll into balls approximately the size of a ping pong ball. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until firm (about 30 minutes).
Texture Tip: After the initial freezing, I like to give each ball another quick roll between my palms to smooth out any imperfections before proceeding to the next step.
5. Prepare for Dipping
Once your cake balls are thoroughly chilled, melt the white candy melts according to package directions. Dip the tip of each lollipop stick into the melted candy, then insert about halfway into each cake ball. Return to the freezer for 5-10 minutes to set.
6. Dip and Decorate
Working with one cake pop at a time (keeping the others in the freezer), dip each into the melted white candy coating. Gently tap off excess chocolate, then immediately sprinkle with crushed Oreo crumbs before the coating sets.
Dipping Trick: Pour your melted candy coating into a tall, narrow container like a mason jar – this makes it much easier to fully submerge and coat each cake pop!
Stand the finished cake pops upright in a styrofoam block or specially designed cake pop stand to dry completely.
Storing Your Starbucks Cookies and Cream Cake Pops
These delightful treats stay fresh longer than you might expect! Here’s how to store them properly:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Refrigerator: Keep for up to a week in an airtight container
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months in a sealed container with parchment between layers
Storage Tip: If refrigerating or freezing, allow cake pops to come to room temperature before enjoying for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs: Mastering Your Starbucks Cookies and Cream Cake Pops
What’s the secret to smooth cake pops?
The key to perfectly smooth cake pops is achieving the right moisture level in your cake mixture. Too dry and they’ll crumble; too wet and they won’t hold their shape. Starting with slightly underbaked cake and adding just enough frosting creates the perfect consistency.
How do I prevent my cake pops from falling off the sticks?
Always dip your lollipop sticks in melted candy coating before inserting them into the cake balls, and make sure your cake balls are properly chilled before dipping. The coating acts like glue, securing the cake to the stick.
Can I make these in advance for a party?
Absolutely! These cake pops are perfect for make-ahead entertaining. Prepare them up to three days in advance and store at room temperature, or freeze for up to two months and thaw before serving.
How much money will I save making these at home?
A LOT! Starbucks charges approximately $3.75 per cake pop. This recipe makes about 28 cake pops for less than $10 total in ingredients – that’s roughly $0.35 each! If you regularly enjoy Starbucks cake pops, switching to homemade could save you over $95 per batch.
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of candy melts?
While possible, I don’t recommend it. Candy melts are specifically formulated to melt smoothly, set firmly, and resist blooming (that white discoloration). If you must substitute, use high-quality white chocolate with a bit of coconut oil added to thin the consistency.
Ready to Try More Delicious Treats?
If you’ve fallen in love with these Starbucks Cookies and Cream Cake Pops, you might enjoy these other delightful recipes:
Whether you’re making these for a special occasion or just satisfying a weekday craving, these copycat Starbucks Cookies and Cream Cake Pops are sure to delight everyone who tries them! The combination of chocolate cake, Oreo goodness, and creamy white chocolate coating is simply irresistible.
Print
Starbucks Cookies and Cream Cake Pop Recipe
Description
Decadent chocolate cake mixed with Oreo cream, formed into bite-sized treats, and coated in smooth white chocolate. These homemade Starbucks-inspired cake pops deliver coffee shop luxury at a fraction of the price!
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients called for on box)
- ¼ cup vanilla frosting
- 12 Oreo cookies, cream filling separated and reserved
- 1 bag (12 oz) white candy melts
- 28 lollipop sticks
- Additional crushed Oreos for decoration
Instructions
- Prepare cake mix according to package directions. Pour into greased baking dish and bake at 350°F until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- While cake bakes, separate Oreo cookies from cream filling. Set cream aside and crush cookie parts into fine crumbs.
- Once cake is completely cooled, crumble into a large bowl. Add the reserved Oreo cream and vanilla frosting. Mix until well combined.
- Form mixture into evenly sized balls (about ping pong ball size) and place on parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until firm, about 30 minutes.
- Melt candy melts according to package directions. Dip tip of each lollipop stick into melted candy, then insert into chilled cake balls. Return to freezer for 5-10 minutes.
- Dip each cake pop into melted candy coating, tapping gently to remove excess. Immediately sprinkle with crushed Oreo crumbs.
- Stand cake pops upright in styrofoam block or cake pop stand until completely set.
- Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Notes
- BAKER’S NOTE: For truly professional-looking cake pops, keep your melted candy coating warm but not hot. If it’s too hot, it can cause the cake balls to crack or slide off the sticks. If it begins to thicken while you’re working, gently reheat for just 10-15 seconds at a time.
- MONEY-SAVING TIP: Making these copycat Starbucks treats at home saves approximately 90% compared to buying them at the coffee shop! That’s over $95 in savings per batch – which means you can indulge your cake pop cravings without the guilt.
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 28 cake pops