Gingerbread Cookie Cups are a sweet little holiday treat made with a simple cooke mix and filled with rich chocolate hazelnut spread. They're easy to assemble and bring a fun twist to classic gingerbread.
I've always loved baking gingerbread during the holidays, and these cookie cups fit right in with the festive cookies I grew up making with my family. They remind me of the tiny Pecan Tassie treats my mom used to set out on a plate during December.
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Why You'll Love Gingerbread Cookie Cups Recipe
Kid friendly: simple steps make it easy for little helpers to join in.
Festive treat: a great addition to Christmas cookie trays and holiday gatherings.
Easy assembly: no rolling or cutting - just press, bake, and fill.
Key Ingredients for Gingerbread Cookie Cups
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and instructions.
- Gingerbread cookie mix: a quick shortcut that still delivers classic holiday flavor.
- Chocolate hazelnut spread: creates a rich, creamy filling for these holiday gingerbread desserts.
- Orange zest: adds a bright note that balances the warm spices.
- Granulated sugar: rubbed with zest to make a fragrant orange sugar topping.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Use chocolate ganache instead of hazelnut spread for a richer filling.
- Swap orange zest with lemon zest for a sharper citrus note.
- Replace orange sugar with cinnamon sugar for a more traditional flavor.
Variations on Gingerbread Cookie Cups
- Add a small spoonful of dulce de leche under the hazelnut filling for extra sweetness.
- Sprinkle the tops with crushed peppermint candy for a fun holiday variation.
- Mix mini chocolate chips into the dough before baking for a double chocolate cookie cup.
Tips for Better Holiday Gingerbread Desserts
- Lightly spray or grease the tart pan, then allow the cookie cups to cool slightly before removing from the pan so the cookie cups release easily.
- Press the dough gently into the cups - too firmly and they may puff unevenly.
- Cool completely before adding the hazelnut filling so the spread stays smooth.
How to Store
Store cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. For longer storage, store in the freezer (unfilled) up to 3 months.
Serve With...
Gingerbread Cookie Cups pair nicely with other holiday treats like Cut Out Sugar Cookies (Snowflake) or Santa's Whiskers Cookies. They also go well with warm seasonal drinks such as Homemade Eggnog or a Chocolate Martini when assembling a holiday dessert table.
More Christmas Cookies Recipes You'll Love
You might enjoy my Poinsettia Cookies, or the spiced flavor of Nanny's Ginger Molasses Cookies, or the rich taste of Andes Mint Chocolate Cookies.
When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating
📖 Recipe
Gingerbread Cookie Cups
Equipment
- Mini muffin pan
- Tart tamper
- Piping bag , or spoon
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Ingredients
- 17.5 ounces Gingerbread Cookie Mix
- 24 tablespoons Chocolate Hazelnut Spread
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Make cookie mix according to package directions.
- Divide dough into 24 tablespoon sized balls.
- Spray small tart pan with cooking spray.
- Place dough balls in tart pan and press with tart press or fingers to form to shape of tart pan.
- Bake in oven for 10 minutes.
- Make orange sugar by rubbing orange zest into sugar with fingers. It will become very fragrant.
- Remove cookie cups from oven and press center of cup back down into pan using tart press (or use a wooden spoon handle if you don't have a tart press).
- Place back in oven and bake another 5 minutes.
- Remove from oven and cool on cooling rack for 10 minutes. Remove tarts from pan and place on cooling rack. Cool completely.
- Pipe or spoon hazelnut spread into cooled cookie wells. About 1-½ tablespoons per cup.
- Sprinkle with orange sugar.
Richa Gupta says
They look amazing, I need few cups right now!
Erin Clarkson says
These would make the perfect little presents!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
Awesome cookie cup recipe!! Santa won't be able to resist these!!!
Heather says
Love the flavors on this! What a great holiday cookie!
Lane & Holly @ With Two Spoons says
These look delicious! And I love how easy they look!
Ellen says
I bet the flavor combination is amazing. Such delicious holiday flavors.
MyCookingSecrets.com | Krystallia Giamouridou says
I really love your wooden tart maker gadjet!!! It must be a super-helpful tool...
Amanda says
No more procrastinating! I'm inspired to do some baking now. With such a flavorful combination, who can resist?!
Platter Talk says
What a great way to make "scoops" for goodness sakes!!! Will remember this for Christmas cookie exchange!
Amanda | The Kitcheneer says
Umm yes please! These cookie cups look fantastic!
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
We'd make a great team - you love making cookies for the holidays and I LOVE eating them 🙂
Speaking of which, theses are simply fantastic! Such a great idea!