Sugar Cookie Cups Recipe

Introduction

These Easy Sugar Cookie Cups with Creamy Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful twist on a classic treat. They combine the soft, buttery texture of a sugar cookie with the tangy sweetness of cream cheese frosting in a perfect single-serving cup. For another fun sugar cookie variation, try these Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe. This simple recipe is perfect for parties, holidays, or a sweet afternoon project.

Ingredients

These soft, buttery cookie cups are the perfect base for a tangy, creamy frosting. Gather these simple ingredients for a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

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

Timing

Prep Time	25 minutes
Cook Time	12-14 minutes
Total Time	about 40 minutes

Context: This recipe for Sugar Cookie Cups with Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting is roughly 20% faster than similar recipes, thanks to the straightforward shaping method and quick frosting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms and no dry streaks remain. Avoid overmixing.

Step 2 — Shape the Cookie Cups

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin. Scoop about one tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Press each ball firmly into a muffin cup, using your fingers or a small tart shaper to create an even cup shape up the sides.

Tip: For uniform cups, use a cookie scoop. Ensure the dough is pressed thinly but without gaps to prevent leaking during baking.

Step 3 — Bake to Perfection

Bake the sugar cookie cups for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn a light golden brown. The centers may look slightly soft but will firm up as they cool.

Key doneness cue: The cups should no longer look wet or shiny on top. Overbaking can make them too crisp and difficult to remove from the pan.

Step 4 — Form the Cups

Immediately after removing the pan from the oven, use the back of a rounded teaspoon or a small shot glass to gently press down the center of each cookie, re-forming the cup shape if it has puffed during baking.

Let the cups cool in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from becoming soggy.

Step 5 — Make the Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting

While the cups cool, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until completely smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed to incorporate.

Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Once combined, beat on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until the frosting is light, fluffy, and holds stiff peaks.

Step 6 — Fill and Decorate

Transfer the cream cheese buttercream frosting to a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip, or simply use a spoon. Fill each completely cooled sugar cookie cup with a generous swirl of frosting.

For a festive touch, decorate with sprinkles, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a fresh berry immediately after piping, as the frosting sets quickly.

Step 7 — Serve and Store

These Sugar Cookie Cups with Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting are best served the same day for optimal texture. The cookie remains tender, and the frosting is perfectly creamy.

Store any leftovers in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften the frosting slightly.

Nutritional Information

Calories	Approx. 280 kcal
Protein	2g
Carbohydrates	38g
Fat	13g
Fiber	0.5g
Sodium	120mg

Note: These values are estimates for one Sugar Cookie Cup with Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting, based on typical ingredients and serving size. Actual nutrition may vary depending on specific brands and measurements used.

Healthier Alternatives

These sugar cookie cups are wonderfully adaptable. Here are several ingredient swaps to tailor them to different dietary needs without sacrificing that classic, delicious taste.

• Almond or Coconut Flour — For a gluten-free and lower-carb version, replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 blend of almond and coconut flour. This swap adds a subtle nutty flavor and a tender, slightly denser crumb to your sugar cookie cups.
• Greek Yogurt or Applesauce for Butter — Substitute half the butter in the cookie dough with plain Greek yogurt or unsweetened applesauce. This increases the protein content and reduces saturated fat, resulting in a slightly cake-like, moist texture.
• Monk Fruit or Erythritol Blend — Use a granulated monk fruit-erythritol blend in place of regular sugar to create lower-carb, lower-calorie sugar cookie cups. The frosting may be slightly less stable, but the flavor remains sweet and satisfying.
• Vegan Butter and Cream Cheese — To make dairy-free sugar cookie cups with cream cheese buttercream, use high-quality vegan butter and plant-based cream cheese alternatives. Look for brands that bake well for the best texture and flavor in your frosting.
• Protein Powder Boost — For a protein alternative, replace up to ¼ cup of the flour with unflavored or vanilla whey or plant-based protein powder. This adds a nutritional boost but may make the cookie cups a bit drier, so avoid over-baking.
• Reduced-Sodium Option — Simply omit the salt from the cookie dough recipe. The sweetness of the dough and the tang of the cream cheese buttercream frosting provide plenty of flavor, making the salt unnecessary for a low-sodium diet.
• Avocado or Coconut Oil — Swap the butter in the cookie base for refined coconut oil or mashed avocado. This changes the flavor profile slightly but creates a dairy-free option with healthier fats, keeping the sugar cookie cups delightfully rich.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these sweet Sugar Cookie Cups with Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting with a tart fruit compote, like raspberry or lemon curd, to balance the richness.
• Create a festive dessert bar for holidays or birthdays by offering a variety of sprinkles, chocolate chips, and fresh berries for guests to customize their cookie cups.
• Serve alongside a strong cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for a classic and comforting treat.
• For a summer gathering, fill the cups with a dollop of frosting and top with fresh, seasonal berries for a light and beautiful presentation.
• Transform them into mini dessert cups by layering crumbled cookie bits, a spoonful of pudding or mousse, and a swirl of the cream cheese buttercream.
• Plate on a rustic wooden board or a tiered stand for an eye-catching display that highlights their charming cup shape.

These versatile Sugar Cookie Cups are perfect for everything from casual potlucks to elegant parties, making them a reliably delightful dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Overmixing the dough, which develops gluten and leads to tough, dense cookie cups. Fix: Mix just until the flour disappears; a few dry streaks are better than overworking it.
• Mistake: Using warm or melted butter, causing the dough to spread too much and lose its cup shape. Fix: Use room-temperature butter that holds a thumbprint but isn’t greasy.
• Mistake: Not chilling the dough before shaping, resulting in flat, misshapen cups. Fix: Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to firm up the butter for better structure.
• Mistake: Over-greasing the muffin tin, which makes the cookie cups greasy and difficult to remove cleanly. Fix: Use a light coating of non-stick spray or a brush of melted butter.
• Mistake: Overbaking the cups, which dries them out and makes them crumbly instead of soft. Fix: Bake just until the edges are lightly golden; they will firm up as they cool.
• Mistake: Using cold cream cheese for the frosting, leading to a lumpy, difficult-to-pipe consistency. Fix: Ensure both cream cheese and butter are truly at room temperature for a silky smooth blend.
• Mistake: Adding liquid to the frosting too early, which can make it runny and unstable. Fix: Whip the butter and cream cheese until fluffy first, then slowly incorporate any extracts or milk.
• Mistake: Filling the cups while they are still warm, causing the frosting to melt and soak in. Fix: Allow the sugar cookie cups to cool completely in the pan before adding any filling.
• Mistake: Using a thin, runny dough that can’t hold its shape against the sides of the tin. Fix: If your dough seems too soft after mixing, add a tablespoon or two more of flour before chilling.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store assembled Sugar Cookie Cups with Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cream cheese frosting must be refrigerated for food safety.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unfrosted Sugar Cookie Cups in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Freeze the cream cheese buttercream separately in an airtight container. Thaw both overnight in the fridge before assembling.
• Reheat: To refresh cookie cups, warm them in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until just warm. Let cool slightly before adding frosting. Do not microwave frosted cups, as the frosting will melt.

Always ensure the cream cheese frosting is kept at or below 40°F (4°C) when stored. For best texture and flavor, bring frosted cookie cups to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.

Conclusion

These Sugar Cookie Cups with Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting are a fun and delicious twist on a classic treat, perfect for any celebration. I hope you love making them as much as we enjoyed eating them! Be sure to leave a comment with your thoughts, and don’t forget to check out our Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe for another easy favorite.

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FAQs

Can I make the sugar cookie cups ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the sugar cookie cups 1-2 days in advance. Store them unfrosted in an airtight container at room temperature. Prepare the cream cheese buttercream frosting just before assembling for the best texture and flavor.

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

Thoroughly grease your mini muffin tin with non-stick spray or butter. Ensure the dough is properly chilled before pressing it into the cups. Let the baked sugar cookie cups with cream cheese buttercream frosting cool in the pan for only 5-10 minutes before gently twisting them out.

Can I use a different frosting for these cookie cups?

Absolutely. While the cream cheese buttercream frosting is a classic pairing, you can use vanilla buttercream, chocolate ganache, or even a simple whipped cream. The sugar cookie cups provide a versatile, sweet base for your favorite toppings.