Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups: 4 Steps to Holiday Bliss

July 18, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these chocolate peppermint cookie cups! They’re like little bites of holiday magic that just melt in your mouth. Imagine soft, rich chocolate cookies infused with a hint of refreshing peppermint, all baked into the cutest little cups. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy nights in, or really, any time you want to feel festive!

chocolate peppermint cookie cups - detail 1

Every year, I look forward to whipping up a batch (or three!) of these delightful treats. The combination of chocolate and peppermint is a classic that never fails to bring joy. Whether you’re serving them at a Christmas party or sharing them with friends as a thoughtful gift, these cookie cups are sure to impress. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked—and everyone will be asking for the recipe! So, let’s dive into making these deliciously festive goodies together!

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to create these scrumptious chocolate peppermint cookie cups. Make sure to gather everything beforehand so you can dive right into the baking fun!

1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This is the base of our cookie dough, giving it that rich, creamy texture. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing!
1 cup granulated sugar: This will sweeten the cookie cups and help them achieve that lovely, slightly crisp exterior.
1 cup brown sugar, packed: The molasses in brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper flavor that perfectly complements the chocolate.
2 large eggs: These will help bind everything together and give the cookies a nice structure.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Trust me, this is the secret ingredient that elevates the flavors and makes everything taste just divine!
3 cups all-purpose flour: This is the backbone of our cookie cups, providing the necessary structure.
1 cup cocoa powder: The star of the show! This is what gives our cookie cups that rich chocolate flavor. Make sure to sift it for a smoother texture!
1 teaspoon baking soda: A must for making the cookies rise a bit and stay soft and chewy.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance all that sweetness and enhance the flavors.
1 cup chocolate chips: Because who doesn’t love extra chocolate? These will melt into gooey goodness right in the center!
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract: This adds that refreshing minty flavor that pairs oh-so-well with chocolate. Adjust to taste if you like it minty!

How to Prepare Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups

Alright, my friend, let’s get into the fun part—making these delightful chocolate peppermint cookie cups! I promise, it’s easier than you might think, and the smell wafting from your kitchen will be heavenly. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get to it!

Prepping the Dough

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because we want those cookie cups to bake perfectly!
Now, grab a large mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar. I like to use an electric mixer for this step; it makes everything super smooth and fluffy. You want to mix until it’s light and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
Next, add in the eggs *one at a time*, along with that wonderful vanilla extract. Mix well after each addition until everything is nicely combined.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps to ensure everything is evenly distributed—no one likes a pocket of baking soda, right?
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Just mix until combined; don’t overdo it! We want a soft dough that’s ready to embrace all those chocolate chips and peppermint extract. So, gently fold those in last, and you’re good to go!

Baking the Cookie Cups

Now, here comes the fun part! Grease a muffin tin (or use non-stick spray) to ensure those cookie cups pop right out later.
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop tablespoons of dough into each muffin cup, filling them about 2/3 full. You don’t want to overfill, as these babies will rise a little!
Pop the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges look set but the centers are still a bit soft. They’ll continue to cook slightly as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a tad underdone!
Once they’re out of the oven, let the cookie cups cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up a bit and makes them easier to handle.

And there you have it! Your kitchen should now smell like a winter wonderland. Just wait until you take that first bite—pure bliss!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about the numbers! Each of these delicious chocolate peppermint cookie cups packs a punch of flavor, and here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per cookie cup:

Calories: 150
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Sodium: 50mg
Carbohydrates: 20g
Sugar: 12g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keep in mind, these are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use or if you make any substitutions. But honestly, who’s counting calories when you have these delightful cookie cups in hand? Just enjoy every bite!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your chocolate peppermint cookie cups turn out absolutely perfect! I’ve got some pro tips up my sleeve that I can’t wait to share with you.

Don’t skip the creaming step: Creaming the butter and sugars until light and fluffy is crucial. It helps incorporate air into the dough, giving your cookie cups that lovely texture. If you’re in a hurry, I get it, but trust me, it’s worth the extra minute!
Adjust the peppermint extract: If you’re unsure about how much peppermint flavor you want, start with a little less than the recipe calls for and taste as you go. You can always add more, but it’s hard to fix if you go overboard!
Experiment with chocolate: Feel free to mix it up with different types of chocolate chips—dark, milk, or even white chocolate! Each one adds a unique twist that can make your cookie cups even more special.
Storage is key: Keep your cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the freezer! Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying again.
Serve with flair: For an extra festive touch, drizzle some melted chocolate over the tops or sprinkle with crushed candy canes. It’ll take your cookie cups from delicious to downright stunning!
Try different fillings: If you’re feeling adventurous, why not add a mini marshmallow or a piece of caramel in the center before baking? It’ll create a gooey surprise that everyone will love!

With these tips, you’re all set to make cookie cups that will wow your family and friends. Enjoy the process, have fun, and don’t forget to sneak a taste or two along the way—after all, that’s part of the joy of baking!

Variations of Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups

Now that you’ve mastered the classic chocolate peppermint cookie cups, let’s get creative! There are so many fun ways to customize these little delights to suit your taste or to impress your friends. Trust me, once you start experimenting, you won’t want to stop!

Mint Chocolate Chip: Swap out regular chocolate chips for mint chocolate chips! This adds an extra minty punch that’s sure to delight mint lovers.
White Chocolate Drizzle: After your cookie cups have cooled, drizzle some melted white chocolate over the tops. It adds a beautiful contrast and a creamy flavor that pairs wonderfully with chocolate and peppermint.
Candy Cane Crunch: Crush up some candy canes and sprinkle them on top of the cookie cups before baking or right after they come out of the oven. This gives a festive look and an extra crunch!
Chocolate Ganache Filling: For a rich twist, pipe some chocolate ganache into the center of each cookie cup once they’ve cooled. It’s like a decadent surprise waiting for you!
Nutty Addition: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.
Different Extracts: If you want to switch things up, try using almond or coconut extract instead of peppermint for a whole new flavor profile. Just remember to adjust the amount to your taste!
Brownie Style: If you’re a fan of fudgy brownies, bake the cookie cups for a shorter time, about 8-10 minutes, so they stay gooey in the middle. It’s a delightful twist that will make everyone swoon!

So, don’t be shy! Get in the kitchen and have fun with these variations. You might just discover a new favorite way to enjoy these cookie cups, and I can’t wait to hear what creative ideas you come up with!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve got your chocolate peppermint cookie cups baked to perfection, let’s talk about how to serve them up for maximum enjoyment! These little delights are delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can take your dessert experience to a whole new level. Here are a few ideas I absolutely love:

Hot Chocolate: Nothing beats the classic combo of cookies and hot cocoa! Serve your cookie cups alongside a warm mug of rich hot chocolate, maybe topped with some whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes for a festive touch.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the chocolatey goodness of the cookie cups. The contrast of warm and cold is just heavenly. You could even drizzle some chocolate or peppermint sauce over the ice cream for an extra treat!
Espresso or Coffee: If you’re a coffee lover, serving these cookie cups with a shot of espresso or a cozy cup of coffee is a match made in heaven. The rich flavors of chocolate and peppermint work so well with the boldness of coffee.
Festive Fruit Salad: A light, refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits like cranberries, oranges, and pomegranates can balance out the richness of the cookie cups. It adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness to your dessert spread!
Cheesecake Dip: How about a creamy cheesecake dip for an unexpected twist? Serve it with some sliced fruits or graham crackers for dipping, and pair it with your cookie cups for a fun dessert platter.
Chocolate Fondue: For a truly indulgent experience, set up a chocolate fondue station and let everyone dip their cookie cups into warm, melted chocolate. It’s interactive and oh-so-delicious!

Whichever way you choose to serve your chocolate peppermint cookie cups, they’re sure to be a hit! Enjoy the delightful flavors, and don’t forget to savor every bite. Happy indulging!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Alright, let’s make sure those delicious chocolate peppermint cookie cups stay fresh and tasty for as long as possible! Proper storage is key, and I’ve got some simple tips to help you enjoy these treats even days after you bake them.

Storing: To keep your cookie cups at their best, place them in an airtight container. You can layer them with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature. Just make sure to keep them somewhere cool and dry!
Freezing: If you want to save some for later (trust me, they freeze beautifully!), you can wrap each cookie cup tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating: If you prefer your cookie cups warm, you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm them up. Just be careful not to overdo it, or they might get a bit tough! Alternatively, you can place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This will help keep them soft and delicious.

With these storage and reheating tips, you’ll be able to savor your chocolate peppermint cookie cups whenever the craving strikes! Enjoy every last bite, my friend!

FAQ Section

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Absolutely! If you only have salted butter on hand, just reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe. It’ll still turn out delicious!

What can I use if I don’t have peppermint extract?
No worries! You can substitute with mint extract or even try using crushed peppermint candies for a similar flavor. Just adjust the amount to taste.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping into the muffin tin.

What’s the best way to tell when they’re done baking?
Look for the edges to be set and the centers to still be a bit soft. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake!

Can I use gluten-free flour?
Definitely! A good all-purpose gluten-free flour blend should work just fine. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.