When Santa visits, you know he will enjoy these yummy cookies! Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups are a treat. A tiny baked cookie cup filled with an easy homemade ganache and decorated for the holidays!
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What makes this recipe irresistible
Aren't these just the cutest? And you know what.... they taste amazing too! I made these last year for our Christmas cookie trays and they were a real hit. A little futzie, but so fun! They definitely dressed up the holiday and made it extra special!
What you'll need: ingredients
Please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for the exact measurements.
- pre-made sugar cookie dough
- Nutella hazelnut spread
- heavy cream
- chocolate melting wafers
- chocolate-covered pretzels
- mini-marshmallow bits (see link in essential equipment)
- decorative paper straws
- holiday themed sprinkles
Step-by-step guide: instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For complete directions, scroll down to the bottom.
- Preheat the oven.
- Spray a mini muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Place a piece of cookie dough into each well of the mini-muffin pan. Make an indent each center by firmly pressing into the dough.
- Bake the cookie cups until golden brown.
- Remove the cookies from the oven, and while they're still hot in the pan, use a wooden spoon and shape them into cup shapes.
- Allow the cookies to cool in the pan until completely cooled. Carefully remove the cookies from the pan.
- Next, heat the heavy cream in the microwave for one minute at the high setting until it begins to bubble.
- Add hazelnut spread to the heated cream, stirring until smooth and creamy.
- Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill each cookie with the hazelnut mixture and top with a few marshmallow bits.
- Next, melt the chocolate wafers at 30-second intervals and stir until completely melted.
- Break the pretzels creating a mug handle. Dip the broken ends into the melted chocolate and attach to the cookie.
- Insert the straw pieces into the filling, and decorate the outside of the cookie mugs with sprinkles.
Essential equipment for this recipe
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- silicone muffin tin (see Deb's tips below)
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Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
Absolutely! There are so many different flavors of pre-made cookie dough that would work great in this recipe from chocolate to snickerdoodle… you can even use a homemade cookie dough if you choose!
Smaller than the fluffy mini-marshmallows mini-marshmallow bits are dehydrated and smaller. Jet-Puffed brand makes a 3 oz. container of marshmallow bits often found in the boxed hot chocolate or marshmallow section of your local grocery store or on Amazon.
If you can't find them or don't want to buy them, you have several options. In a pinch, you can use white nonpareil sprinkles or diced marshmallows.
Another option for the mug handle is to use a miniature candy cane. Simply cut or break off the curved part, and attach it using melted chocolate to secure it into place. You can even use the remaining straight piece of the candy cane in place of the paper straw!
Pro tips for the perfect dish
My first attempt at making these was done using a metal pan to make the cookie cups. They caused the cookie dough to puff up so much the dough overflowed over the pan's edge. As I tried to shape them, the sides of the cookie cups would tear, creating holes in the "cup" itself. Using a silicone pan is the answer.
There's a link for the pan I used in the equipment above.
- Baking and cooling times may vary from kitchen to kitchen depending on the oven and ambient temperature/humidity.
- If you use a different type of dough, I do not recommend chunky cookie dough. Chunky cookie dough distorts the shape of the cup, making it difficult to fill.
How to store leftovers
Refrigerate - Store cookie mugs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to seven days.
Freezer - Make ahead! This recipe for Cookie Mugs can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one month.
More recipes you'll love
If you're looking for more fun Christmas cookie ideas, there are so many fun recipes to doll up
- Soft, chewy 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Blossoms - easy-to-make peanut butter cookies topped with a chocolate Hershey's Kiss.
- White Chocolate Covered Pretzels - this is the perfect combination of sweet and salty and so festive as well!
- Melt-in-your-mouth Kahlua Chocolate Truffles are packed with rich dark chocolate flavor, coffee liqueur, and fresh cream.
- Christmas Cookie Fudge - rich white chocolate with the flavors of your favorite sugar cookie!
Aren't these just adorable? They will be so fun to share, and what a treat!
Hot Chocolate Cookie Mug Recipe
Equipment
- mini-muffin pan (preferably silicone)
- wooden spoon
- 2 medium, microwave-safe mixing bowls
Ingredients
- 16 ounce package refrigerated sugar cookie dough (24 cookies)
- ½ c. hazelnut spread Nutella
- ¼ c. heavy cream
- ½ c. chocolate melting wafers
- 12 chocolate-covered pretzels
- mini-marshmallow bits NOT mini-marshmallows
- decorative paper straws cut into 1-inch pieces
- holiday themed sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375-degrees F.
- Generously spray a mini muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray. (You may skip this step if you are using a silicone pan.)
- Place one piece of the refrigerated cookie dough into each well of the mini-muffin pan. Using your finger, indent each center by firmly pressing into the dough.
- Bake the cookie cups for 12-14 minutes.
- Remove the cookies from the oven, and while they're still hot in the pan, use a wooden spoon (and a very gentle touch!) to shape the cookies into cup shapes.
- Allow the cookies to rest in the pan for 30 minutes or until they are completely cooled. Carefully remove cookies from pan using a sharp knife if necessary.
- Prepare the filling. In a medium, microwave-safe bowl, heat the heavy cream for one minute at high setting in the microwave until the cream begins to bubble.
- Add ½ c. hazelnut spread to the heated cream, stirring well until the filling is smooth and creamy.
- Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill each cookie with the hazelnut mixture and top with a few marshmallow bits. Set aside and allow the filled cookies to rest for 2 hours until the filling thickens.
- Decorate. In a small, microwave-safe mixing bowl, melt the chocolate wafers at 30 second intervals and stir until completely melted and smooth.
- Cut or break the loops from the chocolate-covered pretzels, dip the broken ends into the melted chocolate and attach to the cookie, creating a mug handle. You may have to hold the pretzel in place for a bit to ensure that it is secure.
- Insert the paper straw pieces into the filling, and decorate the outside of the cookie mugs with holiday-themed sprinkles.
- Serve and enjoy!
Sue Turcsany says
5 stars for the creativity. I'm always looking through all kinds of cookie recipes but usually try to find something that looks as if I labored all day but really had a lot of easy short cuts. I'm saving this one for when my granddaughter comes for a visit around the holidays--she loves to bake fancy desserts and this is right up her alley!
Debra Clark says
Wonderful, you have fun making that with your granddaughter!!! That sounds like a blast!
Rita Joy says
Well, my goodness - aren't those just the cutest Christmas cookies ever! What a fun idea. Oh, my little granddaughter would love them so much. Thanks for sharing all your tips and tricks to make baking them easier!
Teresa Stopher says
So adorable! Love something new to “wow” a party crowd! I can’t wait to make these for a Christmas gathering! This kind of project intrigues me! Thanks for the tip about using silicone pans for the cookie dough!
Debra Clark says
You're very welcome Teresa, I think you'll have fun making these!
Carol says
These cookies are so festive, your hints are very helpful. I think the grandkids will love them when I make their cookie tray at Christmas.
Debra Clark says
That's awesome Carol - glad you found some great ideas for those festive cookie trays!
Michelle Gosser says
Great advice will use for the future!!!!!
Michelle Gosser says
Oh my Goodness, these are so freaking cute! I'm definitely looking at making these this year for our Christmas party. Quick question though, what can be a substitute for Nutella? Not a big fan of that, I know I'm weird, lol. Maybe dark chocolate and peanut butter mixed??
Debra Clark says
Oooh! Not weird at all Michelle, that's a great question! Instead of using Nutella, use 4 ounces of finely chopped (high quality) chocolate and 1/4 cup heavy cream. Heat the cream for one minute in the microwave until it just starts to bubble. Pour it over the chocolate and whisk until smooth. Although I have to say, I love your idea of the peanut butter chocolate. I just might experiment with that!
Kesha says
These are so cute! I am having a party for my daughter and she would love these. I am thinking I will do buttercream for the filling and probably do some sort of pink sprinkles with a white chocolate pretzel for the handle!
Debra Clark says
That would be absolutely adorable, Kesha. Wouldn't they be super cute for a Barbie party?! Ooooh, the ideas!
Cat Stevens says
Yummy!!! Fussy and gooey but awe that sweet taste left in your mouth. A hit for any party.
Debra Clark says
You know it, Cathie! These little sweets will be a hit for sure!
Shasha says
OMG😍These are cuteness overload. I should of saw these earlier this week and made them on the 4th with the grandkids🥰
Debra Clark says
Cuteness overload, I love it!! Hopefully you can have a chance to make them later in the year when they visit again. Thanks Shasha, I appreciate you supporting the blog!!
Maureen says
These are absolutely indescribable. They would absolutely be great with a mug of hot chocolate. The could be made now to enjoy as a real treat. Can't wait to try.
Maureen says
These are absolutely adorable. They would absolutely be great with a mug of hot chocolate. The could be made now to enjoy as a real treat.
Debra Clark says
Totally, what a treat! Fun and festive!!
Anita P. Carey says
I can't wait to try the Hot chocolate mug recipe, it sounds amazing.
Debra Clark says
Thanks Anita - happy Christmas in July!!
Beverly Lloyd says
How cute! This is a recipe I will be saving for later in the year when it isn’t so hot outside and I dare turn my oven on.
Debra Clark says
Thanks Beverly, yes Pin it for later and make for the holidays!
MaryB says
How fun! I agree with another commenter that by changing it up a bit, this is a great idea for different holidays. The kiddos would love it.
Debra Clark says
Right? So smart and fun!!
ColleenB. - TX. says
So darn cute.
Leave out the straws and use small sections of candy canes in place of.
These could be made actually for different holidays, birthday's, etc. just by changing and using different decorations. Also be cute to make for a baby shower. So many possibilities when it comes to making these cookie cups.
Thanks for sharing the recipe. Many ideas going through my head right now., :}
Debra Clark says
Colleen, that is brilliant!! You definitely have your thinking cap on. The baby shower idea is adorable!! Thanks so much!! Deb
Lois says
These little mugs will be the star of the cookie tray. So fun and look so easy to make. Will be trying them. Love the little guys. And they will taste good to
Debra Clark says
Thanks Lois, they are just so fun! Thanks for supporting the blog!!
Jean says
These little cookie cups are adorable. I could see my grandbaby helping me make them!
Debra Clark says
Oh how fun, that sounds like a blast Jean!