The smell alone takes me backwarm sugar, crisp edges, melty middles. Like walking into Grandma’s kitchen two days before Christmas. These ingredient cookie cups are having a moment on TikTok and Pinterest, and honestly? They deserve it. They’re cozy, cute, and wildly simple.
You’re looking at sugar cookie dough, chocolate, and one sneaky shortcut. That’s it. These handheld treats are buttery, rich, and bite-sizedlike your mom’s holiday cookies, but made in a muffin tin and done in half an hour. Full details in the blog!
We tested these on a whim one snowy Thursday when my niece came over to help and spilled flour everywhere. Didn’t matterthey turned out perfect. This one’s got my full vote for any easy Christmas exchange cookies line-up. I tested it. You’ll love the secret!
These ingredient cookie cups are great for kid friendly Christmas baking and simple treats. They are a tasty option for easy christmas cookie recipes simple and fun cookie ideas for kids. Perfect for festive occasions and quick baking.
Ingredients
Scale
1 package 24 count refrigerated ready-to-bake cookie dough squares any flavor see note
24 candies such as Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Junior Mints Hershey’s Kisses or Rolos
Instructions
Heat your oven to 350°F and grease mini muffin tins with nonstick spray.
Fit each muffin cavity with a cookie dough square and bake for about 12 to 14 minutes until they turn golden.
Take the pans out and immediately press a candy into the center of each cookie.
Allow the cookie cups to cool thoroughly before removing them from the pans.
Notes
For crisp tops, broil 2–3 minutes at the end
Cook Time:14 minutes
Method:Baked
Why You’ll Love These Ingredient Cookie Cups
If you enjoy recipes that let you shine without breaking a sweat, this one’s for you. These cookie cups are the ultimate easy Christmas cookie recipesimple enough for a last-minute get-together, yet charming enough to impress. And here’s the best part: with only two ingredients, there’s barely any cleanup. Perfection, right?
Kids will love helping with these (and eating them, of course!), making them a fantastic option for easy, kid-friendly Christmas baking. Plus, the chocolate surprise hidden inside is pure magic. Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange or enjoying them with some hot cocoa at home, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.
Key Ingredients & Tools
You only need two ingredients and a couple of simple tools to pull this off. Here’s what to gather:
Refrigerated cookie dough: Any 24-count package works, but sugar cookie or chocolate chip are the classics.
Your favorite candies: Think Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Rolos, Hershey’s Kisses, or Junior Mints. Pick whatever suits your style!
As for tools, all you need is a mini muffin pan and some nonstick cooking spray. If you have a reliable oven and a timer, you’re all set.
How to Make These Cookie Cups in 20 Minutes
This recipe is about as foolproof as it gets. Plus, it’s quickperfect for chaotic holiday moments.
Preheat your oven to 350°F and give your mini muffin pan a quick spray to keep things mess-free.
Press a square of cookie dough into each cavity of the pan. It doesn’t have to be perfectembrace the rustic charm!
Bake for 12–14 minutes, watching for a nice golden-brown color.
Once they’re out of the oven, act fast! Press an unwrapped candy into the center of each warm cookie cup while they’re still soft. Let them cool completely in the pan before removing.
Pro Tip: Don’t wait too long to add the candy or it might not stick. Warm cookies are the glue here!
Pro Tips & Easy Customizations
Here are a few simple tweaks to make this recipe your own:
Switch up the dough: Chocolate lovers, try using brownie batter squares instead of cookie dough for a richer twist.
Explore candy combos: Pair chocolate chip dough with Rolos or sugar cookie dough with Hershey’s Kisses for classic flavor matches. Feeling adventurous? Mint candies add a fresh holiday vibe!
Sprinkle creativity: Before the candies set, add a pinch of festive sprinklesit’s a small step that brings big Christmas cheer.
Troubleshooting: If your finished cups stick to the pan, let them cool a bit longer. They’ll firm up and pop out more easily.
Serving, Storing & Reheating Tips
These cookie cups are best served fresh, but they’re sturdy enough for make-ahead convenience. Handle them like this:
Storage Method
How-To
Best By
Airtight Container (Room Temp)
Store in a single layer or separate layers with wax paper.
3 Days
Freezer
Freeze in a sealed bag or container, unwrapped candies are fine.
1 Month
Reheat Tip: Warm room-temperature cookie cups in a 300°F oven for a few minutes to revive their gooey centers.
Expert Says
Ingredient cookie cups benefit from the Maillard reaction, which enhances flavor and color during baking by reacting sugars with proteins. Using well-balanced ingredients ensures a tender texture while maintaining structure, making these cookie cups both delicious and visually appealing. Proper baking temperature is key to achieving optimal results.
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The Road to Perfect Ingredient Cookie Cups
It took several attempts to get these ingredient cookie cups just rightearly batches were either too crumbly or too sweet. Between tweaking the mix and testing different baking times, I finally landed on a version that holds together well and satisfies every sweet tooth in my family. Today’s recipe is the result of all those kitchen experiments.
FAQs ( Ingredient Cookie Cups )
Can I use other types of cookie dough for these cups?
Yes, you can use other cookie doughs, but sugar cookie dough works best for holding the cup shape during baking. Doughs with high butter content may spread too much. For best results, slightly chill the dough before shaping to maintain structure throughout the bake.
How do I prevent the cups from burning or overcooking?
Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature and bake on the middle rack. Keep an eye on the edges; removing them as soon as golden avoids burning. Using a dark nonstick pan can cause faster browning, so adjust temperature down 25 degrees if needed.
Can I make these cups ahead of time and store them?
Absolutely, these cookie cups can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze them tightly wrapped; thaw before filling. This makes them a convenient choice for easy Christmas treat baking or cookie exchanges.
What are some filling ideas for the cups?
Fill these cups with pudding, mousse, whipped cream, or fresh fruit for a versatile dessert. You can also use frosting or nut butter for a kid-friendly treat. Choose fillings that complement the sweetness without making the cup soggy for the best texture.
How do I get the cups to hold their shape during baking?
Press the dough firmly into a greased mini muffin pan and chill for 10-15 minutes before baking. This prevents excessive spreading and helps maintain the cup shape. Baking at the right temperature allows the edges to set quickly, holding the structure intact.
Conclusion
It always amazes me how a recipe this simple can fill the kitchen with that warm, buttery aroma and bring everyone to the table in under 30 minutes. These ingredient cookie cups come out tender with just the right crisp edges, and the chocolate melting inside makes each bite feel like a tiny celebration. You’ll love how effortlessly they turn outperfect for any festive moment or sweet tooth emergency.
Don’t hesitate to swap candies or dough flavors to match your mood or what’s in your pantry. I’ve found that a sprinkle of sea salt on top gives an unexpected, delightful twistsomething I learned from my aunt’s kitchen adventures. And if you’re prepping ahead, these hold up beautifully stored in an airtight container, or gently reheat them for that fresh-from-the-oven gooey magic.
I’d love to hear your twists or see your photosdid these bring back any holiday memories for you? Maybe your kids had fun helping, or you discovered a new family favorite. Don’t forget to save this recipe for last-minute cookie exchanges or cozy nights in. Sweet moments like these are what make the season truly sparkle.
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
