Cookie Dough Cupcakes Recipe

Get ready to indulge in a treat that combines two of your favorite things: cookie dough and cupcakes! These Cookie Dough Cupcakes are an irresistible hybrid of soft, fluffy cake and rich, gooey cookie dough. Imagine sinking your teeth into a moist vanilla cupcake, only to discover a surprise cookie dough center, topped off with a swirl of creamy frosting. It’s like having dessert twice in one! Whether you’re a cookie dough lover or just someone who craves a fun and delicious dessert, these cupcakes are sure to become your new favorite indulgence. Trust me, they’re a game-changer, and once you take that first bite, you’ll never look at a regular cupcake the same way again.

Why You’ll Love Cookie Dough Cupcakes

Here’s why these cupcakes are bound to win your heart (and your taste buds):

  • Cookie Dough Surprise: The heart of these cupcakes is a delicious, edible cookie dough filling that’s safe to eat and oh-so-tasty. You get the best of both worlds in each bite!
  • Perfect Balance of Flavors: The soft, sweet vanilla cupcake base perfectly complements the rich, chocolatey cookie dough center and fluffy frosting on top.
  • Easy to Make: You don’t need to be a baking pro to create these beauties. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are ones you likely already have at home.
  • Customizable: You can tweak these cupcakes by adding your favorite mix-ins to the cookie dough—chocolate chips, nuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet and salty twist.
  • Impressive & Fun: These cupcakes are a showstopper. Serve them at your next gathering, and watch everyone’s eyes light up when they take their first bite!

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Ingredients

The best part about these cupcakes? The ingredients are simple, but they come together to create something magical. Let’s break it down:

For the Cupcakes

  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Unsalted butter
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

For the Cookie Dough Filling

  • Unsalted butter
  • Brown sugar
  • All-purpose flour
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract
  • Mini chocolate chips (or regular size, chopped)

For the Frosting

  • Unsalted butter
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract
  • A pinch of salt

(Note: Full measurements are provided in the recipe card.)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough Filling

Start by making the edible cookie dough filling. In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the flour, milk, and vanilla extract and mix until combined. Stir in the mini chocolate chips (or regular chocolate chips) for that signature cookie dough texture. Once combined, set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cupcake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and eggs until fluffy. Add the milk and vanilla extract and mix well. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Cupcakes

Scoop a spoonful of cupcake batter into each cupcake liner, filling it about halfway. Then, take a small scoop of the cookie dough filling and place it in the center of each cupcake batter. Top it off with another spoonful of cupcake batter, covering the cookie dough completely.

Step 4: Bake the Cupcakes

Place the cupcakes in the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs). Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Add the milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, and continue beating until the frosting is fluffy and light. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Frost the Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes are completely cool, pipe or spread the frosting on top of each cupcake. You can get creative here by adding a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips on top or even a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

These cupcakes are ready to devour! Serve them at your next party or treat yourself to one (or two, or three!) after dinner. Whether you’re sharing or keeping them all for yourself, they’ll disappear in no time!

How to Serve Cookie Dough Cupcakes

These cupcakes are perfect for any occasion, but here are some ideas to elevate your experience:

  • Party Treats: Serve them at birthday parties, family gatherings, or any celebration. They’re fun and sure to be a crowd favorite!
  • Pair with Milk: A cold glass of milk is the perfect partner for these cupcakes. Dip the cupcake in milk for an extra indulgent bite.
  • Gift Idea: Pack them up in a cute box and share them with friends and family. A homemade treat like this always makes a thoughtful gift.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to make your cookie dough cupcakes even better:

  • Edible Cookie Dough: The cookie dough filling is safe to eat since it doesn’t contain raw eggs. Feel free to nibble on the leftover cookie dough if you have any!
  • Frosting Variations: If you want a twist on the frosting, try adding a bit of peanut butter or Nutella for a different flavor.
  • Mix-ins: Get creative with the cookie dough! Add crushed Oreos, mini M&Ms, or even a sprinkle of sea salt to change things up.
  • Store Properly: Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 330 kcal
Total Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 120mg
Carbohydrates: 46g
Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 34g
Protein: 3g
Vitamin A: 6% DV
Vitamin C: 0% DV
Calcium: 2% DV
Iron: 6% DV

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18-22 minutes
  • Total Time: 45-50 minutes

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

A1: Yes! You can make the cupcakes a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge if you want them to last longer.

Q2: Can I freeze these cupcakes?

A2: Absolutely! These cupcakes freeze well. Just wrap them in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Q3: Can I use a different type of cookie dough?

A3: Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cookie dough flavors, like chocolate chip, peanut butter, or oatmeal raisin.

Q4: Can I use a different frosting flavor?

A4: Yes! You can make chocolate frosting, peanut butter frosting, or even a cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist.

Q5: Can I skip the frosting?

A5: While the frosting adds a nice finishing touch, you can skip it if you want a simpler version of the cupcake. The cookie dough center is rich enough to be enjoyed on its own.

Q6: How can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

A6: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour to make these cupcakes gluten-free.

Q7: Can I make the cookie dough filling without chocolate chips?

A7: Absolutely! You can leave out the chocolate chips or substitute them with other mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit.

Q8: How do I get the cookie dough center to stay in the middle of the cupcake?

A8: Make sure to cover the cookie dough completely with cupcake batter before baking. This will help keep the dough in the center and prevent it from sinking.

Q9: Can I make these cupcakes vegan?

A9: Yes, you can substitute the butter and eggs with vegan alternatives like margarine and flax eggs to make these cupcakes vegan.

Q10: Can I decorate the cupcakes with sprinkles?

A10: Definitely! Sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup are great ways to make these cupcakes even more festive.

Conclusion

These Cookie Dough Cupcakes are a perfect dessert for anyone who loves cookie dough and cupcakes. With a cookie dough center, fluffy frosting, and a soft cupcake base, they’re a treat everyone will adore. Whether you’re baking for a party or just treating yourself, these cupcakes are sure to impress. Enjoy every sweet bite!

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Cookie Dough Cupcakes


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  • Author: Recipes Tasteful
  • Total Time: 0 hours
  • Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes are the perfect treat for anyone with a sweet tooth! They combine the best of two worlds: soft, moist cupcakes and a gooey cookie dough center, all topped with a creamy peanut butter frosting filled with mini chocolate chips and M&M’s. It’s an indulgent, fun, and delicious dessert that will impress both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re baking for a party or just a sweet craving, these cupcakes will surely satisfy your dessert needs.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Cupcakes:

  • 1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the back of the box)

For Monster Cookie Dough:

  • 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup smooth peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/2 cup quick oats
  • 1 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 1 cup mini M&M’s

For Monster Cookie Dough Frosting:

  • 2 sticks butter, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 68 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 1 cup mini M&M’s

Instructions

  • Prepare Cookie Dough:
    • Cream together cream cheese, butter, and peanut butter until smooth.
    • Beat in the powdered sugar, brown sugar, flour, vanilla, and salt.
    • Stir in oats, chocolate chips, and mini M&M’s.
    • Scoop dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet for about 30 minutes.
  • Bake Cupcakes:
    • Prepare the yellow cake mix as directed on the back of the box.
    • Line your muffin tins with cupcake liners and pour in the cake batter, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
    • Press a frozen cookie dough ball into the center of each cupcake.
    • Bake at 350°F for 14-16 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake (not the cookie dough) comes out clean.
    • Cool completely on a wire rack.
  • Make Frosting:
    • Beat together the butter, brown sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla extract until creamy.
    • Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
    • Stir in mini chocolate chips and mini M&M’s.
  • Assemble and Serve:
    • Frost each cooled cupcake with the monster cookie dough frosting.
    • Optionally, decorate with more mini M&M’s or chocolate chips for a fun look.
    • Enjoy your delicious, indulgent cupcakes!

Notes

  • You can use a chocolate cake mix instead of yellow cake for an even richer flavor.
  • If you prefer a thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar as needed.
  • If the frosting is too stiff, add a tablespoon of milk to loosen it up.
  • You can freeze the cupcake batter before baking to make these cupcakes in advance.
  • For a lighter version, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese and peanut butter.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 16-18 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cupcake
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 35g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

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