Name: Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¼ cups (156 grams) all-purpose flour; ⅓ cup (35 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder; ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar; ¼ cup (50 grams) brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon peppermint extract; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup (85 grams) semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips; ¼ cup (60 milliliters) heavy cream; ½ teaspoon peppermint extract; Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies

Unwrapping a delightful chocolate peppermint cookie cup that melts in your mouth with pure bliss.

Tiny dessert dreams come alive through this magical combination of rich chocolate and cool peppermint flavors.

Sweet moments of indulgence await you in these adorable bite-sized treats.

Each miniature cup promises a delectable journey through smooth chocolate and refreshing mint landscapes.

Winter celebrations or casual weekend gatherings can sparkle with these charming little delicacies.

Crisp cookie bases cradle creamy chocolate centers that invite playful taste adventures.

Brace yourself for an irresistible dessert experience that will make everyone at the table ask for seconds.

Craft Irresistible Flavor Combinations: Blend rich chocolate with cool peppermint for a delightful taste explosion that dances on your taste buds and creates a perfect holiday dessert experience.
Create Impressive Bite-Sized Treats: These mini cookie cups offer a stunning presentation that looks professionally made but requires minimal baking skills, making them perfect for novice bakers wanting to wow friends and family.
Enjoy Quick and Convenient Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these chocolate peppermint cookie cups come together in under 30 minutes, providing a stress-free dessert solution for busy home cooks and last-minute gatherings.
Capture Festive Holiday Charm: Sprinkled with crushed candy canes, these adorable treats capture the magical essence of holiday baking, bringing a touch of seasonal joy to any celebration or sweet craving moment.

Base Ingredients:

Butter, Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet base that provides rich flavor and soft texture, unsalted butter recommended for better control of salt content.
Egg: Binding agent that helps hold the cookie dough together, room temperature egg works best.
Flour, Cocoa Powder, Baking Soda, Salt: Dry ingredients creating the cookie structure, use unsweetened cocoa powder for deep chocolate flavor.

Flavor Enhancers:

Vanilla Extract, Peppermint Extract: Adds depth and signature peppermint twist, use pure extracts for best taste.
Chocolate Chips: Creamy filling ingredient, high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate preferred.
Heavy Cream: Helps create smooth chocolate filling, full-fat version recommended.

Decoration Ingredients:

Candy Canes: Provides festive crunch and additional peppermint flavor, crush into fine pieces for even distribution.

Additional Notes:

Nonstick Baking Spray: Ensures easy cookie removal from mini muffin tin.
Mini Muffin Tin: Essential for creating perfect cookie cup shape.

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Grab a mini muffin tin and give it a generous spray with nonstick baking magic or brush it with a light layer of butter.

Step 2: Whip Up The Cookie Dough

In a spacious mixing bowl, beat:

Softened butter
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar

Blend until the mixture looks fluffy and light. Crack in an egg, then splash in vanilla and peppermint extracts. Mix until everything plays nicely together.

In another bowl, whisk together:

Flour
Cocoa powder
Baking soda
Salt

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a beautiful chocolate dough emerges.

Step 3: Shape And Bake The Cookies

Roll the dough into adorable one-inch balls. Nestle each ball into a muffin tin well. Send them into the oven for 8-10 minutes until the edges look perfectly set.

Once out of the oven, grab a teaspoon and gently press a little well into the center of each warm cookie. Let them chill in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Step 4: Create The Chocolate Peppermint Filling

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine:

Chocolate chips
Heavy cream

Zap in 20-second bursts, stirring between each interval, until the chocolate transforms into a silky smooth river. Stir in a dash of peppermint extract for that festive kick.

Step 5: Dress Up The Cookie Cups

Spoon the luscious chocolate peppermint filling into each cookie cup’s center. Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top while the filling is still warm and inviting.

Step 6: Final Touch

Let the cookie cups sit and set at room temperature. For faster results, pop them in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. Get ready to impress everyone with these decadent treats!

Boost Butter Softness: Take butter out 30-60 minutes before baking to ensure smooth, even mixing and perfect cookie texture.
Prevent Dry Dough: Measure flour precisely using the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense, crumbly cookie cups.
Create Perfect Wells: Use the back of a rounded measuring spoon immediately after baking while cookies are warm and soft for clean, uniform centers.
Melt Chocolate Carefully: Microwave chocolate in short bursts, stirring between intervals to prevent burning and achieve silky smooth filling.
Customize Toppings: Swap candy canes with crushed peppermint bark, chocolate shavings, or sprinkles for seasonal variations and personal flair.

Refrigerate: Store cooled chocolate peppermint cookie cups in an airtight container, placing wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Room Temperature: Let cookie cups sit at room temperature for maximum 2 days if your kitchen is cool and dry. Avoid humid environments to maintain crisp texture.
Freezing: Carefully wrap individual cookie cups in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 3 weeks for future enjoyment.
Reheating: Warm gently in microwave for 5-8 seconds or let thaw at room temperature for best texture and flavor preservation. Avoid overheating to prevent chocolate filling from separating.

Pair with Creamy Cocoa: Complement the rich chocolate and peppermint flavors with a warm, velvety hot chocolate topped with marshmallows. The creamy drink will enhance the cookie's decadent texture and balance the minty coolness.
Match with Peppermint Mocha: Brew a bold espresso with a splash of peppermint-flavored syrup and a swirl of whipped cream. This coffee pairing echoes the dessert's mint profile while providing a delightful caffeine kick.
Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop a cold, smooth vanilla bean ice cream alongside the cookie cups. The classic vanilla will create a delicious contrast to the intense chocolate and peppermint flavors, offering a refreshing palate cleanser.
Enjoy with Mint Tea: Steep a light, aromatic mint tea that will mirror the peppermint notes in the cookie cups. The herbal beverage will provide a soothing companion to the rich, chocolatey dessert.

Festive Candy Cane Crunch: Replace chocolate chips with white chocolate and add extra crushed candy canes for a more intense peppermint flavor.
Dark Chocolate Espresso Surprise: Mix in a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the cookie dough and use dark chocolate for a rich, intense filling.
Nutty Peppermint Indulgence: Fold chopped toasted almonds or pecans into the cookie dough for added texture and depth of flavor.
Mint Chocolate Swirl: Create a marbled effect by swirling green food coloring into the chocolate filling for a visually stunning dessert.

What makes these Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups special?

These cookie cups combine rich chocolate cookies with a creamy peppermint chocolate filling and a festive candy cane topping, creating a perfect blend of sweet and minty flavors that’s both delicious and visually appealing.

Can I make these cookie cups ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cookie cups a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and add the chocolate filling just before serving to keep the cookies crisp and fresh.

Do I need any special equipment to make these cookie cups?

You’ll need a mini muffin tin and a way to create wells in the cookies, like the back of a teaspoon or small measuring spoon. The recipe is simple and doesn’t require any complicated kitchen tools.

Are these cookies good for holiday parties?

Absolutely! These Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups are perfect for holiday gatherings. They’re bite-sized, look impressive, and have a festive flavor that everyone loves. They’re sure to be a hit at any Christmas or winter celebration.

Jenna Stewart

Head Chef & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-Table Cooking; Seasonal Menu Development; Visual Plating Techniques; Flavor Layering and Simple Prep Hacks.

Education

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern techniques, global cuisines, and flavor development, combined with real-world experience in restaurant operations, business management, and industry internships.

Jenna Stewart is the inventive spirit behind many of our standout dishes at Pro of Delicious Creations. A proud graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, she built her skills mastering both classic recipes and fresh, modern twists.

Now, Jenna celebrates the beauty of seasonal, local ingredients, often sourced from her garden and nearby markets, to create recipes that are bursting with flavor yet easy to follow. When she’s not experimenting in the kitchen, Jenna loves exploring nature on hikes and discovering new treasures at local co-ops.