If you have a serious sweet tooth and love the nostalgic warmth of freshly baked treats, you are going to adore this Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups with Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Frosting Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on classic cookies, transforming them into adorable mini cups filled with a luscious, creamy frosting that tastes just like cookie dough. Each bite is a perfect balance of soft, chewy cookie and rich, chocolate-studded frosting, making it an irresistible treat for parties, special occasions, or a cozy night in. Let me walk you through why this recipe deserves a spot in your baking favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these cookie cups just right depends on a few simple, classic ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect texture and flavor—from the buttery richness to the sweet molasses notes of brown sugar and the melty bursts of chocolate chips.
- Unsalted butter: Using room temperature butter ensures the dough mixes smoothly and creates tender cookie cups.
- Light or dark brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that enriches both dough and frosting.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the texture, giving the cookies a slight crispness on the edges.
- Large egg: Binds the ingredients perfectly and adds moisture for a chewy bite.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all flavors with its warm, fragrant aroma.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for structure, both in the cookie cups and the frosting.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookie cups rise slightly, making them tender yet sturdy.
- Coarse salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the chocolate flavor.
- Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips: Perfect little pockets of melty chocolate, scattered throughout the dough and frosting.
- Heavy whipping cream: Adds creaminess and smoothness to the frosting, making it pipeable and dreamy.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups with Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Bake the Cookie Cups
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing a mini muffin pan to prevent sticking. Then, using an electric mixer, cream together the butter and both sugars until the mixture is smooth and creamy—this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Mixing in the egg and vanilla next, ensures that your cookie cups develop that classic flavor and moist texture. After that, add the flour, baking soda, and salt and mix until just combined to avoid overworking the dough. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips for those irresistible bursts of chocolate in every bite. Spoon the dough into the muffin cups, filling each about halfway to allow for slight rising. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until the edges turn golden while the centers stay soft. Let them cool in the pan for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack; this keeps their delicate cup shape intact.
Step 2: Whip Up the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Frosting
While the cookie cups cool, turn your attention to the frosting, which is where this Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups with Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Frosting Recipe really shines. Beat the butter and brown sugar until smooth and creamy, just like you did before. Add the vanilla, then mix in the flour and salt to give the frosting its signature dough-like texture. Slowly pour in 1/4 cup of heavy whipping cream and beat until the mixture is luscious and spreadable. Keep an eye on the consistency; add more cream one tablespoon at a time if it feels too thick. To complete the frosting, stir in the mini chocolate chips so every bite has a delightful crunch and chocolate burst.
Step 3: Frost and Finish
Once the cookie cups are completely cool, dollop or pipe generous amounts of the cookie dough frosting onto each one. If you want to be a bit extra, sprinkle a few more mini chocolate chips on top for that perfect finishing touch that looks as good as it tastes. The contrast between the warm cookie cups and the creamy, cool frosting creates a mouthwatering experience that you won’t want to miss.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups with Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes is a fantastic way to personalize your cookie cups. Consider crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy twist, or a light dusting of cocoa powder for an elegant finish. Fresh fruit like raspberries can add a surprising pop of flavor and color that complements the sweetness wonderfully.
Side Dishes
These cookie cups are perfect on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk elevates the experience. If you want a beverage accompaniment, try a hot cup of coffee or a creamy latte, which balances the sweetness beautifully and makes for a cozy treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the cookie cups on a decorative platter with a few scattered chocolate chips and mini spoons for easy grabbing. For parties, use cupcake liners in fun colors or patterns to match the theme. You can even arrange them in tiers on a cake stand for an eye-catching dessert display that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups with Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Frosting Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the cookies soft and the frosting fresh without drying out or becoming too firm.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these treats later, freeze the unfrosted cookie cups in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze the frosting separately in an airtight container. When ready to serve, thaw both at room temperature, then frost the cookie cups for the freshest taste and perfect texture.
Reheating
Warm leftover cookie cups gently in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to bring back their soft, chewy texture before adding frosting. Avoid overheating, which can melt the frosting and alter the cup’s shape.
FAQs
Can I use regular-sized chocolate chips instead of mini ones?
While you can use regular chocolate chips, mini chips distribute better throughout the dough and frosting, giving you a more even chocolate flavor in every bite.
Is it safe to eat the cookie dough frosting without baking?
This frosting is made to be edible and safe because it uses heat-treated flour or no raw eggs, but always double-check your flour treatment or consider toasting it before use for extra safety.
Can I make these cookie cups gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend with a 1-to-1 ratio, and ensure your baking soda and chocolate chips are gluten-free. The texture will remain deliciously soft.
How long do the cookie cups stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, they stay fresh for about 3 days at room temperature. After that, their texture and frosting quality may start to decline.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or white chocolate chips?
Yes, feel free to get creative! Adding chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or even toffee bits can enhance texture and flavor, making the cups uniquely yours.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups with Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Frosting Recipe, it will become a beloved staple in your dessert repertoire. These little cups pack all the joy of chocolate chip cookies with an extra creamy frosting that tastes like cookie dough itself. They’re perfect for sharing or treating yourself after a long day. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and prepare to fall in love with this fun, delicious spin on a classic favorite.
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Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups with Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookie cups
Description
These delightful Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups are mini cookie treats baked in a muffin pan and topped with a luscious chocolate chip cookie dough frosting. Perfect for parties or as individual desserts, these cookie cups have a soft, golden edge with a rich, creamy frosting full of mini chocolate chips for extra sweetness and texture.
Ingredients
Cookie Cups
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (170 grams)
- 1 cup packed light or dark brown sugar (215 grams)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 grams)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (112 grams)
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (113 grams)
- 3/4 cup packed light or dark brown sugar (160 grams)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (60 grams)
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1/4–1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (60–125 ml)
- 1/2 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (112 grams)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and grease a mini muffin pan to prevent sticking.
- Make the Cookie Cups Batter: Using an electric mixer, beat the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and coarse salt, mixing until just incorporated. Fold in the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
- Fill Muffin Pan: Spoon the cookie dough into the mini muffin pan cups, filling each about halfway. This allows room for the cups to bake properly while maintaining a soft center.
- Bake the Cookie Cups: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft. Once baked, let the cookie cups cool in the pan for about 5 minutes to firm up.
- Cool Completely: Carefully transfer the cookie cups to a wire rack to cool fully. This helps them set properly and prevents breakage when frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: Beat the unsalted butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and mix well. Incorporate the all-purpose flour and coarse salt, blending to combine. Slowly add 1/4 cup of heavy whipping cream, beating until smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add more heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired creamy consistency.
- Add Mini Chocolate Chips to Frosting: Stir in the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips to give the frosting texture and extra chocolate flavor.
- Assemble the Cookie Cups: Generously top each cooled cookie cup with the chocolate chip cookie dough frosting. Optionally, sprinkle additional mini chocolate chips on top for garnish and added crunch.
Notes
- For a smoother frosting consistency, gradually add heavy cream and mix thoroughly before adding more.
- Using mini chocolate chips prevents sinking during baking and ensures chocolate in every bite.
- Ensure cookie cups cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
- These cookie cups can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Allow refrigerated cookie cups to come to room temperature before serving for best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
