Name: Berry Crumble Cookie Cups Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 56 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 4 packages hot cocoa mix (or 3/4 cup hot cocoa mix, not sugar-free); 1 cup (226 grams) butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2/3 cup brown sugar; 1 cup chocolate chips; 1 cup Mallow Bits (mini marshmallows are not recommended as they can become sticky)

Sweet, golden-edged cookie cups nestled with a vibrant berry crumble promise pure comfort in every delightful bite.

These irresistible berry crumble cookie cups combine tender, buttery cookie bases with a burst of seasonal fruit.

Crisp edges give way to soft, chewy centers that cradle a luscious berry filling.

Each miniature dessert delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors that dance across your palate.

Baked until golden and fragrant, these treats transform simple ingredients into an extraordinary dessert experience.

Fresh berries meld seamlessly with a crumbly, sweet topping that adds delightful crunch.

One taste will have everyone asking for seconds, making these cookie cups an instant crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Craft Delectable Treats: Indulge in a delightful dessert that combines the richness of chocolate chip cookies with the playful sweetness of marshmallow bits, creating a mouthwatering experience for all ages.
Customize with Ease: Experiment with different mix-ins like nuts, dried berries, or additional chocolate varieties to personalize these versatile cookie cups to your taste preferences.
Perfect for Sharing: These crowd-pleasing cookies are ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, bake sales, or casual get-togethers, guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone's faces.
Stress-Free Baking: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can confidently create these delicious treats without feeling overwhelmed.

Base Ingredients:

Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a soft, tender cookie texture.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cookie browning.
Brown Sugar: Contributes moisture and a deeper caramel-like flavor to the cookies.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the cookie dough.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies.

Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: Forms the primary structure of the cookie.
Hot Cocoa Mix: Adds chocolate flavor and unique sweetness to the cookie base.
Salt: Balances and intensifies the sweet flavors.
Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Help the cookies rise and create a soft, light texture.

Mix-In Ingredients:

Chocolate Chips, Mallow Bits: Add extra flavor, texture, and visual interest to the cookies.

Baking Accessories:

Silicone Baking Mats, Parchment Paper: Prevent cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.

Step 1: Whip Up the Base

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and combine softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a standing mixer to blend these ingredients until they transform into a light, airy mixture.

Gently incorporate eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next. Splash in vanilla extract for an extra flavor boost.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

All-purpose flour
Hot cocoa mix
Salt
Baking soda
Baking powder

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing until everything is perfectly combined.

Step 3: Fold in Delicious Extras

Gently stir in chocolate chips and Mallow Bits.

Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 24 hours, allowing flavors to meld and develop a richer taste.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Heat the oven to 350F (175C).

Line baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper. Scoop dough into rounded portions, placing them 2 inches apart.

Bake for 9-11 minutes until edges turn a delicate golden brown.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. These treats are delicious warm or can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours to enhance taste and improve texture, allowing ingredients to meld together perfectly.
Use level measuring cups and spoons to ensure accurate proportions, which helps maintain the perfect balance of sweetness and texture in your berry crumble cookie cups.
Take butter out of the refrigerator 30-45 minutes before baking to achieve the ideal soft consistency for smooth mixing and better cookie structure.
Leave 2 inches between each cookie on the baking sheet to prevent spreading and ensure even baking, creating uniform and professional-looking treats.

Gluten-Free Berry Crumble Cups: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free hot cocoa mix for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
Vegan Berry Cookie Variation: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and use dairy-free chocolate chips and marshmallow alternatives for plant-based eaters.
Low-Sugar Berry Cookie Option: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of granulated sugar, reduce brown sugar quantity, and incorporate sugar-free chocolate chips for diabetic-friendly version.
Nutty Berry Crumble Cups: Add chopped almonds or pecans to the dough, sprinkle crushed nuts on top before baking for extra crunch and nutritional boost.

Pair with Creamy Vanilla Milkshake: Blend smooth vanilla ice cream with cold milk, creating a dreamy, rich companion that complements the chocolate and marshmallow flavors in the cookie cups.
Enhance with Hot Cocoa Drizzle: Prepare a warm hot chocolate with extra marshmallows, drizzling it gently over the cookie cups to intensify the chocolate and mallow experience, creating a decadent dessert moment.
Match with Fresh Berry Compote: Craft a quick mixed berry sauce using strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, adding a tangy brightness that cuts through the cookie's sweetness and provides a refreshing contrast.

Store cooled Berry Crumble Cookie Cups in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, maintaining freshness and texture.
Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 3 months, preserving their delicious flavor and soft consistency.
Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent texture loss and maintain original taste.

FAQs

Why use hot cocoa mix in the cookie dough?

Hot cocoa mix adds a rich chocolate flavor and subtle sweetness to the cookies, creating a unique and delicious taste profile that sets these cookies apart from traditional recipes.

Can I substitute the Mallow Bits?

Yes, you can replace Mallow Bits with mini marshmallows or chopped regular marshmallows. Just be aware that they might melt differently during baking, potentially changing the texture slightly.

How do I ensure my cookies have a soft texture?

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and creates a softer, chewier cookie. Also, be careful not to overbake – remove the cookies when the edges are just lightly browned.

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.

Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.