Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes

Introduction

When I first tried these Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes, I knew they were something special. The combination of a soft, fluffy cupcake with the gooey, sweet surprise of raw cookie dough in the middle was an instant hit with my family. The rich peanut butter flavor mixed with the sweetness of mini chocolate chips and M&M’s made for an indulgent, fun treat that everyone couldn’t stop talking about. These cupcakes are the perfect way to bring together two classic favorites—cookies and cake—into one over-the-top dessert. Whether you’re making them for a party, a bake sale, or just because, they are guaranteed to impress. The kids love them, and the adults can’t resist grabbing a few extra. Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes have become one of my go-to recipes for any occasion that calls for something sweet, and I’m sure they’ll become a favorite in your household too!

Why You’ll Love Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes

These cupcakes are a fun, creative twist on the classic cupcake. The hidden cookie dough center takes each bite to a whole new level, offering a delightful surprise with every bite. The creamy peanut butter, crunchy oats, and sweet M&M’s make the cookie dough irresistible, while the soft, moist cupcakes provide the perfect base. And, if that wasn’t enough, the frosting—loaded with peanut butter, chocolate chips, and M&M’s—tops it all off beautifully, making these cupcakes a sweet, satisfying treat that’s as delicious as it is fun to make. You can’t go wrong with these cupcakes for parties, family gatherings, or just when you’re craving something indulgent and playful!

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 box yellow cake mix (plus the 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
• 6-8 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1 cup mini M&M’s

Instructions

1. Prepare Cookie Dough:
   Start by creaming together the cream cheese, butter, and peanut butter until smooth.
   Beat in the powdered sugar, brown sugar, flour, vanilla extract, and salt.
   Stir in the oats, mini chocolate chips, and mini M&M’s until everything is well incorporated.
   Scoop the dough and roll it into small balls, then place them on a baking sheet. Freeze the balls for at least 30 minutes.
2. Bake Cupcakes:
   Prepare the yellow cake mix according to the instructions on the box.
   Line your muffin tin with cupcake liners and fill each cup about two-thirds full with the cake batter.
   Press a frozen cookie dough ball into the center of each cupcake, making sure it’s nestled in the batter.
   Bake the cupcakes at 350°F for 14-16 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake (not the dough) comes out clean.
   Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack.
3. Make Frosting:
   Beat together the butter, brown sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla extract until creamy.
   Gradually add the powdered sugar, starting with about 4 cups, and continue to beat until smooth.
   Stir in mini chocolate chips and mini M&M’s for added crunch and color.
4. Assemble Cupcakes:
   Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost each one generously with the cookie dough frosting.
   Decorate with extra mini M&M’s and chocolate chips on top for a festive look.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   These cupcakes are best enjoyed immediately, but they can also be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Be sure to store any leftovers in the fridge if you live in a warm climate to keep the frosting fresh.

Nutrition Facts (per cupcake)

• Servings: 12 cupcakes
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 35g
• Sodium: 230mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes (includes time for cookie dough to freeze)
• Cook Time: 16 minutes
• Total Time: 46 minutes

How to Serve

• For Parties: Serve these cupcakes on a large platter, perhaps with a fun cupcake stand to add some extra flair to your presentation.
• With Ice Cream: For the ultimate dessert indulgence, serve these cupcakes with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream.
• As Party Favors: These cupcakes make for adorable party favors when individually wrapped in plastic and tied with a ribbon.
• Garnished with Extra Toppings: Consider topping with a drizzle of melted chocolate or extra mini M&M’s for added color and sweetness.
• For Breakfast (Oops!): Okay, I’m not saying it’s a good idea, but if you have leftovers, why not treat yourself to one of these cupcakes in the morning with your coffee? You deserve it!

Additional Tips

1. Make the Cookie Dough in Advance: To save time, you can prepare the cookie dough a day or two ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
2. Customize the Frosting: Feel free to add more or less powdered sugar in the frosting depending on your desired consistency. If you like it thicker, add more sugar; if you prefer a creamier, lighter frosting, add less.
3. Use a Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop is perfect for rolling the dough into uniform balls and makes the process much easier.
4. Add a Layer of Cookie Dough to the Bottom: If you want an even more indulgent treat, you can press some cookie dough balls into the bottom of the muffin tin before adding the cupcake batter. This gives each cupcake a cookie base.
5. Experiment with Different Cake Mix Flavors: Try using chocolate cake mix or peanut butter cake mix for an even richer flavor that complements the cookie dough.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use store-bought frosting instead of making my own?
   Yes, you can substitute the homemade frosting with store-bought peanut butter frosting if you’re short on time.
2. How can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
   Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure the cookie dough ingredients are also gluten-free (such as using gluten-free oats).
3. Can I freeze these cupcakes?
   Yes, these cupcakes freeze well. Simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
4. Can I use crunchy peanut butter in the cookie dough?
   Yes, crunchy peanut butter will add more texture to the dough. It’s a great variation if you enjoy a bit of crunch.
5. How do I store these cupcakes?
   Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
6. Can I add other candies to the cookie dough?
   Absolutely! You can add your favorite candy mix-ins, such as mini Reese’s pieces, chopped Snickers, or even pretzels for an extra crunch.
7. Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the frosting up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before frosting the cupcakes.
8. How do I ensure the cookie dough stays inside the cupcake?
   Make sure the cookie dough is frozen before adding it to the cupcakes. This helps keep it from melting into the batter during baking.
9. Can I make mini cupcakes instead of regular ones?
   Yes, mini cupcakes work just as well! Just reduce the baking time to about 10-12 minutes.
10. What should I do if the cupcake batter overflows?
    If your batter overflows, it’s a good idea to fill the cupcake liners about halfway instead of two-thirds to avoid messy spills.

Conclusion

Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes are a fun, indulgent treat that combines the best of both worlds: cupcakes and cookies. With creamy peanut butter, mini chocolate chips, and M&M’s, these cupcakes are the perfect sweet treat for any occasion. The surprise cookie dough center adds an element of fun and surprise, making each bite even more exciting. Whether you’re baking for a party, a family gathering, or just because, these cupcakes are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests. Get ready to enjoy a delightful dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

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