Name: Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (225 g / 8 ounces) unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 2 ½ cups (315 g / 11.1 ounces) all-purpose flour; 1 cup (200 g / 7 ounces) granulated sugar; ½ cup (100 g / 3.5 ounces) brown sugar; ¾ cup (90 g / 3.2 ounces) cocoa powder; 1 cup (170 g / 6 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips; ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fluid ounces) heavy cream; White chocolate, melted (optional, for drizzle); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; Mini marshmallows; Crushed candy canes (optional)

Cozy winter nights spark an irresistible craving for hot chocolate cookie cups that melt hearts instantly.

Sweet memories of childhood comfort drift through kitchens filled with warm aromas.

Chocolate lovers recognize these delightful treats as more than just desserts – they’re edible hugs.

Delicate cookie shells cradle rich chocolate goodness in every adorable bite.

Crisp edges give way to soft, gooey centers that promise pure indulgence.

Marshmallow-topped miniature delights invite you to experience pure magic in a single serving.

One taste will transport you to a world of delectable happiness.

Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible cookie experience that begs to be shared.

Create Instagram-worthy desserts that wow guests with their cute miniature design and playful chocolate drizzle.
Involve children in mixing dough, pressing cookie shapes, and decorating with marshmallows and sprinkles for a fun family activity.
Perfect for winter parties, Christmas gatherings, or cozy weekend baking sessions with simple ingredients and flexible decorating options.

Base Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture for the cookie cups.
Cocoa Powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and deep brown color.
Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and become light.
Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile.

Sweetening Ingredients:

Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Creates sweetness and helps with cookie caramelization.
Vanilla: Adds warm, classic flavor depth.

Binding and Moisture Ingredients:

Butter: Creates rich, tender texture and helps bind ingredients.
Eggs: Provides structure and helps hold the cookie dough together.

Filling and Topping Ingredients:

Mini Marshmallows, Marshmallow Fluff: Creates soft, sweet interior for cookie cups.
Chocolate Chips: Provides smooth, melty chocolate coating.
Candy Canes: Offers festive decoration and minty crunch.
Sprinkles: Adds colorful, fun visual appeal.

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a mini muffin tin and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Create Cookie Dough

Grab two mixing bowls. In the first bowl, whisk together:

Flour
Cocoa powder
Baking powder
Salt

In a second bowl, cream together:

Butter
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar

Beat in eggs and vanilla. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients until a smooth dough forms.

Step 3: Shape Cookie Vessels

Roll small balls of dough and press them into the mini muffin tin. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create a cozy indentation in the center of each cookie.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pop the tin into the oven for 10-12 minutes. The edges should look set and slightly firm. Once out of the oven, gently press the centers again to maintain the cup shape. Let them cool completely in the tin.

Step 5: Fill with Marshmallow Goodness

Nestle mini marshmallows or a generous dollop of marshmallow fluff into the center of each cookie cup.

Step 6: Decorate with Chocolate Magic

Melt chocolate chips and drizzle them over the marshmallow filling. While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle with festive toppings like:

Colorful sprinkles
Crushed candy canes

For a cute handle, cut candy canes into tiny pieces and attach them to the side of each cup using melted chocolate.

Step 7: Let Them Set

Allow the cookie cups to set at room temperature or speed up the process in the refrigerator.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Bring these adorable treats to room temperature and enjoy every delightful bite!

Prevent Sticking: Generously grease the mini muffin tin with butter or cooking spray to ensure easy cookie cup removal without breaking.
Master the Thumb Technique: When creating the cookie cup indentation, use the back of a wooden spoon or a small measuring spoon for a more uniform and precise center shape.
Adjust Texture Tricks: For a softer cookie cup, reduce baking time by 1-2 minutes. Crispier lovers can extend baking time slightly to achieve a crunchier exterior.
Temperature Control Matters: Allow cookie cups to cool completely in the muffin tin to maintain their delicate shape before transferring to a wire rack.
Customize Decorations: Experiment with different toppings like crushed graham crackers, colored sprinkles, or drizzled caramel to personalize your hot chocolate cookie cups.

Store cooled cookie cups in an airtight container for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Wrap individual cookie cups tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
Warm gently in the microwave for 5-10 seconds or let thaw at room temperature to maintain their soft, delicate texture.
If cookies become slightly soft, crisp them up by placing in a preheated 300F oven for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Pair these cookie cups with a steaming mug of rich, creamy hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for the ultimate indulgent experience.
Enhance the holiday spirit by serving these cookie cups alongside a warm mulled wine or spiked eggnog, creating a delightful adult dessert combination that warms both body and soul.
Select a sweet dessert wine like port or moscato to complement the rich chocolate flavors, balancing the sweetness of the cookie cups with a sophisticated adult twist.
Serve with cold whole milk or a creamy almond milk to cut through the chocolate's richness, providing a classic and comforting refreshment that appeals to both kids and adults.

Gluten-Free Chocolate Haven: Swap wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the rich chocolate flavor.
Vegan Marshmallow Magic: Replace butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and select vegan marshmallow alternatives to create a plant-based cookie cup.
Low-Sugar Chocolate Comfort: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while keeping the decadent chocolate essence.
Dairy-Free Chocolate Bliss: Utilize dairy-free chocolate chips, coconut cream, and plant-based butter alternatives to craft a version suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.

How do I prevent the cookie cups from sticking to the muffin tin?

Grease the mini muffin tin thoroughly with cooking spray or butter before pressing the dough into the cavities. Using a non-stick tin also helps ensure easy removal.

Can I make the cookie cups ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie cups in advance. Bake and cool them completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days before filling and decorating.

What if my cookie cups crack while baking?

Ensure your dough is well-mixed and not too dry. If cracks appear, gently press the edges back together while the cookies are still warm. The warmth will help seal any small cracks.

Is it possible to make these without a mini muffin tin?

While a mini muffin tin creates the perfect cup shape, you can use a regular muffin tin or silicone molds. Just adjust the dough amount and baking time accordingly.

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Fusion Cuisine Development
Recipe Development and Food Styling
Culinary Writing and Content Creation
Nutrition and Healthy Cooking

Education

Culinary Institute of America

Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation.

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression.

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.