Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedInAs I pulled the warm tray of Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups from the oven, the sweet aroma wrapped around me like a cozy holiday blanket. These delightful cookie cups combine the rich essence of chocolate with a refreshing peppermint zing, creating an unmatched festive treat. What I adore most about this recipe is its effortless charm—baking these beauties is a breeze, and they make for a stunning presentation at any gathering. With a fudgy cookie base cradling a creamy mint-infused cheesecake filling, they are not just a feast for the senses but also a great way to sweeten your holidays. So, are you ready to unlock the secret to these show-stopping desserts that everyone will rave about? Let’s dive in! Why Are These Cookie Cups Special? Decadent Flavors: The delightful combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint makes for an irresistible holiday treat that’s sure to impress. Easy to Make: Even beginner bakers will shine with this simple recipe, transforming easily into stunning cookie cups that look as good as they taste. Versatile Treat: Feel free to experiment with alternative flavors, like dark chocolate or different extracts, to customize these cookie cups to your liking Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: These treats are perfect for holiday gatherings, ensuring you’ll be the star of the dessert table. Time-Saving Delight: Make these cookie cups ahead of time and store them in the fridge, making it easier for you to enjoy the festivities Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups Ingredients • Get ready to create a festive delight! For the Cookie Base All-Purpose Flour – Essential for the structure of these delightful cookie cups; consider using a gluten-free blend if needed. Black Cocoa Powder – Provides a deep, rich chocolate flavor; you can also swap with Dutch-processed cocoa for a milder taste. Brown Sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness and moisture; white sugar can work as a substitute if necessary. Baking Soda – A crucial leavening agent that helps make your cookie cups rise beautifully. Salt – Balances the sweetness and elevates the flavors of your treat. Unsalted Butter – Offers richness and depth to the cookie base; using unsalted gives you better control over the saltiness. Eggs – Provides essential binding and structure, ensuring your cookie has that perfect chewy texture. Vanilla Extract – Adds a warm, sweet aroma; feel free to substitute with almond extract for a different taste profile. For the Minty Filling Heavy Cream – Whipped to stiff peaks for that light and fluffy cheesecake filling; remember to use a chilled bowl for the best results. Cream Cheese – The creamy base of your filling; it must be softened to mix easily without lumps. Powdered Sugar – Ensures your filling is sweet and smooth; avoid granulated sugar as it won’t dissolve properly. Peppermint Extract – The magic ingredient that brings the holiday flavor; adjust as needed to suit your taste. For the Garnish Candy Canes – Add a festive crunch; you can substitute with crushed peppermint candies if desired for a similar effect. These Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups are not just treats; they’re an experience waiting to be shared! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare your cupcake tins. Lightly coat two cupcake tins with cooking spray to ensure easy removal later. This step is vital for achieving a perfectly baked base for your Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups. Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of black cocoa powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Stir until thoroughly combined, ensuring there are no lumps. This dry mixture is the foundation for the rich chocolate flavor in your cookie cups. Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together ½ cup of softened unsalted butter, ½ cup of brown sugar, and ¼ cup of white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step adds air to your Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups base, creating a tender texture. Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla Next, crack in 1 large egg, mixing well until fully incorporated. Then, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, combining until smooth. This adds richness and flavor to your dough while binding the ingredients together perfectly. Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix. The dough should come together, looking slightly sticky yet cohesive. This step is essential to maintain the perfect consistency for your cookie cups. Step 6: Portion and Bake Scoop the dough into the prepared cupcake tins, filling each cup about ¾ full. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-13 minutes, until the edges are firm but the center is still soft. Observing this doneness is key to ensuring your Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups remain fudgy. Step 7: Create Wells in Cookies Once baked, carefully remove the tins from the oven. Using the back of a teaspoon, gently press down into the center of each cookie to create a well for the filling. This step should be done while they are still warm to form the ideal shape to hold the creamy center. Step 8: Cool the Cookie Cups Let the cookie cups cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step helps the cookie set while still being removable, ensuring your Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups have a beautiful shape when you fill them. Step 9: Prepare the Creamy Filling In a chilled mixing bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Then, in another bowl, beat together 8 oz of softened cream cheese, ½ cup of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until combined. Step 10: Fill the Cookie Cups Using a piping bag fitted with a star tip, carefully pipe the minty filling into the cooled cookie cups. Fill each to the top for a beautiful presentation. This step adds the festive touch of the Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups, making them irresistible treats. Step 11: Chill and Set Place the filled cookie cups in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to allow the minty cheesecake filling to set. This chilling time enhances the flavors and textures, making every bite a delight for your taste buds. Step 12: Garnish and Serve Before serving, sprinkle finely chopped candy canes over the top of each cookie cup for a festive finish. This final touch adds a delightful crunch and enhances the holiday spirit of your Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups, making them perfect for any gathering. Expert Tips for Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups Soft Centers: Ensure cookies are slightly soft in the center before removing from the oven; this prevents cracking and keeps them fudgy. Chill Your Tools: Use a chilled bowl for whipping cream to achieve the best texture; warmth can lead to a flat filling that loses its fluffiness. Gentle Mixing: Avoid overmixing the cheesecake filling to maintain its lightness; overmixing can lead to a dense texture that won’t melt in your mouth. Colorful Presentation: For an eye-catching detail, apply red gel coloring inside the piping bag before filling to create a beautiful swirl effect on top of your Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups. Proper Cooling: Allow cookies to cool adequately in the pans before transferring them to a wire rack; this helps maintain their shape and prevents breakage. Experiment Boldly: Don’t hesitate to customize; try using dark chocolate or different extracts for a unique spin on the classic Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups! Make Ahead Options These Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups are a delightful option for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the cookie base up to 24 hours in advance; simply make the dough, press it into the cupcake tins, and bake as directed. After baking, allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature. The creamy filling can also be made up to 2 days ahead; just refrigerate it until you’re ready to fill the cookie cups. When you’re set to serve, simply pipe the chilled filling into the wells, garnish with chopped candy canes, and your festive treats will be just as delicious and impressive! What to Serve with Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups As you indulge in these delightful treats, imagine pairing them with scrumptious sides and sips to create an unforgettable holiday spread. Minty Hot Cocoa: A cozy cup of warm peppermint hot chocolate echoes the seasonal flavors of the cookie cups, infusing your dessert table with comfort. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a delightful contrast to the rich chocolate, creating a luscious texture that’s simply divine. Chocolate Ganache Drizzle: Drizzle warm chocolate ganache over the cookie cups for an indulgent touch that amplifies the sweet hit of chocolate. Fruit Salad: Consider a bright, citrus fruit salad as a refreshing palate cleanser; its zesty brightness balances the richness of the cookies beautifully. Spiced Apple Cider: A mug of spiced apple cider warms up those chilly evenings while its sweet and spicy notes round out the dessert experience perfectly. Cheesecake Bars: For the cheesecake lovers, serve with a slice of creamy cheesecake bar to elevate the dessert game and satisfy every sweet tooth at the table. Pecan Pie Squares: These small bites of classic pecan pie add a nutty crunch and an unexpected twist, making your dessert spread even more inviting. Festive Spritz Cookies: Add a colorful display of festive spritz cookies alongside; their beautiful shapes and flavors create a delightful treat moment. How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups Fridge: Store your Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days to keep them fresh and delicious. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookie cups without the peppermint filling for up to 4 weeks. Wrap each cup tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. Thawing: When ready to enjoy, simply remove the cookie cups from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before filling and serving. Reheating: If you prefer warm cookie cups, heat them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds, then add the chilled filling and garnish before serving. Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups Variations Feel free to explore these delightful twists to make your Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups uniquely yours, enhancing the flavors and textures you love! Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to cater to gluten sensitivities while maintaining a soft texture. The result will still be delectable! Nutty Delight: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a charming nutty flavor and rich texture. Your cookie cups will sing with warmth. Rich Chocolate: Use dark chocolate instead of black cocoa powder for a deeper, more intense chocolate experience. This variation is perfect for the serious chocolate lover! Minty Boost: Add crushed mint Oreos to the cookie base for extra minty goodness. The surprise crunch elevates the sensory experience, enhancing every bite. Extra Creamy: Incorporate a touch of sour cream into your cheesecake filling for added richness and tang. This small change elevates the creamy profile beautifully. Flavor Swaps: Experiment with different flavored extracts, like orange or raspberry, to create a fruity twist. Each flavor unlocks entirely new potential in your cookie cups. Spicy Touch: Add a hint of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the cookie dough for a surprising and delightful heat that pairs beautifully with minty sweetness. No Bake Alternative: For a quick treat, use pre-made cookie dough cups instead. Simply fill with the minty cheesecake filling, chill, and enjoy—perfect for last-minute gatherings! Each variation enhances the festive spirit of these cookie cups, so don’t hesitate to make them your own. If you’re looking for something equally delicious, be sure to check out these Turkey Sugar Cookies as another holiday treat! Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups Recipe FAQs What type of cocoa should I use for the best flavor? Absolutely! For a deep chocolate flavor, I recommend using black cocoa powder. However, if you prefer a milder taste, swapping it out for Dutch-processed cocoa can work perfectly. Both options create a deliciously rich base for your Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups, so choose what best suits your palate! How do I store these cookie cups, and for how long? You can store your Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. This will help keep them fresh and maintain their delightful textures. Just be sure to allow them to cool completely before storing, to avoid any condensation that can alter their texture. Can I freeze the cookie cups? Yes, you can absolutely freeze them! To do this, freeze the unfilled cookie cups without the peppermint cheesecake filling for up to 4 weeks. Wrap each cup tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top freezer bag for extra protection. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before filling and serving. What if my cookie cups come out too hard? Very! If your cookie cups turn out a bit hard, it could be due to overbaking. Always check them at the lower baking time, ideally around 10 minutes, ensuring the centers remain soft. If they do turn out hard, you can try adding a slice of bread to the container during storage; it will absorb excess moisture and help soften them up again! Are there any dietary considerations for these cookie cups? Definitely! Since this recipe contains gluten (from the flour) and dairy (from the cream cheese and heavy cream), make sure to use gluten-free flour blends and dairy-free alternatives if needed for any guests with allergies. Additionally, if there are pets in the house, remember that chocolate can be toxic to dogs, so keep these festive delights out of their reach! Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups That Melt in Your Mouth These Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups combine rich chocolate with refreshing peppermint, creating an irresistible festive treat. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 13 minutes minsChilling Time 2 hours hrsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 45 minutes mins Servings: 12 cookie cupsCourse: DessertsCuisine: AmericanCalories: 200 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cookie Base1.5 cups All-Purpose Flour Consider using gluten-free blend if needed.0.5 cups Black Cocoa Powder Can swap with Dutch-processed cocoa for milder taste.0.5 cups Brown Sugar White sugar can work as a substitute if necessary.0.5 teaspoon Baking Soda1 pinch Salt0.5 cups Unsalted Butter Using unsalted gives better control over saltiness.1 large Egg1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Feel free to substitute with almond extract.For the Minty Filling1 cups Heavy Cream Use a chilled bowl for best results.8 oz Cream Cheese Must be softened to mix easily.0.5 cups Powdered Sugar Avoid granulated sugar as it won't dissolve properly.1 teaspoon Peppermint Extract Adjust as needed to suit your taste.For the Garnish2 tablespoons Candy Canes Can substitute with crushed peppermint candies. Equipment Electric mixerMixing bowlsCupcake tinsPiping Bag Method PreparationPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and coat cupcake tins with cooking spray.In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.Cream together butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy.Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until incorporated.Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.Portion the dough into the prepared tins and bake for 10-13 minutes.Create wells in the center of the cookies using a teaspoon.Cool the cookie cups in the pans for about 10 minutes.Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then combine with the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract.Fill the cookie cups with the minty filling using a piping bag.Chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours.Sprinkle candy canes on top before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1cookie cupCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 30mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg NotesEnsure cookies are slightly soft in the center to prevent cracking. Use a chilled bowl for whipping cream to achieve the best texture. Customize flavors boldly to suit your taste. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was! Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn
