Sugar Cookie Cups

Sugar Cookie Cups are a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies, offering a fun and creative way to enjoy your favorite treat. These little cups are soft, buttery, and baked in a muffin tin, creating a perfect vessel for fillings like frosting, chocolate, fruit, or even ice cream. They’re great for parties, holidays, or whenever you’re craving something sweet and unique.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Versatile and Customizable: Fill them with anything you like—frosting, ganache, jam, or whipped cream.
• Perfect for Celebrations: These mini desserts look impressive but are surprisingly easy to make.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake the cookie cups in advance and fill them just before serving.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, making them accessible and budget-friendly.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin tin.
2. Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
3. Form the Cups: Scoop about a tablespoon of dough into each muffin tin well. Press the dough into the bottom and slightly up the sides to form a cup shape.
4. Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and use a small spoon or the back of a measuring cup to gently press the centers down, creating a deeper cup shape. Let cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Fill and Decorate: Once cool, fill the cookie cups with your choice of filling and decorate as desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes approximately 24 cookie cups.
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
• Cooling Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Lovers: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough or drizzle melted chocolate over the cups.
• Holiday Inspired: Add food coloring to the dough or sprinkle colored sugar on top before baking.
• Nutty Twist: Fill with Nutella or a peanut butter mixture for a rich, nutty flavor.
• Fruit Delight: Top with fresh berries or a dollop of lemon curd.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store unfilled cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: If frozen, thaw at room temperature before filling and serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cookie cups ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cookie cups in advance and store them unfilled. Add the filling just before serving for best results.

2. What fillings work best for sugar cookie cups?

You can use frosting, whipped cream, ganache, pudding, fruit preserves, or even ice cream.

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

Make sure to grease the muffin tin thoroughly or use nonstick spray. Silicone muffin molds are also a great option.

4. Can I use pre-made cookie dough?

Yes, pre-made sugar cookie dough works well as a time-saving option.

5. How do I make them gluten-free?

Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.

6. Can I add mix-ins to the dough?

Absolutely! Try adding mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, or chopped nuts to the dough before baking.

7. What’s the best way to shape the cups?

Use your fingers, a small spoon, or the back of a measuring cup to press the dough into a cup shape.

8. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, simply double the ingredients to make a larger batch.

9. How do I keep the cookie cups from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping it in the muffin tin to help it hold its shape during baking.

10. Are sugar cookie cups suitable for gifting?

Definitely! Package them in decorative boxes or tins, and they make an excellent homemade gift.

Conclusion

Sugar Cookie Cups are a fun, versatile treat that will impress your family and friends. With their soft, buttery texture and endless filling possibilities, they’re sure to become a favorite. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a holiday, or simply indulging a sweet tooth, these cookie cups are a must-try.

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