Ready in: 1 hour · Serves: 12 · Technique: Baking · Storage: Airtight at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Quick Answer
Delight in these decadent Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes, featuring a chocolate cake base filled with cookie dough and topped with creamy frosting.
As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp here in New York City, I find myself drawn into the vibrant energy of the fall season. The anticipation of Thanksgiving gatherings and holiday festivities fills the air, evoking a sense of warmth and nostalgia. In preparation for the upcoming holidays, I can't help but think about those indulgent treats that bring comfort and joy to our celebrations. Enter these delightful Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes, inspired by the classic favorite!
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Let me take you on a sensory journey through this delectable creation. Picture biting into a moist cupcake that boasts a rich, chocolatey flavor, and discovering the gooey cookie dough surprise waiting within. With each bite, the sweet and salty peanut butter and chocolate chip combination sings, making them absolutely irresistible.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Indulgent flavor: Enjoy the rich chocolate base paired with a sweet cookie dough filling.
- Perfect for celebrations: These cupcakes are a festive treat for any holiday gathering.
- Simple ingredients: Made with easy-to-find components right from your pantry.
- Fun to make: Kids and adults will love helping in the kitchen to create these delicious cupcakes.
- Customizable: Feel free to modify fillings or toppings to suit everyone's tastes.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create your delicious Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes:
For the cupcakes:
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix (Duncan Hines recommended)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- ⅓ cup canola oil
For the cookie dough filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup peanut butter chips
For the frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A handful of mini chocolate chips for garnish
How to Make Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps to create scrumptious Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes that are sure to delight!
Step 1: Preheat your oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with colorful paper liners for an inviting presentation.
Step 2: Prepare the cupcake batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, water, and canola oil. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture on medium speed for about 2 minutes, resulting in a smooth and glossy batter that fills your kitchen with an irresistible chocolate scent.
Step 3: Fill the liners
Pour the batter into each cupcake liner, aiming to fill them about two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes. Use a toothpick to check if they are fully baked-remove them once a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 4: Make the cookie dough filling
In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir in the flour and salt until the mixture comes together, then fold in the chocolate and peanut butter chips. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm it up.
Step 5: Create a well for the filling
Once the cupcakes are cool, use a small spoon or a cupcake corer to gently remove the center of each cupcake, creating space for the delicious cookie dough filling.
Step 6: Fill the cupcakes
Generously scoop about a tablespoon of the chilled cookie dough filling into the center of each cupcake to ensure every bite is sweet and satisfying.
Step 7: Prepare the frosting
In another mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy.
Step 8: Frost the cupcakes
Spread or pipe the creamy frosting generously onto each filled cupcake. For an extra touch, sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top!
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Overmixing the cake batter: This can lead to dense cupcakes instead of fluffy and moist ones.
- Not chilling the cookie dough filling: Chilling helps the filling hold its shape better when you put it in the cupcakes.
- Skipping the toothpick test: Ensure your cupcakes are fully baked before removing them from the oven; no one wants a gooey center!
Tips and Tricks for Success:
- Substitute ingredients: If you have dietary restrictions, consider using gluten-free cake mix or dairy-free butter for the cookie dough.
- Use quality chocolate: The flavor of your chocolate chips can significantly enhance the overall taste; I prefer Ghirardelli for its rich flavor.
- Decorate for the season: Add festive sprinkles or themed cupcake toppers for Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings to wow your guests!
Variations:
- Try using a vanilla cake mix instead of chocolate for a different flavor profile.
- Mix in different chips, like butterscotch or white chocolate, for unique fillings.
- Add chopped nuts to the cookie dough for an extra crunch.
- Incorporate seasonal spices, like cinnamon or nutmeg, to enhance flavors.
How to Serve:
- Serve the cupcakes on a decorative platter to create an inviting display.
- Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
- Offer a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce on top for added richness.
- Garnish with fresh fruit, like berries, for a refreshing contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the cupcake batter and cookie dough filling a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator.
- Storage: These cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If refrigerated, they can last up to a week.
- Reheating: If desired, you can microwave the cupcakes for a few seconds to enjoy them warm.
- Freezing: Cupcakes can be frozen for up to 3 months; frost them after thawing for the best texture.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
In making these Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes, I was reminded of how the simplest ingredients can come together to create something spectacular. Each layer-from the moist chocolate base to the sweet cookie dough center-offers a delightful surprise, making them a perfect treat for your holiday gatherings!
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 24 cupcakes · Serving Size: 1 cupcake
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~350 calories · 4g protein · 45g carbs · 18g fat
Recipe by:
Delectable Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with colorful paper liners.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, water, and canola oil. Beat the mixture on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth.
- Pour the batter into each cupcake liner, filling them about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes; check with a toothpick.
- In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla. Stir in flour and salt, then fold in the chocolate and peanut butter chips. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Once cooled, use a small spoon to remove the center of each cupcake to create space for the cookie dough filling.
- Scoop about a tablespoon of cookie dough filling into each cupcake.
- In another bowl, beat the butter for frosting until creamy, then gradually incorporate the powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla. Beat until fluffy.
- Frost each cupcake generously and garnish with mini chocolate chips.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cupcakes a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost them the day you plan to serve for the best texture and taste.
2. Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! While chocolate cake mix gives the best flavor for Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes, you can substitute it with vanilla or any other flavor you prefer.
3. Is there a way to make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and ensure all other ingredients, like the cookie dough filling, are gluten-free as well.
4. How do I prevent the cupcake liners from sticking?
To prevent sticking, ensure you properly grease the cupcake liners, or use high-quality liners that are designed to minimize sticking.
5. Can I freeze these cupcakes?
Yes, you can freeze the cupcakes without frosting for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and frost them when ready to serve.
