Sugar Cookie Cups with Cream Cheese Frosting and Sprinkles Recipe

Introduction

Sugar Cookie Cups are a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies, featuring a soft, buttery cup filled with creamy frosting. These sweet treats are perfect for parties or a fun dessert that everyone will love. Easy to make and decorated with sprinkles, they bring both charm and flavor to your table.

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 as needed.
3. Step 3: Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, then beat until smooth and fully combined.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cookies tender.
6. Step 6: Press about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough into the bottom of each muffin cup, then press the dough up about halfway along the sides to form a cup shape.
7. Step 7: Bake the cookie cups for 12 minutes, then let them cool for at least 15 minutes. Once slightly cooled, gently press the back of a tablespoon or the top of a round spice jar into the center of each cookie to enhance the cup shape. Allow to cool completely.
8. Step 8: While the cookie cups cool, prepare the frosting. Beat together the cream cheese and 1/4 cup butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, mixing well. If desired, add food coloring gel to reach your preferred frosting color. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if too thick or more powdered sugar if too thin. The frosting should form stiff peaks.
9. Step 9: Fill a piping bag fitted with a star tip with the frosting and swirl it into each cookie cup, or simply spoon it in. Top with sprinkles if you like. Serve and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a different flavor, try swapping the almond extract for lemon or orange extract.
• Use mini chocolate chips or colored sugar instead of sprinkles for varied decoration.
• If you don’t have a piping bag, a zip-top bag with a small corner cut off works well for frosting.
• Chill the dough before pressing it into the muffin tin for firmer cookie cups.

Storage

Store the cookie cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To enjoy, bring them to room temperature or warm slightly for a softer texture. The frosting may firm up when chilled, so let it sit out for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cookie cups ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cookie cups a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Frost just before serving for the freshest taste.

Can I freeze Sugar Cookie Cups?

You can freeze the baked cookie cups (without frosting) in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before frosting and serving.

Sugar Cookie Cups with Cream Cheese Frosting and Sprinkles Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.5 from 139 reviews

Delightful Sugar Cookie Cups with a soft, buttery cookie base shaped into cups and filled with creamy, smooth cream cheese frosting. These individual treats are perfect for parties or a sweet snack, topped with colorful sprinkles for a festive touch.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 47 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookie cups 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 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

Frosting

• 2 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 1/4 cup butter (softened)
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pink or red food coloring gel (optional)
• Sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two regular muffin pans thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. 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 and fluffy, which usually takes a few minutes. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to incorporate everything evenly.
3. Add Egg and Extracts: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the creamed mixture and beat until the batter is smooth and well combined.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a dough forms. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cookies tender.
6. Shape Cookie Cups: Press about 2 tablespoons of the cookie dough into the bottom of each muffin cup, then press it halfway up the sides evenly with your fingers to form a cup shape.
7. Bake and Cool: Bake the cookie cups in the preheated oven for 12 minutes. Once out of the oven, allow them to cool for at least 15 minutes. To create a defined cup shape, press the back of a tablespoon or the top of a round spice jar down into the centers. Let them cool completely before frosting.
8. Prepare Frosting: While the cookie cups cool, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl using a hand or stand mixer until smooth and creamy. Then, gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, continuing to mix until the frosting reaches a thick, pipeable consistency. Add food coloring gel if desired to tint the frosting. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if too thick, or more powdered sugar if too thin. The frosting should be able to hold stiff peaks.
9. Fill and Decorate: Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a star tip, and swirl it into each cookie cup. Alternatively, you can spoon the frosting in if you prefer. Top with sprinkles for a festive look if desired. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

• Ensure butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
• Do not over-mix the dough to maintain a tender texture.
• Pressing the cookie dough halfway up the sides creates a well to hold the frosting perfectly.
• You can use any food coloring or omit it entirely for a classic look.
• Store cookie cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep frosting fresh.
• Allow frosting to come to room temperature before serving for best texture and flavor.
• Replace sprinkles with other toppings such as mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts if preferred.

Keywords: sugar cookie cups, cookie cups, cream cheese frosting, party dessert, easy cookie recipe, baked cookie cups