Introduction

Cauldron Cookie Cups are a fun and festive treat perfect for Halloween or any spooky-themed gathering. These chocolate cookie cups are filled with vibrant green buttercream and decorated to look like bubbling potions straight from a witch’s cauldron. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy!

The image shows several small dark brown chocolate cookie cups filled with one thick layer of bright green frosting, which has a smooth and fluffy texture. Each cup is decorated with small edible beads in white and different shades of green, white skull-shaped candies, and round white and green candy eyeballs with black pupils. There is a small pretzel stick placed upright in the frosting at the center of each cookie cup. The treats are arranged closely on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 (15.25 ounce) box Devil’s Food cake mix
2 large eggs
1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
Black food coloring (optional)
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1-3 tablespoons milk
Green food coloring
Round green sprinkles
Halloween sprinkles
Candy eyeballs
Pretzel sticks

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease three 12-count mini muffin pans.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, eggs, canola oil, and black food coloring (if using) until well combined.
Step 3: Scoop about 1/2 tablespoon of dough and place it in the mini muffin pans. Flatten the dough with your fingers.
Step 4: Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are set. Remove from the oven and immediately press an indentation into each warm cookie using the back of a 1 tablespoon measuring spoon. Set aside to cool completely.
Step 5: While the cookie cups cool, make the buttercream. In a medium bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, beating until smooth. Add milk a little at a time until the buttercream is smooth and pipeable. Mix in green food coloring until the desired shade is reached.
Step 6: Pipe the buttercream into the cooled cookie cups, filling each to resemble a bubbling potion.
Step 7: Decorate with green sprinkles, candy eyeballs, and Halloween sprinkles. Break pretzel sticks in half and insert one into each cookie cup as a stir stick.
Step 8: Serve and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use black food coloring sparingly to avoid affecting the texture of the dough.
For a richer flavor, try substituting half the oil with melted butter.
Swap candy eyeballs for edible glitter or pearl sprinkles for a different spooky look.
If you prefer a non-dairy option, use a dairy-free butter substitute and plant-based milk for the buttercream.

Storage

Store the cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving. If refrigerated, the buttercream may firm up; gently warm in your hands or let sit out to soften before eating.

How to Serve

Five dark chocolate cupcake bases form the bottom layer, each with a rough and slightly crumbly texture. On top of each base sits a thick swirl of bright green frosting, smooth and creamy with a slightly glossy finish. Embedded in the green frosting are small edible decorations: round green candy balls, white candy skulls, and small white and black eyeball candies, creating a playful, spooky look. A single small pretzel stick stands upright into the center of the frosting on each cupcake, adding a crunchy texture and a light tan color contrast. The cupcakes rest on a white plate with a smooth, matte finish, all set against a white marbled textured surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cookie cups without black food coloring?

Yes, black food coloring is optional and mainly for a spooky effect. The cookie cups will still taste delicious without it, but they will have a more traditional chocolate color.

What can I use instead of pretzel sticks as stir sticks?

If you don’t have pretzel sticks, try using thin candy canes, lollipop sticks, or small cinnamon sticks to add a fun touch to your cauldron cookie cups.