Sugar Cookie Cups with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Introduction

Sugar Cookie Cups are a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies, featuring a soft, buttery base shaped like little cups and filled with creamy frosting. These charming treats are perfect for parties, holidays, or anytime you want to impress with a sweet and fun dessert.

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 or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about a few minutes. Scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula as needed.
3. Step 3: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture. Beat until smooth and fully combined.
4. Step 4: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix just until the dough forms—avoid over-mixing to keep cookies tender.
6. Step 6: Press about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough into the bottom of each muffin cup. Using your fingers, press the dough up the sides halfway to create a cup shape.
7. Step 7: Bake the cookie cups for 12 minutes, then allow them to cool for at least 15 minutes. While still slightly warm, gently press the back of a tablespoon or the top of a round spice jar into the center of each cookie to deepen the cup shape. Let the cookie cups cool completely.
8. Step 8: While the cookie cups cool, make the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Continue mixing until creamy. Add food coloring gel if desired, adjusting consistency by adding more milk if too thick or more powdered sugar if too thin. The frosting should be stiff enough to hold its shape.
9. Step 9: Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a star tip and pipe swirls into each cookie cup. Top with sprinkles if you like, and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a different flavor, substitute the almond extract with lemon or orange extract.
• Use mini chocolate chips or crushed candy canes as an alternative to sprinkles for seasonal variations.
• Ensure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature before mixing for smooth frosting and dough.
• If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a resealable plastic bag with one corner snipped off.

Storage

Store the frosted sugar cookie cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. Unfrosted cookie cups can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the cookie cups ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie cups a day or two in advance and store them unfrosted. Frost them just before serving to keep the frosting fresh and looking its best.

What can I use if I don’t have cream cheese?

You can substitute cream cheese with an equal amount of softened butter for a buttery frosting, though the flavor and texture will be different from classic cream cheese frosting.

Sugar Cookie Cups with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 78 reviews

Delightfully soft and buttery sugar cookie cups filled with creamy, smooth cream cheese frosting. These easy-to-make treats are perfect for parties or a sweet snack, featuring a tender sugar cookie base baked in muffin tins and topped with a luscious homemade frosting that can be colored for a festive touch.

• Author: Sophie
• 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 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
• Sprinkles (optional)

Cream Cheese 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)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease two regular muffin pans generously with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, scraping down the sides occasionally to ensure even mixing.
3. Add Egg and Extracts: Crack in the egg, then add vanilla and almond extracts. Beat this mixture again until it becomes smooth and well combined.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda evenly.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
6. Form Cookie Cups: Press about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough into the bottom of each muffin cup, then use your fingers to press the dough halfway up the sides, creating a cup shape.
7. Bake and Shape: Bake the cookie cups for 12 minutes. Remove from the oven and let them cool for at least 15 minutes. While still warm, press the back of a tablespoon or the top of a round spice jar into the center of each cookie to reinforce the cup shape. Allow the cookie cups to cool completely.
8. Make the Frosting: While the cookie cups cool, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, beating continuously. Add food coloring gel if desired to reach your preferred frosting color and consistency. Adjust with more milk if the frosting is too thick or more powdered sugar if too thin. The frosting should be stiff enough to hold peaks.
9. Pipe the Frosting: Fill a piping bag fitted with a star tip with the cream cheese frosting. Pipe a beautiful swirl onto each cooled cookie cup. Optionally, decorate with sprinkles to add a festive touch.

Notes

• Do not overmix the dough to ensure tender cookie cups.
• Pressing the cookie cup shape when warm makes it easier to form without cracking.
• The frosting can be colored with food gel to suit various themes or occasions.
• Store finished cookie cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Allow frosting to come to room temperature before serving for best taste and texture.

Keywords: sugar cookie cups, cream cheese frosting, easy cookie recipe, baking, dessert cups, holiday treats