These Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes are a delightful combination of soft cupcakes, gooey cookie dough centers, and a decadent cookie dough frosting. This recipe is perfect for those who love the fun flavors of cookie dough in a unique dessert.
INGREDIENTS
- For the Cookie Dough Batter:
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup, softened for creaming with sugars.
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup, adds sweetness and structure.
- Brown sugar: 1/2 cup, packed, for a rich, caramel-like flavor.
- Large egg: 1, for binding and structure.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, enhances flavor.
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup, provides structure for the cookie dough.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon, balances the sweetness.
- Mini chocolate chips: 1/2 cup, adds a burst of chocolate to the dough.
- For the Cupcake Batter:
- All-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups, forms the base of the cupcakes.
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup, for sweetness.
- Baking powder: 1 1/2 teaspoons, helps the cupcakes rise.
- Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon, for an airy texture.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon, to balance the flavors.
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup, softened for a smooth batter.
- Sour cream: 1/2 cup, adds moisture and richness.
- Milk: 1/2 cup, for a light, fluffy texture.
- Large eggs: 2, for structure and binding.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, enhances the flavor.
- For the Cookie Dough Frosting:
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup, softened for a creamy texture.
- Brown sugar: 1/2 cup, packed, for a sweet, rich taste.
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup, creates a thick frosting texture.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon, balances sweetness.
- Milk: 1/4 cup, for smoothness in the frosting.
- Vanilla extract: 1/2 teaspoon, adds depth to the frosting flavor.
- Mini chocolate chips: 1/2 cup, for extra chocolatey bites.
- For Garnish: Additional mini chocolate chips and optional cookie dough balls for a fun touch.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
- In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Step 2:
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated.
- Step 3:
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Stir in the mini chocolate chips.
- Step 4:
- Cover and chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Step 5: Prepare the Cupcakes
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Step 6:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt for the cupcake batter.
- Step 7:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth, then add the sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
- Step 8:
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Step 9:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk and sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, taking care not to over-mix.
- Step 10:
- Fill each cupcake liner halfway with cupcake batter. Scoop a small amount of the chilled cookie dough and place it in the center of each cupcake, pressing down slightly.
- Step 11:
- Bake the cupcakes in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake (avoiding the cookie dough center) comes out clean.
- Step 12:
- Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 13: Prepare the Cookie Dough Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until creamy and smooth.
- Step 14:
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until combined, then add the milk and vanilla extract and beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Step 15:
- Stir in the mini chocolate chips to complete the frosting.
- Step 16: Frost the Cupcakes
- Once the cupcakes have completely cooled, frost them generously with the cookie dough frosting using a piping bag or a knife.
- Step 17:
- For garnish, sprinkle additional mini chocolate chips over each cupcake and add a small cookie dough ball on top if desired for a decorative touch.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
- Garnish with extra mini chocolate chips or a small cookie dough ball for a decorative touch.
- Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months, and frost them after thawing for freshness.
Helpful Notes
- For an extra cookie dough flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the frosting.
- If you prefer a smoother frosting, you can blend the brown sugar in a food processor before using.
- Swap mini chocolate chips with chocolate chunks for a bolder chocolate experience.
- Using a piping bag with a large tip will help with even frosting distribution on each cupcake.
Tips from Well-known Chefs
- Chef Christina Tosi recommends chilling the cookie dough well before baking to prevent spreading.
- Baker Sally McKenney suggests using room-temperature ingredients for the smoothest cupcake batter and frosting.
- Pastry chef Dominique Ansel advises testing the frosting sweetness by adjusting the brown sugar to taste for a perfect balance.