Cookie Dough Cupcakes

Introduction

Cookie Dough Cupcakes are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the irresistible combination of cupcakes and cookie dough. These indulgent cupcakes feature a moist vanilla or chocolate base, a hidden core of edible cookie dough, and a luscious cookie dough frosting. With the perfect balance of soft cake and rich cookie dough flavor, these cupcakes are a dream come true for dessert lovers.

I first made these cupcakes when I wanted to create something extra special for a family gathering, and they were an instant hit. The surprise of finding cookie dough in the middle is always a fun touch, and the frosting is like a sweet, creamy version of your favorite cookie dough. You can make these with either vanilla or chocolate cake for variety, but either way, they’re guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Whether you’re baking for a celebration or simply treating yourself, these cupcakes are a guaranteed hit. They bring together the best of both worlds—fluffy, delicious cake and the nostalgic taste of cookie dough—making them a must-try for any dessert lover.

Perfect for:

• Birthday parties
• Bake sales
• Family gatherings
• Dessert lovers
• Cookie dough enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Cookie Dough Cupcakes

Here’s why Cookie Dough Cupcakes will become your new favorite:

• Soft and Moist Texture: The cupcake base is light, fluffy, and pairs perfectly with the rich cookie dough filling.
• Safe-to-Eat Cookie Dough: The edible cookie dough is made without eggs and with heat-treated flour, making it completely safe to enjoy.
• Creamy and Indulgent Frosting: The frosting is smooth, buttery, and packed with cookie dough flavor.
• Fun Surprise Center: Each cupcake has a hidden pocket of edible cookie dough, creating a delightful surprise in every bite.
• Easy to Customize: You can use different cupcake flavors, add mix-ins, or drizzle with chocolate for a personalized touch.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
• Servings: 12 cupcakes
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make this recipe:

Cupcakes:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup whole milk

Edible Cookie Dough Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup heat-treated all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips

Cookie Dough Frosting:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips

Ingredient Highlights

• Heat-Treated Flour: The flour is baked to eliminate bacteria, making the cookie dough filling safe to eat.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: These distribute evenly in the cookie dough and frosting without overpowering the texture.
• Whole Milk: Adds moisture to both the cupcakes and the frosting, ensuring a rich consistency.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cupcakes:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined.
6. Fill the Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
7. Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Edible Cookie Dough:

9. Heat-Treat the Flour: Spread the flour on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to eliminate bacteria. Let it cool completely.
10. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until smooth.
11. Add the Vanilla and Milk: Stir in the vanilla extract and milk, mixing until combined.
12. Mix in the Flour: Gradually add the cooled heat-treated flour and mix until a dough forms.
13. Fold in the Chocolate Chips: Stir in the mini chocolate chips. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Prepare the Cookie Dough Frosting:

14. Cream the Butter and Brown Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
15. Add Vanilla and Powdered Sugar: Mix in the vanilla extract, then gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth.
16. Adjust Consistency: Add milk one tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
17. Fold in the Chocolate Chips: Stir in mini chocolate chips for added texture.

Assemble the Cupcakes:

18. Core the Cupcakes: Use a small knife or cupcake corer to remove a small section from the center of each cupcake.
19. Fill with Cookie Dough: Roll small balls of edible cookie dough and place one inside each cupcake.
20. Frost the Cupcakes: Use a piping bag or spatula to frost each cupcake with the cookie dough frosting.
21. Garnish: Sprinkle additional mini chocolate chips on top for decoration.

How to Serve Cookie Dough Cupcakes

Cookie Dough Cupcakes are a show-stopping treat for any occasion:

• With a Glass of Milk: The classic pairing makes these cupcakes even more enjoyable.
• As a Party Dessert: These cupcakes are perfect for birthdays and special celebrations.
• With Extra Cookie Dough: Serve with a small scoop of extra edible cookie dough on the side.
• Drizzled with Chocolate: A chocolate drizzle on top adds an extra layer of decadence.

Additional Tips for Cookie Dough Cupcakes

• Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: This ensures a smooth batter and prevents the cupcakes from becoming dense.
• Chill the Cookie Dough: Keeping the edible cookie dough slightly firm makes it easier to handle and fill the cupcakes.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can make the cupcakes tough, so mix until just combined.
• Use a Piping Bag: A piping bag makes frosting the cupcakes easier and gives them a polished look.
• Try Different Cupcake Flavors: Chocolate, brown sugar, or even coffee-flavored cupcakes work well with cookie dough.
• Store Properly: Keep cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to a week.

Recipe Variations for Cookie Dough Cupcakes

Here are 10 variations to try for this recipe:

• Chocolate Cookie Dough Cupcakes: Use a chocolate cupcake base for double the chocolate flavor.
• Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Cupcakes: Add peanut butter to the cookie dough filling for a nutty twist.
• Brown Sugar Cupcakes: Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar in the cupcake batter for a richer flavor.
• Oatmeal Cookie Dough Cupcakes: Add oats to the edible cookie dough for an oatmeal cookie-inspired treat.
• Cookie Dough-Filled Brownie Cupcakes: Swap the cupcake base for a brownie-like batter.
• White Chocolate Cookie Dough Cupcakes: Use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
• Espresso Cookie Dough Cupcakes: Add espresso powder to the cupcake batter for a coffee-flavored kick.
• Salted Caramel Cookie Dough Cupcakes: Drizzle salted caramel over the frosting for an extra indulgent treat.
• Nutella Cookie Dough Cupcakes: Swirl Nutella into the cupcake batter before baking.
• Vegan Cookie Dough Cupcakes: Use plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and a flax egg for a vegan-friendly version.

Freezing and Storage for Cookie Dough Cupcakes

• Freezing: Store unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
• Storage: Keep frosted cupcakes refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week.

Special Equipment for Cookie Dough Cupcakes

• Cupcake Tin/Pan – Essential for baking the cupcakes, provides the shape and structure.
• Cupcake Liners – For easy removal and neat presentation of the cupcakes.
• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer – Helps mix the dough and batter thoroughly without tiring your hands.
• Piping Bags – For piping frosting or cookie dough on top of the cupcakes for decoration.
• Cookie Scoop – Ensures consistent portions of cookie dough for the cupcake batter.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons – Necessary for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Cooling Rack – Allows cupcakes to cool down quickly and evenly without getting soggy.
• Whisk – Helps with blending dry ingredients and achieving a smooth batter.
• Spatula – Ideal for folding ingredients together without deflating the batter.
• Oven Thermometer – To ensure the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.

Frequently Asked Questions for Cookie Dough Cupcakes

1. Can I freeze Cookie Dough Cupcakes?
   • Yes, you can freeze the cupcakes. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
2. Can I use store-bought cookie dough for the filling?
   • While homemade cookie dough is recommended, you can use store-bought dough, but ensure it’s safe to eat raw or use eggless varieties.
3. How do I make the cookie dough filling?
   • The cookie dough filling typically includes butter, brown sugar, flour, milk, vanilla, and chocolate chips. Ensure it’s mixed to a dough-like consistency.
4. Can I add other mix-ins to the cupcake batter or filling?
   • Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even candy pieces to customize the flavor.
5. How do I avoid the cookie dough sinking in the cupcake batter?
   • Place a spoonful of batter in the cupcake liner, then add the cookie dough, and top it with more batter to help prevent sinking.

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Conclusion

Cookie Dough Cupcakes are a must-try for anyone who loves the classic taste of cookie dough. With their soft cupcake base, surprise cookie dough filling, and rich frosting, these cupcakes are an irresistible indulgence perfect for any occasion. The combination of the light and fluffy cake with the creamy cookie dough center creates a treat that’s both fun and delicious.

This recipe is as easy to make as it is to enjoy, ideal for everything from casual get-togethers to birthday celebrations. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring them solo, these cupcakes will be a hit every time.

I’d love to see how your Cookie Dough Cupcakes turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!