Chocolate Cookie Cups with Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

Chocolate lovers, rejoice! These Chocolate Cookie Cups with Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting are soft, chewy, and packed with rich chocolate flavor. Baking the cookies in a muffin tin transforms them into little cups, perfect for holding a generous dollop of creamy frosting. Every bite is a decadent combination of cookie and frosting, and they are just as fun to make as they are to eat.

These cookie cups are perfect for dessert, parties, or even an indulgent snack. The chocolate cream cheese frosting adds a smooth, velvety filling that takes these cookies to the next level. Plus, making the indentation after baking ensures the frosting sits perfectly in the center without spilling over.

Ingredients

Chocolate Cookie Cups

• 2 cups flour

• 1/3 cup cocoa powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 2/3 cup granulated sugar

• 2/3 cup butter, softened

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 large egg

Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

• 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

• 1/3 cup cocoa powder

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 3 tablespoons butter, softened

Optional toppings: chocolate chips, sprinkles, shaved chocolate

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 | Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners for easy removal.

Step 2 | Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda. Set aside.

Step 3 | Cream Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat together brown sugar, granulated sugar, and softened butter until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract and egg until fully incorporated.

Step 4 | Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.

Step 5 | Scoop Dough into Muffin Tin

Scoop dough into the prepared muffin tin using about 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons per cup. Bake at 350°F for 11 minutes. The edges should be set while the centers remain soft.

Step 6 | Create Indentations for Filling

Once the cookie cups are removed from the oven and slightly cooled but still warm, press the center of each cookie gently with the back of a spoon or a small measuring spoon to create a shallow indentation. This indentation will hold the frosting perfectly. Let the cookie cups cool completely before adding the filling.

Step 7 | Make Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, then stir in vanilla extract. Mix until the frosting is creamy and smooth.

Step 8 | Fill the Cookie Cups

Spoon or pipe the frosting into the indentations of each cooled cookie cup. Add optional toppings like chocolate chips, sprinkles, or shaved chocolate for a decorative touch.

Serving Suggestions

These cookie cups are perfect for parties, dessert platters, or just a sweet indulgence at home. Pair them with milk, coffee, or hot chocolate. Serve at room temperature for soft, chewy cookies or chill slightly for a firmer bite.

Tips for Perfect Cookie Cups

• Do not overbake: The centers should remain soft. They will firm up as they cool.

• Room temperature ingredients: Soft butter and cream cheese ensure smooth mixing.

• Even sizing: Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookie cups that bake evenly.

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Fun Variations

• Add a layer of chocolate ganache for extra indulgence.

• Mix in chocolate chips or mini candies into the cookie dough.

• Make mini versions for bite-sized desserts perfect for parties.

• Drizzle with melted white chocolate for a fancy touch.

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Recipe Card | Chocolate Cookie Cups with Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

Servings: 18–24 cookie cups

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Bake Time: 11 minutes

Total Time: 30–35 minutes

Ingredients

Chocolate Cookie Cups:

• 2 cups flour

• 1/3 cup cocoa powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 2/3 cup granulated sugar

• 2/3 cup butter, softened

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 large egg

Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

• 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

• 1/3 cup cocoa powder

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 3 tablespoons butter, softened

Optional Toppings: chocolate chips, sprinkles, shaved chocolate

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease or line a muffin tin.

2. Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda.

3. Beat brown sugar, granulated sugar, and butter until fluffy. Mix in vanilla and egg.

4. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients.

5. Scoop dough into muffin tin and bake 11 minutes until edges are set.

6. While slightly warm, press the center of each cookie to create a shallow indentation. Cool completely.

7. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, then vanilla. Mix until creamy.

8. Fill the cookie cup indentations with frosting and add optional toppings.

9. Serve and enjoy!