Cookies & Cream Cupcakes
Cookies & Cream flavoured biscuits have a creamy vanilla filling in crunchy chocolate biscuits and they are one of the best biscuits to incorporate into other desserts. These could included cookies, cheesecake, cakes or in this case cupcakes. I was in the mood to make chocolate cupcakes today and decided to jazz up the flavour by adding Cookies & Cream biscuits. I made chocolate cupcakes, with a Cookies & Cream buttercream, a drizzle of chocolate spread and then finished with a mini cookie on the top. They turned out really well and the buttercream in particular was absolutely delicious!
Why you’ll love Cookies & Cream Cupcakes
- Irresistible Cookies & Cream Flavour: Cookies & Cream cookies have a distinctive and universally loved flavour. When incorporated into cupcakes, they bring that iconic chocolatey and creamy flavour.
- Delicious chocolate cupcakes: Pairing Cookies & Cream buttercream and vanilla cupcakes is really tasty but with chocolate cupcakes, they’re absolutely delicious!
- Cookies & Cream Buttercream: The Cookies & Cream buttercream is the star of the show in this recipe. The creamy topping not only enhances the flavour but also adds a velvety texture that complements the cake perfectly.
- Visual Appeal: Cookies & Cream cupcakes are visually appealing with their dark chocolate colour and contrasting white filling. The addition of Cookies & Cream crumbs on top creates a beautiful and inviting presentation, making them a standout dessert for any occasion.
- Versatility in Presentation: Cookies & Cream cupcakes can be presented in various ways and it’s an opportunity for you to get creative. I added a drizzle of chocolate spread on the top of the buttercream and then topped it with a mini cookie.
How to make Cookies & Cream Cupcakes
There’s a few components to these cupcakes starting with the chocolate cupcake. I kept it quite simple with a classic chocolate cupcake recipe but I have seen some creative ideas online. Some recipes add in mashed biscuit crumbs to the cupcake batter and some place a whole cookie on the bottom of the cupcake.
CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES
- To make the cupcake first pre-heat the oven to 180°C
- Then in a bowl, whisk together the butter and sugar until it gets nice and fluffy. You’ll notice that the mixture will start to get lighter in colour as well.
- Sift in the self-raising flour, cocoa powder and baking powder and fold it in with a spatula. You want to fold until it is fully combined but don’t overmix. You want the batter to remain light and fluffy.
- Fill 12 cupcake cases just over half way full with the cake mixture and bake in the oven at 180°C for 20 mins. To check they are done, insert a toothpick into the centre of the cupcake and if the toothpick is clean then it’s done.
OREO BUTTERCREAM
- For the buttercream, whisk together softened, unsalted butter and the icing sugar until you get a light and fluffy mixture. This will take between about 5 mins if you’re using an electric hand whisk. It will take longer if you’re using a regular whisk or wooden spoon.
- Next add in the cream and vanilla extract and whisk for another 5 mins. Then add in the crushed Cookies & Cream flavoured biscuits and fold until combined. You should end up with a delicious, creamy and sweet buttercream.
ASSEMBLE
- In order to assemble you cupcakes, pipe the buttercream onto the fully cooled cupcakes and get creative with the toppings. I drizzled on chocolate spread and garnished with a mini cookie. If you can’t find the mini cookies anywhere then you can add half a regular sized. You can also try mashing up a few cookies and sprinkling in the cookie pieces on top.
Top tips for perfect Cookies & Cream Cupcakes
- Adjust Sugar Levels: You can adjust the sugar level in the cupcakes depending on your sweetness preference. If you don’t want it to be too sweet then consider adding less sugar to the buttercream as you will be adding in the sweet Cookies & Cream biscuits as well.
- Crush Oreo Cookies Fine: Crush the Cookies & Cream cookies finely, especially for the buttercream as this ensures a smooth texture, which is important when piping. If the biscuit pieces are too big in the buttercream then it will clump up in the piping bag and you won’t be able to create pretty swirls on top.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar Thoroughly: Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy as this will contribute to the cupcakes’ texture and helps incorporate air for a lighter result.
- Don’t Overmix: Fold in the flour and cocoa powder until just combined because overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes.
More tips
- Use a Cookie Scoop: This isn’t essential but if you use a cookie scoop to fill the cupcake cases then you will achieve more consistent baking.
- Test with a Toothpick: Use a toothpick to check if the cupcakes are done. Insert it into the centre of a cupcake and if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter, then they’re done.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before piping on the buttercream. If they are not fully cooled then the buttercream will end up melting.
- Get Creative: Top the cupcakes with buttercream, chocolate spread and mini cookie for a decorative touch.
- Store Properly: Store Cookies & Cream cupcakes in an airtight container to retain freshness and place into the fridge if you haven’t eaten them in a few days. If it’s warm where you live then definitely put them in the fridge because the buttercream will contain dairy.
Other recipes you might like
Rolo Blondies – Rolo Blondies – My Simple Eats
Kinder Cheesecake – Kinder Cheesecake – My Simple Eats
School Cake – School Cake – My Simple Eats
Conclusion
Cookies & Cream biscuits are absolutely irresistible and the perfect cookie to incorporate into cupcakes. This recipe is fun, easy to follow and the result is absolutely amazing. It is an opportunity to get creative with the toppings and add buttercream, Cookies & Cream biscuits and a drizzle. Happy Baking!
Cookies & Cream Cupcakes
Ingredients
Chocolate Cupcakes
- 225 g Butter softened
- 225 g Sugar
- 4 Eggs
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 175 g Self-Raising Flour
- 55 g Cocoa Powder
Oreo Buttercream
- 125 g Butter softened
- 250 g Icing Sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 20 ml Heavy Cream
- 5 Cookies & Cream biscuits crushed
Toppings
- 12 Mini Cookies & Cream biscuits
- Nutella to drizzle
Instructions
Chocolate Cupcakes
- Pre-heat the oven at 180°C.
- In a bowl whisk together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Then add in the eggs and vanilla extract and whisk.
- Sift in the cocoa powder, self-raising flour and baking powder and fold until just combined.
- Fill 12 cupcake cases just over half way full and bake in the oven at 180°C for 20 mins. Check they are done with a toothpick inserted into the centre.
Cookies & Cream Buttercream
- Whisk together the butter and icing sugar until light an fluffy.
- Add in the cream and vanilla extract and whisk. Finally add in the crushed cookies and cream biscuits and whisk until combined.
Assemble
- Pipe the buttercream onto the cooled cupcakes, drizzle on some chocolate spread and top with a mini cookie. Enjoy!