Sugar Cookie Cups with Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Introduction

Sugar Cookie Cups are a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies, baked into adorable little cups perfect for filling with frosting or treats. These bite-sized delights are soft, buttery, and topped with creamy cream cheese buttercream, making them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

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)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two regular muffin pans with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Step 3: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until the mixture is smooth.
4. Step 4: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until dough forms. Avoid over-mixing.
6. Step 6: Press about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough into the bottom of each muffin cup and then press the dough halfway up the sides with your fingers to create a cup shape.
7. Step 7: Bake the cookie cups for 12 minutes, then let them cool for at least 15 minutes in the pan.
8. Step 8: To shape the cups, gently press the back of a tablespoon or the top of a round spice jar into the center of each cookie to form the cup hollow. Allow them to cool completely before removing.
9. Step 9: Meanwhile, prepare the frosting by beating together the cream cheese and butter until smooth using an electric mixer.
10. Step 10: Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk to the cream cheese mixture and continue to beat until combined. Add food coloring gel if using, adjusting milk or powdered sugar to reach frosting that can hold stiff peaks.
11. Step 11: Fill a piping bag fitted with a star tip with the frosting and swirl it into each cookie cup. Alternatively, spoon the frosting in.
12. Step 12: Decorate with sprinkles if desired, then enjoy your sugar cookie cups!

Tips & Variations

• For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
• Add citrus zest like lemon or orange to the cookie dough for a fresh flavor twist.
• If you don’t have a piping bag, use a zip-top bag with a small corner cut off for piping frosting.
• Try filling the cookie cups with jam or chocolate ganache instead of frosting for variety.

Storage

Store the baked cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If frosted, refrigerate and consume within 2 days. Allow refrigerated cookie cups to come to room temperature before serving, or briefly warm them for softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking. Let the dough soften slightly before pressing it into the muffin pans.

How do I prevent the cookie cups from sticking to the pan?

Be sure to generously grease your muffin pans with nonstick spray or butter. You can also use silicone muffin liners for easier removal, though it may slightly change the baking time.

Sugar Cookie Cups with Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 230 reviews

Delightfully soft and buttery sugar cookie cups filled with creamy, smooth cream cheese buttercream frosting. These individual cookie cups are perfect bite-sized treats topped with festive sprinkles and customizable with your choice of frosting color.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookie cups 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease two regular muffin pans with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take a few minutes. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
3. Add Egg and Extracts: Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract into the creamed mixture. Beat again until everything is evenly combined and smooth.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda ensuring that they are well mixed.
5. Make Dough: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Be careful not to over-mix to maintain a tender texture.
6. Form Cookie Cups: Using your fingers, press approximately 2 tablespoons of cookie dough into the bottom of each muffin cup and press the dough halfway up the sides to form the cup shape.
7. Bake: Bake the cookie cups in the preheated oven for 12 minutes. Remove and allow them to cool for at least 15 minutes before shaping.
8. Shape Cookie Cups: To perfect the cup shape, gently press the back of a tablespoon or the top of a round spice jar into the center of each cookie cup while still slightly warm. Then, let the cookie cups cool completely.
9. Prepare Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer until completely smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, continuing to mix. Add food coloring gel if desired to achieve the preferred color. If the frosting is too thick, add more milk; if too thin, add more powdered sugar. The consistency should be firm enough to hold stiff peaks.
10. Frost and Decorate: Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a star tip and swirl the frosting into each cooled cookie cup. Alternatively, you can spoon the frosting in. Top with sprinkles if desired for a festive touch.
11. Serve and Enjoy: Your sugar cookie cups are ready to be enjoyed as delightful treats for any occasion.

Notes

• Make sure to not over-mix the cookie dough to keep the cookie cups tender and soft.
• Press the cookie dough into the muffin tin well to ensure sturdy cookie cups that hold their shape.
• Allow cookie cups to cool slightly before shaping to avoid cracking.
• Adjust the frosting consistency by adding milk or powdered sugar as needed to get stiff peaks.
• Use a piping bag with a star tip for a professional look but a spoon works fine too.
• Sprinkles on top are optional but add a nice colorful touch.

Keywords: sugar cookie cups, cream cheese frosting, holiday cookies, bite-sized desserts, cookie cups recipe