Name: Sugar Cookie Cups with Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: American
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 (optional); 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)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 34 reviews

If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a cozy hug with a festive twist, then you must try this Sugar Cookie Cups with Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting Recipe. These little treats combine the buttery, soft goodness of sugar cookies baked into charming cups with the rich, tangy sweetness of cream cheese buttercream frosting swirled on top. Every bite offers that perfect balance of nostalgia and indulgence, making them an absolute delight for any occasion — from casual family gatherings to holiday parties. The sprinkles add a burst of color and fun, turning simple ingredients into an irresistible dessert that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four separate scenes of cookie baking. The first scene is a gray metal muffin tray filled with 12 round, light brown dough balls with smooth tops, evenly spaced in the tray. The second scene shows the same tray with 12 evenly baked, tan, shallow bowls of cookie dough with even surfaces and slightly darker edges, still in the tray. The third scene is a close-up of smooth, thick, pale pink frosting spread in a bowl with visible swirls and ridges. The last scene shows 20 small, round cookies with a light golden base, each topped with a swirled, bright pink frosting piped in a neat star shape with rainbow sprinkles on top, arranged evenly on a white wire cooling rack placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is half the joy in making this recipe. They are straightforward but cleverly chosen to create that soft texture, just-right sweetness, and the creamy frosting that makes these cookie cups shine. Each element plays a vital role, from the almond extract’s subtle depth to the powdered sugar’s smooth sweetness.

Salted butter (3/4 cup, softened): Adds richness and helps create the perfect soft cookie texture.
Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the cookie dough while contributing to a slight crispness on the edges.
Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture for tender cookies.
Vanilla extract (1 1/2 teaspoons): Imparts classic warm flavor that’s essential in sugar cookies.
Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a subtle, nutty undertone that elevates the cookie’s taste profile.
All-purpose flour (2 cups): Forms the base of the cookie dough, providing structure.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise slightly for a soft, airy texture.
Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Works alongside baking powder to create the ideal crumb.
Sprinkles: Adds a playful pop of color and festive flair on top.
Cream cheese (2 ounces, softened): Brings creaminess and a slight tang that balances the sweetness of the frosting.
Powdered sugar (3 cups): Sweetens and thickens the buttercream to a smooth finish.
Butter (1/4 cup): Combines with cream cheese to create a luscious frosting base.
Milk (2 tablespoons): Adjusts frosting consistency for that perfect pipeable texture.
Vanilla extract (1/4 teaspoon): Infuses delicate flavor into the frosting.
Pink or red food coloring gel (optional): Adds a beautiful hue to your frosting for extra charm.

How to Make Sugar Cookie Cups with Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Muffin Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Give your muffin pans a good greasing with nonstick cooking spray so those cookie cups release easily later. This simple prep step sets you up for no-fuss baking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use an electric or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes around a few minutes. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl to fully incorporate all ingredients, which ensures an evenly textured dough.

Step 3: Add Egg and Extracts

Mix in the large egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy. These ingredients bring essential moisture and depth of flavor that are pivotal to a perfect sugar cookie cup.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda. This ensures an even distribution of leavening agents, giving your cookies the soft rise you’re aiming for.

Step 5: Form the Cookie Dough

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, but don’t over-mix here. Stir just until the dough forms, which keeps your cookie cups tender, not tough.

Step 6: Shape the Cookie Cups

Press about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough into the bottom of each muffin cup, then press it halfway up the sides with your fingers. This forms the little cup shapes that, once baked, hold all that delicious frosting marvelously.

Step 7: Bake and Shape

Bake the cookie cups for 12 minutes until golden. While still warm, gently press the back of a tablespoon or a rounded jar top into the center of each cookie to reinforce the cup shape. Let them cool completely before frosting to avoid melting your hard work.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting

Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth with your mixer. Slowly add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, beating until the frosting reaches a luscious consistency. Add optional food coloring until you get the perfect shade. Aim for a frosting that holds stiff peaks for piping ease.

Step 9: Frost and Decorate

Fill a piping bag fitted with a star tip and swirl your creamy frosting into each cookie cup. If piping isn’t your style, a spoon works just fine too. Finish with a sprinkling of colorful sprinkles for that festive touch. Now comes the best part—enjoy these delightful treats!

How to Serve Sugar Cookie Cups with Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting Recipe

The image shows several small round cookies with thick golden-brown edges forming a shallow cup, filled with a smooth, swirled layer of bright pink frosting. The frosting has a creamy texture with a top layer of colorful sprinkles, including tiny spheres and thin rods in yellow, blue, purple, pink, and white. One cookie in the center has a bite taken out of it, revealing the soft cookie interior and the fullness of the pink frosting inside. The cookies rest on a flat surface with a white marbled texture, and a woman's hand is lightly touching one of the cookies. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While sprinkles are our go-to, you can get creative here! Try adding mini chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or edible glitter to jazz up the frosting. Fresh berries also add a lovely tart contrast that pairs wonderfully with the sweet cookie cups.

Side Dishes

These Sugar Cookie Cups with Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting Recipe treats pair spectacularly with a warm cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or even a glass of cold milk. For a special brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait for a balanced delight.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these cookie cups on a pretty platter lined with doilies for a charming look. You can also place each cup in a festive paper liner or edible flower cup for extra visual appeal. For parties, arranging them on tiered dessert stands will truly impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover cookie cups (though that’s unlikely), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese buttercream fresh. They should stay good for up to 3 days, making them a perfect treat to enjoy later.

Freezing

You can freeze the un-frosted cookie cups in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a zip-top bag once solid. When ready, thaw them at room temperature before piping the frosting. Freezing the frosting isn’t recommended, as it can affect texture.

Reheating

If you want a warm cookie cup, briefly microwave (about 10 seconds) an unfrosted cookie cup before adding freshly piped frosting. Avoid reheating frosted cookie cups to maintain the integrity of the buttercream.

FAQs

Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cookie dough can be made a day in advance and refrigerated in an airtight container. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften slightly before shaping.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

You can omit the almond extract for a more classic sugar cookie taste or substitute it with an equal amount of vanilla extract. While almond extract adds a subtle depth, the cookies will still be delicious without it.

Can I use regular buttercream instead of cream cheese buttercream?

You can, but the cream cheese buttercream frosting is what gives this recipe its signature tangy richness that balances the sweetness perfectly. Regular buttercream will be sweeter and less creamy but still tasty.

How do I make the frosting less sweet?

You can reduce the amount of powdered sugar slightly or add a pinch of salt to your frosting to cut the sweetness. Just be cautious, as changing the sugar ratio can alter the frosting’s consistency.

What’s the best way to pipe the frosting?

Using a star tip piping nozzle creates beautiful swirls and a professional look. If you don’t have a piping bag, a zip-top plastic bag with a tiny corner snipped off works wonderfully as a DIY option.

Final Thoughts

Making these Sugar Cookie Cups with Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting Recipe is like baking a little bundle of joy that you get to eat and share. Their delightful combination of soft cookie texture and luscious frosting is something that will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll find yourself making them again and again — perfect for brightening up any day or celebration. So, roll up your sleeves and treat yourself to this sweet indulgence that brings so much warmth and happiness with every bite!