If you’re looking for a bite-sized dessert that combines classic flavors with a fun, modern twist, these Easy Boston Cream Pie Cookie Bites are just what your dessert table needs. With a buttery sugar cookie base, creamy vanilla pudding filling, and rich chocolate ganache topping, these little cookie cups pack all the indulgence of a traditional Boston cream pie—just in miniature form.
This recipe is perfect for when you want something that looks impressive but comes together with minimal effort. Using store-bought cookie dough and instant pudding keeps things simple, but the final result still tastes like a bakery-quality treat. I first whipped these up for a baby shower and they were gone in minutes—people couldn’t believe how easy they were to make.
They’re ideal for parties, holidays, potlucks, or anytime you want a sweet treat that’s both elegant and easy to eat. And since they’re made in a mini muffin tin, you don’t have to worry about slicing or plating—just grab and go.
Let’s get started with the ingredients and walk through how to create the cookie base that holds all this creamy, chocolatey goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Base:
- 1 package sugar cookie dough (store-bought or homemade)
For the Filling:
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 ½ cups cold milk
For the Chocolate Topping:
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup heavy cream
This recipe yields about 24 mini cookie bites, and you can double it easily if you’re serving a crowd. You can also use homemade sugar cookie dough if you have a favorite recipe—but store-bought dough keeps it quick and easy.
STEP 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or spray it with non-stick baking spray to make sure the cookie cups release easily after baking.
STEP 2: Form the Cookie Cups
Open your sugar cookie dough and divide it into 24 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and press it into the muffin tin, using your fingers to press the dough up the sides to form a cup shape.
The goal is to create little cookie “shells” that will hold the vanilla pudding later, so don’t worry about making them perfect—they’ll naturally puff and settle during baking.
STEP 3: Bake and Create Indentations
Place the tin in the oven and bake the cookie cups for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
As soon as you remove them from the oven, use the back of a spoon or the end of a small rolling pin to gently press down the center of each cookie while they’re still warm. This creates the well that you’ll fill with pudding later.
Let the cookie cups cool completely in the tin before removing them. They’ll firm up as they cool and release more easily from the pan without crumbling.
Filling and Topping Your Boston Cream Pie Cookie Bites
With your sugar cookie cups baked and cooled, it’s time to add the layers that bring these mini desserts to life. The creamy vanilla filling and smooth chocolate ganache are what give these cookie bites their Boston cream pie identity, and they come together in just a few simple steps.
This part is quick, fun, and perfect for involving kids or guests in the process. Whether you spoon in the pudding or pipe it for a polished look, each bite ends up looking impressive and tasting even better. Let’s finish building these irresistible little treats.
STEP 4: Make the Vanilla Pudding Filling
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 box (3.4 oz) of instant vanilla pudding mix and 1½ cups of cold milk. Continue whisking for 2 to 3 minutes, until the mixture thickens to a smooth, creamy consistency.
Once thickened, refrigerate the pudding for at least 5 minutes to set fully before spooning it into the cookie cups. You want it to be thick enough to hold its shape when piped or scooped.
STEP 5: Fill the Cookie Cups
Once the pudding is chilled and set, spoon or pipe a small amount of filling into each cooled cookie cup. If you’re going for a cleaner presentation, use a piping bag or a plastic zip-top bag with the corner snipped off.
Fill each cookie bite just to the top of the rim—don’t overfill or the ganache may slide off later. The vanilla layer should look smooth and inviting, nestled neatly inside the golden cookie cup.
STEP 6: Make the Chocolate Ganache Topping
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and ¼ cup heavy cream. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is glossy and smooth.
This should take about 40–60 seconds total, depending on your microwave. Stir until silky and let the ganache sit for a minute or two to slightly thicken—it should still be pourable but not too runny.
STEP 7: Add the Ganache Topping
Using a spoon, drizzle or gently spoon a small amount of ganache over each pudding-filled cookie bite. The chocolate should spread slightly on its own, creating that beautiful shiny top layer.
If you’d like a more decorative look, you can lightly swirl the ganache or use the back of the spoon to shape it. Don’t worry about perfection—once these chill and set, they’ll look elegant no matter what.
STEP 8: Chill to Set
Once all the cookie bites are topped, place the muffin tin or a tray of finished bites into the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes, or until the chocolate is set and slightly firm to the touch.
After chilling, the bites are ready to serve and will hold together beautifully for easy plating or party displays.
Helpful Tips for the Best Results:
1. Let the Cookie Cups Cool Completely
Removing them too early can cause them to break apart. If they seem stuck, gently twist them in the tin before lifting.
2. Keep Them Chilled Until Ready to Serve
These bites hold their shape better when slightly chilled, especially in warm weather or under party lights.
3. Make Ahead for Convenience
You can bake the cookie cups and prepare the pudding a day ahead. Assemble and chill the finished bites a few hours before your event for stress-free hosting.
4. Use Mini Chocolate Chips or White Chocolate for a Twist
Swap out the semi-sweet chips for mini chips or white chocolate ganache to switch up the flavor profile or match a themed dessert table.
Boston Cream Pie Cookie Bites FAQ and Final Thoughts:
These Boston Cream Pie Cookie Bites are the kind of dessert that always gets people talking—they look impressive, taste amazing, and are easy enough for even beginner bakers to pull off. Whether you’re serving them at a birthday party, potluck, or holiday gathering, they’ll be one of the first things to disappear from the dessert table.
Before you whip up your next batch, here are some commonly asked questions to help you make, store, and customize these little cookie bites with confidence.
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can make and bake the cookie cups and prepare the pudding up to one day in advance. Store the cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature and the pudding in the fridge. Assemble and add the ganache a few hours before serving for the best texture and flavor.
2. Can I freeze the cookie bites?
While you can freeze the baked cookie cups on their own, assembled cookie bites with pudding and ganache don’t freeze well due to the texture change. If you want to prep ahead, freeze the cookie bases and make the filling and topping fresh when ready to serve.
3. What if I don’t have a mini muffin pan?
You can use a regular muffin pan and increase the amount of dough and filling accordingly, but the yield will be fewer, larger cookie bites. Be sure to adjust the baking time slightly (about 2–3 minutes longer).
4. Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough?
Absolutely. If you have a favorite sugar cookie dough recipe, feel free to use it. Just be sure it holds its shape well while baking so the cookie cups don’t collapse.
5. Can I use pastry cream instead of instant pudding?
Yes. For a more traditional flavor, homemade pastry cream is a great substitute for the pudding mix. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold its shape inside the cookie cups.
6. How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cookie base will soften slightly over time but will still taste great.
7. Can I use a different topping instead of chocolate ganache?
Definitely. Try white chocolate ganache, caramel drizzle, or even a dusting of cocoa powder for something different. Each one brings its own twist to the classic flavor combo.
Conclusion: A Sweet, Bite-Sized Take on a Classic Dessert
These Easy Boston Cream Pie Cookie Bites deliver all the flavor of the traditional layered dessert in a fun, portable, and easy-to-make format. The crisp sugar cookie cup, creamy vanilla filling, and rich chocolate ganache come together to create a treat that’s both elegant and approachable.
They’re ideal for entertaining, perfect for sharing, and a guaranteed hit at any event. Plus, the make-ahead-friendly steps and endless possibilities for customization mean you can whip them up any time without the stress of a complicated recipe.
Give them a try and see for yourself—just be ready to share the recipe when the compliments start rolling in. And if you find your own twist or variation, I’d love to hear how you made them your own. Happy baking!
PrintEasy Boston Cream Pie Cookie Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 45 min includes chilling time
Description
These bite-sized Boston Cream Pie Cookie Bites are a fun twist on the classic dessert—featuring soft sugar cookie cups filled with creamy vanilla pudding and topped with silky chocolate ganache. Quick, delicious, and perfect for parties or sweet cravings!
Ingredients
For the cookie base:
-
1 package sugar cookie dough (store-bought or homemade)
For the filling:
-
1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
-
1½ cups cold milk
For the chocolate topping:
-
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
-
¼ cup heavy cream
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or coat with non-stick spray.
2️⃣ Form cookie cups: Divide cookie dough into 24 pieces. Press each into the mini muffin tin to form a shallow cup shape.
3️⃣ Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are golden. Immediately press down centers to create wells. Let cool completely in the tin before removing.
4️⃣ Make filling: In a bowl, whisk vanilla pudding mix with cold milk for 2–3 minutes until thickened. Refrigerate for 5 minutes to firm up.
5️⃣ Fill cups: Spoon or pipe pudding into the cooled cookie cups.
6️⃣ Make ganache: Microwave chocolate chips and cream in 20-second bursts, stirring each time, until smooth and glossy.
7️⃣ Top the bites: Spoon a little ganache over each filled cookie bite.
8️⃣ Chill and serve: Refrigerate 15–20 minutes until chocolate is set. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
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Shortcut Tip: Store-bought sugar cookie dough saves time and effort.
-
Pudding Swap: Try chocolate or banana pudding for a flavor twist.
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Ganache Hack: Use a spoon or zip-top bag with a snipped corner for neater topping.
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Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
-
Make Ahead: Bake the cookie cups a day in advance and fill just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 12 min