Get ready to elevate your holiday baking game with these delightful Christmas Holly Cookie Cups! Perfectly soft and buttery, these charming little treats are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight that will impress your family and friends. Imagine biting into a warm, chocolate-filled cookie cup adorned with festive red and green candies—it's a holiday experience you won't want to miss! With just 40 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up a batch of 24 scrumptious cookie cups that are perfect for sharing or enjoying all to yourself. Read on to discover how to bring this festive treat to life in your kitchen!
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup green and red candy (for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray or butter to ensure easy cookie removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Incorporate the vanilla extract and blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft cookie dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the dough into each mini muffin cup, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft.
- Remove from the oven and immediately use the back of a rounded teaspoon to create a gentle indentation in the center of each cookie cup while they are still warm.
- Allow the cookie cups to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
- Once cooled, fill each cookie cup's center with melted chocolate, creating a smooth base.
- Decorate the tops with green and red candies to resemble holly berries and leaves, arranging them artfully on the chocolate surface.
- Let the chocolate set completely at room temperature or refrigerate for faster setting, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Store the Christmas Holly Cookie Cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before scooping and baking.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until the dough comes together. Overmixing can lead to tough cookie cups.
- Indent While Warm: Make sure to create the indentations in the cookie cups while they are still warm. This will help them hold their shape better and make it easier to fill them with chocolate later.
- Chocolate Melting: When melting the chocolate chips, do so in short bursts in the microwave to avoid burning. Stirring frequently ensures a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Creative Decorations: Feel free to get creative with your decorations! Use different colored candies or even sprinkle some edible glitter to make your cookie cups sparkle.
- Storage Tips: To keep your cookie cups fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Serve Warm: For an extra special treat, serve the cookie cups warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—it's a holiday dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 45mg
