Name: Mini Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups With Candy Topping Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; ¾ cup mini chocolate chips; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; Assorted candies (mini peanut butter cups, M&Ms, Rolos, or Hershey’s Kisses)

These irresistible mini chocolate chip cookie cups combine playful texture with unexpected sweetness.

Sweet tooths will absolutely adore this creative dessert that fits perfectly in one bite.

Biting into a tiny cookie shell packed with creamy chocolate and colorful candy pieces.

Compact and adorable, these miniature treats work brilliantly for parties or casual snacking moments.

Each cup delivers a delightful crunch with a smooth chocolate center that melts instantly.

The compact size means you can enjoy multiple without feeling guilty about indulgence.

Grab a batch and watch how quickly they disappear from the serving plate.

Burst with Irresistible Flavor: These mini chocolate chip cookie cups pack an incredible punch of sweetness with rich chocolate chips and delightful candy toppings that make every bite a mini celebration.
Super Quick and Easy Method: Whip up these adorable treats in under 30 minutes using simple ingredients and basic baking techniques, perfect for busy home bakers wanting a fast dessert solution.
Customize with Playful Creativity: Transform these cookie cups into personalized treats by experimenting with different candy toppings like Reese's, M&M's, or Rolos, allowing endless variation and fun for kids and adults alike.
Crowd-Pleasing Party Favorite: Compact, portable, and visually appealing, these mini cookie cups are ideal for gatherings, potlucks, children's parties, or casual dessert moments that bring instant smiles and joy.

Main Ingredients:

Cookie Base Ingredients:

Butter, Softened: The key to creating a rich, tender cookie base with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Room temperature butter blends smoothly with sugars.
Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a soft, chewy texture. Brown sugar adds depth of flavor and moisture.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds structure to the cookie cups.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.

Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: The main structure for the cookie cups. Use fresh, properly measured flour for best results.
Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and creates a light, tender texture.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors of other ingredients.

Filling and Topping Ingredients:

Mini Chocolate Chips: Adds chocolate flavor and texture throughout the cookie cups. Small size distributes evenly in the dough.
Candy Topping: Provides a fun, colorful finishing touch. Choose candies that will look attractive and complement the chocolate chip cookie base.

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Warm up your oven to 350F. Grab a mini muffin tin and coat it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Cookie Dough Magic

Gather these ingredients:

Butter
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Mini chocolate chips

Blend softened butter with sugars until they transform into a fluffy cloud. Crack in the egg and splash of vanilla, mixing until everything looks smooth. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly combine wet and dry mixtures, stirring gently. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips and fold them into the dough.

Step 3: Shape Cookie Cups

Scoop a generous tablespoon of dough into each muffin cavity. Press down softly to create perfect little cups with smooth edges.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the tin into the oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges turn golden and centers look slightly puffy.

Step 5: Add Candy Surprise

Pull out the hot cookie cups. Quickly press a fun candy into the center of each warm cup. The heat will help the candy settle perfectly.

Step 6: Cool and Celebrate

Let cookies rest in the tin for 5 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack. Once completely cool, these treat cups are ready to delight everyone!

Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate or sprinkle with colorful toppings for extra excitement.

Prepare Perfectly Greased Pan: Thoroughly grease mini muffin tin with butter or cooking spray to ensure easy cookie cup removal and prevent sticking.
Master the Dough Consistency: Mix wet and dry ingredients just until combined to maintain a tender, soft texture without overmixing, which can lead to tough cookies.
Create Uniform Cookie Cups: Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to distribute dough evenly, ensuring consistent baking and professional-looking results.
Quick Candy Topping Trick: Press candies immediately after baking while cookies are still warm, allowing the heat to slightly melt the chocolate and create a smooth surface.
Storage Savvy: Store cooled cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer preservation without losing their delightful texture.

Refrigerate Cookie Cups: Store leftover cookie cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and preventing moisture loss.
Freeze for Later: Carefully place cooled cookie cups in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 3 months for long-term enjoyment.
Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated or thawed cookie cups in the microwave for 8-10 seconds or in a preheated 300F oven for 2-3 minutes to restore their soft, fresh-baked texture.
Room Temperature Option: Let cookie cups sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving if you prefer a softer, more crumbly texture.

Boost Chocolate Intensity: Pair these mini cookie cups with a rich, dark hot chocolate that echoes the chocolate chip flavor, creating a decadent dessert experience that intensifies the cookie's sweetness.
Complement Sweet Crunch: Serve alongside a cold glass of milk to balance the cookie's richness, providing a classic and refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate between bites.
Elevate Dessert Pairing: Match with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, allowing the creamy coldness to complement the warm, crispy cookie cups and add an extra layer of indulgence.
Enhance Flavor Complexity: Offer a small espresso or cappuccino on the side, which will cut through the sweetness and bring out the deeper notes of the chocolate and caramelized sugar in the cookie cups.

Nutty Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cookie dough for a rich, crunchy texture that complements the sweet chocolate chips.
Salted Caramel Twist: Swap candy topping with a caramel piece and sprinkle sea salt on top to create a sophisticated sweet-salty flavor profile.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Fusion: Mix a few tablespoons of creamy peanut butter into the cookie dough for an indulgent, nutty chocolate chip experience.
Seasonal Berry Crunch: Replace chocolate chips with white chocolate chips and top with a fresh raspberry or strawberry for a fruity summer variation.

Why use a mini muffin tin for these cookie cups?

A mini muffin tin helps create perfectly portioned, bite-sized treats with uniform shape and even baking. The small cavities ensure each cookie cup is consistent in size and looks adorably cute.

Can I make these cookie cups ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. The unbaked dough can also be frozen for up to 2 weeks, making these a convenient make-ahead dessert.

What candy works best for topping these cookie cups?

Chocolate candies like Rolos, Reese’s Cups, Hershey’s Kisses, or Revel’s work wonderfully. These candies melt slightly when pressed into the warm cookie, creating a delicious gooey center that adds extra flavor and texture.

How do I prevent the cookie cups from sticking to the pan?

Generously grease the mini muffin tin with cooking spray or butter before adding the dough. Alternatively, use paper liners for easy removal. Let the cookie cups cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to prevent breaking.

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing, Fusion Cuisine, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation.

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.