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If you’re looking to add a playful and delicious twist to your holiday treats, the Hot Cocoa Cookie Cups with Marshmallows, Candy Canes, and Festive Sprinkles Recipe is exactly what you need. These charming little cups combine the nostalgia of hot cocoa with the fun of bite-sized cookies, topped with fluffy marshmallows, sweet candy canes, and colorful sprinkles. Each bite feels like a cozy winter hug, making them an irresistible delight for kids and adults alike during the festive season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind the Hot Cocoa Cookie Cups with Marshmallows, Candy Canes, and Festive Sprinkles Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one is crucial for building playful textures and festive flavors that make this treat so special.
- Jet-Puffed Marshmallows (24): These provide a pillowy, soft topping that mimics the marshmallows in your favorite hot cocoa.
- Maravillas Cookies (24): A sturdy and subtly sweet cookie base that stands up perfectly to all the fun decorations.
- Mini Candy Canes (24): Their peppermint kick adds a festive zing and a crunchy contrast to the marshmallows.
- Red & Green Confetti Sprinkles: These offer vibrant pops of color, instantly adding holiday cheer.
- Tree Sprinkles: Little edible trees that bring a whimsical, wintery touch to each cup.
- White & Chocolate Cookie Icing: Essential for gluing everything together and adding extra layers of sweetness and decoration.
- Marshmallow Bits: Tiny marshmallows that add texture and an adorable look atop the finished cups.
How to Make Hot Cocoa Cookie Cups with Marshmallows, Candy Canes, and Festive Sprinkles Recipe
Step 1: Decorate the Cookie Edges
Begin by placing a small dot of white icing around the edges of each Maravillas cookie. Gently press the red and green confetti sprinkles onto the icing, alternating colors for a merry, rotating pattern. This colorful border not only brightens the cookie but helps set the festive tone right from the base.
Step 2: Attach the Marshmallows
Spread a blob of white icing on the bottom of each marshmallow, then firmly press it onto the center of the cookie. This secures the marshmallow in place while adding a snowy splash of white to the design.
Step 3: Add Chocolate Icing Layer
Using the tip of the chocolate icing tube or a clean toothpick, carefully squeeze chocolate icing over the marshmallow’s surface and spread it evenly. This rich chocolate layer mimics a luscious hot cocoa topping, enhancing both flavor and appeal.
Step 4: Sprinkle Marshmallow Bits
Place 3 to 4 mini marshmallow bits on top of the chocolate icing to give the cookie cup added texture and a fun, fluffy look. These tiny marshmallows add a charming detail that makes the treat look like a mini snow-capped mountain.
Step 5: Attach the Candy Canes
Trim the curved tops off the mini candy canes using kitchen scissors. Secure each candy cane piece to the side of the marshmallow by applying a small amount of white icing to the ends. These candy canes act as handle-like decorations, making the cookie cups resemble tiny festive mugs.
Step 6: Apply the Tree Sprinkles
Finish by sticking a tree sprinkle onto the front of each marshmallow with a dab of white icing. This festive accent brings the unmistakable spirit of the holidays and ties the whole look together beautifully.
How to Serve Hot Cocoa Cookie Cups with Marshmallows, Candy Canes, and Festive Sprinkles Recipe
Garnishes
Consider dusting the cookie cups lightly with powdered sugar for a fresh snow effect or adding a drizzle of melted white chocolate for extra sweetness. Another fun garnish option is to tuck tiny edible silver balls amid the sprinkles for a sparkling holiday vibe.
Side Dishes
These cookie cups pair fabulously with a warm mug of classic hot chocolate or spiced apple cider for a cozy holiday gathering. You can also serve them alongside simple sugar cookies or peppermint bark to create a festive dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookie cups on a platter lined with festive napkins or holiday-themed plates for an eye-catching display. For parties, present them individually in small clear cups or mini gift boxes tied with ribbon to double as delightful favors. Don’t be shy to get creative—they’re as fun to serve as they are to eat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store these cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature to keep the cookies crisp and the marshmallows soft. They generally stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for holiday festivities.
Freezing
If you want to prepare them well in advance, freeze the assembled cookie cups in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to a month; just thaw them at room temperature before serving to preserve flavors and texture.
Reheating
Although these treats are best enjoyed at room temperature, if you prefer the marshmallows a bit melted, pop the cookie cups in a warm oven (about 300°F) for just a few minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning the decorations or melting candy canes.
FAQs
Can I use different cookies instead of Maravillas?
Absolutely! While Maravillas cookies provide a sturdy base, you can substitute with any firm, round cookie that holds up well under toppings, such as graham crackers or shortbread cookies. Just make sure they won’t crumble easily when adding icing and marshmallows.
Do the candy cane pieces add a strong peppermint flavor?
The mini candy cane pieces do bring a pleasant peppermint hint, but since you use just the tops, the flavor is balanced and not overpowering. They also offer a crunchy texture that pairs wonderfully with the soft marshmallow topping.
Can I prepare these cookie cups with kids?
Definitely! This Hot Cocoa Cookie Cups with Marshmallows, Candy Canes, and Festive Sprinkles Recipe is a delightful and safe baking project for children, especially when it comes to decorating. Just supervise the use of scissors when cutting the candy canes.
How do I keep sprinkles from falling off?
The key is to apply the sprinkles directly onto fresh icing before it dries, which acts as glue. Be sure to press the sprinkles gently but securely into the icing so they stick properly as it sets.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the Maravillas cookies for your favorite gluten-free cookie alternative. Make sure the other ingredients, like sprinkles and icing, are certified gluten-free to ensure a safe treat for those with sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Cocoa Cookie Cups with Marshmallows, Candy Canes, and Festive Sprinkles Recipe is such a heartwarming, joyful way to celebrate the season. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering or as a sweet gift, these cookie cups bring smiles with every bite. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s fun, festive, and guaranteed to become a new holiday favorite!
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Hot Cocoa Cookie Cups with Marshmallows, Candy Canes, and Festive Sprinkles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookie cups
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Hot Cocoa Cookie Cups are festive and fun treats perfect for the holiday season. Made by decorating Maravillas cookies with marshmallows, colorful sprinkles, mini candy canes, and decorative icing, these no-bake cups mimic the look of hot cocoa topped with marshmallows and candy canes, making them a delightful and visually appealing dessert for parties or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Cookies and Base
- 24 Maravillas Cookies
Marshmallows and Toppings
- 24 Jet-Puffed Marshmallows
- 24 Mini Candy Canes
- Red & Green Confetti Sprinkles
- Tree Sprinkles
- Marshmallow Bits
Decorations and Icing
- White Cookie Icing
- Chocolate Cookie Icing
Instructions
- Decorate Cookies: Place a dot of white icing on the edges of each Maravillas cookie. Sprinkle red and green confetti sprinkles onto the icing, alternating colors in a rotating pattern to create a festive decoration around the cookie edges.
- Attach Marshmallows: Apply white icing to the bottom of each Jet-Puffed marshmallow, then press it onto the center of each decorated cookie to secure it in place.
- Ice Marshmallows: Squeeze chocolate cookie icing on top of each marshmallow and spread it evenly using the icing tip or a toothpick to create a smooth chocolate topping effect.
- Add Marshmallow Bits: Place 3 to 4 small marshmallow bits on top of the chocolate icing-covered marshmallows to add texture and enhance the look of frothy cocoa foam.
- Attach Candy Canes: Using kitchen scissors, carefully cut the tops off the mini candy canes. Attach the candy cane tops to the side of each marshmallow by applying a small amount of white icing on the ends as glue.
- Finish with Tree Sprinkles: Secure a tree-shaped sprinkle on the front of each marshmallow by using a dab of white icing, completing the festive look of each cookie cup.
Notes
- No baking required; this is a no-cook decorative treat ideal for quick holiday preparations.
- Use kitchen scissors carefully to cut candy canes safely.
- These cookie cups are best served immediately to keep the marshmallows fresh and treat visually appealing.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness if not serving right away.
- Variations can include different color sprinkles or alternative candy decorations based on preference.
