Hey there, lovely bakers! If you’re looking for a treat that’s fun to make, delicious to share, and looks adorable on your dessert table, then let me introduce you to the whimsical world of Sugar Cookie Cups. Imagine soft and buttery cookies, perfectly molded into sweet little cups, just waiting to be filled with frosting and sprinkles. Whether you’re preparing for a birthday party, a cozy gathering, or just treating yourself after a long day, these delightful cookie cups are sure to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. So let’s dive into the sweet, sugary goodness of Sugar Cookie Cups together!
Why Make This Recipe
The beauty of Sugar Cookie Cups lies in their versatility. They’re not just cookies; they’re a canvas for your creativity! You can fill them with fluffy frosting, creamy fillings, or even luscious fruit. Plus, they’re super simple to whip up, even if you’re new to baking. This recipe is perfect for those weekends when you want to relax with a little kitchen therapy, yet impressive enough to wow your friends and family during holiday gatherings. And let’s not forget how customizable they are! You can play with flavors, colors, and toppings to make them uniquely yours. It’s a little dessert adventure every time you bake them!
How to Make Sugar Cookie Cups
Making Sugar Cookie Cups is easier than you’d think! Here’s a step-by-step guide that will walk you through the process.
Ingredients
To make these delightful creations, 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 topping)
- 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)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease 2 regular muffin pans with nonstick cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes clean-up a breeze.
- Create the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well mixed.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Slowly beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir gently until a dough forms, being careful not to over-mix. Over-mixing can lead to tough cookies, and we definitely want them to be soft and tender!
- Shape the Cookie Cups: Take about 2 tablespoons of dough and press it into the bottom of each muffin cup, pushing it halfway up the sides. This will create a little cup for your frosting.
- Bake: Pop your trays into the oven and bake for about 12 minutes, or until the cookie cups are lightly golden. Once they’re done, allow them to cool for about 15 minutes. Then, gently press in the center of each cup to form that lovely cup shape. Let them cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until you reach your desired consistency. If you’re feeling fancy, mix in a bit of pink or red food coloring for a fun touch!
- Frost the Cookie Cups: Once your cookie cups are cooled, fill each one with the cream cheese frosting using a piping bag or a spoon. Top them off with sprinkles for that extra bit of joy.
- Enjoy: Finally, serve them up and enjoy every delightful bite!
How to Serve Sugar Cookie Cups
Sugar Cookie Cups are so cute and bright that they’re perfect for any occasion! You can serve them on a pretty platter at parties, or simply have them on your kitchen counter for a sweet treat any time of day. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack, or bring them to a potluck where they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Don’t forget to take some photos of your creations, these little cups are Instagram-worthy!
How to Store Sugar Cookie Cups
If you find yourself with leftover Sugar Cookie Cups (which is a big if because they’re so delicious!), you can store them easily. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just remember they taste best fresh, so try to enjoy them soon after making! If you don’t frost them right away, you can also freeze the cookie cups for about a month. Just let them thaw before frosting when you’re ready to indulge again.
Tips to Make Sugar Cookie Cups
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother dough.
- Don’t Over-Mix: Mix until just combined; this helps keep your cookies tender.
- Chill Your Dough: If your dough seems too sticky, you can refrigerate it for 30 minutes before shaping the cups.
- Decorate: Get creative with your frosting! Add sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or even edible glitter to make them extra special.
Variation
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few variations to try:
- Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookie Cups: Add mini chocolate chips into your dough for a delicious twist.
- Fruit-Filled Cups: Instead of frosting, fill your cookie cups with whipped cream and topped with fresh fruit for a lighter option.
- Red Velvet Variation: Swap out some of the flour for cocoa powder and add red food coloring for a festive red velvet version!
FAQs
1. Can I make these cookie cups gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and the recipe should work just as beautifully.
2. Can I freeze the cookie cups?
Absolutely! Just freeze the unfilled and unfrosted cookie cups in a single layer. Once they’re solid, transfer them to a zip-top bag for longer storage.
3. What type of frosting works best?
While cream cheese frosting is always a delightful choice, you can also use buttercream, whipped cream, or even a dairy-free frosting if you prefer!
Remember, baking is about joy, creativity, and sometimes a little mess. So grab your favorite apron, roll up your sleeves, and let’s make some Sugar Cookie Cups that will spread smiles all around! Happy baking! 🍪💖
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Sugar Cookie Cups
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful bite-sized treats filled with creamy frosting and topped with colorful sprinkles.
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 topping)
- 2 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup butter (softened)
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pink or red food coloring gel (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease 2 muffin pans with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Gradually combine the dry mixture with the wet mixture until a dough forms.
- 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 lightly golden. Cool for 15 minutes and shape into cups.
- For the frosting, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth, then mix in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk.
- Frost the cookie cups and top with sprinkles.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Experiment with different frosting flavors and sprinkles for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg