If you are craving a dessert that feels like a decadent celebration in every bite, this Cookie Dough Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting and Chocolate Chips Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine soft, moist cupcakes filled with luscious, edible cookie dough centers, all crowned with a tangy and creamy cream cheese frosting studded with melty chocolate chips. This delightful dessert combines the nostalgia of cookie dough with the elegance of cupcakes, making it perfect for parties, special occasions, or whenever you need a little extra sweetness in your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cookie Dough Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting and Chocolate Chips Recipe lies in simple, everyday ingredients that each bring something special to the table. From creating a moist crumb in the cupcakes to the rich creaminess of the frosting and the irresistible texture of the cookie dough, every item has a role that enhances the overall experience.
- All-purpose flour: The base for both the cupcakes and the cookie dough, providing structure and tenderness.
- Baking powder: Helps the cupcakes rise beautifully for a soft texture.
- Salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness in both the batter and cookie dough.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a smooth mouthfeel to cupcakes, cookie dough, and frosting.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens cupcakes and cookie dough while contributing to a tender crumb.
- Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note to the cookie dough filling.
- Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide structure to the cupcakes.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, comforting flavor throughout the entire recipe.
- Whole milk: Moisturizes and tenderizes the cupcakes, balancing the batter’s texture.
- Powdered sugar: Ensures the frosting is silky smooth and perfectly sweetened.
- Cream cheese: Gives the frosting a lush, tangy flavor with a creamy consistency.
- Mini chocolate chips: Provide bursts of chocolate in the cookie dough and garnish atop the frosting.
- Heat-treated flour: Used safely in the raw cookie dough filling to eliminate any risk.
How to Make Cookie Dough Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting and Chocolate Chips Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cupcake Batter
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl to combine these dry ingredients evenly. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this is the key to tender, airy cupcakes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract. Alternate mixing the dry ingredients and milk into the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Over-mixing can make cupcakes tough, so keep it gentle!
Step 2: Bake the Cupcakes
Divide the batter evenly among the liners, filling each about two-thirds full for perfect rise. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. These cupcakes will have a golden top and spring back lightly when touched. Once done, let them cool completely on a wire rack—this step is crucial before adding the cookie dough filling to prevent melting or sogginess.
Step 3: Make the Edible Cookie Dough Filling
In a bowl, beat together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy and smooth. Add milk and vanilla extract and mix well. Then stir in your heat-treated flour and salt carefully—this flour is safe to eat raw because of the heat treatment. Fold in the mini chocolate chips, which add delightful little bursts of chocolate later in each bite. Shape the dough into small balls or use a teaspoon to scoop. These will become your cupcake surprises!
Step 4: Fill the Cupcakes
Using a small knife or cupcake corer, gently remove the center of each cooled cupcake to create a hollow space. Fill each cavity with a ball or scoop of your prepared cookie dough. Press it in lightly to secure it, but keep the mound neat. This hidden filling is what makes these cupcakes so incredibly fun and irresistible.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until perfectly smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition to avoid clumps. Stir in vanilla extract for depth of flavor. This frosting is luscious, tangy, and the perfect counterpart to the sweet cupcake and cookie dough. Use a piping bag or a knife to spread the frosting generously on each cupcake.
Step 6: Garnish and Finish
Sprinkle mini chocolate chips generously over the frosted cupcakes for an added chocolatey crunch and visual appeal. If you’re feeling extra decadent, drizzle melted chocolate over the cupcakes before serving. These finishing touches make these cupcakes truly shine and delight anyone lucky enough to take a bite.
How to Serve Cookie Dough Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting and Chocolate Chips Recipe
Garnishes
While mini chocolate chips are a classic garnish, feel free to experiment with extras like chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or a light dusting of cocoa powder. Fresh berries can add a pop of color and a touch of freshness that balances the sweetness beautifully. These little touches transform the cupcakes into an even more eye-catching dessert.
Side Dishes
Serve these cupcakes with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea to complement the flavors and textures. For celebratory occasions, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a light fruit salad to provide contrast and balance to this rich dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your Cookie Dough Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting and Chocolate Chips Recipe on a tiered cake stand for an elegant presentation. You could also serve them in decorative cupcake wrappers or place them in colorful bake boxes for gifting. Personalizing each cupcake with a small edible flower or a fun cupcake topper can add a delightful surprise for your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cupcakes are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese frosting and cookie dough filling. Keeping them chilled maintains freshness and prevents spoilage. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply bring them to room temperature—they’ll be perfectly moist and flavorful.
Freezing
You can freeze the cupcakes without frosting for up to 2 months. Wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready, thaw completely at room temperature before frosting and filling with cookie dough to preserve that fresh-baked taste and texture.
Reheating
Since these cupcakes are best served at room temperature, avoid reheating the whole cupcake as the frosting and cookie dough’s texture might change. If desired, a brief 10-15 second zap in the microwave can soften the cupcake slightly but keep an eye to prevent melting of the frosting or filling.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour for the cookie dough filling?
Yes, but it must be heat-treated first by microwaving it for one minute or baking at 350°F for five minutes to kill any bacteria, making it safe to eat raw in the cookie dough.
Is it necessary to refrigerate cupcakes with cream cheese frosting?
Absolutely. Cream cheese frosting requires refrigeration to stay fresh and safe to eat because it contains dairy that spoils quickly at room temperature.
Can I make the cookie dough filling ahead of time?
Definitely! The cookie dough filling can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before filling the cupcakes for easy scooping.
How can I make these cupcakes dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives, and use a dairy-free milk option. Keep in mind this may slightly change the texture but will still be delicious.
Can I use regular-sized chocolate chips instead of mini ones?
You can, but mini chocolate chips distribute more evenly throughout the cookie dough and frosting, giving small bursts of chocolate with every bite. Regular chips may create uneven pockets of chocolate.
Final Thoughts
This Cookie Dough Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting and Chocolate Chips Recipe is such a joyful way to combine two beloved treats into one extraordinary dessert. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just because, these cupcakes are sure to bring smiles and happy vibes to any table. So grab your ingredients, get cozy in the kitchen, and treat yourself to a batch of these irresistible delights—you deserve it!
Print
Cookie Dough Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting and Chocolate Chips Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these irresistible Cookie Dough Cupcakes featuring moist vanilla cupcakes filled with edible cookie dough and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting and mini chocolate chips, perfect for dessert lovers craving a unique twist.
Ingredients
For the cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
For the cookie dough filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (heat-treated)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
For the frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the cupcakes: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. Alternately add the dry ingredients and whole milk to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let the cupcakes cool completely.
- Make the cookie dough filling: In a bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy and smooth. Add the milk and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine. Gradually mix in the heat-treated flour and salt until fully incorporated. Fold in the mini chocolate chips. Shape the dough into small balls or scoop teaspoons of dough to be used as filling. Once the cupcakes are cool, core out the centers to make room and insert a ball of cookie dough into each cupcake.
- Prepare the frosting: Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar while continuing to beat to avoid lumps. Stir in the vanilla extract until the frosting is well combined and fluffy. Using a piping bag or a knife, frost the filled cupcakes generously and sprinkle the tops with mini chocolate chips for garnish.
Notes
- Heat-treat the flour for the cookie dough by microwaving it for 1 minute or baking it at 350°F for 5 minutes to ensure it is safe for raw consumption.
- For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle the cupcakes with melted chocolate before serving.
- Store cupcakes in the refrigerator and bring them to room temperature before eating for best texture and flavor.
