Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes

Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the combination of cake and cookie dough! These cupcakes are filled with a delicious cookie dough center, made from a smooth peanut butter and cream cheese mixture, and topped with a soft cake batter that bakes to perfection. They’re a fun and indulgent dessert that will satisfy any sweet tooth!

Ingredients

• 1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box, such as eggs, oil, and water)

For Monster Cookie Dough Filling:

• 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/4 cup butter, room temperature
• 1 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter: Prepare the yellow cake mix as directed on the box, mixing in the eggs, oil, and water.
3. Make the Cookie Dough Filling: In a separate bowl, mix together the cream cheese, butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar, brown sugar, and flour until smooth and well combined.
4. Fill the Cupcake Liners: Line a cupcake tin with paper liners and fill each liner halfway with the prepared cake batter.
5. Add the Cookie Dough Filling: Spoon a small amount of the cookie dough mixture into the center of each cupcake, making sure it stays in the middle.
6. Top with Cake Batter: Add more cake batter on top of the cookie dough filling until each liner is about 3/4 full.
7. Bake: Bake the cupcakes according to the instructions on the cake mix box, usually around 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (without any wet cake batter).
8. Cool and Serve: Allow the cupcakes to cool before serving. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 18-22 minutes (as per cake mix instructions)
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Servings: 12 cupcakes

Variations

• Different Cake Mix Flavors: You can use other cake mixes, such as chocolate or red velvet, to create a different flavor profile.
• Add Chocolate Chips: Mix chocolate chips into the cookie dough filling for extra sweetness and texture.
• Nut-Free Version: Replace the peanut butter with almond butter or sunbutter for a different flavor or to accommodate allergies.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Reheating: To reheat, place cupcakes in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or let them come to room temperature before serving.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use a different flavor of cake mix? Yes, feel free to experiment with chocolate, vanilla, or any flavor cake mix you prefer.
2. Can I make the cookie dough filling without peanut butter? Yes, you can use almond butter, cashew butter, or even Nutella as a substitute for peanut butter.
3. Do I need to bake the cookie dough filling? No, the cookie dough filling bakes along with the cupcakes. The flour is safe to eat in this quantity since it’s part of the batter that gets cooked.
4. Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the cupcakes a day ahead and store them in an airtight container.
5. How can I make these cupcakes more festive? Add colorful sprinkles on top of the cupcakes or drizzle with melted chocolate for a festive touch.
6. Can I use a mini muffin tin for these cupcakes? Yes, if you use a mini muffin tin, reduce the baking time to about 10-12 minutes.
7. Can I add frosting to these cupcakes? These cupcakes are delicious on their own, but if you prefer, you can frost them with a chocolate or peanut butter frosting for extra indulgence.
8. Is there a substitute for the cream cheese in the filling? You can replace the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or a non-dairy cream cheese alternative for a slightly lighter version.
9. How do I know when the cupcakes are done? When the cupcakes are done, a toothpick inserted into the center of the cupcake (avoiding the cookie dough filling) should come out clean or with only a few crumbs.
10. Can I freeze these cupcakes? Yes, you can freeze these cupcakes. Wrap them in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes are a fun and creative treat that combines the best of both worlds—moist cake and gooey cookie dough filling. They’re easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to be a hit at any event. Whether for a birthday party, a bake sale, or just a special treat at home, these cupcakes are sure to satisfy everyone’s sweet cravings!

Print