Cookie Dough Cupcakes Recipe

Cookie Dough Cupcakes are the ultimate dessert mashup—moist vanilla or chocolate cupcakes filled with edible cookie dough and topped with cookie dough frosting. Perfect for parties, birthdays, or satisfying your sweet tooth, these cupcakes are rich, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Edible cookie dough inside and on top
• Moist and fluffy cupcake base
• Fun and nostalgic flavor
• Safe to eat—no raw eggs or untreated flour
• Great for make-ahead treats and celebrations

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the edible cookie dough (filling):

• All-purpose flour (heat-treated)
• Unsalted butter
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Mini chocolate chips
• Salt

For the cupcakes:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Milk
• Optional: mini chocolate chips (for added texture)

For the cookie dough frosting:

• Unsalted butter
• Brown sugar
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Milk
• Heat-treated flour (optional, for flavor and structure)
• Mini chocolate chips (optional)

Directions

1. Make the edible cookie dough filling
   Cream butter, sugars, milk, and vanilla. Add heat-treated flour and salt until a dough forms. Stir in mini chocolate chips. Scoop into 1-tsp balls and freeze until firm (about 30 minutes).
2. Make the cupcakes
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
   In one bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
   In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, then alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk.
   Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full and bake for 18–20 minutes. Let cool completely.
3. Make the frosting
   Cream the butter and brown sugar. Add vanilla and milk, then gradually beat in powdered sugar. Optional: mix in a few tablespoons of heat-treated flour for that cookie dough texture. Stir in mini chocolate chips.
4. Assemble the cupcakes
   Core each cooled cupcake and insert a frozen cookie dough ball. Top with the cookie dough frosting using a piping bag or spatula.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 cupcakes
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes (plus chilling)

Variations

• Use chocolate cupcakes: For an even more indulgent twist
• Stuff with other fillings: Try caramel or Nutella instead of cookie dough
• Top with mini cookies: Add a small cookie on top for a fun garnish
• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in all parts of the recipe

Storage/Reheating

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
• Freezer: Freeze frosted or unfrosted for up to 2 months
• Room temp: Best served at room temperature; let them sit out 30 minutes before serving if chilled

FAQs

Can I use store-bought cookie dough?

Only if it’s labeled as safe to eat raw. Homemade edible cookie dough is easy and safer.

Do I have to core the cupcakes?

Yes, for a proper filling. Use a paring knife, cupcake corer, or even a spoon.

What is heat-treated flour?

It’s flour that’s been baked or microwaved to kill bacteria, making it safe to eat raw.

Can I skip the cookie dough filling?

Yes, but the filling is what makes these special.

Can I make mini cupcakes?

Yes! Reduce baking time to about 10–12 minutes and use smaller cookie dough balls.

How do I heat-treat flour?

Microwave the flour in 30-second intervals (stirring between) until it reaches 165°F.

Can I use all brown sugar in the frosting?

Yes, but it may be grittier. You can blend it smoother if preferred.

Can I make the cupcakes ahead?

Absolutely. Bake and store the cupcakes a day ahead, then fill and frost before serving.

Can I use a cake mix?

Yes! Use your favorite boxed mix to speed up the process and focus on the cookie dough elements.

Is this safe for kids?

Yes—as long as you use heat-treated flour and no raw eggs, it’s totally safe and kid-approved!

Conclusion

Cookie Dough Cupcakes bring all the fun of classic cookie dough into a portable, party-ready treat. With a moist cupcake base, gooey cookie dough center, and rich frosting on top, they’re a dessert everyone will rave about. Perfect for birthdays, bake sales, or a just-because-you-deserve-it moment.

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