If you’re a chocolate lover like me, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Triple Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups Recipe. Imagine rich, buttery cookie dough nestled perfectly in a muffin tin, loaded with melty dark, milk, and white chocolate chips creating an irresistible trio in every bite. These cookie cups are incredibly soft with a little crisp on the edges and a gooey, chocolate-filled center that’s pure bliss. They’re perfect for sharing at parties, gifting to friends, or just treating yourself on an ordinary day to something extraordinary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Triple Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups Recipe plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the nutty richness of browned butter to the trio of chocolates adding layers of sweetness, these staples come together simply but beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup + 1 tbsp, browned): The star ingredient that gives the dough a deep, nutty flavor and a silky texture.
- Dark brown sugar (1/3 cup): Adds moisture and caramel-like notes that enhance the cookie’s softness.
- White sugar (1/3 cup): Provides the essential sweetness and helps achieve that slight crisp edge.
- Large egg (1, room temperature): Binds ingredients and contributes to the cookie’s tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract (2 tsps): Infuses warmth and depth to the dough’s flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The foundation giving structure and chewiness to the cookie cups.
- Baking soda (1/4 tsp): Helps the cookie rise just enough for a tender bite without too much spread.
- Baking powder (1/4 tsp): Adds a little extra lift for a perfect texture.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances sweetness and amplifies all the chocolatey flavors.
- Cornstarch (2 tsps): Keeps the cookies soft and crumbly, adding a gentle bite.
- White chocolate (50 g or 1/4 cup chips): Sweet and creamy bites scattered throughout.
- Dark chocolate (50 g or 1/4 cup chips): Rich, intense bursts of bittersweet brightness.
- Milk chocolate (50 g or 1/4 cup chips): Adds smooth, milky sweetness for balance.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Triple Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350℉/176℃ and generously grease a muffin tin with oil. This ensures your cookie cups come out perfectly shaped and ready to hold all that melty goodness.
Step 2: Brown the Butter
Melt your butter over medium-high heat and whisk continuously as it bubbles, crackles, and eventually turns a gorgeous golden brown. This step unlocks a deep, nutty flavor that makes these cookie cups truly special. Once it reaches that aromatic brown stage, transfer the butter to a glass bowl and let it cool to room temperature—patience here is key!
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt. This mixture creates the perfect structure and lightness the cookies need to hold all that triple chocolate.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk your cooled browned butter with both sugars until smooth and glossy. Then, beat in the egg and vanilla extract. This combination makes the batter irresistibly rich and fragrant.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula—be careful to mix just enough to combine. Over-mixing can lead to tough cookie cups, and we want them tender and soft.
Step 6: Add the Triple Chocolate
Fold in the white, dark, and milk chocolate chips, ensuring every scoop of dough has a perfect medley of chocolate flavors. Feel free to sprinkle some extra chips on top for an extra chocolaty finish!
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the dough evenly into your prepared muffin tin. Bake for 14-17 minutes—less time if you want gooey centers, a bit more if you like a slightly firmer bite. Trust your instincts here; either way, they’ll be delicious!
Step 8: Cool and Release
Once baked, let the cookie cups cool in the pan for a bit before running a knife around the edges and popping them out gently. This helps them keep their perfect cup shape, ready to be devoured.
How to Serve Triple Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar or add a pinch of flaky sea salt to enhance the chocolate complexity. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle warm chocolate or caramel sauce on top just before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookie cups with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a dessert that will wow every crowd. A hot cup of coffee or rich milk will also complement the chocolate notes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving these cookie cups in mini decorative cupcake liners adds a fun pop of color. Or, arrange them on a tiered dessert tray at your next gathering for a stunning presentation that invites everyone in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover triple chocolate chip cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their soft texture and chocolatey goodness without drying out.
Freezing
These cookie cups freeze beautifully! Simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
To get that freshly baked warmth back, pop a cookie cup in the microwave for about 15 seconds or warm it in the oven at 300℉ for 5-7 minutes. The chocolate will soften wonderfully, and the cookie texture will be restored.
FAQs
Can I substitute browned butter with regular melted butter?
Absolutely, but browning the butter adds a nutty, caramel-like flavor that deepens the cookie’s taste. Regular melted butter will still work, but you’ll miss out on that extra layer of richness.
Why use cornstarch in cookie dough?
Cornstarch helps keep the cookies soft and tender by preventing gluten from developing too much. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference in texture.
Can I use separate muffin liners instead of greasing the pan?
You can, but greasing the pan well allows the cookie cups to have crisp bottoms and makes removal easier. If you opt for liners, choose sturdy ones that can hold the dough without leaking.
Is it possible to make these cookie cups vegan?
With some ingredient swaps, yes! Use vegan butter, a flaxseed or chia egg substitute, and dairy-free chocolate chips to create a vegan-friendly version without sacrificing flavor.
How do I know when the cookie cups are done baking?
They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the middle. Baking times can vary slightly, so watch closely after the 14-minute mark for that perfect gooey center you crave.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about baking this Triple Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups Recipe—the way simple ingredients transform into an ooey-gooey, chocolate-packed delight is pure joy. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these cookie cups promise smiles with every bite. So, go ahead and treat yourself; these might just become your new favorite chocolate indulgence.
PrintTriple Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups Recipe
Delight in these rich and decadent Triple Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups, featuring a luscious blend of white, dark, and milk chocolate chips nestled in soft, buttery cookie dough browned to perfection. Perfectly baked in muffin tins, these cookie cups offer gooey, melt-in-your-mouth centers with crispy edges, ideal for sharing or indulging in solo.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookie cups
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp unsalted butter (melted and browned)
- 1/3 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/3 cup white sugar
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 2 tsps vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tsps cornstarch
Chocolate Chips
- 50 g white chocolate chips (or 1/4 cup)
- 50 g dark chocolate chips (or 1/4 cup)
- 50 g milk chocolate chips (or 1/4 cup)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (176℃). Grease a muffin tin thoroughly with oil to ensure easy removal of the cookie cups.
- Brown the Butter: In a medium pan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Stir continuously as it crackles and foams, watching carefully as it changes color to a golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. This process should take about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer the browned butter to a glass bowl to cool to room temperature for at least 15-30 minutes.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt. Stir well and set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, whisk the cooled browned butter insieme with dark brown sugar and white sugar for about 2 minutes until fully combined.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Whisk in the large egg and vanilla extract until smooth and homogeneous.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gently fold in the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Mix just until a soft cookie dough forms, being careful not to overmix.
- Add the Chocolate Chips: Fold in the white, dark, and milk chocolate chips a few times gently to distribute evenly without overmixing the dough.
- Scoop Dough into Muffin Tin: Using a 2-tbsp cookie scoop, portion the dough evenly into the prepared muffin tin cups. Optionally, sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top for added chocolatey goodness.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 14-17 minutes. For gooey centers, opt for the lower end of baking time; for a more baked texture, extend the bake closer to 17 minutes. Typically, 15 minutes yields perfect cookie cups.
- Cool and Remove: Let the cookie cups cool in the pan completely. Run a knife carefully around the edges to loosen them, then gently pop each cookie cup out. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Allow the browned butter to cool completely to avoid cooking the egg when mixing the dough.
- Do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added to keep the cookie cups tender and soft.
- For extra gooey centers, reduce baking time by a minute or two.
- You can substitute chocolate chips with chunks or different types of chocolates based on preference.
- Make sure to grease the muffin tin well to prevent sticking.