Why Make This Recipe
Christmas Holly Cookie Cups are more than just a treat; they are a delightful blend of flavors and festive colors that will brighten your holiday table. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate, topped with a festive garnish, makes these cookies irresistible.
Creating these cookie cups is a fun activity to enjoy with family and friends during the holiday season. They not only taste amazing but also look beautiful, making them perfect for gifting or sharing at gatherings.
Equipment Needed for Christmas Holly Cookie Cups
To make the Christmas Holly Cookie Cups, you will need a few basic kitchen tools:
- Electric mixer
- Large mixing bowl
- Mini muffin tin
- Wax paper
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Plastic bag with scissors
What You Need to Make Christmas Holly Cookie Cups
To prepare Christmas Holly Cookie Cups, gather the following ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened (¾ stick)
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup white sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- 1 egg
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 30 mini Reese’s Peanut Butter cups
- 4 squares white almond bark
- 36 red M&M’s or round candies
How to Cook Christmas Holly Cookie Cups Step by Step
Begin by preheating your oven to 350℉. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and white sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 30 seconds. It’s essential to combine these ingredients until they are light and fluffy.
Next, add the vanilla extract and egg to the creamed mixture. Continue to mix for another 10 seconds until well incorporated. Then, sprinkle the baking soda into the mixture, and on low speed, combine for an additional 10 seconds.
Now, it’s time to add the all-purpose flour. Gradually mix it into your creamy mixture until you have a smooth dough without any specks of flour remaining. Once the dough is well combined, use a spoon to scoop and roll tablespoons of dough into balls.
Place each ball firmly into a greased mini muffin tin. Make sure they are spaced evenly. Bake the cookie cups in the preheated oven for 8 minutes. Remember, it’s very important to not overbake them. They might look a little doughy, but they will continue to cook while cooling.
After 8 minutes, remove the muffin tin from the oven. While it’s still hot, gently press a mini Reese’s Peanut Butter cup into the center of each cookie. The warm cookies will melt the chocolate slightly, creating a deliciously gooey center.
Let the cookies cool in the muffin tin for a short time. Meanwhile, prepare the decorations by melting the white almond bark. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat at 50% power, stirring often until it is completely melted and smooth. Once melted, add a few drops of green food coloring to achieve your desired shade of green.
Spoon the melted almond bark into a plastic bag and snip a tiny piece of one corner. Using printable holly leaf paper under wax paper as an outline, pipe about 75 leaves. You will only need 60 leaves for the 30 cookies, but it’s wise to create extras in case any break.
Once the cookie cups have cooled for at least 20-30 minutes, test the temperature by inserting one holly leaf into one cookie. If it melts, wait a little longer as your almond bark might still be too warm. If it does not melt, you’re ready to proceed.
Begin by inserting two leaves into each cookie cup, followed by a red M&M or round candy for a pop of color. Once all leaves and candies are placed, refrigerate the muffin tin for 10-15 minutes, or place it outside in the winter cold until the chocolate hardens.
Once the chocolate is set, gently scoop the cookie cups out of the muffin tin from the side opposite where you placed the holly leaves. This is where the greasing of the muffin tin becomes crucial; otherwise, your cookies may stick.
How to Make Christmas Holly Cookie Cups
Making Christmas Holly Cookie Cups is uncomplicated and fun. Follow the steps mentioned above, ensuring your measurements are precise for the best results. Enjoy the process of mixing, baking, and decorating your cookies.
It’s a lovely recipe to involve kids, allowing them to roll the dough or help decorate the cookie cups. This creates a memorable holiday experience, blending baking with bonding and laughter.
How to Serve Christmas Holly Cookie Cups
These festive cookie cups can be served directly from the muffin tin or transferred to a decorative plate for a beautiful presentation. The bright colors and unique shapes will surely catch the eye of anyone at your holiday gathering.
For a fun party touch, you can pair these cookies with hot cocoa or holiday-themed drinks. They make an excellent addition to dessert platters and can also be boxed as thoughtful gifts for your friends and family.
What to Serve with Christmas Holly Cookie Cups
When serving these cookie cups, consider pairing them with complementary treats. Hot beverages like cocoa, coffee, or peppermint tea are perfect.
Adding a variety of other cookies or festive snacks such as gingerbread men or chocolate-covered pretzels can create a delightful dessert spread. Lastly, a fruit platter with fresh berries or citrus complements the sweetness of the cookies nicely.
How to Store Christmas Holly Cookie Cups
Storing your Christmas Holly Cookie Cups properly will keep them fresh for a longer time. Place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They should last up to a week, although they might not last that long!
If you prefer, you can also refrigerate them for extra freshness. However, if you do choose to refrigerate, ensure they are well-protected to avoid absorbing any odors from other foods.
Tips to Make Christmas Holly Cookie Cups
To ensure your Christmas Holly Cookie Cups turn out perfectly, here are some helpful tips:
- Make sure the butter is softened properly for a smooth cookie dough.
- Do not overbake; 8 minutes is ideal to keep them soft and chewy.
- Allow cookies to cool before adding decorations to avoid melting the chocolate.
- If you wish, double or triple the recipe for larger gatherings.
Variation
You can easily adapt this recipe based on your taste. For instance, instead of peanut butter, try using almond butter for a nutty twist.
You can also use dark chocolate almond bark instead of white for a richer flavor. Finally, experimenting with different candies as decorations can add a personal touch to the recipe.
Best Time to Make Christmas Holly Cookie Cups
The best time to make these cookie cups is during the holiday season. Whether it’s for Christmas parties, family gatherings, or neighborhood cookie swaps, they are sure to impress.
You can start preparing them early and store them until needed, ensuring that you have plenty of festive treats on hand for your holiday celebrations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common mistakes when making Christmas Holly Cookie Cups:
- Overbaking your cookies will make them hard instead of soft.
- Not greasing the muffin tin properly can lead to sticking, making it difficult to remove the cookies.
- Using too much food coloring might alter the taste, so start with just a few drops and increase as needed.
Nutritional Notes
Christmas Holly Cookie Cups can be a delightful treat, but it’s essential to indulge mindfully. Each cookie cup contains a mix of sugars and fats, so enjoy them in moderation, especially during the festive season.
FAQs
Can I freeze Christmas Holly Cookie Cups?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie cups. Place them in airtight containers and freeze for up to three months.
Can I use different candies for decoration?
Absolutely! You can get creative and use any round candies or chocolate pieces for decorating.
How long can I keep these cookies?
Stored properly in an airtight container, the cookies can last up to a week at room temperature.
Conclusion
Christmas Holly Cookie Cups are a joyous addition to any holiday celebration. They bring warmth and sweetness, bringing smiles to all who see and taste them. Follow this simple recipe to create beautiful and delicious cookies that are sure to impress friends and family alike. Enjoy the process of making these delightful treats, and share the holiday spirit with loved ones!
