Introduction
If you love the classic combination of cookies and cupcakes, then this recipe for Cookie Dough Cupcakes is for you! These cupcakes are a dream come true for dessert lovers, combining the rich, buttery flavor of chocolate chip cookie dough with the soft and fluffy texture of a cupcake. Perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or just indulging your sweet tooth, these cupcakes will be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The contrast between the soft cupcake and the gooey cookie dough center creates an irresistible dessert experience.
- Easy to Make: While these cupcakes look fancy, they’re actually quite simple to put together with basic pantry ingredients.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether you’re making them for a bake sale, birthday party, or just because, these cupcakes are sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ cup butter, softened
- ¼ cup white sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 (18.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix
- 1 ⅓ cups water
- ⅓ cup canola oil
- 3 eggs
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Cupcake pan
- Paper liners
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Wire rack for cooling
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and sea salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, beat the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, then continue beating until smooth.
- Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips gently.
- Form dough into tablespoon-sized balls, place them onto a baking sheet, and freeze for about 2 hours until solid.
Step 2: Make the Cupcake Batter
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line 24 muffin cups with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, lightly beat the 3 eggs using an electric mixer.
- Add the cake mix, water, and canola oil, then beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until well combined.
- Spoon the batter into prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Place a frozen cookie dough ball in the center of each cupcake.
Step 3: Bake and Cool
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake portion comes out clean (not the cookie dough).
- Allow cupcakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days for a longer shelf life.
- Freezer: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature before serving.
Variations and Substitutions
- Dough-Free Version: If you prefer a fully baked center, use cookie dough that does not require freezing or mix chocolate chips directly into the cupcake batter.
- Different Cake Mixes: Swap yellow cake mix for chocolate or vanilla for a different flavor profile.
- Frosting Additions: Add a swirl of buttercream or chocolate ganache for extra indulgence.
Food and Drink Pairings
- Beverages: These cupcakes pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, hot coffee, or a creamy latte.
- Toppings: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade cake batter instead of boxed mix?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade vanilla or yellow cake recipe, feel free to use it instead of the boxed mix.
Why freeze the cookie dough before baking?
Freezing prevents the cookie dough from baking completely, keeping it gooey and soft in the center of the cupcake.
Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake them a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
These Cookie Dough Cupcakes are the perfect blend of soft, fluffy cupcakes and rich, gooey cookie dough. They’re a delightful surprise for any dessert lover! If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to share it with friends and family and subscribe to our blog for more delicious treats. Happy baking!
