Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth that craves both cookie dough and cupcakes, you are in for an absolute treat with this Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes Recipe. These cupcakes are everything you love about classic monster cookies packed into a soft, moist cupcake, crowned with creamy, chunky cookie dough frosting dotted with mini M&Ms and chocolate chips. The blend of peanut butter, oats, and chocolate chips creates a nostalgic flavor profile while the rich frosting brings all those iconic cookie dough textures right to the top. Trust me, this cupcake will quickly become your go-to showstopper that everyone will request again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together effortlessly, each one playing a vital role in building the soft texture, bold flavor, and irresistible color of the Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes. From creamy peanut butter to the playful bite of mini M&Ms, everything is simple but essential.

• ¼ cup salted butter (softened): Helps create a tender crumb and rich flavor in the cupcakes.
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter: Adds a nutty, creamy depth that’s signature to monster cookies.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Provides the perfect sweetness and helps with the cupcake’s texture.
• 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and enhances the peanut butter’s flavor.
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base for the cupcake’s structure.
• 1 ¼ teaspoon baking powder: Gives the cupcakes their light, airy rise.
• ⅓ cup milk: Adds moisture to keep everything tender and soft.
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Little bursts of chocolate throughout the cupcake.
• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened): Creates the creamy base of the cookie dough frosting.
• ½ cup salted butter (softened): Adds richness and body to the frosting.
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter: Delivers that signature monster cookie flavor in the frosting too.
• 1 cup powdered sugar (more up to 1 cup if needed): Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds a subtle caramel note and slight chewiness to the frosting.
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Heat-treated to make the frosting safe to eat and adds a cookie dough texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla: Brightens the frosting’s flavor.
• ½ cup old-fashioned oats: For that classic monster cookie chew and texture.
• ¾ cup plain mini M&Ms: Colorful, fun bursts of candy crunch inside the frosting.
• ¾ cup mini or regular semi-sweet chocolate chips: Mixed throughout the frosting for extra chocolate hits.

How to Make Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners to make sure your cupcakes come out flawlessly and nothing sticks. This simple step preps you for smooth baking all the way through.

Step 2: Cream the Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugar

Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the softened butter, peanut butter, and granulated sugar. Beat these together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and creamy. This base is going to give your cupcakes that rich, peanut buttery flavor with wonderfully soft texture.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Once the butter mixture is perfectly creamed, add in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Beat until everything is fully incorporated, which creates a smooth, rich batter that’s perfectly balanced in sweetness.

Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Add the all-purpose flour and baking powder to your wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. This step is crucial for the right rise and tenderness. Then slowly add the milk to loosen the batter and make it easier to scoop, but be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently stir in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips by hand. The chips add melty pockets of chocolate that perfectly complement the peanut butter and oats in the cupcakes.

Step 6: Bake the Cupcakes

Scoop your batter evenly into the prepared liners, filling them about two-thirds full so they have room to rise without spilling over. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the tops turn lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow them to completely cool before frosting.

Step 7: Prepare the Cookie Dough Frosting

In a small bowl, add the all-purpose flour and heat it in the microwave in 10-15 second bursts, stirring in between, until it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This heat treatment makes the flour safe for eating raw in the frosting. Set it aside to cool.

Step 8: Cream the Frosting Base

Beat together the softened cream cheese, peanut butter, and butter until smooth and creamy. This luscious combination will form the rich base of your cookie dough frosting.

Step 9: Add Sugars, Flour, and Vanilla

Slowly add powdered sugar, brown sugar, the cooled flour, and vanilla extract. Beat slowly at first, scraping down the sides to ensure an even mix. Then increase speed until light, fluffy, and fully combined.

Step 10: Stir in Oats, M&Ms, and Chocolate Chips

Fold in the oats, mini M&Ms, and mini or regular chocolate chips to the frosting by hand. This adds the signature monster cookie texture and vibrant pops of color and chocolate.

Step 11: Frost the Cupcakes

Once your cupcakes are completely cooled, generously frost each with the cookie dough frosting. The creamy, chunky frosting contrasts perfectly with the soft, moist cupcakes, making each bite a delightful experience.

How to Serve Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes Recipe

Garnishes

Add an extra sprinkle of mini M&Ms or a few whole chocolate chips on top of the frosting to amp up the visual appeal and offer a little more crunch. If you want to get fancy, a drizzle of melted peanut butter or chocolate sauce can add a professional touch.

Side Dishes

Pair these cupcakes with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee or tea to balance their sweetness. They are a perfect dessert for parties, celebrations, or an afternoon treat with friends or family.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the cupcakes on a colorful platter or arrange them in a tiered cupcake stand to showcase the multicolored M&Ms and chocolate chips. You can even place little flags or themed toppers to make them festive for holidays or birthdays.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping them chilled helps maintain the freshness of the cream cheese frosting and the cupcake’s moisture.

Freezing

These cupcakes freeze beautifully. Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture.

Reheating

If you prefer your cupcakes slightly warm, take them out of the fridge and let them come to room temperature, or warm gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to melt the frosting too much, especially since it’s delicate with cream cheese.

FAQs

Can I substitute peanut butter with another nut butter in this Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes Recipe?

Absolutely! Almond butter or cashew butter can be great alternatives, though they will slightly change the flavor profile. Just make sure to use a creamy variety for best texture.

Is it safe to eat the raw flour in the cookie dough frosting?

Yes, because the recipe instructs heating the flour to 165 degrees Fahrenheit, which kills any potential bacteria, making the frosting safe to enjoy raw.

Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Ensure the baking powder you use is gluten-free as well for the best results.

How can I make the frosting less sweet if I prefer?

You can reduce the amount of powdered sugar slightly, but keep in mind it may affect the frosting’s consistency. Another option is to increase the ratio of cream cheese and peanut butter slightly to balance the sweetness.

Can I store these cupcakes at room temperature?

Since the frosting contains cream cheese, it’s best to store these cupcakes in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and safe to eat.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about the way this Monster Cookie Dough Cupcakes Recipe brings together so many beloved flavors and textures into one unforgettable treat. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or indulging in a sweet moment just for yourself, these cupcakes deliver pure joy in every bite. Grab your mixing bowl and start baking — you’re going to love every delicious step of this adventure.

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