Sugar Cookie Cups

These sugar cookie cups are a fun and adorable dessert made with a buttery sugar cookie base and topped with a swirled cream cheese buttercream frosting. Baked in a muffin pan for the perfect handheld size, they are great for any occasion or holiday. Decorate them with sprinkles for a festive touch!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and chewy – The perfect sugar cookie texture in cup form.
• Creamy frosting – A rich cream cheese buttercream that complements the cookie base.
• Perfect for any occasion – Decorate with different colors and sprinkles.
• Easy to make – Simple ingredients and a fun twist on traditional cookies.
• Kid-friendly – A great baking project for the whole family!

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Sugar Cookie Cups:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¾ cup salted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1¾ teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• Pink or red food coloring gel (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting:

• ¼ cup butter, softened
• 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Sprinkles (for decoration)

Directions

Prepare the Sugar Cookie Cups

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract and mix until combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. If using food coloring, mix it in at this stage.
5. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough into each greased muffin cup. Press the dough slightly to create a small indentation in the center.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
7. Remove from the oven and immediately press the center of each cookie cup with the back of a spoon to create a deeper indentation. Let cool completely before frosting.

Make the Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting

8. In a mixing bowl, beat butter and cream cheese until smooth.
9. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in milk and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
10. Transfer frosting to a piping bag and swirl onto cooled cookie cups.

Decorate and Serve

11. Add sprinkles or any desired toppings.
12. Serve immediately or store for later enjoyment!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 19 cookie cups
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Cooling & Decorating Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookie Cups – Mix in mini chocolate chips before baking.
• Lemon Twist – Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the dough and frosting.
• Holiday-Themed – Use colored frosting and themed sprinkles for special occasions.
• Nutty Flavor – Replace almond extract with hazelnut or coconut extract.
• Fruit-Filled Cups – Add a dollop of jam in the indentation before baking.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing – Freeze unfrosted cookie cups for up to 2 months. Thaw before decorating.
• Serving Tip – Let refrigerated cookie cups sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for the best texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?

Yes, just add an extra ¼ teaspoon salt to the dough.

2. Do I need a mini muffin pan?

A regular muffin pan can be used, but the cups will be larger and need extra baking time.

3. Can I use store-bought sugar cookie dough?

Yes, but homemade dough gives the best flavor and texture.

4. How do I prevent the cookie cups from sticking?

Grease the muffin pan well, or use mini muffin liners.

5. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Store baked cookie cups at room temperature and frost before serving.

6. How do I make the frosting thicker?

Add more powdered sugar 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.

7. Can I use different frosting?

Absolutely! Try chocolate ganache, caramel drizzle, or peanut butter frosting.

8. How do I make these dairy-free?

Use vegan butter, dairy-free cream cheese, and plant-based milk.

9. Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Simply double all ingredients and bake in batches.

10. How do I keep the cookie cups soft?

Store in an airtight container and avoid overbaking for the best soft texture.

Conclusion

These sugar cookie cups are a delightful and festive dessert that combines soft, buttery cookies with rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any celebration or just as a fun treat, they’re easy to make and endlessly customizable. Enjoy them fresh or make ahead for a stress-free, sweet treat!

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