Molten Cookie Dough Cupcakes: 12 Decadent Treats to Savor

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Molten Cookie Dough Cupcakes are the ultimate indulgence, combining the rich flavor of cookie dough with the soft, moist texture of a cupcake. These delightful treats are filled with gooey cookie dough and topped with a creamy cookie dough buttercream, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or simply treating yourself, these cupcakes promise a heavenly experience that will leave you craving more.

Why You’ll Love This Molten Cookie Dough Cupcakes

Here are just a few reasons to fall in love with these Molten Cookie Dough Cupcakes:

They’re incredibly indulgent, satisfying your sweet cravings like no other.
The combination of warm cookie dough and soft cupcake is simply irresistible.
You can easily customize them with your favorite mix-ins for a personal touch.
They are perfect for parties and gatherings; everyone loves a delicious cupcake.
These decadent cookie dough cupcakes are a fun twist on traditional desserts.
With simple ingredients, they are easy to whip up at home.
They make a great dessert option for vegetarians, fitting into a vegetarian diet.
These cupcakes can be prepared in advance, making them a convenient choice for busy bakers.

Ingredients for Molten Cookie Dough Cupcakes

Gather these items:

2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (heat-treated, spooned & leveled)
2 and 1/4 teaspoons cornstarch
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
1 cup light or dark brown sugar (packed)
1/3 cup pasteurized egg whites (room temperature)
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup whole milk (room temperature)
1/2 cup sour cream (room temperature)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
1 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup pasteurized egg whites (room temperature)
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 Tablespoon heavy cream (or milk)
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups confectioners’ sugar (sifted)
remaining cookie dough (crumbled)

How to Make Molten Cookie Dough Cupcakes Step-by-Step

Step 1: Whisk the heat-treated flour, cornstarch, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, use a handheld or stand mixer with the paddle attachment to beat the butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes). Add brown sugar and beat until light and fluffy (3 minutes).
Step 3: Add the egg whites and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated (about 2 minutes).
Step 4: Mix in half of the flour mixture on low speed until the powdery texture of the flour disappears (about 15 seconds). Then, add the rest of the flour mixture and mix until fully combined.
Step 5: Remove the bowl from the mixer, then fold in the chocolate chips with a silicone spatula.
Step 6: Chill the cookie dough in the fridge or freezer for 15 minutes, or until the dough is firm enough to handle. Roll dough into 12 one-Tablespoon-sized balls and refrigerate until ready for cupcakes.
Step 7: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 12-count muffin pan with cupcake liners.
Step 8: In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together. In a small bowl, whisk the milk and sour cream until smooth. Set both aside.
Step 9: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Add egg whites and vanilla, and beat until fully incorporated (about 2 minutes).
Step 10: Alternately add the flour mixture and sour cream mixture, starting and ending with flour. Beat for an additional 30 seconds until smooth.
Step 11: Fill cupcake liners about 3/4 full and bake for 16-19 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
Step 12: Remove cupcakes from the pan and press 1 chilled cookie dough ball into the center of each cupcake. The dough might create a slight lump on top. Cool completely.
Step 13: In a large bowl, beat butter on medium speed for 3 minutes, until light, fluffy, and smooth. Add vanilla, heavy cream, and salt, and beat until combined.
Step 14: Gradually add sifted confectioners’ sugar and beat on low speed for 15 seconds. Switch to medium-high speed and beat until light and fluffy (4-5 minutes). The frosting will lighten in color.
Step 15: Add cookie dough chunks and mix until just combined.
Step 16: Once cupcakes are cool, frost with the cookie dough buttercream. Garnish with chocolate chips or sprinkles if desired.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Molten Cookie Dough Cupcakes

Keep these in mind:

Use heat-treated flour to prevent any raw flour issues.
Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for the best texture.
Chill the cookie dough to make it easier to handle.
Don’t overmix the batter to keep your cupcakes soft.
For a richer flavor, try adding a pinch of espresso powder to the batter.

Best Ways to Serve Molten Cookie Dough Cupcakes

These cupcakes are delicious on their own, but here are some great serving ideas:

Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra sweetness.
Serve them warm with a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a decadent dessert.
Garnish with fresh berries to add a touch of freshness.

How to Store and Reheat Molten Cookie Dough Cupcakes

Store the cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy them warm, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to regain their gooey texture. They are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a sweet treat anytime!

Frequently Asked Questions About Molten Cookie Dough Cupcakes

What’s the secret to perfect Molten Cookie Dough Cupcakes?

The secret lies in using heat-treated flour and ensuring you don’t overmix the batter. This helps achieve the ideal soft texture while keeping the gooey cookie dough center intact.

Can I make Molten Cookie Dough Cupcakes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Just frost them before serving to keep the buttercream fresh.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Molten Cookie Dough Cupcakes?

To avoid common mistakes, measure your ingredients accurately and ensure your butter is at the right temperature. This makes a big difference in the final texture of the cupcakes.

Variations of Molten Cookie Dough Cupcakes You Can Try

Here are some fun variations to experiment with:

Use different types of chocolate chips, like dark or white chocolate, for a unique flavor.
Add nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture contrast.
Incorporate flavored extracts, such as almond or mint, for a twist on the classic.
Try making a gluten-free version by substituting with a gluten-free flour blend.

For more delicious dessert ideas, check out our Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cheesecake or try making Creamy Pumpkin Soup for a comforting meal. If you’re looking for a fun twist on traditional desserts, don’t miss our Frankenstein Cupcakes.