Sugar Cookie Cups are everything we love about classic sugar cookies—soft centers, buttery flavor, and sweet vanilla warmth—transformed into adorable bite-sized dessert cups. Perfect for holidays, parties, cookie exchanges, baby showers, or anytime you want a dessert that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make.
These mini cookie cups are baked in a muffin tin, creating the perfect hollow center for frosting, ganache, fruit filling, cheesecake mousse, or even ice cream. They’re customizable, crowd-pleasing, and ideal for make-ahead entertaining.
In this complete 1500-word SEO-optimized recipe guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make perfect sugar cookie cups every time—plus flavor variations, storage tips, troubleshooting, and creative filling ideas.
Why You’ll Love These Sugar Cookie Cups
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Perfectly portioned – No slicing, no mess
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Soft and chewy with crisp edges
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Endlessly customizable for any season or theme
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Beginner-friendly and made with pantry staples
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Ideal for holidays like Christmas, Easter, Valentine’s Day & birthdays
Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or building a dessert table that wows, these sugar cookie cups deliver both flavor and visual appeal.
What Are Sugar Cookie Cups?
Sugar cookie cups are baked sugar cookies shaped into small cups using a muffin tin. While the cookies are warm, the center is gently pressed down to create a cavity. Once cooled, the cups are filled with frosting, whipped cream, ganache, lemon curd, or fruit.
Think of them as a cross between:
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A classic sugar cookie
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A mini tart shell
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A decorated cupcake—without cake
Ingredients for Sugar Cookie Cups
For the Sugar Cookie Cups
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2¾ cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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1 large egg yolk
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Vanilla Frosting (Classic Filling)
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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2 cups powdered sugar
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1–2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
Optional Toppings
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Holiday sprinkles
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Nonpareils
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Mini chocolate chips
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Fresh berries
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Crushed candy canes
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Colored sanding sugar
