How to Make Cookie Cups

This is how to make cookie cups in a muffin pan! You can fill with all sort of sweets like pie filling or pudding like our egg nog cookie cups, this is a super fun pick up dessert.

How to Make Cookie Cups

I made these probably ten years ago the first time at Christmas with egg nog pudding inside. With little kids I always wanted to try and make things fun. Anything that could be made into a muffin tin recipe I did. From dinners to desserts and everything in between I figured out how to make all things in that pan.

Didn’t think about it again until recently when I instead of making just the cup with cookie dough I added a filling halfway thru, that was delicious too. I will share the apple pie cookie cup idea below so y’all can try that one too. Use any fruit flavor out of a can you want and it would turn out amazing.

Sugar Cookie Cups

Most of them are great warm, lemon filling could really go either way. You could make as a lemon curd dessert too if you wanted to. Easy to make on your own at home with just a few ingredients, or buy a jar. As you can tell it is super flexible. Now when I add pudding I want that to stay nice and cold. SO what I do in that case is just make the cup.

While those are baking I’ll just grab a box of instant pudding and mix with milk or when it is Christmas I will use vanilla mix with egg nog instead of just plain white milk! Gives it way way more flavor and everyone loves them. Once done I’ll transfer into a pint freezer bag and stick into the fridge to get really cold and thicken.

When ready to serve, just snip the corner right off and you can pipe into the middle in a pretty swirl. NO need to order expensive pastry bags and tips my friend.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups

Now you could very easily use a different flavored dough, or make Cornbread Cookies dough and use that with a savory filling. Ones with chips in them won’t be smooth to mold into the cup as easily but can be done. I have made these in a regular tin as well as mini for smaller bites. That is up to you.

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease a muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray well into each hole. Combine two pieces of cookie dough into one larger ball. Place one cookie dough ball in each cup of the muffin pan. (for mini muffin pan use 1 piece per hole.
• Bake dough in pan for 10 minutes for regular pan or 5 minutes for mini muffin pan, then remove the pan from the oven.
• The cookies will still be soft. Use the back of a tablespoon to press down the center of the cookie to form a cup. (or bottom of a shot glass works even better)
• If you want to fill with pie filling cut larger pieces, like apple slices, into small pieces. Fill each cookie cup with filling 3/4 of way full and return the pan to the oven to bake for an additional 10 minutes
  • 5 minutes for mini pan
• or until the edges of the top of the cookie cups are golden brown.
  • ** If you are adding a filling that shouldn’t be baked, return to oven without a filling to finish baking until light golden brown on edges and bottom
    • about 6 minutes longer for regular or 4 minutes longer for mini muffin tins.
• Allow the cookies to cool in the pan for around 10 minutes, then use a spoon to loosen from the sides and carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

How to get cookie cups out of pan?

The key to getting these done properly and out of the pan is to make SURE the pan is sprayed well with non stick spray first. Secondly, you want the whole thing to be golden brown once baked to stiffen up properly. Use a small spoon or knife to loosen the sides when cooled and a spoon can scoop each one out in 1 piece.

Can you make cookie cups with silicone muffin cups?

You could if you sprayed the inside well and put the cups on a flat baking sheet. I will say these are harder to get out as there are lots of nooks and crannies vs. a pan with smooth sides which allows them to slide out easier.

This delightful treat that can be filled with a variety of delicious fillings. Ice cream is a fun one for a sundae on the weekends! Here are some ideas for sweet and savory cookie cup fillings:

Cookie Cup Fillings

1. Smooth and creamy chocolate ganache is a classic choice for filling cookie cups. You can use dark, milk, or white chocolate ganache.
2. Fill with your favorite homemade Instant Pot jam, such as raspberry, strawberry, apricot, or blueberry. These add a burst of fruity flavor.
3. Tangy and zesty lemon curd makes a refreshing filling. It’s especially good when paired with a buttery cookie cup.
4. Squeeze in a dollop of peanut butter or Nutella inside for a rich and nutty filling. Super easy to use this.
5. Top with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a mix of fresh berries for a light and fruity option.
6. A drizzle of salted caramel sauce adds sweetness and a touch of saltiness that balances the flavors perfectly.
7. Marshmallow fluff can be piped in and/or toasted for a campfire-inspired twist.
8. Try our Cool Whip cream cheese frosting, it adds a creamy, tangy element to your easy cookie cups. You can also flavor it with extracts or zest.
9. Light and airy chocolate mousse is a decadent filling option that complements the cookie cup’s texture.

Savory Cookie Cup Fillings

Now you could use refrigerated or thawed frozen rolls to make these too.

1. We did this with rolls to make our ham and cheese biscuits which were great for grab and go lunches.
2. A savory spinach and artichoke dip works well as a filling, offering a creamy and flavorful bite.
3. Fill insides with a creamy chicken salad made with cooked chicken, mayo, celery, and other seasonings.
4. For a refreshing option, fill cookie cups with guacamole and top with a sprinkle of diced tomatoes or cheese.
5. Hummus is a great savory filling that pairs well with vegetables or even a sprinkle of paprika.
6. Spicy buffalo chicken dip can be a unique and flavorful filling choice, especially for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
7. Fill with a mixture of your favorite savory cheeses, like cheddar, feta, or goat cheese.
8. Combine salsa with a dollop of sour cream for a zesty and tangy filling.
9. Fill with a mixture of diced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a fresh and light option.

Remember to consider the flavors and textures of the cookie cups and fillings to ensure a harmonious combination. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavor profiles to create unique and delicious cookie cup treats.

Air Fryer Cookie Cups

Now if you wanted to make these in your hot air machine you could but you’ll need silicone muffin cups to do so. You can use sugar refrigerated dough or follow our Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies recipe and put a ball inside each cup. Set inside basket for about 3 minutes, then use the spoon to shape warm dough on to the sides.

Continue “baking” for 2-4 more minutes or until the bottom and sides are browned. You may need to shape again during this time. I will say the shaping is more work this way but can be done.