Imagine biting into a fluffy cupcake only to find a gooey, eggless cookie dough center staring back at you. That’s not a dream—it’s reality. These chocolate chip cookie dough cupcakes are the lovechild of two iconic desserts, and they’re here to ruin your diet in the best way possible.
Why choose between cupcakes and cookie dough when you can have both? These aren’t just cupcakes; they’re a flex. Your friends will ask for the recipe.
Your enemies will plot against you. And your taste buds? They’ll throw a party.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe nails the perfect balance of textures and flavors.
The cupcake is soft and moist, the cookie dough center is rich and creamy, and the frosting? A fluffy, buttery masterpiece. The secret? Eggless cookie dough—safe to eat, dangerously addictive.
Plus, the chocolate chips add a satisfying crunch. It’s like eating a cookie dough ice cream cone but without the mess (or the judgment from strangers).
Ingredients You’ll Need
- For the cupcakes: All-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, milk
- For the cookie dough filling: Butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, flour, salt, milk, chocolate chips
- For the frosting: Butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, heavy cream, mini chocolate chips
FYI, skipping the mini chocolate chips in the frosting is a crime. Don’t do it.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the cookie dough filling: Cream butter and brown sugar, then mix in vanilla, flour, salt, and milk.
Fold in chocolate chips. Roll into small balls and freeze.
- Bake the cupcakes: Whisk dry ingredients, cream butter and sugar, add eggs and vanilla, then alternate adding dry mix and milk. Pour into liners.
- Add the filling: Press a frozen cookie dough ball into the center of each cupcake before baking.
Yes, it’s magic.
- Whip up the frosting: Beat butter until fluffy, add powdered sugar and vanilla, then thin with heavy cream. Pipe onto cooled cupcakes.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips. Resist eating them all immediately (or don’t).
Storage Instructions
Store these cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for 5 days.
If you freeze them (who has that kind of willpower?), they’ll last 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. Pro tip: Hide them from roommates.
Why You Should Make These
These cupcakes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
They’re perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or “I survived Monday” celebrations. The cookie dough center stays soft, and the frosting is just sweet enough without being cloying. Plus, they’re easier to make than they look—no fancy skills required.
IMO, they’re the dessert equivalent of a mic drop.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking: Dry cupcakes are sad cupcakes. Pull them out when a toothpick comes out clean.
- Skimping on frosting: This isn’t the time to be modest. Pile it on.
- Using hot cookie dough: Freeze the dough balls first, or they’ll melt into the cupcake batter.
Alternatives and Swaps
No brown sugar?
Use granulated sugar and a tablespoon of molasses. Out of chocolate chips? Chop up a chocolate bar.
For a nutty twist, add chopped walnuts to the cookie dough. Want to go dairy-free? Swap butter for coconut oil and milk for almond milk.
Just don’t blame us if they disappear faster.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought cookie dough?
Technically, yes, but homemade tastes better and avoids weird preservatives. Also, store-bought dough often contains eggs, which isn’t ideal for a no-bake filling.
Why freeze the cookie dough balls?
Freezing prevents them from melting into the cupcake during baking. It’s the difference between a gooey center and a puddle of regret.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely.
Bake the cupcakes and freeze them (unfrosted) for up to a month. Frost the day you serve them for maximum freshness.
What if I don’t have a piping bag?
Use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off or just spread the frosting with a knife. It’ll taste the same—just slightly less Instagrammable.
Final Thoughts
Chocolate chip cookie dough cupcakes are the dessert equivalent of a standing ovation.
They’re decadent, fun, and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re baking for a party or just because, these cupcakes deliver. Now go forth and conquer.
Your sweet tooth will thank you.