Molten Cookie Dough Cupcakes are the ultimate indulgence for dessert lovers. These cupcakes are filled with warm, gooey cookie dough and topped with a rich cookie dough buttercream, making them a decadent treat that you won’t be able to resist. Imagine biting into a soft cupcake only to discover a molten center of cookie dough that oozes with flavor. It’s a dessert experience that combines the best of both worlds: the classic cupcake and the irresistible allure of cookie dough. Let’s dive into how to create this delightful dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Molten Cookie Dough Cupcake
This recipe is a game-changer for dessert enthusiasts. Here are a few reasons why you’ll fall in love with these cupcakes:
- They offer a delightful surprise with a molten center that is simply irresistible.
- The combination of flavors – cookie dough and cupcake – makes for a unique treat.
- They are perfect for any occasion, from birthday parties to casual gatherings.
- Easy to make at home with simple ingredients.
- They can be adapted to include different flavors of cookie dough.
- Great for cookie dough lovers looking for a new dessert idea.
With their gooey cookie dough center and soft texture, these cupcakes are sure to impress anyone who tries them. They are also a fantastic way to use up any leftover cookie dough you have!

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 Best Molten Cookie Dough Cupcakes
Keep these in mind:
- Use heat-treated flour to ensure safety when consuming raw cookie dough.
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep your cupcakes light and fluffy.
- For an extra touch, add a pinch of sea salt on top of the frosting for contrast.
- Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
Best Ways to Serve Molten Cookie Dough Cupcakes
These cupcakes are delightful on their own, but you can elevate the experience by serving them alongside:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a warm and cold combination.
- Chocolate sauce drizzled over the top for added decadence.
- Fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing contrast.
How to Store and Reheat Molten Cookie Dough Cupcakes
To keep your cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy them warm, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to revive the molten center. This makes them perfect for meal prep or last-minute dessert cravings!
Frequently Asked Questions About Molten Cookie Dough Cupcakes
What is a Molten Cookie Dough Cupcake?
A Molten Cookie Dough Cupcake is a soft cupcake filled with a gooey cookie dough center, providing a rich and indulgent dessert experience that’s irresistible.
Can I make Molten Cookie Dough Cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the cupcakes a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Just frost them on the day you plan to serve for the best texture.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Molten Cookie Dough Cupcakes?
To avoid dryness, be careful not to overbake your cupcakes. Also, ensure your cookie dough balls are chilled before adding them to the cupcakes to maintain their shape.
Variations of Molten Cookie Dough Cupcakes You Can Try
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider these variations:
- Swap the chocolate chips for butterscotch or peanut butter chips for a different flavor.
- Add a layer of caramel sauce in the center for a rich twist.
- Experiment with different frostings, like cream cheese or whipped cream frosting.
These variations will keep your baking exciting and cater to different taste preferences!
For more dessert ideas, check out Creamy Keto Italian Sausage Soup or Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms. If you’re interested in more baking recipes, visit Cheesecake Stuffed Red Velvet Cookies for a delightful treat!
Print
Delicious Molten Cookie Dough Cupcakes to Indulge In
- Total Time: 93 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These indulgent cupcakes are filled with cookie dough and topped with a creamy, cookie dough buttercream for a decadent treat.
Ingredients
- 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)
Instructions
- Whisk the heat-treated flour, cornstarch, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- 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).
- Add the egg whites and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated (about 2 minutes).
- 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.
- Remove the bowl from the mixer, then fold in the chocolate chips with a silicone spatula.
- 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.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 12-count muffin pan with cupcake liners.
- 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.
- 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).
- Alternately add the flour mixture and sour cream mixture, starting and ending with flour. Beat for an additional 30 seconds until smooth.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add cookie dough chunks and mix until just combined.
- Once cupcakes are cool, frost with the cookie dough buttercream. Garnish with chocolate chips or sprinkles if desired.
Notes
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 16-19 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
