Name: Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¼ cups (157 grams) all-purpose flour; ⅓ cup (35 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder; ½ cup (85 grams) semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips; 1 large egg; ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar; ¼ cup (50 grams) brown sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon peppermint extract; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ cup (60 milliliters) heavy cream; Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies

Whipping up delectable chocolate peppermint cookie cups can turn an ordinary afternoon into a sweet adventure.

Crisp mint notes dance alongside rich chocolate in this irresistible treat.

Bakers seeking a delightful dessert will find these miniature cups absolutely charming.

Small gatherings or quiet moments demand something special like these perfectly portioned delights.

Cool peppermint mingles with decadent chocolate, creating a harmonious blend that melts in you mouth.

Smooth ganache and crumbly cookie bases promise an indulgent experience that feels both nostalgic and innovative.

Eager hands and hungry hearts will surely fall in love with these elegant little confections.

Easy-to-make chocolate peppermint cookie cups that require minimal baking skills and deliver maximum deliciousness.
Perfect for Christmas gatherings, cookie exchanges, and winter celebrations with its peppermint and chocolate combination.
Prepare in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it ideal for busy home bakers who want impressive results.
Adaptable recipe allows switching chocolate types, adding different toppings, or adjusting peppermint intensity to suit individual preferences and taste buds.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate chips?

Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate chips. The flavor will be slightly sweeter and less intense, but still delicious.

Do I need any special equipment to make these cookie cups?

You’ll need a mini muffin tin and a way to press a small indentation in the cookies, like a teaspoon or measuring spoon. No fancy tools required.

How can I make these cookie cups look more festive?

Top with extra crushed candy canes, drizzle white chocolate, or add holiday sprinkles before the chocolate filling sets completely. These small touches make them look more special.

Is peppermint extract necessary for the recipe?

Peppermint extract adds a classic holiday flavor, but you can omit it if you prefer a plain chocolate cookie cup. The recipe will still taste great without the peppermint notes.

Dry Ingredients:

Flour: Provides structure and base for the cookie dough.
Cocoa Powder: Gives rich chocolate flavor and dark color.
Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and create soft texture.
Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

Wet Ingredients:

Butter: Creates rich, tender texture and adds flavor.
Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help with cookie caramelization.
Egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture.
Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor.
Peppermint Extract: Provides cool, refreshing mint taste.

Filling and Topping Ingredients:

Chocolate Chips: Melts into smooth, creamy filling.
Heavy Cream: Creates silky chocolate ganache texture.
Candy Canes: Adds festive crunch and peppermint flavor.

Notes:

Use unsalted butter for better flavor control.
Choose Dutch-processed cocoa powder for deeper chocolate taste.
Select pure peppermint extract for best mint flavor.
Crush candy canes just before using to maintain crispness.

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Heat oven to 350F (175C). Coat mini muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix Cookie Dough

Blend ingredients in mixing bowl:

Softened butter
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar

Whip until fluffy and light. Add:

Egg
Vanilla extract
Peppermint extract

Mix thoroughly.

In separate bowl, combine:

Flour
Cocoa powder
Baking soda
Salt

Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture until dough forms.

Step 3: Create Cookie Shapes

Roll dough into small balls. Place each ball inside mini muffin wells.

Step 4: Bake The Cookies

Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges look set. Remove from oven.

Use spoon handle to press gentle indentation into each warm cookie.

Cool for 5 minutes in pan, then transfer to wire rack.

Step 5: Craft Chocolate Filling

Melt in microwave:

Chocolate chips
Heavy cream

Stir every 20 seconds until smooth. Add peppermint extract.

Step 6: Complete Cookie Cups

Pour chocolate mixture into cookie centers. Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.

Step 7: Chill And Serve

Let cookies set at room temperature or refrigerate 15-20 minutes before enjoying.

Prevent Crumbly Dough: Keep butter at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother cookie texture that holds together perfectly.
Customize Mint Intensity: Adjust peppermint extract quantity to match your personal flavor preference, ensuring a balanced taste without overwhelming sweetness.
Create Perfect Wells: Use the back of a small measuring spoon or cork to gently press centers while cookies are warm, creating uniform and neat cookie cup indentations.
Smooth Chocolate Filling: Stir chocolate and cream constantly during microwaving to prevent burning and achieve a silky, glossy chocolate ganache consistency.
Enhance Presentation: Crush candy canes just before sprinkling to maintain their vibrant color and provide a fresh, crunchy texture to the chocolate peppermint cookie cups.

Store cooled cookie cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Wrap individual cookie cups tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness.
Remove frozen cookie cups from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
Warm cookie cups gently in a preheated 300F oven for 3-4 minutes to restore slight crispness and bring out the chocolate's rich flavor.

What Complements Chocolate Peppermint Flavor

Pair Peppermint Chocolate Magic with Complementary Flavors
Strong espresso cuts through the sweetness, enhancing the chocolate's depth and creating a delightful contrast with peppermint's coolness.
Cold vanilla milk softens the cookie's richness, providing a smooth backdrop that highlights the chocolate and peppermint's intense flavors.
Irish cream liqueur adds warmth and complexity, complementing the dessert's mint-chocolate profile with its creamy, spirited character.
A warm peppermint hot chocolate echoes the cookie's flavor, creating a harmonious and indulgent winter-inspired experience.

Gluten-Free Chocolate Peppermint Delight: Swap regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
Vegan Chocolate Mint Cups: Replace butter with coconut oil, use flax egg instead of regular egg, and select dairy-free chocolate chips for a plant-based version of this festive treat.
Low-Sugar Chocolate Peppermint Bites: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use dark chocolate with higher cocoa content to reduce overall sugar content.
Nut-Free Peppermint Chocolate Cups: Check all ingredients to ensure no nut contamination, making this recipe safe for those with nut allergies while maintaining the original flavor profile.

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

Program: Certificate in Patisserie
Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.