Peanut Butter Cup Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups Recipe

There’s something utterly charming about these festive treats that combine the best of sweet and peanut butter flavors. The Peanut Butter Cup Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups Recipe is a magical little dessert — cookie, candy, and decoration all wrapped into one delightful bite. I promise you, once you try these, they’ll be a holiday favorite in your kitchen too.

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Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients & Why They Work
• Make It Your Way
• Step-by-Step: How I Make Peanut Butter Cup Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups Recipe
• Top Tip
• How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups Recipe
• Make Ahead and Storage
• Frequently Asked Questions:
• Final Thoughts
• Peanut Butter Cup Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups Recipe

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here pulls double duty — simplicity from the cookie dough, richness from the peanut butter cups, and a touch of whimsy with the candy canes and sprinkles. Shopping is straightforward, but here are some insights to keep your Peanut Butter Cup Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups Recipe tasting its best.

• Sugar cookie dough: Store-bought saves time but look for one without extra additives for a pure buttery flavor.
• Miniature Reese’s cups: The real star — choose fresh ones with a sturdy chocolate shell so they hold up during baking.
• White chocolate chips: These melt easily and provide a smooth "glue" for attaching your handles and details.
• Mini candy canes: Pick sturdy ones to create handles; the peppermint flavor is a festive bonus.
• Store-bought white icing: Pre-made icing pipes nicely and mimics whipped cream without fuss.
• Marshmallow bits: Different from mini marshmallows, these tiny bits add fluffy texture without melting away.
• Holiday sprinkles: Colorful and fun — choose whatever matches your festive mood.

Make It Your Way

This recipe really invites you to get creative. I’ve tried swapping out the peanut butter cups for mini chocolate truffles or even white chocolate peanut butter cups to mix up the flavor profile. Don’t be shy about adding your own twist—maybe a dash of cinnamon in the dough or a sprinkle of sea salt on top to balance the sweetness.

• Variation: Once, I swapped out the regular sugar cookie dough for a chocolate cookie dough, and it made for an extra decadent treat that my family adored.
• Dietary tweaks: Gluten-free dough can work well here, just watch the bake time closely as they sometimes brown faster.
• Seasonal touches: Add crushed peppermint or colored sugar instead of sprinkles for a different festive vibe.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Peanut Butter Cup Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups Recipe

Step 1: Shape Your Cookie Cups

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and spritz that mini muffin pan with non-stick spray. I like to unwrap the sugar cookie dough and press each piece into a mini muffin cup. Here’s my little secret: using a small square of wax paper, I gently press the center of each dough ball with my fingers to make a little cavity — this is where the peanut butter cup will nestle perfectly. Bake them for about 13 minutes or until you see the edges turn a beautiful, light golden brown.

Step 2: Prep Your Decorations While Baking

While the cookie cups bake, unwrap all your miniature Reese’s cups—that’s the gooey core of the recipe! Then, grab your mini candy canes and carefully slice off their hooks with a serrated knife. That hook will become your handle, so take your time. Use the leftover candy cane halves as peppermint “stir sticks” to add even more charm later. Fill a piping bag with the store-bought white icing, and have your marshmallow bits and holiday sprinkles ready for decorating.

Step 3: Assemble the Peanut Butter Centers and Handles

Once your cookie cups are done baking, carefully press a miniature Reese’s cup into the center of each while the cookie is still warm but cool enough to handle. Then slide in the candy cane handles at an angle near the edge so they stay secure. Set the cookie cups aside to cool completely—about 20 minutes is my go-to here to avoid any melting mishaps.

Step 4: Glue on the Candy Cane Handles

Melt a tablespoon of white chocolate chips in the microwave or double boiler. Think of this as edible glue! Use a small dab of this melted chocolate to attach the candy cane “handle” firmly onto the side of each cookie cup. Let these dry for at least 10 minutes to make sure your handles won’t break or fall off when you pick them up.

Step 5: Decorate Like a Pro

With everything cooled and secured, pipe a tiny swirl of white icing on top of each Reese’s cup to mimic whipped cream. I always love adding a sprinkle of holiday sprinkles and some marshmallow bits right on top—it’s that sweet finishing touch that takes these cookie cups to another level of festive fun.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups Recipe

Garnishes

I keep it simple and festive: a little frosting piped on top, marshmallow bits, and colorful holiday sprinkles. For extra flair, you could even dust with a touch of powdered sugar to mimic snow or add a tiny edible glitter sprinkle for sparkle.

Side Dishes

These cookie cups are a sweet star all on their own, but I like pairing them with a warm mug of hot chocolate or even peppermint bark for a candy variety. For more savory balance, a small selection of cheese and nuts can make your holiday platter feel extra special.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I love arranging the cookie cups in a festive tin lined with parchment paper or on a decorative cake stand surrounded by evergreen sprigs and fairy lights. It’s such a cozy look that invites guests right in. You could also gift them in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade present.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Peanut Butter Cup Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Refrigeration tends to dry out the cookie part, so I avoid it whenever possible.

Freezing

Freezing works well for these cookie cups if you want to prep early. I wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before serving.

Reheating

While they’re best enjoyed fresh, if you want a warm treat, pop a cookie cup in the microwave for about 10 seconds to soften slightly but be careful not to melt the chocolate completely.

Final Thoughts

I’ve made the Peanut Butter Cup Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups Recipe every holiday season for years now, and they never fail to bring smiles. It’s such a wonderfully interactive treat that feels like a little gift with every bite. Whether you’re baking with kids or looking for an impressive yet easy party dessert, I’m confident this recipe will make you a fan for life. Trust me, these cookie cups are worth the little effort—they’re pure holiday magic on a plate!

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