If you’re searching for a delightful twist on a classic favorite, this Fudge Filled Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups Recipe is a total game-changer. Imagine the perfect bite-sized cookie, golden and chewy, hugging a rich, creamy fudge center that melts in your mouth. It’s a heavenly combination that’s ideal for sharing with friends, bringing a smile to any occasion, or simply treating yourself to an indulgent moment. This dessert brings together simple ingredients to create something truly special and utterly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun and guaranteed success of this recipe. Each element plays its part in delivering delicious texture, rich flavor, and that signature gooey fudge surprise.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation, providing structure and softness to the cookie cups.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the depth of flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Gives the perfect lift and lightness to the cookie dough.
- 1/2 cup (4 ounces) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and ensures a tender crumb.
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar: Gives moisture and that lovely caramel undertone.
- 1 egg, room temperature: Binds ingredients together for perfect chewiness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and enhances chocolate flavors.
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips: Baked right into the cookie cups for melty, sweet pockets.
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (for fudge filling): The heart of the luscious fudge center.
- 3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk: Creates the creamy, dreamy fudge filling.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for fudge filling): Adds a subtle aromatic note to the fudge.
How to Make Fudge Filled Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect baking temperature. Then, grab two mini muffin pans and get them ready—you’ll be shaping the cookie dough directly in these pans, so no need for complicated molds!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda. This simple blend is key to achieving the right texture and rise in your cookie cups, making sure every bite is soft with just the right chew.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Brown Sugar
Grab a large bowl, and cream the softened butter with brown sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This usually takes 2 to 3 minutes and is essential for a tender, buttery cookie cup base that’s perfectly sweet.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
Next, beat in your room temperature egg and vanilla extract, mixing just until combined. It’s crucial not to overmix here to keep the cookie base nice and tender.
Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients and Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Then, fold in the semisweet chocolate chips—these bursts of chocolate throughout are what make each bite an absolute delight.
Step 6: Shape and Bake Cookie Cups
Roll your cookie dough into 1-inch balls and place one in each muffin cup. Pop the pans into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown around the edges. While still warm, press the center of each cookie gently with the back of a teaspoon to create a little cup. Let them cool completely before removing to hold their shape perfectly.
Step 7: Make the Fudge Filling
Time for the star: the fudge filling! Melt 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips with sweetened condensed milk over simmering water, stirring constantly until silky smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract for that extra punch of flavor that takes your fudge to the next level.
Step 8: Fill and Set
Pipe or spoon the luscious fudge into each cookie cup generously. Allow the fudge to set—this gives you that beautiful contrast between the chewy cookie shell and the soft, creamy fudge inside, making every bite a total treat.
How to Serve Fudge Filled Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top just before serving adds a fantastic contrast to the sweetness. You can also dust the cups lightly with powdered sugar or top them with mini chocolate chips for extra flair. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream work beautifully if you want to take things up a notch.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookie cups with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cold glass of milk to balance the rich fudge. They also complement a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate perfectly for a cozy dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cookie cups on a beautiful tiered dessert tray at parties, or arrange them in cupcake liners for a charming gift presentation. You can even drizzle them with caramel or raspberry sauce for a stunning visual and flavor upgrade that will impress any guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cookie cups stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the cookie portion tender while preserving the fudge center, so you enjoy the same delightful texture with every bite.
Freezing
If you want to save them for longer, freeze the cookie cups in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Then transfer them to a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving for the best experience.
Reheating
You can gently warm thawed cookie cups in the microwave for about 15 seconds to bring back that soft, warm cookie feel and slightly melty fudge center. Just be careful not to overheat and turn the fudge grainy.
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate will give the cookie cups a richer, more intense chocolate flavor. Just keep in mind that the overall sweetness might be slightly reduced, which some chocolate lovers prefer.
Do I need special pans to make cookie cups?
You only need mini muffin pans for shaping and baking these cookie cups. Their size is perfect for portion control and presentation, making them ideal for parties or snack time.
Can I make the fudge filling ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the fudge filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Warm it gently before piping it into the cookie cups to achieve that smooth, spreadable texture.
Is it okay to use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Using salted butter is fine, but be sure to reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to avoid over-seasoning your cookie cups.
How do I prevent the cookie cups from sticking to the pans?
Grease your mini muffin pans lightly with butter or nonstick spray before adding the dough. Letting the cookie cups cool completely before removing them also helps maintain their shape without sticking.
Final Thoughts
This Fudge Filled Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups Recipe is pure joy in every bite. It’s simple yet special, perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself. Once you try these, you’ll find yourself reaching for them time and again, whether to impress friends or simply satisfy a sweet craving. Dive in, have fun baking, and enjoy every melted-fudge-filled moment!
Print
Fudge Filled Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups Recipe
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 30 servings 1x
Description
These Fudge Filled Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups combine the best of both worlds—soft, chewy chocolate chip cookies shaped into adorable cups and filled with a rich, creamy fudge filling made from melted chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or a delightful dessert treat, these cookie cups offer a deliciously indulgent bite-sized snack that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Cookie Cups
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup (4 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Fudge Filling
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two mini muffin pans by lightly greasing them or using non-stick spray to ensure easy removal of the cookie cups.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda. This ensures the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed for proper rising and flavor.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and packed brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial for texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture until fully combined to build the cookie dough base.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough which can make the cookies tough.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips and Shape Dough: Gently fold in 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips. Then, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place each ball into the prepared muffin cups, spacing them accordingly.
- Bake Cookie Cups: Bake the cookie dough balls for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately after removing from the oven, press the center of each cookie gently with the back of a teaspoon to form a cup shape. Allow to cool completely in the pans before removal.
- Make Fudge Filling: To prepare the filling, melt 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips with 3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk over a double boiler (simmering water), stirring frequently until the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Fill Cookie Cups and Set: Using a piping bag or spoon, fill each cooled cookie cup with the fudge filling. Let the fudge set at room temperature or refrigerate briefly before serving to ensure a firm center.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for best creaming results.
- Cooling the cookie cups completely before filling prevents the fudge from melting.
- You can store the filled cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- If you prefer, substitute semisweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate according to taste preferences.
- Use high-quality sweetened condensed milk for a richer fudge filling flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
