Name: Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3.5 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 1.5 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1.5 cups unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup milk; 3 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/4 cup milk; 1 cup mini chocolate chips; Mini chocolate chips (for garnish); Cookie dough balls (optional, for garnish)

Creamy, decadent monster cookie dough cupcakes burst with nostalgic childhood flavors that dance across your taste buds.

These playful treats combine the irresistible essence of classic monster cookie dough with rich, moist cupcake perfection.

Chocolate chips, peanut butter, and colorful candies create a whimsical dessert that sparks joy with every bite.

Layers of sweet, indulgent goodness await in this crowd-pleasing recipe that transforms an ordinary afternoon into a celebration of flavor.

Each cupcake delivers a delightful surprise of cookie dough nestled within soft, tender cake.

The vibrant candies peek through, promising a delicious adventure for dessert enthusiasts.

Prepare to fall in love with this ultimate sweet sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini chocolate chips?

Yes, you can substitute regular chocolate chips, but mini chocolate chips distribute more evenly and create a smoother texture in the cookie dough and frosting.

Is it safe to eat the cookie dough in this recipe?

This recipe uses heat-treated flour and no raw eggs in the cookie dough, making it safe to consume. The flour is baked briefly to eliminate potential bacteria.

How do I prevent the cookie dough from sinking in the cupcake?

Ensure the cookie dough is well-chilled and rolled into small, compact balls before placing them in the cupcake batter. This helps the dough maintain its shape during baking.

This recipe transforms classic cupcakes into a show-stopping treat by embedding cookie dough inside, creating a delightful surprise in every bite that will wow friends and family.
Swap chocolate chips for different mix-ins like peanut butter chips or sprinkles, making this recipe incredibly flexible for personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
Ideal for birthday parties, potlucks, or any gathering where you want to impress guests with a unique and decadent dessert that combines two beloved treats in one spectacular cupcake.
Despite looking complicated, the recipe breaks down into manageable stages, allowing bakers of all skill levels to create a professional-looking dessert without feeling overwhelmed.

Cupcake Base Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental dry ingredient that provides structure to the cupcake.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cupcake texture.
Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cupcakes rise and become light.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cupcake.

Cookie Dough Ingredients:

Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps bind the cookie dough together.
Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Create sweetness and contribute to the classic cookie dough taste.
Egg: Helps bind the ingredients and adds moisture to the cookie dough.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor to the cookie dough.
All-Purpose Flour: Creates the base structure of the cookie dough.
Salt: Balances the sweetness in the cookie dough.
Mini Chocolate Chips: Adds delightful chocolate bursts throughout the cookie dough.

Frosting Ingredients:

Butter: Creates a creamy base for the frosting.
Brown Sugar: Provides a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the frosting.
Milk, Vanilla Extract: Adds moisture and enhances the flavor of the frosting.
Mini Chocolate Chips: Adds texture and chocolate flavor to the frosting.

Additional Ingredients:

Sour Cream: Adds moisture and richness to the cupcake batter.
Milk: Helps create a smooth, tender cupcake texture.

Baking Tools for Creative Cupcakes

Mixing bowls: medium and large sizes for cookie dough, cupcake batter, and frosting preparation.
Electric mixer: essential for creaming butter, beating eggs, and creating smooth batters and frosting.
Measuring cups and spoons: precise measurements for ingredients.
Muffin tin: 12-cup pan for baking cupcakes.
Cupcake liners: paper cups for easy cupcake removal and presentation.
Whisk: for combining dry ingredients smoothly.
Spatula: for scraping bowls and folding ingredients.
Piping bag (optional): for decorative frosting application.
Wire cooling rack: allows cupcakes to cool evenly.
Toothpick: to test cupcake doneness.

Step 1: Create Cookie Dough Base

Mix butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a medium bowl until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Blend in egg and vanilla extract thoroughly.

Gradually incorporate flour and salt, stirring until just combined.

Fold in mini chocolate chips and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 2: Mix Cupcake Batter

Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.

Whisk together dry ingredients:

Flour
Sugar
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt

In a separate large bowl, cream butter until smooth.

Add sugar and beat until fluffy.

Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 3: Combine Batter Ingredients

Add dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with milk and sour cream.

Begin and end with dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Carefully distribute batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each halfway.

Step 4: Insert Cookie Dough

Scoop a small portion of chilled cookie dough into the center of each cupcake batter.

This creates a delightful surprise inside each cupcake.

Step 5: Bake Cupcakes

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven.

Bake for 18-22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Let cupcakes rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Step 6: Whip Up Cookie Dough Frosting

Beat softened butter and brown sugar in a large bowl until creamy.

Gradually mix in:

Flour
Salt

Add milk and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and fluffy.

Gently stir in mini chocolate chips.

Step 7: Decorate Cupcakes

Once cupcakes are completely cool, frost them using a piping bag or knife with the cookie dough frosting.

Sprinkle additional mini chocolate chips on top.

For an extra touch, add small cookie dough balls as a garnish.

Tricks for Moist and Fun Cupcakes

Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and maintain its shape during baking.
Fill cupcake liners only halfway to allow room for the cookie dough center and prevent overflow during baking.
Mix cupcake batter just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can lead to dense and tough cupcakes.
Ensure butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for smoother batter and better incorporation.
Beat frosting until light and fluffy, and avoid overworking to maintain a smooth, creamy texture.

Monster Cupcake Flavors and Swaps

Gluten-Free Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes: Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour blend and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
Vegan Cookie Dough Cupcake Remix: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax egg instead of regular eggs, and choose dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based version.
Low-Sugar Monster Cookie Cupcakes: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener, use sugar-free chocolate chips, and reduce overall sugar content for a healthier alternative.
Nut-Butter Chocolate Chip Variation: Incorporate almond or peanut butter into the cookie dough for a nutty flavor profile, adding extra protein and richness to the cupcakes.

Ways to Serve Monster Cupcakes for Any Occasion

Sweet Snack Pairing: Serve these monster cookie dough cupcakes alongside a cold glass of milk for the ultimate nostalgic dessert experience.
Party Presentation: Arrange cupcakes on a tiered dessert stand and sprinkle extra mini chocolate chips around the base for a stunning display that will impress guests.
Gifting Delight: Package individual cupcakes in clear bakery boxes with a ribbon, making them perfect homemade treats for birthdays, potlucks, or casual celebrations.
Indulgent Topping: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream next to the cupcake for a decadent upgrade that enhances the cookie dough's rich flavor profile.

Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent frosting from sticking.
Wrap individual cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Keep unfrosted cupcakes and cookie dough frosting in separate containers. Freeze each for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and assemble before serving.
Bring refrigerated cupcakes to room temperature for 30 minutes. For a warm treat, microwave briefly (10-15 seconds) or warm in a preheated oven at 300F for 3-4 minutes.

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.

Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

The Scrumptious Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes Recipe You’ll Love

FAQs