Irresistible Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups

Imagine indulging in a delightful dessert that combines the richness of chocolate with the refreshing zing of peppermint. Our Chocolate Cookie Cups with Whipped Peppermint Cream offer a unique dessert experience that’s perfect for any occasion.

You can create these delicious treats from scratch with our comprehensive guide. The combination of rich cookie cups and refreshing peppermint filling makes for a perfect holiday dessert. These cookie cups are not only delicious but also versatile, making them suitable for various occasions throughout the year.

Key Takeaways

• Create delicious chocolate peppermint cookie cups from scratch.
• Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or as homemade gifts.
• Customize these treats for different occasions throughout the year.
• Minimal ingredients deliver maximum flavor impact.
• The chocolate-peppermint combination is a classic flavor pairing.

The Perfect Holiday Treat

During the holidays, few dessert combinations are as beloved as chocolate and peppermint. The festive season is the ideal time to enjoy these irresistible flavors together. You’ve likely tried various peppermint-flavored desserts during this time of year, from cookie bars to lattes, and now it’s time to add Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups to your list.

The combination of chocolate and peppermint is more than just a tasty treat; it’s a match made in heaven. Here are some reasons why this duo works so well:

• The contrast between rich, indulgent chocolate and cool, refreshing peppermint creates a sensory experience that’s particularly appealing during the festive season.
• This classic pairing works because the sweetness of the chocolate balances perfectly with the bright, clean taste of peppermint.
• The science behind this combination reveals that chocolate contains over 600 flavor compounds while peppermint provides a cooling sensation through menthol, creating a complex and satisfying taste experience.
• Dark chocolate particularly complements peppermint as its slight bitterness creates depth against the mint’s sweetness.

Why Chocolate and Peppermint Make a Magical Combination

The magic of chocolate and peppermint together lies in their ability to evoke nostalgic winter memories while offering a delightful flavor experience. This holiday treat is perfect for dessert tables or as a homemade gift.

What Are Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups?

Imagine a treat that brings together the best of cookies and candies in one delightful package – that’s what Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups are all about.

These dessert cups are perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you want a delightful chocolate and peppermint treat. Made with homemade chocolate cookie dough and topped with a whipped peppermint cream, they’re great to serve as dessert or bring to a holiday cookie exchange party.

• Cookie Cups are edible chocolate cookie containers shaped in a muffin tin that hold a delicious peppermint filling.
• The cookie portion features a rich chocolate dough that bakes into a firm yet tender cup-shaped vessel.
• Unlike traditional flat cookies, these treats are three-dimensional, creating a perfect vessel for holding creamy peppermint filling.
• The cups are typically made by pressing the center of partially baked chocolate cookies while still warm to create a depression.

These cookie cups combine the best elements of cookies and filled candies into one delightful dessert, offering a more sophisticated presentation than standard cookies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make the irresistible Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups, you’ll need to gather a few essential ingredients. The quality of these ingredients will directly impact the flavor and texture of your cookie cups.

For the Chocolate Cookie Cups

The chocolate cookie cups require basic baking ingredients, including unsalted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and all-purpose flour. You’ll need 1 stick of cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes, 1 cup of brown sugar, 1 large egg, 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of cocoa powder, 1/2 tsp of baking soda, and 1/4 tsp of kosher salt. Additionally, 1 cup of dark or milk chocolate chips and 1 cup of chopped dark or milk chocolate chips are necessary for the cookie cups.

For the Peppermint Filling

The peppermint filling combines mascarpone cheese and heavy whipping cream for a luxurious base. You’ll need 4 ounces of mascarpone, 1/2 cup of whipping cream, 1 tbsp of granulated sugar, and 3/4 tsp of peppermint extract. A pinch of kosher salt is also required.

Optional Garnishes

To add a finishing touch, consider using crushed candy canes as a garnish. Other options include chocolate shavings, a light dusting of cocoa powder, or a drizzle of melted chocolate.

Kitchen Equipment Required

To make the Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups, you’ll need to have the right kitchen equipment at your disposal. A standard 12-cup muffin tin is essential for shaping the chocolate cookie cups.

Other necessary equipment includes a stand mixer with a paddle attachment for preparing the dough, medium mixing bowls for combining dry ingredients, and a rubber spatula for incorporating ingredients thoroughly.

You’ll also need an oven to bake the cookie cups and a wire cooling rack to cool them properly. Non-stick cooking spray is crucial for ensuring the cookie cups release cleanly from the pan.

How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups

The process of making Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups involves several key steps, from preparing the rich, chocolatey cookie dough to crafting the perfect peppermint filling. To start, you’ll need to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 12-cup muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the cookie cups.

Preparing the Cookie Dough

Begin by creaming cold butter with brown sugar until fluffy in a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. This step is crucial as it creates a tender texture while maintaining the structural integrity of the final cookie cups. Next, gently mix in an egg. In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and combine. Fold in chopped chocolate and chocolate chips to create a delicious texture variation throughout the cookie cups.

Shaping the Cookie Cups

Use a medium ice cream scoop to portion the dough into the prepared muffin tin, ensuring uniform amounts for consistent baking times. Gently press down on the dough using the back of the ice cream scoop. Bake the cookie cups for about 12 to 15 minutes. Immediately after baking, use a shot glass coated with non-stick spray to create the depression in each cookie cup. Let the cups cool in the pan before removing them to a wire rack.

Making the Peppermint Filling

While the cookie cups are baking, prepare the whipped peppermint cream. Using a hand mixer, beat together mascarpone, cream, sugar, peppermint extract, and salt until smooth. This filling combines the stability of mascarpone with the lightness of whipped cream, providing the perfect contrast to the rich cookie cups.

Assembling Your Cookie Cups

Once the cookie cups have cooled completely, fill them with the whipped peppermint cream. You can pipe or spoon the filling into each cup. For an extra touch of holiday cheer, garnish with crushed candy canes. This not only adds a festive look but also a delightful texture contrast.

Here’s a summary of the baking and filling process in a table format:

Tips for Perfect Cookie Cups Every Time

To ensure your chocolate peppermint cookie cups turn out perfectly every time, follow these expert tips. Making flawless cookie cups is a matter of technique and attention to detail.

Several factors contribute to the success of your cookie cups. Using cold butter rather than room temperature butter for the cookie dough helps prevent the cups from spreading too much during baking. Additionally, avoid overmixing the cookie dough after adding the flour mixture, as this can develop too much gluten, resulting in tough cookies.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful preparation, issues can arise. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

• Creating the depression in the cookie cups immediately after removing them from the oven while they’re still warm and pliable helps prevent cracking.
• If your cups crack when forming the depression, the dough may have been overbaked – reduce baking time by 1-2 minutes next time.
• For cookie cups that are too soft or collapse, increase baking time slightly or reduce the amount of butter in the recipe.
• Any extra dough can be used to make traditional flat cookies – a great way to avoid waste.

By following these tips and troubleshooting common issues, you’ll be able to achieve perfect cookie cups every time.

Delicious Variations to Try

Experiment with new flavors to create unique chocolate peppermint cookie cups that will tantalize your taste buds. You can modify the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs, making it a versatile treat for any occasion.

Honey-Sweetened Peppermint Cups

For a twist on the classic recipe, try making honey-sweetened chocolate peppermint cups. By replacing refined sugar with raw honey, you create a more complex sweetness that complements the chocolate and peppermint flavors. Simply mix 2 tablespoons of raw honey with ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract and fill your chocolate cups.

Whipped Peppermint Cream Filling

Another variation is to use a whipped peppermint cream filling. You can adjust the ratio of mascarpone to heavy cream to achieve your desired texture. This filling adds a light and airy contrast to the rich chocolate cups.

Other Flavor Combinations

Don’t be afraid to explore other flavor combinations. You can substitute white chocolate for dark chocolate for a sweeter flavor profile. Consider adding different extracts like almond or orange to create unique chocolate peppermint variations. For a more adult twist, add a hint of peppermint schnapps to the filling. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to create new recipes that are sure to impress.

How to Store Your Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups

To keep your Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups fresh and delicious, it’s essential to store them correctly. The storage method depends on whether your cookie cups are filled with the peppermint cream or not.

Refrigeration Guidelines

If your cookie cups are filled with whipped peppermint cream that contains dairy, they must be stored in the refrigerator. To prevent drying out or absorbing odors, cover them loosely with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. For the best results, consume the assembled cookie cups within 3 days. Before serving, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to enhance flavor and texture.

• Store filled cookie cups in the refrigerator.
• Use an airtight container to prevent odor absorption.
• Consume within 3 days for optimal taste.

Freezing Options

If you have unfilled chocolate cookie cups, you can freeze them for longer storage. Place the cookie cups in a single layer in an airtight container, separating them with parchment paper. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before filling with the peppermint cream.

• Freeze unfilled cookie cups for up to 3 months.
• Store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers.
• Thaw in the refrigerator before filling.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your holiday celebrations with these irresistible chocolate peppermint cookie cups. Serving them in a thoughtful and visually appealing way can enhance the overall experience for your guests.

Perfect Pairings

These cookie cups pair perfectly with hot beverages like coffee, hot chocolate, or peppermint tea. You can also serve them as part of a dessert charcuterie board alongside other holiday treats for variety.

• Serve on a tiered dessert stand for an elegant presentation.
• Pair with hot beverages for a cozy treat.
• Arrange on a platter with fresh mint leaves and crushed candy canes.

Holiday Presentation Ideas

For a festive touch, consider serving the cookie cups in festive cupcake liners inside clear gift boxes tied with ribbon. You can also top each cup with a small candy cane or peppermint stick inserted into the cream filling.

• Use festive cupcake liners for gift-giving.
• Add a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more substantial dessert option.
• Dust with powdered sugar for a snow-like effect.

Nutritional Information

The nutritional content of these cookie cups is an important aspect to consider, especially during holiday celebrations. Understanding the nutritional profile of your Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups can help you enjoy them as part of a balanced diet.

Each chocolate peppermint cookie cup contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the exact size and amount of filling used. The chocolate cookie cups contain moderate amounts of sugar from both the brown sugar in the dough and the chocolate chips. It’s worth noting that these treats contain approximately 15-18 grams of fat per serving, primarily from the butter in the cookie base and the cream in the filling.

The mascarpone cheese in the filling adds a small amount of protein to these treats, approximately 2-3 grams per serving. For those monitoring their sugar intake, it’s essential to note that each cookie cup contains approximately 18-22 grams of sugar. The cookie cups contain minimal fiber, approximately 1-2 grams per serving, coming primarily from the cocoa powder.

• The nutritional profile can be lightened by using reduced-fat cream cheese in place of mascarpone and reducing the amount of chocolate chips.
• For those with dietary concerns, these cookie cups can be adapted to be gluten-free by substituting a measure-for-measure gluten-free flour blend.
• These treats should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, particularly during holiday celebrations.

The information provided is an estimate from an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice. It’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized dietary advice.

Why These Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups Will Become Your New Favorite

Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups are not just a dessert, they’re an experience that will leave you craving for more. With a perfect blend of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint, these treats are sure to delight even the most discerning sweet tooth.

• They can be made in under an hour from start to finish, making them perfect for last-minute holiday preparations.
• Their impressive presentation belies their relatively simple preparation, making them suitable for bakers of all skill levels.
• The base cookie cups recipe’s versatility allows for countless variations to suit your personal taste preferences throughout the year.

These chocolate peppermint cookie cups combine cookies, cupcakes, and candy in one delightful treat. The individual portion size makes them perfect for controlled indulgence during the holiday season. With their combination of textures and flavours, it’s no wonder they have the potential to become a signature holiday recipe that friends and family request year after year.

Conclusion

The delightful combination of chocolate and peppermint in these cookie cups will surely become a new holiday favourite.

Making these cookie cups is a delicious treat and a memorable experience. With minimal effort, you bring a professional-quality dessert to your holiday table. The techniques learned can be applied to other recipes. Enjoy making them with family, creating new traditions, and savouring the chocolate peppermint flavours, making it a great way to spend quality time in the kitchen.

Irresistible Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups

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• Author: mymamarecipes.com
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 cookie cups 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups combine rich, fudgy chocolate cookie dough with a cool and creamy peppermint mascarpone filling. Baked in muffin tins and shaped into edible cups, they offer a festive, indulgent dessert perfect for holidays, cookie exchanges, or gift giving.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chocolate Cookie Cups:

• 1 stick (113 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ cup cocoa powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ¼ tsp kosher salt

• 1 cup dark or milk chocolate chips

• 1 cup chopped dark or milk chocolate

For the Peppermint Filling:

• 4 oz (113 g) mascarpone cheese

• ½ cup heavy whipping cream

• 1 tbsp granulated sugar

• ¾ tsp peppermint extract

• Pinch of kosher salt

Optional Garnishes:

• Crushed candy canes

• Chocolate shavings

• Cocoa powder or melted chocolate drizzle

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick spray.

2. Cream butter and sugar in a stand mixer until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Add dry mixture gradually to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.

4. Fold in chocolate chips and chopped chocolate.

5. Portion dough using a medium cookie scoop into each muffin cup. Gently press the dough down.

6. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until edges are set.

7. Immediately press a shot glass or similar object into the center of each cookie to form a cup. Let cool completely in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.

8. Make the filling by beating mascarpone, cream, sugar, peppermint extract, and salt until smooth and fluffy.

9. Fill cooled cookie cups with peppermint cream using a piping bag or spoon.

10. Garnish with crushed candy canes or desired toppings before serving.

Notes

Use cold butter to prevent the cookie cups from spreading too much.

Don’t overmix the dough once flour is added.

Store filled cookie cups in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Unfilled cookie cups can be frozen up to 3 months.

Let filled cups sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: chocolate peppermint cookie cups, holiday desserts, peppermint cream filling, cookie cup recipe, Christmas cookies, chocolate mint, festive baking, edible cookie cups