Festive Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups Recipe

Dreamy Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups Recipe for Sweet Fans

Decadent chocolate peppermint cookie cups burst with festive flavor that melts in your mouth.

Creamy chocolate meets cool peppermint in every delightful bite.

These miniature desserts pack a serious punch of rich, indulgent goodness.

The perfect holiday treat combines sweet and refreshing notes that dance across your palate.

Sophisticated yet simple, these cookie cups promise to wow even the most discerning dessert lovers.

You’ll fall head over heels for this crowd-pleasing recipe that transforms an ordinary cookie into something extraordinary.

Prepare to delight your taste buds with this irresistible chocolate peppermint sensation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 190 kcal

Servings: 11

For Cookie Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and softness to the cookie cups, ensuring a tender texture.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the cookie base.
  • Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and creates a light, airy texture.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances the overall sweetness of the cookies.
For Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Adds richness and creates a smooth, creamy cookie dough base.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a chewy, caramelized texture.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture to the dough.
  • Vanilla Extract, Peppermint Extract: Infuse delightful aromatics and signature holiday flavor.
For Filling and Topping:
  • Chocolate Chips: Creates a smooth, glossy filling with intense chocolate flavor.
  • Heavy Cream: Helps melt chocolate and creates a silky, luxurious filling.
  • Candy Canes: Adds festive crunch and cool peppermint flavor as a decorative topping.
  • Mini Muffin Tin: Essential for creating perfectly shaped cookie cups with uniform size.
  • Mixing Bowls: Two separate bowls needed – one for wet ingredients, another for dry ingredients.
  • Electric Mixer or Hand Whisk: Critical for creaming butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements ensure consistent cookie results.
  • Teaspoon or Small Measuring Spoon: Used to create wells in warm cookie cups.
  • Microwave-Safe Bowl: Necessary for melting chocolate and cream smoothly.
  • Wire Cooling Rack: Helps cookies cool evenly and prevent soggy bottoms.
  • Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Useful for mixing dough and scraping bowl sides.
  • Oven Preparation

Warm up the oven and get your mini muffin tin ready for a delightful baking adventure.

  • Dough Creation

Mix soft butter with sugars until they become light and dreamy. Add eggs and flavor extracts, blending them into a smooth mixture. Separately combine dry ingredients, then gently fold them into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.

  • Cookie Shaping

Roll small dough balls and nestle them into muffin tin wells. Bake until edges look set and golden. While still warm, create gentle wells in each cookie using a spoon, giving them a cozy cup-like shape.

  • Chocolate Filling

Melt chocolate with cream in short bursts, stirring until silky and smooth. Stir in a touch of peppermint for an extra flavor punch.

  • Final Assembly

Pour the rich chocolate mixture into each cookie cup. Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for a festive crunch and sparkle.

  • Serving

Let the chocolate set and cool, either at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Enjoy these delectable treats that blend chocolatey warmth with minty freshness.

  • Foolproof Baking Hacks: Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups
  • Temperature Precision: Keep butter and eggs at room temperature for smoother, more evenly mixed dough that ensures perfect cookie texture and consistent baking results.
  • Extraction Excellence: Use high-quality peppermint extract for a clean, crisp mint flavor that doesn't taste artificial or overpowering in your cookie cups.
  • Chocolate Melting Magic: Always melt chocolate slowly and gently to prevent burning, stirring frequently and using short microwave intervals for smooth, glossy filling.
  • Candy Cane Crush: Crush candy canes just before sprinkling to maintain their vibrant color and prevent moisture from making them lose their crunch and festive appearance.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum to maintain the cookie's structure and prevent crumbling.
  • Festive Holiday Platter: Arrange these delightful chocolate peppermint cookie cups on a decorative tray with fresh mint leaves and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a stunning dessert presentation.
  • Dessert Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside a rich hot chocolate or peppermint mocha for an indulgent winter treat that complements the cookie's flavor profile.
  • Gift-Worthy Packaging: Pack these cookie cups in clear gift boxes tied with festive ribbons, making them an impressive homemade holiday gift for friends and family.
  • Ice Cream Companion: Top a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream with these cookie cups for an extra decadent dessert experience that combines different textures and temperatures.
  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store completed chocolate peppermint cookie cups in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain cookie texture.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cookie dough base 2-3 days before baking and store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap inside the refrigerator. This technique helps develop deeper flavor profiles and simplifies last-minute preparation.
  • Freezing Friendly Approach: Unbaked cookie dough balls can be frozen for 3 months in sealed freezer bags. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking. Completely assembled cookie cups can also be frozen for 2 months, ensuring delicious treats are always ready.
  • Temperature Tender Care: Keep cookie cups between 34-40°F to maintain optimal freshness and prevent chocolate filling from becoming too soft or developing condensation. Allow treats to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for best taste and texture.
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Festive Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups Recipe

Festive Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups Recipe


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4.8 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 11 1x

Description

Chocolate peppermint cookie cups combine rich chocolate and cool mint in a delightful dessert. Creamy ganache and crushed candy canes crown miniature chocolate cookie shells, creating a festive treat perfect for holiday gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 ¼ cups (156 g) all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup (35 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ tsp peppermint extract
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup (85 g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream
  • ½ tsp peppermint extract
  • Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies

Instructions

  1. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and generously coat mini muffin tin with nonstick spray.
  2. Dough Creation: Cream butter with granulated and brown sugars until fluffy. Blend in egg, vanilla, and peppermint extracts until fully incorporated.
  3. Ingredient Fusion: Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, forming a uniform dough.
  4. Cookie Shaping and Baking: Roll dough into small balls, placing each in muffin wells. Bake until edges are set and firm, around 8-10 minutes.
  5. Cup Formation: While cookies are warm, delicately press center of each using a spoon’s rounded back to create cup-like indentations.
  6. Cooling Process: Transfer cookie bases to wire rack, allowing complete cooling and structural stabilization.
  7. Chocolate Filling: Microwave chocolate chips with heavy cream in brief intervals, stirring to achieve smooth consistency. Incorporate peppermint extract for enhanced flavor.
  8. Filling and Garnishing: Pour glossy chocolate mixture evenly into cooled cookie cups. Immediately sprinkle crushed candy canes over warm filling.
  9. Setting and Serving: Allow chocolate to set at room temperature or expedite chilling in refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before presenting these delectable treats.

Notes

  • Temperature Control: Maintain precise oven temperature at 350F to prevent burning and ensure even baking of cookie cups.
  • Dough Consistency: Avoid overmixing to keep cookie texture tender and prevent tough, dense results.
  • Indentation Technique: Create cup shape immediately after baking while cookies are warm and pliable, using gentle spoon pressure to form perfect wells.
  • Chocolate Melting Precision: Use short microwave intervals and continuous stirring to prevent chocolate from seizing or burning, ensuring smooth, glossy filling.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 11
  • Calories: 190
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 75 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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