There’s something truly delightful about the first bite of a warm, gooey cookie that melts in your mouth, evoking cozy memories of childhood treats and festive gatherings. When I first made these Reese’s Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups, I was astounded by how easy it was to create a festive dessert that marries the rich taste of chocolate with the nostalgic flavor of peanut butter. Imagine a cookie so versatile it can brighten up a holiday gathering or simply satisfy your late-night cravings!
As winter settles in and the chill starts to bite, there’s nothing better than a sweet indulgence that warms you from the inside out. These little cookie cups not only come together in a flash but also leave your guests in awe, looking just as wonderful on a platter as they taste. With a few simple ingredients and just 33 minutes of your time, you can whip up a batch of these irresistible treats that are sure to be a hit. Let’s dive into this holiday magic and create something unforgettable that will have everyone asking for more!
Why love Reese’s Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups?
Delightful Fusion: The combination of rich chocolate and peanut butter in these cookie cups will make your taste buds sing with joy.
Effortless Elegance: With store-bought dough and simple steps, you’ll create a stunning dessert without the fuss.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for holiday gatherings, these cookie cups are sure to impress family and friends alike.
Customizable Fun: Add your favorite sprinkles or even a dash of peppermint for an exciting twist!
Warm Indulgence: Enjoy fresh out of the oven, or chill them for a refreshing treat.
Quick & Easy: In just 33 minutes, you can go from prep to plate with these scrumptious bites!
Reese’s Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups Ingredients
For the Cookie Base
• Sugar cookie dough – Store-bought saves time and allows for a stress-free baking experience!
• Mini Reese’s cups – The star of the show, adding that irresistible chocolate-peanut butter goodness!
For the Topping
• White chocolate chips – Melts beautifully to create a sweet finish that pairs perfectly with the cookie cups.
• Candy canes (mini) – Adds a festive touch and minty crunch; feel free to substitute with pretzel sticks for a salty twist!
• White icing – Used for piping on the top of each cup, bringing a creative flair to your presentation.
• Holiday sprinkles – Bring joy and color to your cookie cups, making them visually delightful for any occasion!
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to spread some joy and love with these Reese’s Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups!
How to Make Reese’s Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups
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Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a mini muffin pan with non-stick spray, then break apart the sugar cookie dough. Place a small piece into each well and gently press the middle with a tablespoon to create a well.
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Bake: Pop the muffin pan into the oven and bake for 13 minutes, or until the cookie edges are golden brown. The delightful aroma will fill your kitchen!
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Unwrap and Cut: While those cookies are baking, unwrap your mini Reese’s cups and slice the mini candy canes into halves for the “handles” of each cookie cup.
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Add the Reese’s: Once your cookies are baked and slightly cooled, place a mini Reese’s cup right in the center of each warm cookie, then insert the candy cane stir stick into the Reese’s to complete the look.
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Cool Down: Transfer the muffin pan with the cookie cups to the freezer and let them chill for about 10 minutes. This hardening process is key for that perfect bite!
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Melt the White Chocolate: In a small microwavable bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in short intervals, stirring in between to avoid burning.
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Attach Candy Canes: Use the melted white chocolate as an adhesive to attach the candy cane “handles” to each cookie cup. Repeat until all cups are decorated, then let them sit for about 10 minutes until the chocolate sets.
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Decorate: Once the candy canes are firmly in place, pipe white icing generously on top of each cookie cup and sprinkle with your favorite holiday sprinkles for that festive touch.
Optional: For a festive twist, try adding crushed peppermint candies on top!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Reese’s Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups?
Indulging in a sweet treat pairs perfectly with delightful accompaniments that enhance the flavors and evoke warm, cozy feelings.
- Hot Chocolate Bar: Create a charming hot chocolate station with marshmallows, whipped cream, and festive sprinkles for your guests to customize their cups.
- Peppermint Bark: This classic holiday treat offers a crunchy, minty contrast to the soft and gooey cookie cups.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing blend of citrus and berries can brighten up the dessert table, cleansing the palate and adding a pop of color.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve these cookie cups warm over a scoop of creamy ice cream, allowing the chocolate and peanut butter to melt together.
- Coffee or Latte: Pairing your treats with a warm beverage enhances the cozy atmosphere and balances the sweetness from the cookies.
- Pecan Pie Bites: The nutty flavor and buttery crust complement the rich chocolate, making for a decadent dessert spread that your family will love.
- Holiday Punch: An inviting punch with hints of cranberry and ginger ale can lighten up the dessert experience, making it feel festive and bubbly.
These serving ideas will turn your dessert into a delightful feast, perfect for celebrating any occasion.
Reese’s Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups Variations
Feel free to get creative with these cookie cups and customize them to suit your taste buds!
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Nutty Delight: Add chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, into the cookie dough for an added crunch and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate and peanut butter.
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Peppermint Twist: Mix in crushed peppermint candies with the white chocolate or sprinkle them on top for a refreshing holiday twist that will leave your guests craving more.
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Dairy-Free: Swap out the white chocolate chips for dairy-free chocolate chips to cater to those with dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can enjoy this treat!
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free sugar cookie dough instead of traditional dough. The wonderful flavors will still shine through, making it accessible for gluten-sensitive loved ones.
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Spiced Up: Sprinkle in a dash of cinnamon or a pinch of chili powder into the cookie dough for a warm kick that elevates the classic chocolate-peanut butter flavor combination.
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S’mores Style: Instead of Reese’s cups, use marshmallows and graham cracker crumbs for a gooey, s’mores-inspired cookie cup that brings a taste of the campfire indoors.
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Chocolate Drizzle: After decorating with white icing, add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top for an eye-catching finish that adds an extra layer of richness.
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Fruit Fusion: Top each cookie cup with fresh raspberries or strawberries before icing for a fruity freshness that contrasts beautifully with the chocolate.
Let these variations guide you to create your own unique baked masterpiece that’s sure to impress!
Storage Tips for Reese’s Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups
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Room Temperature: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and softness.
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Fridge: If you prefer the cookie cups chilled, keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make sure they’re in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
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Freezer: You can freeze the cookie cups for up to 3 months. Wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for optimal preservation.
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Reheating: To enjoy them warm, reheat the cookie cups in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat, as this can melt the chocolate too much!
Expert Tips for Reese’s Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups
- Cookie Dough: Always press the dough firmly into the muffin pan. This ensures a well-formed base for your Reese’s Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; overbaking can lead to a dry texture instead of that delightful chewiness.
- Chocolate Melting: Melt white chocolate gently in the microwave to avoid scorching. Stir every 30 seconds until smooth and creamy for perfect decorating.
- Chilling: Don’t skip the chilling step! This helps the Reese’s harden and keeps the chocolate from melting into the cookie, ensuring a lovely presentation.
- Personal Touch: Feel free to mix in your favorite flavors or toppings—adding a little peppermint extract to the icing can elevate your Reese’s Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups to the next level!
Make Ahead Options
These Reese’s Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie base up to 24 hours in advance by baking and cooling them, then storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep the mini Reese’s cups and melted white chocolate separate until you’re ready to assemble. When you’re ready to finish the cookie cups, simply place a Reese’s cup in the center of each base, chill in the freezer for about 10 minutes, attach the candy cane handles, and finish with icing and sprinkles. Not only does this save you time on busy days, but your cookie cups will be just as delicious and festive!
Reese’s Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups Recipe FAQs
What type of sugar cookie dough should I use?
Absolutely! Store-bought sugar cookie dough saves time and ensures consistent results. Look for a brand that is soft and pliable, free from any dark spots or inconsistencies.
How should I store leftover cookie cups?
Store any Reese’s Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped individually in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Can I freeze these cookie cups?
Yes, you can! To freeze, wait until the cookie cups are completely cooled. Wrap each cup tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just remove from the freezer and let thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
How can I troubleshoot if my cookies don’t rise?
If your cookie cups aren’t rising as expected, ensure that you’re using fresh cookie dough and check the baking powder’s expiration date if it’s included in the mix. Also, be cautious not to over-mix; a gentle hand is best!
Are there any allergy concerns with this recipe?
Yes, this recipe includes several common allergens such as gluten (from the cookie dough), peanuts (in the Reese’s cups), and dairy (in the white chocolate and icing). Always check ingredient labels for specific allergen information, and consider substitutions like gluten-free cookie dough or dairy-free chocolate chips if you need to accommodate dietary restrictions.
What can I use instead of candy canes?
The more the merrier! You can replace mini candy canes with pretzel sticks for a salty crunch, or even colorful lollipop sticks for a fun twist. Just ensure they are the right size to fit snugly into the Reese’s cups without toppling over.
Reese’s Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups: Your New Favorite Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a mini muffin pan with non-stick spray and break apart the sugar cookie dough.
- Place a small piece of dough into each well and gently press the middle with a tablespoon to create a well.
- Bake for 13 minutes, or until the cookie edges are golden brown.
- While baking, unwrap the mini Reese’s cups and slice the candy canes into halves for the handles.
- Once baked and slightly cooled, place a mini Reese’s cup in the center of each warm cookie and insert the candy cane stir stick.
- Transfer to the freezer to chill for about 10 minutes.
- Melt the white chocolate chips in short intervals in a microwavable bowl, stirring in between.
- Use melted white chocolate to attach candy cane handles to each cookie cup.
- Pipe white icing on top and sprinkle with holiday sprinkles.
