Dine and Dish

Food blog with family recipes

Sequence of Events (Recipe: Paula Deen’s Cookies & Cream Cupcakes)

Paula Deen and I appear to have something in common. We both believe that if you are going to make dessert, you might as well just go all out. Bring out the butter, pour on the sugar… none of this Splenda and light this and that business. Everyday cooking, you need to lighten up, but dessert? If you can’t making something indulgent, why make anything at all?

Now, listen carefully because there is a significant sequence of events that have led me to have to say goodbye to Paula for awhile. Even though I love Ms Paula, a few words “from the mouths of babes” have encouraged me to re-think things a bit. Maybe there is a reason those of you who post about light desserts are skinny. Maybe, just maybe, you are on to something.

Written here, is the sequence of events that have certainly changed my immediate future as I know it.

  • On a whim, I saw Paula Deen’s Best Desserts on the magazine stand and I picked up a copy
  • As soon as I got home, I thumbed through the magazine and dog eared page, after page, after page of delicious dessert recipes
  • Fast forward a few days and I am in the shower. In to the bathroom walks my 3 year old. She glances at me and says “Mama, why are your boobies laying down on your tummy?” To add insult to injury, I thought for sure I had misunderstood what she said, so I  had her repeat it. Nope… word for word, spot on. No denying what she said.
  • Just a mere two days later, my 6 year old walks into my bathroom, again, while I am in the shower. She looks at me and her face turned to the most excited expression and she shouts “Mom? We’re having another baby??!!!!” Yeah… thanks a lot. She was immediately cut from the will.
  • I quickly decide that #1 – I need to get a door on the master bath so my insulting kids can’t come in and verbally assault me anymore while I am helpless in the shower and #2 – I need to buy an elliptical.
  • Elliptical purchased, kids banned from my bathroom, and my dear, Paula Dean Best Desserts magazine sits staring at me, day after day…taunting me to make something – anything.
  • Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore. Paula Deen and I meet again. I had an occasion to make a dessert. Is it a sin to make something of Paula’s light? I think so. I’m pretty sure it would have been #11 in the Ten Commandments had they had room on their stone tablet for one more.
  • Made Cookies & Cream cupcakes and <gasp> did cut down on the powdered sugar by a couple of cups, but otherwise kept all of the butter, sugar, cream, in tact.

These Cookies & Cream cupcakes from Paula Deen’s Best Dessert Special Collector’s Issue (which should be banned from butter lover’s anonymous because there is a lot of butter in this book. Paula must have something special going on with the National Dairy Council.) They may have a lot of calories, but they are worth every last little bit. And if your kid starts to comment on the size of your behind, just stuff a cupcake in their mouth. That should take care of it.

Cookies and Cream Cupcakes from Paula Deen Best Dessert Special Collector’s Issue

  • 1 1/2 cups butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 Tbs baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 14 coarsely crushed cream-filled chocolate wafer cookies (Oreos)
  • Cream Cheese Frosting (recipe follows)
  • Garnish: miniature cream filled chocolate wafer cookies

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 28 muffin cups with foil liners.

In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar at medium speed with a mixer until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla.

In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to butter mixture, alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture, beating just until combined after each addition. Stir in crushed cookies. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups. Bake for 16 to 20 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes. Remove from pans, and cool completely on wire racks. Spread or pipe Cream Cheese Frosting evenly over cupcakes. Garnish with cookies, if desired.

Cream Cheese Frosting (Makes 6 cups… I only needed half of this recipe for the cupcakes)

  • 3/4 cup butter, softened
  • 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 9 cups confectioners’ sugar (I only used 6 cups and the frosting was great)

In a large bowl, beat butter and cream cheese at medium speed with a mixer until creamy. Beat in cream until combined. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, beating until smooth.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. TidyMom says

    OMG Kristen, I have tears rolling down my cheeks………
    .-= TidyMom´s last blog ..Creamy Italian Crock-Pot Chicken =-.

  2. Tickled Red says

    I don’t think that I can breathe after reading that. It’s amazing what comes out the little monkeys sometimes 🙂 I am just thankful that my boys are too old to shower with me now. Time does march with a heavy foot in some areas.

    PS: Paula is the bees-knees 🙂
    .-= Tickled Red´s last blog ..Bake Sale =-.

  3. bridget {bake at 350} says

    Exactly why I have a lock on the bathroom door!!! SO, so funny!

    PS…I bought The Firm Wave last week at WalMart…somebody really need to market exercise equipment to food bloggers! 😉

  5. El says

    Oh, what a painful post… Get a lock for the bathroom door! I’m with you though. The dessert looks amazing.

  6. Abigail@Sugar Apple says

    I’m right there with ya! My 12-year-old daughter likes to pick what I’m going to wear for the day. Only problem is all the cool clothes (to a 12-year-old) are way too small, haven’t fit for years. Sigh…
    .-= Abigail@Sugar Apple´s last blog ..Behind the Camera =-.

  8. bunkycooks says

    I am laughing! I may not have little ones to insult me any longer (now they really know what they are saying!), but my mirror isn’t being very kind these days! When your upper arms start to jiggle it is time to get back to the gym!

    I would still have a cupcake anyway!

  11. Susan says

    I’m trying to stop laughing…that’s exactly how I feel, minus the children actually telling me. I told my husband, once I’m done having children, I’m getting my boobs lifted. 😉
    .-= Susan´s last blog ..Banana Pudding Cupcakes =-.

  13. Julie says

    Kristen: Thanks for a great laugh after a long Monday at work. Love Paula’s desserts! I agree no “light” desserts for me. Although I did make a trifle a couple of weeks ago, with chocolate and bananas that was “light” and it was heavenly.
    .-= Julie´s last blog ..Sweet Potato Bread – SMS =-.

  16. Joanne says

    So. I have to say. I did the substitution thing for a while. And then I switched to real butter for one key guinness cupcake recipe. And I never went back. They just taste so much better. And this is why I go to the gym every day.

    These look absolutely amazing! Your daughter is so funny. If there’s one thing kids don’t have…it’s tact.
    .-= Joanne´s last blog ..Bittman’s Brownies =-.

  17. Joy says

    Hysterical – it’s been quite a while, but I DO remember those days. Someday you can sit back and laugh when it happens to *them* (what goes around, comes around) :o) Thanks for a great giggle!

  19. camille says

    Oh my god. I’m never having kids. Like I need tiny people telling me these things all day. Isn’t my brain telling me this stuff all day enough?

  20. leslie says

    LOL LOL LOL..I can laugh because my kids are the same way. I was on the treadmill yesterday and my son thought it was funny how my butt shook up and down when I ran….um yeah, thanks!!!
    .-= leslie´s last blog ..Roasted Vegetable Pasta =-.

  21. Wizzythestick says

    I couldn’t agree with you more. I just don’t get healthified snacks. I’d much prefer to have just a sliver of the real thing than a huge portion of a healthy version

  22. Laura says

    Oh my gosh! I nearly spit out the ICE CREAM I was eating!! That whole scenario was hilarious. Including the fact that this recipe comes from a magazine ‘collectors edition’. Are there really people that are going to keep the magazine in pristine condition, unused, vacuum sealed in a plastic case?
    .-= Laura´s last blog ..Lemon Cake =-.

  23. Cindy says

    These look really good! I just got Martha Stewart’s Cupcakes book and there’s one that’s a cookies and cream cheesecake with a whole oreo cookie as the crust. I bet you would enjoy that too! Your photo is also really cute =)

  27. Julia says

    I agree, no need to lighten up the desserts. But, honestly, sometimes they’re just too sweet for me, so I have to cut back on the sugar a little.

    And nothing wrong with a little indulgence. As long as it’s an infrequent… better to satiate the craving moderately, than to deny yourself and then go hog-wild a few days later.

  28. Angie says

    Oh my, your kids are too funny. After our share our strength bake sale, I’ve got more than 50 cupcakes staring at me in the fridge, and I’m running up and down the stairs till my knees are week twice a day. I really want to drop 20. Its so annoying how the blues (mine from my mother’s passing last year) really pack on the pounds.
    .-= Angie´s last blog ..Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream and Chives =-.

  29. Nikki says

    Thanks for the funny post. I am still smiling. I just had a baby 8 months ago and I fear the weight will NEVER come off. My kids walk in my bathroom while I am showering every morning. I finally asked my husband to help shield me, because I feel like I am on showcase at a zoo or something.

    These cupcakes look great. The kids will love them.

  30. Kris says

    Oh my gosh, don’t you just love kids! I never have any privacy in the bathroom. I finally started pulling out a drawer to block the door. One thing is for sure. My 40+ yr old body is NOT what it used to be and it’s going to take more than cutting desserts!!!! I’m supposed to be exercising now. And I’m standing in my kitchniteith my iPhone. Apple is making me fat, not Paula.
    .-= Kris´s last blog ..Do cows need vacations? Yes, they do! =-.

  35. Lisa says

    Oh, Kristen! I can’t stop laughing! This is hilarious! I can’t think of anything to say as you have me busting a gut here! I just love y’all! xx

  36. Lisa says

    P.S. Darn your awesome food photography–I’m not much of an Oreo fan, but those look soooo good! Great pic!

  37. Stacy R says

    Funny post, I can’t stop laughing. I wonder how much more my bottom can expand before it becomes its own landmark.

  39. Trysha says

    Oh! I’m with you on the desert thing. None of this with the black beans in my brownies. No no no no no. Just no.
    Butter makes everything better…Paula looks completely happy and who am I to contradict her?
    .-= Trysha´s last blog ..Sunday Studs-1st Edition =-.

  42. Memoria says

    LOL! I’m so glad I live alone now haha. I insult myself enough as it is. I couldn’t handle hearing it from the mouths of babes haha.

    These cupcakes look great. I would have reduced the amount of powdered sugar, too. Nine cups seem a bit excessive.

  44. smithbites says

    Out of the mouths of babes! I have stories that would curl your hair – just take note from someone who’s been there, done that – you WILL make it out of this stage alive . . . kids on the other hand . . . just kidding!
    .-= smithbites´s last blog ..SPAGHETTI ALLA CARBONARA =-.

  48. Kate at Serendipity says

    I’m still chuckling about the kids comments, but veryvery glad they can’t get into MY bathroom! I’ve gotten used to European desserts, which are not nearly as sweet as American ones, and I can’t eat Paula’s stuff anymore–it sends me into sugar shock! But I grew up with that kind of cooking, and I have fond memories…
    .-= Kate at Serendipity´s last blog ..Under the Little Big Top =-.

  50. Lori @ RecipeGirl says

    Oh my dear Kristen! I can totally relate to what you have written about, though the lock on my bedroom door is securely fastened when I take a shower (with an 8 year old boy in the house!) Some lightened up desserts can still be good, but not AS good as the original. I prefer to make them full-fat, sample them and then scoot them out the door and give them away as soon as possible! Many times, they make their way into the freezer for lunches, and I’m not as tempted to defrost them if they’re in there!
    .-= Lori @ RecipeGirl´s last blog ..Kumquat Marmalade w/ Orange-Pecan English Muffin Bread =-.

  53. Melanie says

    I’m feeling like another commenter, guilty for laughing at what your kids were saying to you:)

    Out of the mouth of babes! I LOVE Paula Deen. I am from the south and everything is better with butter and sugar. We went to The Lady & Sons and met both of her boys. They were very nice.

    I am definitely making these. I just bought her new book today “Savannah Style.”
    .-= Melanie´s last blog ..How I Met My House. =-.

  54. Cheri says

    Oh dear.. this made me literally laugh out loud! I’m glad I wasn’t drinking anything or I would have spewed it all over the computer screen.

    Although I have never actually seen you… never mind naked (& let’s keep it that way)… you look perfect to me! 🙂
    .-= Cheri´s last blog ..Homemade Pita Pockets =-.

  55. Barbara says

    Oh boy, have I been there, done that! My daughter (who is old enough not to have actually come out and said anything) looked shocked when she saw me in the shower. And I have to tell you that I work out 6 days a week. I think it’s my horrible metabolism and the fact that I don’t cut down on the butter and sugar when I cook. But I am dieting right now…doesn’t mean I can’t still make stuff…I do. But now I just take one bite and let my family eat it all or give it away.
    But let’s face it, Paula Deen and Ina Garten (my favorite) probably don’t look good in the shower either. I’ll still make this lovely cupcake recipe!

  56. Debbie Bello says

    I agree the one thing you should never skimp on is desert. Paula is a bit fancy for me sometimes but these sound great!

  60. Sylvia says

    Yum! These have oreos actually in the batter.. gotta love that. Paula Deen is the BEST! She was just here in Houston for a book signing and I got her latest book AND a picture with her. What a great woman.
    -Sylvia
    Solar Arizona

  61. Arizona Solar says

    Yum! These have oreos actually in the batter.. gotta love that. Paula Deen is the BEST! She was just here in Houston for a book signing and I got her latest book AND a picture with her. What a great woman.
    -Sylvia

  62. Catie says

    I just made these cupcakes for my fiance’s military Memorial Day celebration and they were a hit!!! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe and you crack me up! 😀

  63. Kim says

    I am an avid Paula Deen fan. This one has totally missed the mark and I was surprised. Very time consuming and just plain DULL. By the way, I am an avid baker and cook – I followed this recipe to the tee – just doesn’t work. Heavy cake with little to no taste. Sorry:( I still love you Paula, but this one needs work.

  64. Terry says

    I will definitely try these. I love everything I have made from Paula, so these are next on the list.. Can not wait

  66. Leah says

    these are perfect!! I’m making them tomorrow. Thank you!

    Ps.. just so you know… you are not the only one that have boobs that touc you tummy …. I can hold a pencil under mine….

  68. Marquerite Beilstein says

    Google TV appears to be absolutely brilliant. I am not sure if I want to purchase a lcd tv with it bundled or simply a independent box.

  70. Brittany says

    Hi totally agree with Kim. These defineitly missed the mark big time!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE Paula Deen and have never had a “bad” receipe from her but these are tasteless. I made them for my son’s birthday party and was devasted to see people throwing them away after only one or two bites. I should’ve tried them before the party but I trust Paula so completely…I still love Paula but these are a definite NO. 🙁

  71. Heidi says

    Ok, so I laughed too LOL But sympathetically! I too have made the mistake numerous times of leaving the bathroom door unlocked. To add to the list of insults, my 7 yr old commented once said “Mommy, you have a fat belly!” The 3 yr old laughed at my “jiggly, bouncy boobies” and yes, the 7 yr old also asked if I was pregnant. Hmm, so we like to eat in the south, and we like butter, and grease, and we pay for it through our children’s comments haha
    I bake cupcakes about every week, but I always take them to church, and the leftovers go to work with me. I usually get my fill sampling and licking frosting as I bake LOL Can’t wait to try these cupcakes, as I went specifically looking for a cookies and cream recipe and stumbled on your blog. Hilarious, and totally relate, and can’t wait to try these!!!

  72. Nikki says

    Cookies and cream is my boyfriends favorite flavor, he’ll love these when he comes back from vacation (: AHHH♥

  74. Meme's Mini Cakes says

    From a fellow baker and mother, let me just say – THANKS FOR THE SMILE! This if freakin’ hilarious! You totally made my day!

  75. Alison says

    Absolutely loved these cupcakes! I did make a few changes based on the reviews. I added an additional tsp of vanilla and used heavy whipping cream instead of milk. The cakes alone taste stellar and then the frosting is a great topper! These are a must try!!!!!

  76. Jessica says

    Thanks for the recipe. I’ve been looking for a good Cookies && Cream (oreo) cupcake recipe and haven’t really found any that look half as good as what this one does. Can’t wait to try it out 🙂

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