Are You Supposed to Heat up Oreos? – 3 Ways to Do It

Twist, lick, and dunk! We’ve all grown up being taught that’s the best way to eat Oreos. But is it really? If you keep up with trends on TikTok, you would know that heating up Oreos is the new way to enjoy these classic cookies!

So, are you supposed to heat up Oreos and what are the best ways to do it? Well, you’re not supposed to heat up Oreos but you certainly can do that to make them soft and add a unique twist. The 3 best ways to do so would include using the microwave, skillet, or oven.

Read on to find out more about heating up Oreos, how this trend became popular, what happens to Oreos when they are heated, and the 3 best ways to do so.

Are You Supposed to Heat up Oreos?

If you read the instructions on a packet of Oreos, it doesn’t mention anywhere that you’re supposed to heat them up. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t, right? 

Oreos are a popular sandwich cookie made with two cocoa biscuits and a sweet fondant filling in between them. They come in a variety of flavors but their classic variant remains their top-selling one, and their taste, texture, and color all are a huge part of their appeal.

You can enjoy Oreos straight out of the package or you can “twist, lick, and dunk”! It’s a tried and tested way and generally agreed upon that Oreos taste best with milk. 

Just be mindful of the amount of time you dunk your Oreo in milk. If it sits in the milk for too long, it will begin to disintegrate. If you take it out too quickly, it will still remain crunchy. A perfect dunk takes precisely 3 seconds and is the perfect amount of time for the cookie to absorb the milk without getting too soggy.

That being said, if you’re someone who likes to experiment with their food, there are other ways to enjoy Oreos, one of which is to heat them up.

What Happens to Oreos When They Are Heated?

The main purpose of heating up Oreos is to make them soft and mushy, and if you’re someone who’s into soft cookies, you’re sure to love these!

Started by TikTok user Technojail, this trend of heating up Oreos has millions of views on the app and has been recreated by many people. In the original video posted by Technojail, he claims that you’re not supposed to eat Oreos “raw” and are supposed to heat them up in the skillet or microwave.

What happens to Oreos when they are heated up, though? And should you also jump on the bandwagon of heating up this classic cookie?

When Oreos are heated, they undergo textural changes as well as changes in their taste. The specifics depend on the method of heating and how long they are heated.

Since the heat causes the fats in the cookie to slightly melt, it results in a softer outer biscuit which leads to a more tender texture when compared to the original crispiness of the cookie.

Similarly, the fats and sugars in the cream filling between the two cookies also start to melt when exposed to heat, making them softer and gooey and resulting in a smoother and super creamy texture.

The heating process plays a significant role in terms of altering both the taste as well as the texture of the cookie. As the different components of the Oreos warm up, they meld together and become more noticeable. You may also notice an increase in the sweetness and aroma of the cookie.

While all these factors can lead to a much better experience in terms of engaging all your senses, you need to be careful with how you heat up the Oreos and how long you do it. If heated for longer or at a higher temperature, you can turn the cookie into mush or even burn it.

3 Ways to Heat Up Oreos

If you wish to try this popular trend of heating up Oreos and finding out what all the hype is about, there are 3 easy ways to do it. The final results and how soft and gooey your Oreos turn out to be will depend on your chosen method, the duration of melting, and of course, your personal preference.

Here are 3 easy ways to heat up Oreos:

1. Microwave Method

Using the microwave is one of the easiest methods when it comes to heating up Oreos. In fact, it is one of the methods specifically mentioned by TikTok user Technojail, in addition to using the skillet. 

To do so, you’ll need a microwave, a microwave-safe plate, and of course, your favorite Oreos. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

• Take one or more Oreos and arrange them on the microwave-safe plate. If you’re using more than one, make sure to space them out for even heating.
• Put the microwave-safe plate into the microwave.
• Heat the Oreos on medium power for about 10 to 15 seconds. You can adjust the time according to your microwave’s power.
• Remove the plate from the microwave using oven mitts or a towel.
• Enjoy your warm and slightly softened Oreos which, according to us, will taste a bit like brownie batter. Yum!
  

2. Skillet Method

Using the skillet to heat up Oreos is another great method that makes the cookies slightly crispy on the outside while making the inside cream soft and gooey.

It is just as quick as the microwave method and requires minimal clean-up. The materials that you’ll need are a non-stick skillet or frying pan, a spatula, and some Oreos. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

• Preheat the non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat so that the surface becomes sufficiently warm. Make sure it’s not scorching hot or you’ll risk burning the Oreos.
• Once the skillet is ready, place one or more Oreos on it. Make sure to not overcrowd the pan or overlap the Oreos and leave adequate space between each cookie for even heating.
• Heat the Oreos for 1 to 2 minutes on each side. Carefully flip them over using a spatula (Check out this spatula set from Amazon).
• Once they’re done, use a spatula to remove them from the skillet.
• Allow them to cool down for a bit and enjoy your soft, gooey Oreos!
  

3. Oven Method

Like most other cookies, Oreos are also baked in an oven. The cream filling is then dispensed onto half of the cookies which are then sandwiched with the other half.

But what would happen if you baked the entire cookie, cream and all, a second time in the oven? It would heat up, become super soft and gooey, and the cream would become nice and warm.

Using the oven to heat up Oreos would give you similar results as using the microwave, with the cookie taking on a rich brownie batter taste and texture.

You will need a baking sheet, parchment paper, an oven, and of course Oreos! Here’s what you’ll need to do:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so that cleanup is made easier.
• Place the Oreos on the baking sheet. Make sure to space them out so that they are heated evenly.
• Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and let them bake for about 2 to 3 minutes.
• You can adjust the timing depending on your oven. Just make sure to keep a close eye to prevent burning.
• Remove the baking sheet from the oven using oven mitts.
• Allow the Oreos to cool down before enjoying the gooey goodness!

What Is the Best Way to Heat Up Oreos?

We discussed three easy ways to heat up Oreos – the microwave, the skillet, and the oven. Choosing the best one out of them is a bit tricky because it can be subjective and depends entirely on personal preferences and the availability of the right tools and materials.

If you’re looking for an easy, quick, and mess-free way to heat up Oreos, using the microwave is ideal. It makes them perfectly warm and soft and is a great choice if you’re looking for a slightly gooey texture.

The oven method also has similar results as the microwave and can be the method of choice if you’re looking for that brownie batter texture. Just make sure you let the Oreos cool down before you devour them or you will risk burning your mouth.

Using a skillet helps retain the crunch of the biscuit while making the cream nice and gooey. It may even add a bit of toastiness to the Oreos along with a nice caramelized flavor. 

That being said, it all comes down to the taste and texture you prefer, along with the method you are most comfortable following. Whichever method you choose, just remember to exercise caution and you should have the perfect warm and soft Oreos to enjoy as is or with any of your favorite desserts!