Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of the perfect marriage between rich chocolate cupcakes and irresistibly sweet cookie dough, today’s your lucky day! The Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes Recipe takes classic dessert indulgence to a whole new level by combining moist cocoa-infused cupcakes with a luscious ball of cookie dough hidden inside. Topped with a dreamy cream cheese frosting studded with mini chocolate chips and M&Ms, this treat is nothing short of a celebration in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a party, a cozy night in, or simply because you deserve the best, these cupcakes will quickly become your new favorite showstopper dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes Recipe shines because of its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each element contributes uniquely—the cocoa powder gives the cupcakes their deep chocolate flavor, while the cookie dough center adds that signature chewy sweetness, and the candy-packed frosting brings the fun and colorful finish.
- All-purpose flour: The base for both cupcakes and cookie dough, providing structure and that perfectly tender crumb.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor without extra sweetness, balancing the sugary components.
- Baking soda: The leavening agent that helps your cupcakes rise beautifully and stay fluffy.
- Butter: Used softened for a creamy texture in cupcakes, cookie dough, and frosting, enhancing richness.
- Granulated and brown sugar: Granulated sugar lends sweetness and softness, while brown sugar adds depth and chewiness to the cookie dough.
- Eggs: Key for binding ingredients and creating moist cupcakes.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the sweet layers with warm, inviting flavor.
- Sour cream and whole milk: These add moisture and tenderness to the cupcake batter for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Mini chocolate chips: Scattered through the cupcakes, cookie dough, and frosting for bursts of melty chocolate in every bite.
- Mini M&M candies: Adding fun colors and a little crunch to the cookie dough and frosting, making these cupcakes truly monster-sized in flavor and excitement.
- Cream cheese: In the frosting, this brings tanginess and creaminess that perfectly balances the sweet elements.
- Powdered sugar: Essential for that fluffy, sweet frosting texture that holds its shape beautifully.
How to Make Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cupcake Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt—this mix creates the perfectly balanced dry base. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, setting the stage for soft, tender cupcakes. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add your vanilla extract to infuse warmth. Slowly stir in sour cream and whole milk to add moisture, followed by gradually folding in the dry ingredients just until combined, taking care not to overmix. Finally, fold in the mini chocolate chips for delicious pockets of chocolate throughout. Fill your cupcake liners about three-quarters full, then bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack—this is essential before moving to the next step.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough Filling
While the cupcakes are baking and cooling, get your cookie dough filling ready. Beat softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars until creamy and luscious. Stir in milk and vanilla extract for that classic cookie dough flavor profile. The next crucial step is adding heat-treated flour—this ensures the raw flour is safe to eat—mix the flour in thoroughly until smooth. Then gently fold in mini chocolate chips and mini M&Ms, giving your filling those signature bursts of chocolate and color. Roll the dough into 12 small balls and pop them in the fridge to firm up while the cupcakes cool.
Step 3: Hollow Out Cupcake Centers and Insert Filling
Once cupcakes are cool, take a sharp knife or cupcake corer to remove the center of each cupcake carefully, creating a small cavity. Place a chilled cookie dough ball inside each hollowed out cupcake, nestling it in perfectly. This step is the secret that transforms an ordinary cupcake into a surprise-filled monster of flavor.
Step 4: Prepare and Apply the Frosting
For the frosting, combine softened butter and cream cheese, beating until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, whipping the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy enough to pipe or spread. To make it extra fun and thematic, fold in mini chocolate chips and mini M&Ms for colorful texture and gooey chocolate. Top each cupcake generously with this delightful frosting, making sure to showcase those festive candies for an eye-catching finish.
How to Serve Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these cupcakes to wow-status, consider finishing with an extra sprinkle of mini chocolate chips and mini M&Ms right before serving. A light dusting of cocoa powder or edible glitter adds a polished sparkle that’s perfect for celebrations. For a touch of freshness, a small mint leaf or a tiny swirl of caramel sauce on top pairs beautifully with the layers of chocolate and cookie dough.
Side Dishes
Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes are decadent enough to stand on their own, but when paired with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, they really shine. For brunch or dessert tables, a fresh fruit platter with berries and sliced bananas can offer a refreshing counterbalance to these rich sweets. Coffee or hot chocolate also complements the intense chocolate and cookie flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes Recipe into the centerpiece of any party by arranging them on a tiered cake stand decorated with colorful sprinkles and chocolate shards. Serve them in festive cupcake wrappers that match your theme or place each cupcake in a mini box with a ribbon for take-home favors guests will adore. You can also pipe the frosting to form fun shapes or use candy toppers for seasonal or personalized designs.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After indulging, you can store any uneaten Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because of the cream cheese frosting and the cookie dough filling, refrigeration keeps them fresh while preserving that luscious texture. Remember to bring them to room temperature before serving to really enjoy the soft crumb and melty centers.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these cupcakes ahead of a special occasion, they freeze beautifully. Place the cooled and frosted cupcakes in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze for an hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be stored frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator to retain their shape and flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes Recipe at their freshest, warm them slightly by letting them sit at room temperature for a bit or popping them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This step helps soften the cupcake and gently melts the cookie dough filling, creating that ooey-gooey texture everyone loves without compromising the frosting.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of heat-treated flour for the cookie dough?
For safety reasons, it’s best to use heat-treated flour when making edible cookie dough since raw flour can contain harmful bacteria. You can heat-treat flour quickly in the microwave or oven to make it safe for this recipe.
Is it possible to make these cupcakes dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute butter with a dairy-free margarine and use a plant-based cream cheese and milk alternative to make this recipe vegan or dairy-free. Just keep in mind these swaps might slightly affect texture and flavor.
Can I make the cookie dough filling without M&Ms?
Absolutely. The M&Ms add crunch and color but you can simply leave them out or substitute with nuts, sprinkles, or even white chocolate chips depending on your preference.
How long does the frosting hold up after decorating?
The cream cheese frosting is best enjoyed within 1–2 days of decorating. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep well and maintain its texture, but it may become slightly firmer over time.
Can I double this Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes Recipe for a larger batch?
Definitely! Just double all the ingredients accordingly and bake in batches if your oven or pans can’t handle bigger quantities. The recipe scales easily for parties or big family gatherings.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that combines the best of two worlds—chocolate cupcakes and cookie dough—this Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes Recipe is a total game changer. It’s fun, flavorful, and sure to impress anyone lucky enough to take a bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how those gooey centers and dreamy frosting make every moment extra special. Happy baking and even happier eating!
Print
Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes (plus cooling time)
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes are a decadent dessert featuring rich chocolate cupcakes filled with edible cookie dough and topped with creamy cream cheese frosting studded with mini chocolate chips and M&Ms. Perfect for parties and celebrations, they combine the best of chocolatey cupcake and cookie dough flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
For the Cookie Dough Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (heat-treated)
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup mini M&M candies
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup mini M&Ms
Instructions
- Make the Cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla. Stir in the sour cream and milk until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in mini chocolate chips. Divide the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
- Make the Cookie Dough Filling: In a bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Mix in milk and vanilla. Add heat-treated flour and beat until smooth. Stir in chocolate chips and mini M&Ms. Roll into 12 small balls and refrigerate until firm. Once cupcakes are cool, use a knife or cupcake corer to remove the centers. Place a cookie dough ball into each cupcake.
- Make the Frosting: Beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until light and fluffy. Fold in chocolate chips and mini M&Ms. Pipe or spread the frosting over the filled cupcakes.
Notes
- To heat-treat flour, microwave it in a bowl for 1 minute or bake at 350°F for 5 minutes to kill bacteria.
- Store cupcakes in the fridge but bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
