There’s something magical about cookies that transport you straight to winter wonderlands, especially when they’re shaped like cozy mugs! These delightful Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups bring the warmth of rich hot cocoa and a chocolatey crunch together in one fun bite. Featuring soft sugar cookie dough encasing a luscious ganache, topped with fluffy marshmallows and adorned with pretzel handles, they beckon to be shared during holiday gatherings or enjoyed snuggled under a blanket. Not only are these cookie cups a playful twist on the classic dessert, but their quick preparation makes them perfect for busy evenings filled with holiday cheer. Ready to indulge in a treat that embodies the essence of winter? Let’s dive into the recipe! Why Are Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups Irresistible? Delightful fun: These cookie cups are not only a treat for the taste buds but a feast for the eyes too! Their charming mug shape makes them a delightful centerpiece for any holiday table. Silky ganache: The rich hot chocolate ganache inside offers a melt-in-your-mouth experience, perfectly complementing the soft cookie exterior. Quick preparation: With simple ingredients like Pillsbury Sugar Cookie Dough, you can whip up these festive delights in no time, making them ideal for busy chefs! Versatile variations: Feel free to get creative! Try adding peppermint extract to the ganache or topping them with colorful sprinkles for a personal touch. Perfect for sharing: These treats are bound to impress friends and family during cozy evenings or festive gatherings, ensuring they quickly become a must-have in your cookie repertoire. Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups Ingredients For the Cookie Cups • Pillsbury Sugar Cookie Dough – This serves as the delicious base for your cookie cups; consider using homemade dough for an all-scratch treat! • Mini Pretzels – These add a fun, crunchy handle and a whimsical touch; if you’re looking for a lighter option, skip the handles or decorate with cookie dough! For the Hot Chocolate Ganache • Heavy Whipping Cream – Essential for creating that rich and velvety ganache; evaporated milk can be used for a lighter version if desired. • Hot Cocoa Mix – This brings all the hot chocolate flavor to the ganache; feel free to swap in your favorite brand or try dark chocolate cocoa for a deeper taste. • Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – The main ingredient for the ganache, providing rich chocolate flavor; dark chocolate chips are a great alternative for a richer bite. For Decoration • White Chocolate Chips – Used to secure the pretzel handles to the cookie cups; milk chocolate can also be used here for a different flavor profile. • Jet-Puffed Mallow Bits – These cute mini marshmallows top off the cookie cups perfectly; you can use regular mini marshmallows if that’s what you have on hand! Indulge in these Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups and experience the warmth of winter all in one bite! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This crucial first step ensures that your Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups bake evenly and achieve the perfect golden color. While the oven heats up, gather your mini muffin tin and grease it lightly to prevent the cookie cups from sticking. Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough Next, take your Pillsbury Sugar Cookie Dough and scoop 1 tablespoon of it into each greased mini muffin cup, filling all 24 molds. Make sure to evenly distribute the dough, as this will help the cups hold their shape while baking. Gently press down on the dough to form a small cup shape, preparing it for the delicious filling later. Step 3: Bake the Cookie Cups Place the filled mini muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the cookie cups should turn a light golden brown around the edges. To ensure they maintain their shape, let them cool completely in the pan after baking, which will give you beautifully formed Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups. Step 4: Make the Ganache While your cookie cups are cooling, it’s time to prepare the rich ganache. In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of heavy whipping cream to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once boiling, remove it from the heat and stir in your chosen hot cocoa mix, allowing it to dissolve before pouring the hot mixture over 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let this sit for a few minutes. Step 5: Mix the Ganache After letting the chocolate and cream mixture rest, stir it gently until smooth and glossy. This creamy ganache will serve as the delicious filling for your Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups, offering a rich and decadent flavor. Ensure there are no lumps before moving on to the next step, as this will enhance the overall texture. Step 6: Assemble the Cookie Cups Now that your cookie cups have cooled completely and the ganache is ready, it’s time to assemble! Grab the cookie cups and fill each one to the brim with the luscious ganache. As you do this, you can prepare your pretzels by breaking off the loops to create handles. This will not only add charm but will also allow for easy grabbing! Step 7: Add the Pretzel Handles To attach the pretzel handles, melt a few white chocolate chips in the microwave or over a double boiler. Using a small amount of this melted chocolate, dip the end of each pretzel handle and gently press it into the side of each filled cookie cup. This step adds both a fun touch and keeps the pretzels secured for serving. Step 8: Top with Marshmallows Finally, finish off your Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups by sprinkling a few Jet-Puffed Mallow Bits or mini marshmallows on top of the ganache. This not only adds a delightful finishing touch but also enhances that cozy hot chocolate feel. Allow the cups to set for a few minutes before serving, and watch as your family and friends delight in these festive treats! Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups Variations Feel free to sprinkle your own twist on these lovely cookie cups for an even more delightful treat! Flavor Twist: Experiment with flavored cookie dough, like chocolate chip or peanut butter, for a unique taste adventure. Get creative here—think of how a peanut butter cup flavor could elevate these treats! Garnish Alternatives: Top with crushed peppermint, colorful sprinkles, or drizzle with extra chocolate to add flair. This not only enhances visual appeal but also introduces unexpected tastes that could tantalize your guests’ palates. Ganache Options: Incorporate flavored extracts (like peppermint or orange) into the ganache for a zesty twist. A hint of orange can give it a warm brightness that brightens up cold winter nights! Sugar Substitute: Use sugar alternatives like coconut sugar or agave syrup in your cookie dough for a healthier version. These swaps keep the sweetness but add a unique touch, making it perfect for those watching their sugar intake. Nutty Delight: Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or hazelnuts, to the cookie dough for added crunch and nutrition. Their earthy flavors blend beautifully with chocolate, enhancing the richness of every bite. Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper into the ganache for an unexpected kick. This subtle spice works wonders and will surprise your taste buds, making for a memorable dessert experience. Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk to create a dairy-free ganache. You’ll love how these alternatives maintain the creamy texture while catering to dietary preferences! For more delightful cookie variations, don’t forget to check out Brown Butter Chocolate cookies or indulge in Salted Caramel Chocolate bars on your next baking adventure! Make Ahead Options These delightful Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen before your gathering! You can prepare the cookie cups up to 24 hours in advance by baking them and letting them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature. The ganache can also be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days; just reheat it gently in the microwave before filling the cookie cups. To keep the pretzel handles crunchy, attach them right before serving. Simply fill the cookie cups with ganache and top with marshmallows when you’re ready to enjoy these festive treats – just as delicious with minimal effort! Storage Tips for Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups Fridge: Keep your Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups in an airtight container in the fridge, where they will stay fresh for up to 5-7 days. This helps maintain their soft texture. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookie cups in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to a month. Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Warm them briefly in the microwave for a cozy treat or enjoy them chilled! Assembly Tip: If storing after assembly, do not add marshmallows on top before freezing, as they may lose their fluffiness; add them just before serving. Tips for the Best Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups Choose Fresh Dough: Always use fresh Pillsbury Sugar Cookie Dough or ensure your homemade batch is perfectly chilled for optimal shaping. Watch Baking Time: Keep a close eye during the last few minutes of baking; if you overbake, the cups can become too crunchy instead of soft and chewy. Cool Completely: Let the cookie cups cool completely in the tins before removing them to maintain their shape and structure. Perfect Ganache Texture: Stir the ganache until completely smooth to avoid any lumps, which will create a beautifully rich filling for your Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups. Secure Pretzels Well: Make sure pretzel handles are firmly secured with melted chocolate, ensuring they won’t detach when enjoyed. What to Serve with Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups These delightful treats pair beautifully with accompaniments that enhance their cozy, festive flavors. Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The coolness and creaminess of vanilla ice cream create a delightful contrast to the warm cookie cups, perfect for a winter treat. Steaming Cup of Hot Cocoa: Complement the cookie cups with a rich mug of hot cocoa, amplifying that delightful chocolate experience while keeping you snug. Fresh Berries: The tartness of raspberries or strawberries adds a refreshing pop that balances the sweetness of the cookie cups perfectly. Spiced Chai Latte: The warm spices in a chai latte beautifully complement the flavors of the cookie cups, creating an inviting, aromatic pairing. Whipped Cream Topping: A dollop of fluffy whipped cream on top not only enhances presentation but also adds an airy contrast to the chewy texture of the cups. Peppermint Bark: The festive crunch of peppermint bark adds a delightful twist—its minty freshness lifts the rich flavors of both the cookie and ganache. Nutty Hot Drink: A warm almond milk latte or hazelnut hot chocolate offers a nutty depth of flavor that harmonizes beautifully with the sweetness of your treats. Chocolate Dipped Fruit: Fresh fruits like bananas or apples dipped in chocolate highlight the dessert’s rich chocolate note, creating a gourmet, indulgent experience. Cinnamon Sugar Twists: Light and sweet, these buttery twists are a delightful finger treat, offering a playful texture and flavor contrast to the chocolate cups. Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups Recipe FAQs How do I select the best sugar cookie dough? Absolutely! When choosing sugar cookie dough, look for brands that use simple ingredients without artificial preservatives for optimal flavor. If you want a fresher alternative, consider making your own dough from scratch, as it allows for customizing sweetness and flavors. What’s the best way to store Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups? For keeping your Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5-7 days. If you want to freeze them, place the cookie cups in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, where they can last up to a month. This way, you can enjoy these delightful treats whenever the craving hits! Can I freeze Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups? Yes, you can! To freeze, assemble the cups but leave off the marshmallows; they tend to lose their texture when frozen. Once assembled, place the cups on a baking sheet to freeze individually. After they’re solid, transfer them into a freezer bag or a container for up to a month. To enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight and add the marshmallows just before serving for that fluffy finish. What should I do if my cookie cups are sticking to the pan? If your cookie cups are sticking, don’t worry! This can happen if the pans aren’t adequately greased. To prevent this in the future, try rolling your cookie dough in granulated sugar before placing it in the muffin tins, which can create a slick surface. Alternatively, using silicone muffin pans may provide an easier release. Are there any allergy considerations for this recipe? Very! Always check for potential allergens in your ingredients. Substitutions may be necessary if you’re catering to certain dietary needs. For instance, if there’s a concern with gluten, consider using gluten-free cookie dough. As for dairy allergies, opt for dairy-free chocolate and use coconut cream as a base for your ganache instead of heavy whipping cream. Adjusting these ingredients helps ensure everyone can join in on the deliciousness! Decadent Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups for Cozy Nights In Indulge in these Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups, a delightful treat combining rich ganache and cookie dough, perfect for cozy winter evenings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 14 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 34 minutes mins Servings: 24 cupsCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cookie Cups1 package Pillsbury Sugar Cookie Dough Consider using homemade dough for an all-scratch treat.24 mini Mini Pretzels These add a fun, crunchy handle.For the Hot Chocolate Ganache1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream Evaporated milk can be used for a lighter version if desired.1 cup Hot Cocoa Mix Feel free to swap in your favorite brand.1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips Dark chocolate chips are a great alternative.For Decoration1 cup White Chocolate Chips Milk chocolate can also be used here.1 cup Jet-Puffed Mallow Bits You can use regular mini marshmallows if that’s what you have. Equipment mini muffin tinSaucepanmicrowave Method PreparationPreheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).Scoop 1 tablespoon of Pillsbury Sugar Cookie Dough into each greased mini muffin cup, filling all 24 molds.Bake for 12-14 minutes until light golden brown. Cool completely in the pan.In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of heavy whipping cream to a gentle boil. Stir in the hot cocoa mix.Pour the mixture over 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and let sit for a few minutes.Stir the ganache gently until smooth and glossy.Fill each cooled cookie cup with ganache.Melt white chocolate chips and use to attach pretzel handles.Top with Jet-Puffed Mallow Bits or mini marshmallows before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1cupCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 2IUCalcium: 2mgIron: 4mg NotesFor best results, use fresh cookie dough and ensure the ganache is smooth to avoid lumps. Store in an airtight container as needed, and add marshmallows just before serving. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
