This monster cookie dough cupcakes recipe takes your regular cupcakes to a whole new level by combining two of our favorite treats - cupcakes and cookie dough. It's a delightful twist that makes for an indulgent treat, perfect for parties or special occasions.
Most of the ingredients for the monster cookie dough cupcakes recipe are common baking items that you might already have in your pantry. However, you may need to pick up a few specific items like peanut butter, milk chocolate chips, mini M&M's, and mini semi-sweet chocolate chips. These ingredients are typically found in the baking aisle of most supermarkets.
Ingredients for Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes
Butter: A dairy product used for its high fat content, it adds moisture and flavor to the cupcakes and frosting.
Creamy peanut butter: This gives a rich nutty flavor to the cupcakes and cookie dough frosting.
Sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes and frosting.
Eggs: Helps to bind the ingredients together and adds structure.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the other ingredients.
Flour: This is the structure of the cupcakes. All-purpose flour works best.
Baking powder: The leavening agent, which makes the cupcakes rise.
Milk: Adds moisture to the cupcakes.
Milk chocolate chips: Adds sweet chocolatey flavor and texture to the cupcakes.
Peanuts: Adds a crunchy texture to the cupcakes.
Cream cheese: Helps create a smooth and creamy frosting.
Brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel flavor to the frosting.
Oats: Gives the frosting a cookie dough-like texture.
Mini M&M's: Provides a colorful and chocolatey crunch to the frosting.
Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips: Enhances the chocolate flavor in the frosting.
One reader, Cleve Doughty says:
These monster cookie dough cupcakes are a game-changer! The combination of peanut butter, chocolate chips, and oats creates a delightful flavor explosion. The cookie dough frosting is the cherry on top. It's a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth!
Techniques Required for Making Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes
How to prepare cupcake batter: Using a stand mixer, whisk together the butter and sugar for 3 minutes until light. Add in the peanut butter, then mix to combine. Then, add the eggs, vanilla, and milk until well mixed. Mix in the flour and baking powder until just combined. Add in the chocolate chips and peanuts, then mix for just a couple of seconds until mixed in.
How to bake cupcakes: Using a ¼ cup ice cream scoop or other measure, scoop the batter into cupcake liners. Bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees F or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool on a wire rack.
How to prepare cookie dough frosting: Use a stand mixer to cream the butter, cream cheese, and peanut butter together. Add in the brown sugar, vanilla, oats, and flour. Then, add in the powdered sugar, then stir until well mixed. Pour in the M&M's and chocolate chips, then mix until just combined.
How to assemble cupcakes: Using a ¼ cup ice cream scoop, scoop out the cookie dough frosting onto the cooled cupcakes.
How to serve: Serve and enjoy!
How To Make Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes
Serves:
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- ¼cupbutter,softened
- ½cupcreamy peanut butter
- 1cupsugar
- 2wholeeggs
- 1tbspvanilla extract
- 1½cupsflour
- 1¼tspbaking powder
- ⅓cupmilk
- ¼cupmilk chocolate chips
- ¼cuppeanuts,Chopped
Cookie Dough Frosting
- 8ozcream cheese,softened
- ½cupbutter,softened
- ½cupcreamy peanut butter
- 1½cupspowdered sugar
- 3tbspbrown sugar
- 3tbspall purpose flour
- 2tspvanilla
- 1cupoats
- 1bagplain mini M&Ms
- 1cupmini or regular semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
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Using a stand mixer, whisk together butter and sugar until light, about 3 minutes.
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Add in peanut butter, mix to combine.
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Add eggs, vanilla and milk until well mixed.
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Mix in flour and baking powder until just combined.
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Add in chocolate chips and peanuts and mix for just a couple of seconds until mixed in.
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Using a 1/4 cup ice cream scoop or other measure, scoop batter into cupcake liners.
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Bake for 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool on a wire rack.
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For the frosting, use a stand mixer to cream the butter, cream cheese and peanut butter together. Add in the brown sugar, vanilla, oats and flour.
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Add in the powdered sugar, until well mixed.
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Finally add the M&Ms and Chocolate chips, until just combined.
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Using your 1/4 cup ice cream scoop, scoop out the cookie dough onto the cooled cupcakes.
Nutrition
- Calories: 690.26kcal
- Fat: 38.75g
- Saturated Fat: 17.64g
- Trans Fat: 0.50g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 13.19g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.60g
- Carbohydrates: 77.92g
- Fiber: 4.28g
- Sugar: 50.48g
- Protein: 12.93g
- Cholesterol: 79.89mg
- Sodium: 134.73mg
- Calcium: 108.49mg
- Potassium: 333.69mg
- Iron: 2.25mg
- Vitamin A: 183.04µg
- Vitamin C: 0.05mg
Crucial Technique for Perfecting Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes
To ensure your cupcakes are moist and fluffy, avoid overmixing the batter once you've added the flour. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a denser, tougher cupcake. It's best to mix until just combined, and it's okay if there are a few small lumps remaining.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Cookie Dough Cupcakes
Prep ahead: Prepare the cupcake batter and cookie dough frosting the night before and store them in the refrigerator. This will save you time on the day you plan to bake the cupcakes.
Organize ingredients: Before you start, gather all the ingredients and tools needed for the recipe. Having everything organized and within reach will streamline the cooking process.
Multi-task: While the cupcakes are baking, you can prepare the cookie dough frosting. This way, you can make the most of your time in the kitchen.
Use a scoop: Utilize a cookie scoop to portion the cupcake batter and cookie dough frosting. This will ensure uniformity and save time compared to using a spoon.
Clean as you go: Wash dishes and utensils as you progress through the recipe. This will prevent a pile-up of dirty dishes and make the cleanup process more manageable.
Substitute Ingredients For Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes Recipe
- butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a similar richness and flavor to butter, while also adding a hint of coconut flavor to the cupcakes.
- creamy peanut butter - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter can be used as a substitute for peanut butter, providing a nutty flavor and creamy texture to the cupcakes.
- sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a natural sweetener and can add a unique flavor to the cupcakes.
- whole eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs can be used as a vegan substitute for whole eggs, providing binding properties to the cupcake batter.
- flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour can be used as a gluten-free alternative to all-purpose flour, adding a nutty flavor to the cupcakes.
- baking powder - Substitute with baking soda: Baking soda can be used as a substitute for baking powder, but it requires an acidic ingredient such as buttermilk or yogurt to activate.
- milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative to milk, providing a subtle nutty flavor to the cupcakes.
- milk chocolate chips - Substitute with dark chocolate chips: Dark chocolate chips can be used as a substitute for milk chocolate chips, providing a richer and slightly bitter flavor to the cupcakes.
- peanuts - Substitute with almonds: Almonds can be used as a substitute for peanuts, adding a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the cupcakes.
- cream cheese - Substitute with vegan cream cheese: Vegan cream cheese can be used as a dairy-free alternative to traditional cream cheese, providing a creamy texture to the frosting.
- powdered sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a natural sweetener and can add a caramel-like flavor to the frosting.
- brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can be used as a natural sweetener and can add a distinct flavor to the frosting.
- all purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour blend: A gluten-free flour blend can be used as a substitute for all-purpose flour, providing a similar texture to the frosting.
- oats - Substitute with quinoa flakes: Quinoa flakes can be used as a substitute for oats, providing a similar texture and nutty flavor to the frosting.
- mini m&ms - Substitute with dried fruit: Dried fruit, such as cranberries or raisins, can be used as a substitute for mini M&Ms, adding a sweet and chewy texture to the frosting.
- mini semi-sweet chocolate chips - Substitute with cacao nibs: Cacao nibs can be used as a substitute for mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, providing a rich and intense chocolate flavor to the frosting.
Presentation Ideas for Decadent Cookie Dough Cupcakes
- Elevate the cupcake: Carefully place the cupcake on a pristine white plate, ensuring it is centered and presented with precision.
- Garnish with finesse: Sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar around the cupcake for an elegant touch.
- Incorporate artistic drizzle: Drizzle a rich chocolate sauce in a delicate, artistic pattern around the cupcake, adding a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
- Add a touch of gold leaf: Place a small, edible gold leaf delicately on top of the cupcake for a luxurious and visually stunning finish.
- Use a sophisticated plating technique: Arrange the cupcakes in a circular pattern on a sleek, modern serving platter, ensuring each cupcake is evenly spaced for a visually appealing display.
- Incorporate edible flowers: Place a small, vibrant edible flower next to the cupcake for a pop of color and an elegant, natural touch.
- Utilize a minimalist approach: Present the cupcake on a simple, clean plate, allowing the beauty of the cupcake to speak for itself without overwhelming the visual presentation.
Essential Tools for Baking Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes
Stand mixer: A stand mixer is a versatile kitchen appliance used for mixing, beating, and whipping ingredients. It's equipped with various attachments for different tasks and is great for making cake batters, doughs, and frostings.
Cupcake liners: Cupcake liners are paper or foil cups that are placed in a muffin or cupcake pan to hold the batter while baking. They come in various colors and designs and make it easy to remove the cupcakes from the pan.
Ice cream scoop: An ice cream scoop is a handy tool for portioning out cupcake batter evenly into the liners. Its spring-loaded mechanism helps release the batter easily, and it creates uniform-sized cupcakes.
Wire rack: A wire rack is used for cooling baked goods such as cupcakes. It allows air to circulate around the cupcakes, preventing them from becoming soggy as they cool.
Spatula: A spatula is essential for mixing, scraping, and spreading batter and frosting. It helps to ensure that all the ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurement of ingredients is crucial in baking. Measuring cups and spoons are used to measure dry and liquid ingredients precisely, ensuring consistent results.
Muffin or cupcake pan: A muffin or cupcake pan is a specialized baking pan with individual cup-shaped depressions used to bake cupcakes. It helps the cupcakes maintain their shape and ensures even baking.
Food processor: A food processor can be used to finely chop or grind ingredients such as peanuts for the cupcake batter or frosting. It's a versatile tool for various kitchen tasks.
Mixing bowl: Mixing bowls are essential for combining ingredients and preparing the cupcake batter and frosting. They come in various sizes and materials and are a fundamental tool in baking.
Storing and Freezing Instructions for Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes
Here are the storing and freezing guidelines for monster cookie dough cupcakes:
- Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cream cheese frosting can spoil if left out for too long, so refrigerate if storing for longer than a few hours.
- To freeze the cupcakes, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 2 hours. Then, wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thaw the frozen cupcakes in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before serving. The cookie dough frosting may lose some of its texture after freezing and thawing, but the flavor will still be delicious.
- For best results, freeze the cupcakes and cookie dough frosting separately. Scoop the frosting onto a lined baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw the frosting in the refrigerator and mix well before using.
- If you have leftover cookie dough frosting, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Let it come to room temperature and mix well before using.
How To Reheat Leftover Cupcakes
The best way to reheat leftover monster cookie dough cupcakes is to use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the cupcakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and the frosting is slightly melted. This method will help to restore the texture and flavor of the cupcakes, making them taste almost as good as when they were freshly baked.
Another option is to use the microwave. Place the cupcake on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat the cupcake, as this can cause the frosting to melt and become runny. If the cupcake is not heated through after the first interval, continue to heat it in 5-second increments until it reaches the desired temperature.
If you want to reheat multiple cupcakes at once, you can use the toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the cupcakes on the wire rack. Heat for 3-5 minutes, or until they are warmed through and the frosting is slightly melted. This method is great for reheating a small batch of cupcakes without having to use the full-sized oven.
For a quick and easy reheating option, you can also use the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the cupcakes in the basket. Heat for 2-3 minutes, or until they are heated through and the frosting is slightly melted. This method is perfect for those who want to enjoy a warm and gooey cupcake without having to wait for the oven to preheat.
Interesting Trivia About Cookie Dough Cupcakes
The Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes recipe combines the deliciousness of peanut butter, chocolate chips, and oats in a delightful cupcake form. This unique treat offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a hit for those with a sweet tooth. The cookie dough frosting adds an extra layer of indulgence, making these cupcakes a perfect choice for special occasions or as a delightful surprise for friends and family.
Is Making Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes at Home Cost-Effective?
This monster cookie dough cupcakes recipe is relatively cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, including peanut butter, chocolate chips, and cream cheese, are commonly found in most kitchens. The versatility of these ingredients also allows for multiple uses in various dishes, making them a worthwhile investment. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20, making it a budget-friendly option. Overall Verdict: 9/10.
Are Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes Healthy or Unhealthy?
This monster cookie dough cupcake recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main concerns are:
- High sugar content from the granulated sugar, powdered sugar, and brown sugar
- Significant amount of saturated fat from the butter, peanut butter, and cream cheese
- Refined carbohydrates from the all-purpose flour
- Minimal nutritional value from the candy and chocolate chips
However, there are a few redeeming qualities, such as the protein and healthy fats from the peanut butter and peanuts, as well as the fiber from the oats.
To make this recipe healthier without compromising taste, consider the following adjustments:
- Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber and nutrients
- Reduce the sugar content by 25% in both the cupcakes and frosting
- Use natural peanut butter with no added sugar or oil
- Incorporate more wholesome mix-ins like dried fruit, seeds, or chopped nuts
- Opt for dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate for a higher percentage of cocoa and less sugar
- Experiment with sugar alternatives like coconut sugar, date sugar, or monk fruit sweetener
- Reduce the portion size of the cupcakes and frosting to promote moderation
Editor's Opinion on the Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes Recipe
The combination of rich peanut butter cupcakes and indulgent cookie dough frosting in this recipe creates a delightful treat. The cupcakes are moist and flavorful, with a satisfying crunch from the peanuts and chocolate chips. The cookie dough frosting adds a playful twist, with the creamy texture of the cream cheese and peanut butter complemented by the oats and mini M&Ms. Overall, this recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, making it a delightful indulgence for any occasion.
Enhance Your Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Cookie Dough Cupcakes
Appetizers and Main Dishes to Serve with Cookie Dough Cupcakes
Why trust this Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes Recipe:
This recipe is a delicious fusion of classic flavors and textures. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate chips creates a rich and indulgent treat, while the addition of peanuts adds a satisfying crunch. The cookie dough frosting, featuring cream cheese, oats, and mini M&Ms, provides a delightful contrast to the moist and flavorful cupcakes. With a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness, these cupcakes are sure to impress and satisfy any craving for a delectable dessert.
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