Chocolate Cookie Cups

Craving a sweet treat that combines the richness of chocolate and the crunch of a cookie cup? Look no further! These Chocolate Cookie Cups are filled with a smooth milk chocolate ganache, making them the perfect bite-sized indulgence. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply satisfying your own sweet tooth, these cookie cups are sure to impress.

Ingredients List

Creating these delectable chocolate cookie cups requires just a few key ingredients. Here’s everything you need:

For the Chocolate Cookie Dough

• ½ cup (4 oz/115 g) butter, softened
• ½ cup (4 oz/115 g) granulated sugar
• ⅔ cup (4 oz/115 g) dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1½ cups (7½ oz/213 g) all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup (1 1/3 oz/37 g) cocoa powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda

For the Milk Chocolate Ganache Filling

• ¾ cup (4½ oz/128 g) milk chocolate, finely chopped
• 1 cup (8 fl oz/240 ml) heavy cream
• Sprinkles, for decorating (optional)

Required Kitchen Tools

Having the right tools can make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s a list of the essential kitchen equipment needed for this recipe:

1. Electric Mixer or Hand Whisk: To beat the butter and sugar together smoothly.
2. Muffin Tin: A mini muffin tin is essential for shaping the cookie cups.
3. Wooden Spoon: For creating indentations in the cookie cups after baking.
4. Small Saucepan: Used to heat the cream for the ganache filling.
5. Whisk: For combining the cream and chocolate to create a smooth ganache.
6. Wire Rack: To cool the cookie cups after baking.

These tools will ensure that your chocolate cookie cups turn out perfectly every time!

Cookie Cup Preparation

Creating the perfect chocolate cookie cups requires careful attention to the dough and filling. Follow these steps to make sure your cookie cups come out perfectly crispy on the outside, yet soft and chewy on the inside.

Make the Cookie Cups

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) with the fan assist option. While the oven is heating, butter about 30 mini muffin cups. Set them aside for later use.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
   In a large bowl, use a hand whisk or electric mixer to beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until blended. This should take about 3 minutes. Then, whisk in the vanilla extract for an extra boost of flavor.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients
   In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda. Once mixed, fold these dry ingredients into the butter-sugar mixture. Stir until evenly combined, creating a rich and smooth chocolate dough.
4. Shape the Cookie Cups
   Scoop out level tablespoons of the cookie dough. Roll each scoop into a ball and press it into the bottoms and up the sides of the prepared muffin tin. This will form the base and walls of the cookie cups. Make sure the dough is evenly distributed to ensure a nice cup shape once baked.
5. Bake the Cookie Cups
   Place the muffin tins in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the cookie cups are set. The edges should be firm, but the centers will still be soft.
6. Form the Indentation
   As soon as the cookie cups come out of the oven, immediately press an indentation into the center of each cookie with the end of a wooden spoon or similar tool. This will create space for the milk chocolate ganache filling. Let the cookie cups cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Ganache Filling Preparation

The ganache filling is what gives these chocolate cookie cups their rich and creamy center. It’s smooth, silky, and perfectly complements the crunchy cookie exterior. Follow these steps for a smooth and flawless filling.

Make the Ganache Filling

1. Chop the Chocolate
   Start by finely chopping the milk chocolate into small pieces. Place the chopped chocolate in a medium heat-safe bowl and set it aside for later.
2. Heat the Cream
   In a small saucepan, warm the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to steam and simmer, about 3 to 5 minutes. Be sure to keep an eye on it to prevent the cream from boiling over.
3. Combine Cream and Chocolate
   Once the cream is steaming, pour it over the chopped milk chocolate. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow the heat from the cream to soften the chocolate.
4. Whisk the Ganache
   After 5 minutes, use a whisk to gently stir the chocolate and cream together. Start in the center of the bowl and use small, circular motions that gradually get larger to incorporate all of the cream into the chocolate. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
5. Fill the Cookie Cups
   Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the milk chocolate ganache into the center of each cooled cookie cup. The ganache will fill the indentation made earlier, creating a rich, decadent filling. If desired, sprinkle some colorful sprinkles on top for a festive touch.
6. Chill to Set
   Once all the cookie cups are filled, place them in the refrigerator and allow the ganache to chill and set for about 90 minutes. This will ensure the ganache firms up and holds its shape.

Serving and Storage

These chocolate cookie cups are not only delicious but also make for a visually appealing treat. Once the ganache has set, you can serve them fresh, or store them for later enjoyment.

Serving the Cookie Cups

Once your chocolate cookie cups have cooled and the ganache has set, they are ready to be enjoyed! Here are some tips for serving:

• Decorate with Sprinkles: If you haven’t already, top the ganache with colorful sprinkles to add an extra pop of color and texture.
• Pair with Beverages: These cookie cups pair wonderfully with milk, coffee, or even hot chocolate, making them the perfect treat for any occasion.
• Serve as a Party Treat: With their bite-sized nature and rich flavor, chocolate cookie cups make an excellent addition to any dessert table at parties, gatherings, or family celebrations.

Storage Instructions

To keep your chocolate cookie cups fresh and delicious:

1. How to Keep Cookie Cups Fresh:
   Store the cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will maintain their freshness, and the ganache will stay smooth.
2. Refrigerating the Cookie Cups:
   If you prefer to keep them a bit longer, you can store the cookie cups in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re in an airtight container to prevent the cookies from becoming too dry.
3. Freezing the Cookie Cups:
   For longer storage, you can freeze the cookie cups. Place them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. To enjoy them later, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

Conclusion

Chocolate cookie cups are a delightful, bite-sized dessert that combines the rich flavor of chocolate with a smooth, creamy ganache filling.

They’re perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations. By following the easy steps in this recipe, you can create these decadent treats at home, and with the right storage, you can enjoy them for days or even weeks to come.

So, preheat your oven, grab your ingredients, and start baking these irresistible chocolate cookie cups today!