Description
Sugar Cookie Cups are delightful bite-sized treats featuring soft, buttery sugar cookie dough baked into muffin-sized cups and filled with creamy, smooth cream cheese buttercream frosting. These charming dessert cups are perfect for parties, celebrations, or a sweet snack, topped with colorful sprinkles for a festive touch.
Ingredients
Cookie Cups
- 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)
Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting
- 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 and prepare muffin pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease two regular muffin pans using nonstick cooking spray to prevent the cookie cups from sticking.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, which usually takes a few minutes. Periodically scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to ensure even mixing.
- Add egg and extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract into the creamed mixture until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed.
- Form the cookie dough: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape cookie cups: Using your fingers, press approximately 2 tablespoons of cookie dough into the bottom of each muffin cup, then press the dough halfway up the sides to form a cup shape.
- Bake cookie cups: Bake the cookie cups in the preheated oven for 12 minutes until lightly golden. After baking, allow them to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes.
- Form the cup indentations: While slightly warm, press the back of a tablespoon or the top of a round spice jar gently down the center of each cookie to deepen the cup shape. Let the cookie cups cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare cream cheese buttercream frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth. Then gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, mixing continually until the frosting reaches a smooth, fluffy consistency. Add food coloring gel if desired to tint the frosting pink or red. Adjust consistency by adding more milk if too thick or more powdered sugar if too thin. The frosting should be able to hold stiff peaks.
- Fill and decorate cookie cups: Transfer the frosting into a piping bag fitted with a star tip, then pipe a swirl of frosting into each cooled cookie cup. Alternatively, you may use a spoon to fill each cup. Top with sprinkles if desired for a festive touch. Serve and enjoy your delicious sugar cookie cups!
Notes
- Ensure butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep the cookie cups tender and soft.
- Pressing the indentation while the cookies are still warm helps form perfect cups.
- Store cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a dairy-free variation, substitute butter and cream cheese with vegan alternatives.
- Sprinkles are optional and can be customized for different occasions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
