Every holiday season, I find myself yearning for treats that encapsulate the spirit of celebration—sweet, cozy, and just a little bit indulgent. That’s when these Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups with Creamy Cheesecake Filling come into play. Picture this: the moment you take your first bite, the rich, fudgy chocolate base melts in your mouth, giving way to a refreshing minty cheesecake that dances on your taste buds. It’s a delightful blend of flavors that not only looks festive with a sprinkle of crushed candy canes but also delivers warmth and nostalgia during colder months.

I stumbled upon this recipe while experimenting with holiday flavors, and it quickly became a crowd favorite. Each beautifully formed cookie cup is a sweet little surprise, making them perfect for everything from cozy family gatherings to holiday parties. These treats offer an enchanting twist on traditional holiday fare, effortlessly combining comfort and cheer. So, let’s prepare to impress your guests and satisfy those sweet cravings with this easy yet elegant recipe!

Why Love These Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups?

Indulgent, these cookie cups blend rich chocolate with zesty peppermint in a heavenly treat. Festive appeal shines with their eye-catching colors and textures, perfect for holiday gatherings. Easy to make, this recipe requires minimal skills while yielding impressive results. Versatile options let you personalize flavors, whether adding mini chocolate chips or swapping extracts. Crowd-pleasing flavors ensure smiles at your next gathering, making them a must-have for any festive table!

Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups Ingredients

For the Cookie Cups
• All-Purpose Flour – Forms the structure of the cookie cups; you can use a gluten-free blend with xanthan gum for a gluten-free option.
• Cocoa Powder (2 types) – Adds deep chocolate flavor and color; for a lighter taste, substitute regular cocoa with black cocoa.
• Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent to help the cookies rise for a delightful texture.
• Salt – Enhances the overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and moisture; make sure it’s at room temperature to cream easily with sugars.
• Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar – Create sweetness and moisture, with brown sugar giving a hint of caramel flavor.
• Eggs – Binds the ingredients together while contributing moisture.
• Vanilla Extract – Infuses depth into your cookie’s flavor.

For the Cheesecake Filling
• Heavy Cream – Whipped to add a light texture to the filling; for a lighter option, try using whipped Greek yogurt.
• Cream Cheese – Forms the creamy base of the mint cheesecake filling; ensure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Peppermint Extract – Imparts a refreshing mint flavor that elevates the treat.

For Garnish
• Candy Canes – Adds a festive crunch and delightful appearance; feel free to substitute with other crushed candies if you prefer.

Each ingredient works together to create these delightful Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups with Cheesecake Filling, making them a must for your holiday celebrations!

How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your cupcake tins with a bit of butter or non-stick spray. This ensures your cookie cups will release easily after baking.
Combine dry ingredients by mixing all-purpose flour, both types of cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. This creates a rich base for your cookie cups.
Cream the unsalted butter and sugars together in another bowl until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined for a deliciously sweet flavor.
Incorporate the dry ingredients gradually into the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. The dough should be thick and ready to shape into cups.
Scoop the dough into your prepared cupcake tins, filling each cup about 2/3 full. Bake for 10-13 minutes, until the edges are set but they remain soft in the center.
Make a well in the center of each cookie immediately after pulling them from the oven. Use a rounded tool or the back of a tablespoon to create a nice indent for the filling.
Cool the cookies in the tin for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This way, they won’t break while being moved.
Whip the heavy cream in a chilled bowl until stiff peaks form. Then, fold it gently into a mixture of softened cream cheese, sugar, and peppermint extract. This forms your airy cheesecake filling.
Pipe the delicious cheesecake filling into the cooled cookie cups. Make sure to fill them generously for a decadent treat!
Chill the filled cookie cups in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to set. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully together.
Garnish each cookie with chopped candy canes right before serving to add a festive touch and extra crunch!

Optional: Drizzle with chocolate sauce for an extra layer of indulgence.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups?

To create the ultimate festive experience, pair these delectable treats with complementary flavors and textures that enhance the joy of the season.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate: The warm, rich cocoa with a hint of peppermint creates a cozy match, perfect for sipping alongside your treats.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream balances the rich chocolate and mint, adding a delightful cold contrast to the warm cookies.
Fresh Berries: Light, tart fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, offer a refreshing burst that cuts through the sweetness, making each bite even more enjoyable.
Chocolate Drizzle: Enhance these cookie cups with a drizzle of melted chocolate on top, elevating their decadent appearance and adding an extra layer of richness.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of fluffy whipped cream on the side brings an airy texture that complements the creamy cheesecake filling.
Christmas Punch: A festive drink made with cranberry, ginger, and sparkling water pairs beautifully with these cookie cups, offering a refreshing counterpoint to their sweetness.

Think about incorporating a few of these delightful pairings for a holiday spread that will enchant your guests and create lasting memories!

Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups Variations

Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize these cookie cups with fun and delicious twists!

Almond Extract: Swap peppermint extract for almond extract for a nutty, unique flavor that surprises the palate.
This alternative transforms your treats into something unexpected and delightfully fragrant.
Mini Chocolate Chips: Fold in mini chocolate chips into the cheesecake filling for an extra textural delight.
The playful bursts of chocolate will elevate each bite, keeping everyone reaching for more.
Crushed Oreos: Use crushed Oreos as a base for the cookie cups instead of just regular dough for a chocolatey crunch.
This will create a cookies-and-cream flavor that makes a fantastic twist on the classic recipe.
Coconut Cream: Substitute heavy cream with whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free, tropical flavor.
The subtle coconut essence complements the mint beautifully, creating an exotic twist.
Spicy Peppermint: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheesecake filling for a surprising kick of heat.
The combination of cool mint and warm spice offers a delightful contrast that exhilarates the taste buds.
Chocolate Ganache: Top filled cookie cups with a rich chocolate ganache for an indulgent finish.
It enhances the luxurious chocolate experience and adds a glossy touch to your treats.
Sugar-Free Option: Use sugar substitutes in place of granulated and brown sugar for a guilt-free indulgence.
This way, everyone can enjoy the flavors without worrying about the sugar content!
Dark Chocolate Cups: Experiment with dark chocolate for the cookie base for a richer, more intense flavor.
These deep chocolate tones will complement the minty filling, leaving a lasting impression.

Tips for the Best Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups

Avoid Overbaking: Pull cookies out when they’re soft in the center to prevent them from becoming hard, allowing you to create the perfect cup shape.
Creaming Technique: Ensure your butter is at room temperature before creaming with sugars; this step adds air for a fluffy texture in your Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups with Cheesecake Filling.
Chill for Whipping: Use a chilled bowl and whisk when whipping cream to achieve stiff peaks more easily, resulting in an airy cheesecake filling.
Indent Correctly: Make the well in your cookie cups immediately after baking. Be gentle, as this creates the perfect spot for your creamy filling.
Time to Set: Let your filled cookie cups chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours. This helps the flavors meld and the texture to set beautifully.

Storage Tips for Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups

Room Temperature: These cookie cups can be kept at room temperature for up to 1 day in an airtight container, but they’re best enjoyed fresh.

Fridge: Store leftover Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups in the fridge for up to 3 days. Ensure they’re in an airtight container to retain moisture and flavor.

Freezer: Freeze unfilled cookie cups without toppings for up to 4 weeks. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for best results.

Reheating: If frozen, let the cookie cups thaw in the fridge overnight before filling. Do not microwave after assembly as it can compromise the cheesecake filling’s texture.

Make Ahead Options

These Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups with Cheesecake Filling are perfect for busy holiday preparations! You can prepare the cookie cups up to 24 hours in advance, baking them and allowing them to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and soft. Additionally, you can make the cheesecake filling (the cream cheese, whipped cream, and peppermint blend) up to 3 days ahead; just refrigerate it in a sealed container. When you’re ready to serve, fill the cooled cookie cups with the creamy mixture, refrigerate for 1-2 hours to set, and finish with a sprinkle of crushed candy canes. This way, you’ll have delightful, festive treats ready with minimal effort!

Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups Recipe FAQs

What type of flour should I use for the cookie cups?
You can use all-purpose flour for these Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups, but if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, a gluten-free flour blend containing xanthan gum will work beautifully!

How should I store leftover cookie cups?
Store leftover Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps them moist and delicious. If they last longer than that, consider freezing them without the cheesecake filling to maintain their texture.

Can I freeze these cookie cups?
Absolutely! Freeze unfilled cookie cups without any toppings for up to 4 weeks. Wrap each cup tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight before filling and decorating!

What happens if my cookie cups fall apart after baking?
If your cookie cups crumble, they may have been overbaked or the dough was too dry. Ensure you monitor the baking time closely, removing them when they are soft in the center. To avoid dryness, make sure to properly measure ingredients, especially when it comes to flour.

Are these cookie cups safe for pets or people with allergies?
Since these Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups contain ingredients like chocolate, sugar, and dairy, they are not safe for pets. For allergenic considerations, ensure that any guests with allergies know about the ingredients used, particularly in the frosting and cookie base.

How can I customize the flavors of these cookie cups?
The possibilities are endless! You can substitute peppermint extract with almond extract for a different flavor profile. Adding mini chocolate chips or finely chopped nuts to the filling adds delightful texture. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your delicious treats!