MINI CHOCOLATE CUPS TO FILL RECIPES

Steps:

• Set 18 mini paper baking cups on a baking sheet. Melt 4 ounces of the chocolate either over a double boiler on the stove top or in short bursts in the microwave. Spoon 1 teaspoon of melted chocolate into each cup. Use an offset spatula or a small spoon to spread the chocolate slightly up the sides of each baking cup; make sure you have an even chocolate base at the bottom of each cup. Let cool at room temperature for about 15 to 20 minutes until mostly solid.
• Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, stir together peanut butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract and salt. (Make sure the peanut butter is well-combined in the jar before you measure it.) Transfer the peanut butter mixture to a resealable plastic bag and seal it tightly.
• Cut one corner of the plastic bag and pipe 2 to 3 teaspoons of peanut butter mixture into the center of each cup. With a very lightly moistened finger, tamp down the peanut butter and make it flat and even, but leave a bit of space between the peanut butter and the edge of the paper cup (you should be able to see a ring of chocolate peeking from below the peanut butter).
• Melt the remaining 5 ounces of chocolate. Spoon 1 teaspoon of chocolate onto the top of each cup. Use an offset spatula or a small spoon to spread the chocolate evenly over the top and down the sides of the cup. Refrigerate until solid, about 30 minutes.

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 24 miniature muffin cups with cooking spray. Place 1 piece of cookie dough in each muffin cup; press in bottom and up side, forming cup shape.
• Bake 12 to 14 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool completely in pans on cooling racks.
• In chilled medium bowl, beat whipping cream with electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar, cocoa and vanilla. Beat on high speed until stiff peaks form. Spoon chocolate cream into decorating bag fitted with #1mm star tip.
• Carefully remove cookie cups from pans. Pipe chocolate cream into cups. Store in refrigerator.