Nilla Bean Cupcake Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These Nilla Bean Cupcake Cookies combine the soft, buttery texture of cupcakes with the fun crunch of cookies. Infused with real vanilla bean and studded with white chocolate chips, they’re perfect for a sweet snack or a delightful dessert treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup crushed vanilla wafer cookies
- 1/2 cup mini white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Step 3: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla bean paste or scraped seeds from a vanilla bean until well blended.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Step 6: Gently fold in the crushed vanilla wafer cookies, mini white chocolate chips, and sprinkles if using.
- Step 7: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden, and the centers are set.
- Step 9: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- For extra vanilla flavor, use a whole vanilla bean instead of paste, scraping the seeds directly into the dough.
- Swap mini white chocolate chips for regular or dark chocolate chips for a different taste.
- Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture.
- If you prefer softer cookies, slightly underbake by a minute or two and let them finish setting on the baking sheet.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the baked cookies wrapped tightly for up to 2 months. Reheat briefly in a low oven or microwave to restore softness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular vanilla extract instead of vanilla bean paste or a vanilla bean?
Yes, you can substitute 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, though the flavor will be slightly less rich and aromatic compared to using real vanilla bean.
How do I crush vanilla wafer cookies easily?
Place the vanilla wafer cookies in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or use your hands to break them into small pieces. Avoid crushing into fine crumbs unless the recipe calls for it.
Print
Nilla Bean Cupcake Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These Nilla Bean Cupcake Cookies combine the nostalgic flavor of vanilla wafer cookies with a soft, buttery cookie base, enhanced by vanilla bean paste and mini white chocolate chips for a sweet and delightful treat. Perfectly baked to golden edges, these cookies offer a soft center with a sprinkle of fun and crunch.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup crushed vanilla wafer cookies
- 1/2 cup mini white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will help provide a tender texture to your cookies.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla bean paste or scraped vanilla bean seeds, blending thoroughly for a rich vanilla flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt throughout the dough.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make cookies tough.
- Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold in the crushed vanilla wafer cookies, mini white chocolate chips, and sprinkles if using, to evenly distribute these delicious mix-ins without breaking them up too much.
- Form Cookie Dough Balls: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow the cookies room to spread while baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden and the centers are set but still soft, ensuring a chewy and tender cookie texture.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheets to firm up before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing them to finish setting and prevent breakage.
Notes
- For more intense vanilla flavor, use high-quality vanilla bean paste or fresh vanilla beans.
- Crushed vanilla wafer cookies add texture and flavor; substitute with your favorite cookie crumbs if desired.
- Sprinkles add a fun, colorful touch but can be omitted if preferred.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- These cookies freeze well, both baked and unbaked—bake from frozen or thaw before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Nilla bean cookies, vanilla cupcake cookies, vanilla wafer cookie recipe, white chocolate chip cookies, soft vanilla cookies, homemade cookie recipe
