Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy treat that combines the best of two childhood favorites—cookies and hot cocoa—then this Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups Recipe is an absolute must-try. I love this recipe because it transforms simple sugar cookie dough into adorable little cups, perfect for holding warm, gooey chocolate ganache topped with marshmallows and a pretzel “handle.” It’s fun, delicious, and such a crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll want to share them all. Let me walk you through how to nail this cozy dessert that’s perfect for any chilly day or festive gathering.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create warm, chocolaty cookie cups that hold the perfect hot chocolate filling. Using Pillsbury sugar cookie dough keeps things simple, and combining semi-sweet and white chocolate adds layers of flavor and texture.

• Pillsbury Sugar Cookie Dough: This pre-made dough saves loads of time and bakes up soft and buttery, which is perfect for these little cups.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Essential for creating that silky, rich chocolate ganache you’ll pour into the cookie cups.
• Hot Cocoa Mix: Adds that nostalgic chocolatey flavor and deepens the ganache’s taste—don’t skip it!
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melts smoothly into the cream to form the luscious ganache filling.
• White Chocolate Chips: Used for attaching the pretzel handles and a sweet contrast in flavor.
• Mini Pretzels: These give the cookie cups their fun “handle,” making the dessert feel like a tiny hot chocolate mug.
• Jet-Puffed Mallow Bits: Mini marshmallows that top off the cups and add that classic hot chocolate finishing touch.

Variations

I like to play around with this Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups Recipe depending on the season or who’s coming over. Don’t hesitate to make it your own—it’s all about fun and flavor that suits you.

• Swap the Chocolate: I sometimes use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips for the ganache to change the sweetness level. My kids prefer milk chocolate, but I love the richness of dark chocolate.
• Add Flavored Extracts: A drop of peppermint or orange extract in the ganache gives these cups a festive twist that’s perfect for holidays.
• Make it Vegan: You can substitute dairy-free cookie dough, coconut cream, and vegan chocolate chips to make this recipe dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
• Seasonal Toppings: Instead of marshmallows, try crushed candy canes or toasted nuts for a crunchy surprise.

How to Make Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Cookie Cup Base

First, preheat your oven to 375˚F. Grease your mini muffin tins well—this step is key to easily removing the cookie cups later. Then, take about a tablespoon of your sugar cookie dough and press it into the bottom and up the sides of each mini muffin cup to form little bowls. Pro tip: I sometimes roll the dough balls in granulated sugar before pressing them into the pan; it helps with sticking and adds a slight crunch.

Step 2: Bake the Cookie Cups

Bake these cookie cups for about 12 to 14 minutes at 375˚F until they’re golden around the edges but still soft. I learned the hard way to let them cool completely in the tin before trying to remove them—otherwise, they’re prone to cracking. Give it at least 20 minutes, or pop them in the fridge for a few minutes to firm up.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Ganache Filling

While the cookie cups cool, bring ½ cup heavy whipping cream to a gentle boil on the stove. Stir in 2 tablespoons of hot cocoa mix and pour this hot mixture over 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Let it sit for 3 minutes—the magic of ganache!—then stir until smooth and glossy. When I first made this, I was surprised how the cocoa mix elevated the flavor beyond just melted chocolate.

Step 4: Create and Attach Pretzel Handles

Break some mini pretzel loops to create “handles” and melt the white chocolate chips gently (microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between). Use the melted white chocolate as edible glue to attach the pretzel handles to the cookie cups—this little detail always impresses guests! Just a heads up: let the white chocolate set by chilling the cookie cups briefly if needed.

Step 5: Assemble Your Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups

Fill each cookie cup with the warm chocolate ganache and top with a generous handful of mini marshmallows. These marshmallows don’t just look pretty—they add that iconic, melty hot chocolate feel that everyone loves. Serve immediately for the best experience, or chill before enjoying later.

How to Serve Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these with extra mini marshmallows because they toast beautifully if you give a quick blast with a kitchen torch. You can also sprinkle with a pinch of cocoa powder, crushed candy canes for peppermint lovers, or even a drizzle of caramel or more melted white chocolate for a fancy touch.

Side Dishes

Pair these hot chocolate cookie cups with a cup of hot coffee or chai for a comforting combo. They also go wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you want to turn dessert into an indulgent event.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve served these on decorative platters with festive napkins for holiday parties, and once I even arranged them inside mini gift boxes tied with ribbon for a cute edible gift. If you want to wow your guests, add little custom tags that say “You warm my heart” or “Sip & enjoy.”

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store these in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5-7 days. I separate layers with parchment paper to keep the chocolate ganache from sticking to the lids or other cookie cups. Just know the marshmallows might get a little soft over time, but still tasty.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie cups without the ganache filling for up to a month. Freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. When you’re ready, thaw and prepare the ganache as usual to keep the freshest flavor and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the ganache gently on the stove or in the microwave and spoon it back into the cookie cups. I avoid microwaving the whole assembled cup because the cookie can get soggy. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups Recipe brings a little magic to snack time—it’s like sipping a hot cocoa straight from a cookie cup! When I first tried this, the delight on my family’s faces was priceless, and it’s been a favorite ever since. Whether you’re making these for a festive occasion or just because, they’re a cozy, charming treat that’s sure to impress. So grab your mini muffin tin and get ready to make some memories (and delicious bites) with this one-of-a-kind recipe. You’ll thank me later!

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