Name: Peppermint Cookie Cups Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 43 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups (480 milliliters) all-purpose flour; ¼ cup (30 grams) Dutch-processed cocoa powder, sifted; ¼ cup (30 grams) black cocoa powder; 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature; ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar; 1 cup (220 grams) light brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy whipping cream, chilled; 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, full fat; ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon peppermint extract; Red color gel; Chopped candy canes

Decadent chocolate peppermint cookie cups upgrade ordinary dessert moments into extraordinary culinary celebrations.

Sweet and spirited, these miniature delights capture the essence of seasonal indulgence with their harmonious flavor profile.

Compact yet bold, these treats blend rich cocoa depths with crisp minty undertones that dance across your palate.

Crafted with precision, each cookie cup promises a delightful textural experience that balances crumbly edges with smooth, creamy centers.

Elegant in design and remarkable in taste, these miniature confections elevate casual gatherings into memorable social events.

Small but mighty, they deliver concentrated bursts of festive cheer in every delectable bite.

Prepare to captivate friends and family with this irresistible confectionery marvel.

Pair with Rich Hot Chocolate: Warm, velvety hot chocolate complements the cool peppermint flavor, creating a delightful winter dessert experience that melts in your mouth.
Match with Peppermint Schnapps Cocktail: A chilled peppermint schnapps drink enhances the minty notes of the cookie cups, offering a festive adult twist to the sweet treat.
Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream provides a smooth contrast to the chocolate and peppermint, balancing the intense flavors and adding a luxurious texture.
Enjoy with Espresso Martini: The bold coffee notes of an espresso martini cut through the sweetness, creating a sophisticated dessert pairing that tingles the taste buds.

Minty Chocolate Swirl: Replace peppermint extract with mint chocolate chips mixed directly into the cheesecake filling for a richer chocolate-mint experience.
Festive Nutty Version: Add crushed pecans or almonds to the cookie dough and sprinkle chopped nuts on top of the cream filling for extra crunch and texture.
Salted Caramel Peppermint: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the completed cookie cups and garnish with a light sprinkle of sea salt to balance the sweet peppermint flavor.
White Chocolate Candy Cane: Substitute dark chocolate with white chocolate in the base recipe and use crushed white candy canes as a decorative topping for a winter wonderland feel.

Indulge in Festive Flavor Explosions: These chocolate peppermint cookie cups deliver a magical holiday punch with rich chocolate and cool peppermint that dance together in every delightful bite.
Crafted for Effortless Entertaining: Quick to prepare and stunning to serve, these cookie cups are perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or impressing guests with minimal kitchen effort.
Textural Wonderland in Every Bite: Enjoy the perfect contrast between crisp chocolate cookie shells and silky smooth cheesecake filling, creating a mouthwatering experience that keeps you coming back for more.

Cookie Base Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: Classic baking flour that provides structure and texture to the cookie cups.
Cocoa Powder: Rich chocolate flavor that gives a deep, dark color to the cookies.
Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet ingredients that add moisture and caramel-like depth to the cookie base.

Wet Ingredients:

Butter: Creamy fat that adds richness and helps bind the cookie dough together.
Eggs: Binding agent that provides structure and helps create a soft cookie texture.
Vanilla Extract: Classic flavoring that enhances the overall taste of the cookies.

Filling and Topping Ingredients:

Heavy Cream: Whipped ingredient that creates a light and airy texture in the cheesecake filling.
Cream Cheese: Smooth, tangy base that gives the filling a rich and creamy consistency.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetener that helps stabilize the whipped filling and adds smoothness.
Peppermint Extract: Refreshing flavoring that provides a cool, minty taste to the filling.
Candy Canes: Festive garnish that adds a crunchy texture and additional peppermint flavor.

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease cupcake tins thoroughly to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Cookie Dough Base

In a mixing bowl, combine:

Dry ingredients
Softened butter
Sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract

Cream the ingredients until smooth and well blended.

Step 3: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a consistent dough forms.

Step 4: Shape and Bake Cookies

Scoop cookie dough into muffin tins, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 10-13 minutes until edges are golden brown.

Step 5: Create Cookie Cup Shapes

Immediately after removing from oven, use a jar or round object to gently press centers of warm cookies, creating cup-like indentations. Let cookies cool for 10 minutes, then carefully remove from pan.

Step 6: Prepare Peppermint Cheesecake Filling

Whip together:

Heavy cream
Cream cheese
Sugar
Peppermint extract

Mix until filling is smooth and fluffy.

Step 7: Fill and Decorate Cookies

Pipe peppermint cheesecake filling into cooled cookie cups. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Crush candy canes and sprinkle on top for festive decoration.

Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for ingredients to ensure consistent texture and taste.
Chill the Dough: Refrigerate cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and maintain shape.
Press Gently: When creating cookie cup centers, use a small jar or back of a spoon with light pressure to avoid breaking the delicate shells.
Whip Cream Carefully: Whip heavy cream to soft peaks before mixing with cream cheese to create a smooth, airy filling.
Crush Candy Canes Fresh: Crush peppermint candy canes just before garnishing to maintain their vibrant color and prevent moisture absorption.

Refrigeration: Store cookie cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture.
Freezing: Wrap individual cookie cups tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve their creamy filling and crisp cookie base.
Reheating: Gently warm cookie cups at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make the cookie base soggy and compromise the delicate cheesecake filling's smooth consistency.

Mary Ellen

Founder, Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Artisanal Bread Making
Exquisite Pastry Craftsmanship
Creative Dessert Presentation
Flavor Profile Development
Menu Concept Innovation.

Education

Savannah Technical College

Program: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts
Focus: A specialized program focusing on baking and pastry fundamentals, including bread making, cake decorating, and advanced pastry techniques. Developed creative presentation skills and an understanding of ingredient functions through lab-based practice.

Mary Ellen is the heart and soul of thatsmyhome.com. As the founder, pastry chef, and recipe developer, she refined her skills at Savannah Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts.

Mary blends classic techniques with modern twists to make artisanal breads, beautifully crafted pastries, and desserts full of unique flavor. Her passion is evident in every recipe, and she enjoys sharing her expertise through hands-on pastry workshops and insightful articles in local culinary magazines.