Name: Cauldron Cookie Cups Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
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

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 24 reviews

If you’re looking for a fun, festive treat that’s as delicious as it is adorable, you’ve got to try my Cauldron Cookie Cups Recipe. These little bites are perfect for Halloween parties, cozy movie nights, or anytime you want to add a bit of magic to your baking. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll quickly become a beloved favorite around your kitchen, just like they have in mine!

🧡

Why This Recipe Works

Convenience: Using devil’s food cake mix simplifies the cookie dough, saving you time without sacrificing flavor.
Fun Presentation: The mini muffin pan shapes the cups perfectly to hold luscious buttercream “potions.”
Customizable Decorations: Sprinkles, eyeballs, and pretzel sticks add personality, making it a great interactive dessert.
Balanced Texture: Crispy edges with soft centers paired with creamy frosting makes every bite heavenly.

Cauldron Cookie Cups, Halloween Cookie Cups, Festive Cookie Dessert, Easy Halloween Treats, Fun Halloween Baking - The image shows small dark brown cookie cups filled with bright green creamy frosting. Each frosting has small white and green candy decorations shaped like skulls and eyeballs, giving a spooky look. A small pretzel stick is inserted into the frosting on each cup, standing upright. The cookie cups are placed on a white marbled surface, and in the background is a blurry green drink and a white bottle with black text. A woman's hand in a black glove is reaching towards the cookie cups from the right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Cauldron Cookie Cups Recipe masterfully combines convenient store-bought cake mix with simple pantry staples, resulting in a rich, chocolatey cup that tastes homemade. The buttercream frosting adds the perfect creamy contrast and green food coloring brings the Halloween vibe to life.

Cauldron Cookie Cups, Halloween Cookie Cups, Festive Cookie Dessert, Easy Halloween Treats, Fun Halloween Baking - Flat lay of rich dark chocolate Devil’s Food cake mix box with deep brown powder spilling slightly, two glossy large brown eggs with smooth shells, a small glass bowl of golden canola oil catching the light, vibrant green liquid food coloring dripping from a dropper, soft pale yellow unsalted butter block with creamy texture, fine white powdered sugar gently heaped, bright green round sprinkles with a shiny surface, shiny white candy eyeballs with black centers, and rustic light brown pretzel sticks with a crunchy texture, all beautifully arranged with natural spacing and slight overlaps to create an inviting scene, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Devil’s Food Cake Mix: Provides a deeply chocolate flavor that’s fudgy and moist; it’s an effortless way to build your cookie base without fuss.
Eggs: Act as a binder and give structure to the cookie dough.
Canola or Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cookies tender and adds moisture so they don’t dry out.
Black Food Coloring (Optional): Adds a spooky, dark tone that’s perfect for the cauldron effect but you can skip it if you prefer a more traditional chocolate look.
Unsalted Butter: The richness here is essential for that creamy, dreamy buttercream.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting without grittiness.
Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and depth to the frosting flavor.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Milk: Adjusts the frosting consistency to be perfectly pipeable.
Green Food Coloring: Gives the frosting that eye-catching witchy vibe.
Decorations (Sprinkles, Candy Eyeballs, Pretzel Sticks): The fun extras that make your cauldron cookie cups pop and bring out your creative side.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how flexible this Cauldron Cookie Cups Recipe is. You can tweak the frosting color, swap sprinkles, or even use different cake mixes to match your mood or holiday theme. It’s all about having fun and making it your own!

Variation: Once, I made a pumpkin spice version by using spice cake mix instead of devil’s food—so comforting and delicious, especially during fall!
Dietary Modifications: You can try dairy-free butter and milk substitutes in the frosting for a vegan-friendly option; just be sure to check your decorating candies too.
Seasonal Twists: Swap out green frosting for orange or purple to fit other holidays or birthday themes.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cauldron Cookie Cups Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Dough

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease three 12-count mini muffin pans. This helps the cookie cups release easily after baking. Then, in a large bowl, combine your devil’s food cake mix, eggs, oil, and if you’re feeling festive, black food coloring. Mix until everything is beautifully blended with no dry pockets remaining.

Step 2: Form the Cookie Cups

Scoop about 1/2 tablespoon of dough into each mini muffin cup, then flatten it with your fingers to cover the bottom evenly but not too thin. This prevents holes while still leaving enough dough to form a nice cup shape. Bake for 8-10 minutes — you’re looking for edges to set, not fully crisp yet.

Step 3: Shape the Cauldrons

As soon as your cookies come out of the oven, press the back of a tablespoon measuring spoon gently into the center of each cookie. This indentation creates room for your frosting “potion.” It’s key to do this while cookies are warm to avoid cracking. Then let them cool completely before frosting.

Step 4: Whip Up the Frosting

While the cookie cups cool, beat your softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until the frosting is smooth and pipeable. Mix in green food coloring until you get that perfect witchy shade. I like to use a piping bag for neat “bubbling” effects inside each cup.

Step 5: Decorate and Serve

Fill each cooled cookie cup with your green frosting potion. Then it’s time for the fun part: decorating! Sprinkle on round green sprinkles, candy eyeballs, and any spooky Halloween sprinkles you have on hand. Break pretzel sticks in half and insert one into each cup as a little stirring stick. Your cauldron cookie cups are ready to cast their delicious spell!

💡

Pro Tips for Making Cauldron Cookie Cups Recipe

Warm Indentation: Always press the cookie cup centers immediately after baking to avoid cracks and ensure easy filling.
Don’t Overfill: Pipe your frosting just to the top to prevent spills that make your cups messy to handle.
Use Parchment Paper for Cleanup: Line your baking sheets under the muffin pans to catch any drips for an easier cleanup.
Check Bake Time Closely: Slightly underbaked cookie cups have softer, chewier centers—perfect for this recipe’s texture.

How to Serve Cauldron Cookie Cups Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top mine with green round sprinkles to mimic bubbling potion bubbles, candy eyeballs for that spooky vibe, and pretzel sticks as “stirring rods.” The sprinkles add texture and a burst of color that kids and adults both love. Honestly, I keep a small stash of Halloween-themed sprinkles for occasions like this—it’s so worth it!

Side Dishes

These cauldron cookie cups are a treat all on their own, but I like serving them alongside a big cup of warm cider or a rich hot chocolate. For a full spooky spread, add some pumpkin-shaped sugar cookies or your favorite caramel popcorn to round out the party vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For Halloween parties, I’ve arranged these cookie cups on black slate platters with faux spider webs and mini candles. Another time, I lined them up on tiered dessert stands with small cauldron props for an enchanting display. If you’re making these for kids, consider adding tiny witch hats or paper flags as fun toppers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (and trust me, you might), store the cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. This keeps the cookie crispiness intact while preserving the frosting texture. Avoid refrigerating if you want to keep them soft instead of hard.

Freezing

I’ve frozen undecorated cookie cups successfully for up to three months. Just freeze them flat on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, thaw completely before piping on your frosting and decorations so everything stays fresh and vibrant.

Reheating

These aren’t the kind of treats I usually reheat, but if you want the cookie softer, a few seconds in the microwave can help. Just be careful not to melt the frosting—remove decorations or frost after warming if needed. They’re lovely served at room temperature, anyway.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix for the Cauldron Cookie Cups Recipe?

Absolutely! While I love the rich flavor of devil’s food cake mix for this recipe, the fun part is you can experiment with spice, yellow, or even funfetti cake mixes to personalize the flavor and color of your cookie cups.
How do I prevent the cookie cups from cracking when making the indentation?

The secret is to press the indentation right after they come out of the oven while they’re still warm and pliable. Using the back of a tablespoon spoon, gently press—not too hard—to create the perfect divot without breaking the cup.
Can I make the frosting in advance?

Yes! You can make the buttercream frosting a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Just bring it back to room temperature and give it a quick whip with a mixer before piping it into your cookie cups.
Are these cookie cups kid-friendly?

Definitely! Kids love decorating their own cauldron cookie cups with sprinkles and candy eyes, making this recipe a fun activity and treat rolled into one.

Final Thoughts

What I truly adore about this Cauldron Cookie Cups Recipe is how it brings a bit of whimsical magic to the everyday cookie. Baking these feels like a fun little ritual that turns any occasion into something special. Whether you’re baking with kids or surprising guests, these cookie cups are guaranteed to bring smiles around your table. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and make your treats delightfully spellbinding!