Cookies and Cream Dessert Cups

Imagine the perfect combination of creamy, sweet, and crunchy all in one delightful bite. These Cookies and Cream Dessert Cups are a dream come true for anyone who loves the classic flavor of chocolate sandwich cookies combined with velvety cream cheese filling. The contrast between the buttery cookie base and the light, fluffy cream topping creates an irresistible texture experience that will have everyone reaching for seconds. These adorable individual desserts are perfect for parties, family gatherings, or whenever you need a quick sweet treat that’s sure to impress. You’ll learn how to create these simple yet stunning dessert cups that look as good as they taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cookies and Cream Dessert Cups are bound to become your new go-to dessert for several compelling reasons. First, they require zero baking time, making them perfect for hot summer days or when you need a quick dessert without heating up your kitchen. The individual portions create an elegant presentation while eliminating the need for cutting and serving – simply grab and enjoy!

The textural contrast is where these dessert cups truly shine. Each bite offers the perfect balance of crunchy cookie base, silky cream cheese filling, and the surprise bits of cookie crumbs folded throughout. The rich vanilla flavor complemented by the chocolate cookies creates that nostalgic cookies and cream taste we all adore.

Perhaps the best part is how customizable these treats are. You can easily dress them up for special occasions or keep them casual for family movie nights. Plus, they can be prepared ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Ingredients List for the Cookies and Cream Dessert Cups

These ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures while showcasing the beloved cookies and cream flavor profile. The chocolate sandwich cookies provide both the base and the signature flavor throughout the dessert.

• 2 cups crushed chocolate sandwich cookies
• ¼ cup butter (melted)
• 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• ½ cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies
• 28 mini chocolate sandwich cookies

Pro Tips

For truly outstanding Cookies and Cream Dessert Cups, follow these expert techniques that make all the difference:

Perfect cookie crumbs: For the best texture in your cookie base, aim for a consistency similar to wet sand when mixing with the melted butter. If your crumbs are too coarse, the base won’t hold together properly. A food processor creates the most consistent crumb size, but placing cookies in a ziplock bag and crushing with a rolling pin works well too.

Cream cheese technique: The temperature of your cream cheese is crucial – it must be completely at room temperature to avoid lumps in your filling. Take it out of the refrigerator at least 1-2 hours before making the dessert. If you’re short on time, unwrap the cream cheese and microwave it in 10-second intervals, checking frequently until it’s just softened but not melted.

Whipping perfect peaks: When beating the heavy cream mixture, watch carefully for the right consistency. You want soft to medium peaks that hold their shape but still have a smooth, creamy texture. Over-whipping will create a grainy filling that won’t pipe beautifully. Stop mixing occasionally to check the consistency – when you lift the beaters, the cream should form gentle peaks that slightly fold over at the tips.

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 cups chocolate sandwich cookie crumbs and melted butter.

Step 2: Portion the crumbs into 28 2-ounce plastic cups using a small cookie scoop or spoon. Use one of the plastic cups to press the crumbs into the bottom of the cup.

Step 3: In another mixing bowl, combine room temperature cream cheese and granulated sugar. Cream together with an electric hand mixer on medium speed until combined and smooth.

Step 4: Add in heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract. Whip on medium-high speed until light and fluffy.

Step 5: Fold in ½ cup chocolate sandwich cookie crumbs.

Step 6: Fill a piping bag with the cookies and cream mixture. Pipe the mixture into the cups until about 3/4 full.

Step 7: Top each dessert cup with a mini chocolate sandwich cookie or additional cookie crumbs.

Step 8: Seal the cups with a lid and chill. The cups can be served immediately or stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Variations

Chocolate Lover’s Cookies and Cream Cups: Transform these dessert cups into a chocolate lover’s dream by adding 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the cream cheese mixture. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the tops before adding the mini cookies for an extra decadent touch. The additional chocolate flavor complements the cookies and cream filling perfectly.

No-Sugar-Added Option: For a less sweet version, substitute the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like monk fruit or stevia (adjust according to package instructions for proper sweetness levels). Use reduced-sugar chocolate sandwich cookies for both the base and the mix-ins. This variation maintains the delicious cookies and cream dessert cup experience while reducing overall sugar content.

Mint Cookies and Cream Cups: For a refreshing twist, add 1/2 teaspoon of pure mint extract to the cream cheese mixture along with the vanilla. The cool mint flavor pairs wonderfully with the chocolate cookie pieces, creating a delightful mint cookies and cream dessert that’s perfect for summer gatherings or holiday celebrations.

Storage and Serving

These Cookies and Cream Dessert Cups are perfect for make-ahead occasions. Store them in the refrigerator with their lids securely fastened for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop and improve after the first 24 hours as the cookie base softens slightly and the filling sets to the perfect consistency.

For the best texture and flavor experience, remove the dessert cups from the refrigerator about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to soften slightly without becoming too warm or losing its structure.

These individual treats are perfect for serving at parties, but you can elevate them for special occasions by placing them on a decorative tray and adding garnishes. Try dusting the tops with cocoa powder, adding chocolate shavings, or serving with fresh berries on the side. For an extra special presentation, serve in small glass dishes with the dessert cup removed, allowing guests to see the beautiful layers of cookies and cream.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies and cream desserts in advance?
Yes! These dessert cups can be made up to 3 days ahead of time. In fact, they often taste better after sitting for 24 hours as the flavors meld together and the cookie base softens slightly.

What if I don’t have piping bags?
No problem! You can use a zip-top plastic bag with one corner snipped off as a makeshift piping bag. Alternatively, you can simply spoon the filling into each cup and smooth the top with the back of a spoon.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of heavy cream?
The recipe as written uses heavy cream that gets whipped together with the other ingredients. If you prefer to use pre-whipped cream, whip 1 cup of heavy cream to soft peaks separately, then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture.

What can I use instead of plastic cups?
Small glass jars, shot glasses, or small dessert dishes all work beautifully as alternatives to plastic cups. If using glass containers, they can be covered with plastic wrap for storage.

Are these cookies and cream dessert cups freezer-friendly?
Yes! These dessert cups freeze surprisingly well for up to 1 month. Let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. The texture of the cookie base may change slightly but will still be delicious.

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