Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cups

Chocolate chip cookie dough cups are a playful twist on classic cookie dough, crafted to hold your favorite fillings. These treat-sized cups bring together rich buttery dough and sweet chocolate chips, chilled just right so you can stuff them with ice cream or mousse for a cool dessert or snack.

I first tried these when my niece wanted an ice cream bar for her birthday. We loved building our own treats together and the cups were a total hit with all ages.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: Softened brings out that classic cookie flavor. Choose high quality for best texture
• Brown sugar: Enriches the dough with caramel notes. Dark brown adds extra depth if you love molasses flavor
• Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness with crispness so do not skip this for best dough texture
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors. Real vanilla makes a difference
• Milk: Creates the perfect consistency. Use whole milk or try a splash of cream for richness
• All purpose flour: Heat treated for food safety. Choose unbleached for a cleaner taste and always heat treat to prevent bacteria
• Salt: Is key for balancing sweetness and making chocolate pop. Fine sea salt works best here
• Chocolate chips: Bring the signature look and taste. Try mini chips or chop a bar for gooey pockets

How to Make It

Heat Treat the Flour:

Spread the flour evenly over a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for five minutes. Let it cool completely before using to ensure any bacteria are killed and your dough is safe to eat

Cream the Butter and Sugars:

Place softened butter in a large bowl. Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Beat together with a hand mixer or strong whisk for about two to three minutes until the mixture is creamy with no lumps. This step ensures a smooth dough with no gritty texture

Add Wet Ingredients:

Pour the vanilla extract and milk into the butter sugar mixture. Mix until fully incorporated. The dough should look silky and slightly thickened

Incorporate Flour and Salt:

Add the cooled heat treated flour and the salt into the bowl. Stir gently with a spatula or spoon just until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing at this step can make the dough too dense

Fold in Chocolate Chips:

Toss in the chocolate chips and gently fold until evenly spread throughout the dough. If you like extra chocolate crowd in a few more chips here

Shape into Cups:

Either line a mini muffin tin with wrappers or lightly grease each cup. Scoop about two tablespoons of dough into each well and use your thumb or a small spoon to create a hollow center pressing dough evenly up the sides. For even cups try rotating the tin as you press

Chill the Cups:

Refrigerate the tray of dough cups for at least thirty to forty five minutes until they are firm and easy to remove from the tin. This step keeps their shape and gives the best texture for filling

Fill and Enjoy:

Remove dough cups from their molds. Fill each with your favorite treat such as ice cream whipped cream or a rich chocolate mousse. Top with extra chocolate chips or a light drizzle of melted chocolate for a beautiful finish

My favorite part is using dark chocolate chips and a splash of extra vanilla for a richer bite. My family loves building a little dessert bar so everyone can make their own perfect cup. These always spark creativity in the kitchen and quickly turn into a fun group project.

Flavor Boosters

Endless ways to customize with flavored chips sprinkles or even peanut butter

Serving Suggestions

Fill cups right before serving to keep them crisp and cool. Try adding tiny scoops of strawberry or coffee ice cream for grown up flavor. A sprinkle of sea salt or rainbow sprinkles on top adds extra fun

Creative Twists

Add cinnamon and nutmeg in fall for a snickerdoodle vibe. Stir in crushed peppermint or candy canes at winter holidays. Swap chocolate chips for pastel candies or toasted coconut in spring

At my last family get together everyone raved about these dough cups especially when we made an ice cream bar. My neighbor now asks for the recipe any time she’s planning a birthday party. Children especially adore customizing their own dessert

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ How do you heat-treat flour for the dough cups?

Spread the flour on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes. Allow it to cool completely before using to ensure it's safe to eat raw.

→ Can I add other mix-ins to the dough?

Absolutely! Peanut butter, chopped nuts, or mini candies can be folded into the dough for extra flavor and texture.

→ What can I fill the cookie cups with?

The dough cups pair well with ice cream, whipped cream, fruit, or chocolate mousse. Customize with your favorite fillings for variety.

→ How long do the cookie dough cups need to chill?

Chill the shaped dough cups in the refrigerator for 30–45 minutes, or until firm and ready to hold your chosen filling.

→ Can the dough cups be made ahead of time?

Yes, the chilled dough cups can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to fill and serve.