Why Make This Recipe
Making Sugar Cookie Cups is a fantastic way to treat yourself and your loved ones. These sweet treats are not only delicious but also fun to make. They feature a soft, buttery cookie formed into little cups, ready to be filled with creamy frosting. This combination creates the perfect dessert that pleases people of all ages.
Imagine a gathering with friends and family, everyone gathered around to enjoy these delightful cookie cups. You can customize them with your favorite sprinkles and colors. They are great for birthday parties, holiday celebrations, or just to enjoy on a regular day. Plus, the process of making them can be a fun activity to do with kids or friends.
Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love cookies? And when they come with a frosting surprise, it’s even better. The combination of flavors makes these treats really special. You’ll find the richness of the cookie, paired with the sweetness of the frosting, makes every bite a treat.
If you are looking for a new recipe to add to your baking collection, Sugar Cookie Cups are a wonderful choice. They are easy to make and hard to resist. So, let’s dive into how you can create these delectable Sugar Cookie Cups in your own kitchen!
How to Make Sugar Cookie Cups
Making Sugar Cookie Cups involves a few simple steps. The whole process will have your kitchen smelling sweet and inviting. Don’t worry; even if you are not an expert baker, this recipe is simple enough for anyone to try. Follow along, and soon you’ll be creating batch after batch of these delightful treats.
Ingredients
To make Sugar Cookie Cups, you will need the following 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 (to decorate)
- 2 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pink or red food coloring gel (optional)
Directions
Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. This is an important step as it ensures that your cookie cups will bake evenly.
Prepare your muffin pans: Grease 2 regular muffin pans with nonstick cooking spray. This prevents the cookies from sticking and helps them come out easily.
Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Mix this together until it becomes light and fluffy. This will take about a few minutes. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to make sure everything is mixed well.
Add egg and extracts: Next, crack in the large egg, then add the vanilla and almond extracts. Beat again until the mixture is smooth.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet mixture. Mix until a dough forms. Be careful not to over-mix; a little flour still visible is okay.
Shape the cookie cups: Take about 2 tablespoons of the cookie dough and press it into the bottom of each muffin cup. Use your fingers to press the dough about halfway up the sides to create a cup shape.
Bake the cookie cups: Place the pans in the oven and bake for about 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Cool down and shape the cups: After baking, let the cookie cups cool in the pans for at least 15 minutes. After they have cooled slightly, use the back of a tablespoon or the top of a round spice jar to press down in the center of each cookie cup. This will create the nice cup shape. Let them cool completely before adding frosting.
Make the frosting: While the cookie cups are cooling, you can prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and unsalted butter using an electric mixer until smooth. Then, add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix until it reaches a creamy consistency. If you want to add food coloring to create a pink or red frosting, stir that in until you achieve your desired shade.
Frost the cookie cups: Use a piping bag with a star tip to swirl frosting into each cooled cookie cup. If you don’t have a piping bag, a spoon works just fine as well. Finally, top each cup with sprinkles if you wish.
Enjoy your treats! Serve these delightful Sugar Cookie Cups immediately or share them with family and friends. Enjoy every bite!
How to Serve Sugar Cookie Cups
Serving Sugar Cookie Cups is simple and fun. You can place them all on a decorative platter and let everyone take one or two. This makes a beautiful display at parties or family gatherings. If you want to serve them with added flair, pair them with a glass of milk or a scoop of ice cream.
For special occasions, consider creating a themed setup. Use colored plates and napkins that match the season or event. For example, use red and pink items for Valentine’s Day or colorful items for birthdays.
You can also personalize each cookie cup with different types of frosting and toppings. This allows everyone to customize their treat according to their taste. The possibilities for serving these cookie cups are endless!
How to Store Sugar Cookie Cups
Storing Sugar Cookie Cups is easy. After they have completely cooled, place them in an airtight container. This will help keep them fresh for longer. Ideally, they can stay at room temperature for up to three days.
If you want to keep them longer, you can store them in the refrigerator. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving again. If they are stored properly, these cookie cups can last for up to a week in the fridge.
You can also freeze the cookie cups if you want to keep them for even longer. Freeze them without frosting in an airtight container for up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy them, allow them to thaw in the fridge before adding frosting and serving.
Tips to Make Sugar Cookie Cups
Be generous with the spray: To avoid sticking issues, be generous when greasing your muffin pans with nonstick spray.
Use room temperature ingredients: Softened butter and cream cheese work best for mixing. Make sure they are at room temperature to get the right consistency.
Don’t skip the chilling step: When using the back of the spoon to mold your cookie cups, it’s best to do it while they are still warm to shape them properly.
Experiment with flavors: Feel free to change the extracts or add spices like cinnamon for a different flavor profile.
Adjust the frosting: You can adjust your frosting thickness by modifying the amount of milk or powdered sugar used. Make sure to reach the desired consistency for easy piping.
Variation
While the classic Sugar Cookie Cups are delightful as is, you can alter them to fit your taste. For instance, you could add cocoa powder to the cookie dough for a chocolate flavor.
Using different extracts, such as lemon or orange, can also create a fun twist. For a festive variation, consider adding peppermint extract for a holiday treat. You could replace the cream cheese frosting with chocolate frosting or even a peanut butter frosting for a unique flavor combination.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine as a substitute for butter in this recipe. However, cookies made with margarine may have a slightly different texture than those made with butter.
Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the cookie cups a day in advance and store them in airtight containers. Just add the frosting right before serving.
Q3: What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use store-bought frosting as a quicker alternative. You could also try mascarpone cheese or vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free option.
Creating Sugar Cookie Cups can be both a sweet adventure and a delicious treat. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy these delightful cookies at any time!
Sugar Cookie Cups
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- Grease 2 regular muffin pans with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extracts, and beat until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture until a dough forms.
- Take about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough and press it into the bottom of each muffin cup, shaping it halfway up the sides.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes until lightly golden.
- Let the cookie cups cool in the pans for at least 15 minutes. Press down in the center of each cookie cup to create a cup shape.
- In a medium bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until creamy; add food coloring if desired.
- Using a piping bag or spoon, frost each cooled cookie cup. Top with sprinkles.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.