If you’re looking for a festive treat that combines the warm nostalgia of holiday flavors with the fun of bite-sized desserts, the Reese’s Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups Recipe is your new best friend. These adorable cookie cups are like miniature mugs overflowing with chocolatey goodness, complete with tiny candy cane handles that make them irresistibly charming. Imagine soft sugar cookie bases hugging gooey Reese’s cups, topped with white frosting and sprinkles for that extra wink of holiday cheer. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying a cozy night in, these cookie cups are sure to delight everyone lucky enough to have one.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for the Reese’s Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups Recipe is a breeze, and each component plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and festive style. From the soft cookie dough to the creamy Reese’s cups and crunchy candy canes, every element brings something special to the party.
- Sugar cookie dough (store-bought, 24 cookies): A soft, buttery base that holds all the goodies and browns beautifully in the oven.
- 24 Reese’s cups (mini): The star chocolate and peanut butter filling that melts into a dreamy center for each cookie cup.
- 1 cup white chocolate chips: Melted to “glue” the candy cane handles onto the cookie cups with a sweet finish.
- 24 candy canes (mini): Cut into handles and stir sticks, adding a festive crunch and a peppermint twist.
- 1 tub white icing: For piping pretty “foam” on top, mimicking the creamy froth of hot chocolate.
- Holiday sprinkles: A colorful sprinkle of joy that makes each cup look like a party in miniature form.
How to Make Reese’s Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Bake the Cookie Cups
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and giving your mini muffin pan a good spray of non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Break the sugar cookie dough into pieces and gently press one portion into each muffin well. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to create a small well in the center of each dough piece—this little hollow will be where the magic happens. Pop the pan in the oven and bake for about 13 minutes or until the cookie edges turn a lovely golden brown. The smell alone will make you want to dive right in!
Step 2: Prepare Candy Canes and Add Reese’s Cups
While your cookies are baking, carefully unwrap the mini Reese’s cups. Take your serrated knife and slice the mini candy canes to separate the hooked “handle” from the straight piece. Save the straight part to be the stir stick later on. Once the cookies come out of the oven, press a mini Reese’s cup into the warm well of each cookie. Don’t worry if the Reese’s cup melts a bit—it’s supposed to meld beautifully into the cookie!
Step 3: Chill and Melt White Chocolate
Place the muffin pan with cookie cups into the freezer for about 10 minutes. This helps the Reese’s harden back up, making your cookie cups easier to remove from the pan without breaking. While they chill, melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in short bursts, stirring frequently until smooth and glossy. This melted white chocolate will be the “glue” that sticks on your candy cane handles.
Step 4: Assemble the Handles and Decorate
Take the cookie cups out of the freezer and gently remove them from the pan. Use a small dab of melted white chocolate on the “handle” side of each candy cane piece and carefully attach it to the side of a cookie cup. Let the “handles” dry for about 10 minutes so they set firmly. Then, pipe white frosting on the top of each cookie to look like creamy foam, and scatter those festive holiday sprinkles on top. Your cookie cups are ready to wow everyone!
How to Serve Reese’s Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Reese’s Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups Recipe pop visually and flavor-wise, consider extra little garnishes like mini marshmallows or a light dusting of cocoa powder on top of the frosting. These add texture and a touch of whimsy, making each cup look even more like a steaming mug of hot chocolate in miniature form.
Side Dishes
Serve these delightful cookie cups alongside a warm cup of actual hot chocolate or a chilled glass of milk to enhance the experience. They also pair beautifully with fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries or mandarin oranges, to add a fresh contrast to the rich and sweet flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive occasion, arrange these cookie cups on a tiered platter decorated with holiday greenery, fairy lights, or even a mirror tray that reflects their charm. Wrapping small clusters in clear cellophane tied with ribbons makes perfect party favors, bringing the joy of the Reese’s Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups Recipe to guests in a thoughtful way.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Reese’s Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep the cookies soft and the frosting fresh. If your kitchen is warm, you might want to refrigerate them to prevent the white frosting from melting.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookie cups for longer storage by placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw them gently at room temperature to preserve the texture and taste of the Reese’s and cookie.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookie cups as if freshly made, warm them briefly in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes, or microwave carefully in short bursts to melt the center slightly without melting the frosting too much. This warms the Reese’s center perfectly, enhancing that gooey chocolate-peanut butter sensation.
FAQs
Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade sugar cookie dough works wonderfully and allows you to adjust sweetness or add flavorings like vanilla or almond extract to your preference. Just make sure it’s chilled and firm enough to hold the shape inside the muffin tin.
What can I substitute for mini candy canes?
If mini candy canes aren’t available, small peppermint sticks or even thin pretzel rods can be fun alternatives for handles and stir sticks, adding an interesting texture or festive touch to your Reese’s Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups Recipe.
Can I make these cookie cups vegan or allergy-friendly?
With some substitutions—such as vegan sugar cookie dough and dairy-free peanut butter cups—you can adapt this recipe. Be sure to check your ingredients for allergens and consider using allergy-friendly frosting and sprinkles to keep it safe and enjoyable for everyone.
How do I prevent the cookie cups from sticking to the pan?
Properly greasing your mini muffin pan with non-stick spray is key to preventing sticking. You can also line the pan with mini paper liners for easier removal, but be gentle when taking the cookie cups out to keep their shape intact.
Can I use other types of chocolate for the filling?
While the classic Reese’s cups give this recipe its signature flavor, feel free to experiment with other chocolates like peanut butter-filled chocolates, plain milk chocolate pieces, or even caramel-filled chocolates to create a unique twist.
Final Thoughts
Whipping up the Reese’s Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups Recipe is like creating tiny pockets of holiday happiness that everyone will adore. They are simple to make, utterly charming to look at, and heavenly to taste. Whether you’re gifting them, bringing them to a gathering, or sneaking a few for yourself, these cookie cups bring joy in every bite. Don’t wait—grab your ingredients and make these magical cookie cups your new favorite festive treat!
Print
Reese’s Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookie cups
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Reese’s Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups are a festive and delicious treat perfect for the holiday season. Made with sugar cookie dough baked into mini muffin tins and filled with Reese’s mini cups, they feature candy cane handles and a white chocolate and frosting finish, making them a perfect gift or cozy snack.
Ingredients
Cookie Cups
- 24 sugar cookie dough cookies (store-bought)
- Non-stick spray (for greasing pan)
Filling & Decoration
- 24 mini Reese’s cups
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 24 mini candy canes
- 1 tub white icing (frosting)
- Holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare and bake cookie cups: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a mini muffin pan with non-stick spray. Break apart the sugar cookie dough and place each piece into the wells of the muffin pan. Using the back of a tablespoon or your fingers, gently press to create a small well in the center of each dough piece. Bake for 13 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prepare candy canes and insert Reese’s cups: While the cookies bake, unwrap the mini Reese’s cups. Using a serrated knife, carefully cut the mini candy canes to separate the hooked part (handle) from the straight part (stir stick). Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately place one mini Reese’s cup into the center well of each cookie. After they cool slightly, insert the candy cane stir stick into each Reese’s cup.
- Chill and melt white chocolate: Place the muffin pan with cookie cups into the freezer for about 10 minutes to allow the Reese’s cups to harden, making it easier to remove the cookies from the pan. Once fully cooled, melt the white chocolate chips in a small microwave-safe bowl, heating in short intervals and stirring until smooth.
- Attach candy cane handles: Use the melted white chocolate as glue to attach the candy cane handles to the sides of each cookie cup. Repeat for all cups and set them aside to dry for about 10 minutes.
- Decorate and finish: After the handles have dried, pipe white frosting onto the top of each cookie cup and sprinkle holiday sprinkles on top. Serve and enjoy your festive Reese’s Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups!
Notes
- Allow cookies to cool but not completely cold before inserting Reese’s cups so they slightly melt and secure well.
- Be careful when cutting candy canes with a serrated knife to avoid injury.
- Use fresh mini candy canes for best shape and color.
- These cookie cups can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For easier removal, chilling the cookie cups helps harden the chocolate and candy elements.
