A Sweet Treat for Any Occasion
There’s something undeniably charming about the warm, buttery aroma of baking cookies filling the air, and these Sugar Cookie Cups take that nostalgia to the next level. They are delightful little cookie cups filled with luscious cream cheese frosting, perfect for any celebration or just a cozy night at home. You can whip them up for a birthday party, a special holiday, or a simple weekday treat. Trust me, these adorable treats never fail to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
What makes these Sugar Cookie Cups stand out? For starters, they’re versatile and customizable, so everyone can enjoy them! Want to brighten up a gathering? These colorful treats with sprinkles can easily become the highlight of the dessert table. Not only are they great for special occasions, but they’re also a fun activity to do with kids. Imagine the laughter and teamwork as you press the dough into the muffin pan and decorate the finished product with frosting and sprinkles.
"My kids absolutely loved making these cookie cups! They were a hit at the school bake sale, and I can’t wait to make them again!" – A happy baker sharing her experience.
Preparing Sugar Cookie Cups
Creating these delightful cookie cups is easier than you might think. The process involves a few simple steps, from mixing the ingredients to baking and, of course, frosting! Get ready for a fun and rewarding baking session. Here’s a brief overview of how it all comes together:
- Cream together butter and sugar for a fluffy base.
- Mix in egg and extracts for added flavor.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients to form cookie dough.
- Press dough into muffin pans and bake until golden.
- Whip up a creamy frosting and fill those cookie cups.
- Decorate with sprinkles for a festive touch.
What You’ll Need
To get started on these delightful Sugar Cookie Cups, gather the following ingredients:
- 3/4 cup salted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Sprinkles (for decoration)
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pink or red food coloring gel (optional)
Feel free to use unsalted butter if you prefer a milder flavor. You can also swap in gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of the cookie cups!
Directions to Follow
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of baking these delicious treats!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease two regular muffin pans with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Remember to scrape down the bowl with a rubber spatula to ensure everything is mixed well.
- Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat again until everything is smooth and combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and mix just until a dough forms. Be cautious not to over-mix here.
- Press about 2 tablespoons of dough into the bottom of each muffin cup, making sure to press it halfway up the sides.
- Bake for about 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. After baking, let them cool for at least 15 minutes.
- While the cups are cooling, press the back of a tablespoon or a small round jar into the center of each cookie cup to create a well for the frosting. Let them cool completely.
- In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Adjust with more milk or powdered sugar until you reach a stiff but spreadable consistency. Add in food coloring gel if desired.
- Use a piping bag to swirl the frosting into each cooled cookie cup, or simply spoon it in. Top with sprinkles if you like!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These Sugar Cookie Cups are delightful on their own or paired with a variety of sides! Consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. You could also accompany them with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
If you happen to have any of these delicious cookie cups leftover (which is rare!), it’s important to store them properly to keep them fresh. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They can typically last about 3-4 days. To enjoy them at their best, allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
Tricks for Success
To ensure your Sugar Cookie Cups turn out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted; this helps incorporate air into the batter for that lovely fluffiness.
- Take care not to over-mix once you add the flour, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Be generous with the frosting! It not only tastes great but also adds visual appeal.
Creative Twists
Looking to change up the flavor? Here are some fun variations to try:
- Substitute almond extract with coconut extract for a tropical flair.
- Add a pinch of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a fruity hint.
- Swap out vanilla frosting for chocolate frosting for a richer treat.
Your Questions Answered
Q: Can I freeze the cookie cups?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked dough by shaping it and storing it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw and proceed as normal!
Q: How can I adjust the sweetness?
If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the powdered sugar. Just keep in mind, it may be a little creamier.
Q: What if I have dietary restrictions?
You can easily make these cookie cups gluten-free by swapping all-purpose flour for a suitable gluten-free blend. Also, replacing the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative works well!
These delightful Sugar Cookie Cups will brighten any day and provide joy in every bite. Happy baking!
Print
Sugar Cookie Cups
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful little cookie cups filled with luscious cream cheese frosting, perfect for any celebration.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup salted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Sprinkles (for decoration)
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pink or red food coloring gel (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease two muffin pans with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat until smooth and combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a dough forms, being careful not to over-mix.
- Press about 2 tablespoons of dough into the bottom and halfway up the sides of each muffin cup.
- Bake for about 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool for at least 15 minutes.
- Press the back of a tablespoon into the center of each cookie cup to create a well for frosting. Let cool completely.
- In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until you reach a spreadable consistency. Add food coloring gel if desired.
- Use a piping bag to swirl the frosting into each cooled cookie cup or spoon it in. Top with sprinkles if you like!
Notes
Make sure butter is softened but not melted for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg