In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Do not overmix.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and chill for 30–45 minutes. This step is crucial—it prevents spreading and helps the cups hold their shape.
Step 3: Shape the Cookie Cups
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard muffin tin well.
Roll dough into 1½-tablespoon balls and place one in each muffin cavity. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set but centers remain soft.
Step 4: Create the Cup Shape
Immediately after removing from the oven, use the back of a teaspoon, tart tamper, or rounded measuring spoon to gently press the center of each cookie downward.
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Frosting
Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and cream until smooth and fluffy. Adjust consistency as needed.
Pipe or spoon frosting into cooled cookie cups.
Flavor Variations & Filling Ideas
1. Cheesecake Sugar Cookie Cups
Fill with sweetened cream cheese frosting or no-bake cheesecake filling.
2. Chocolate Lovers
Add cocoa powder to frosting or fill with chocolate ganache.
3. Lemon Sugar Cookie Cups
Fill with lemon curd and top with whipped cream.
4. Holiday Peppermint Cups
Add peppermint extract to frosting and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
5. Strawberry Shortcake Cups
Fill with whipped cream and diced strawberries.
Decorating Ideas for Any Occasion
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Christmas: Red & green sprinkles, snowflake sugars
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Valentine’s Day: Pink frosting, heart sprinkles
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Easter: Pastel frosting, mini eggs
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Birthdays: Rainbow sprinkles, themed toppers
These cookie cups are a decorator’s dream.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cookie Cups
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Chill dough for best structure
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Press centers while cookies are hot
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Don’t overbake—soft centers are key
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Use a non-stick muffin tin or grease generously
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Let cookies cool completely before filling
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
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Unfilled cookie cups: Store airtight at room temp for 3 days
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Filled cups: Refrigerate up to 3 days
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Freeze baked cups: Up to 2 months (unfilled)
Perfect for prepping ahead of holidays or parties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought sugar cookie dough?
Yes, but homemade dough gives better structure and flavor.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
Can kids help make these?
Absolutely—pressing the centers and decorating is kid-friendly fun.
Why Sugar Cookie Cups Are a Dessert Table MVP
Sugar Cookie Cups are:
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Easy to eat
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Visually stunning
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Infinitely customizable
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Loved by kids and adults alike
They combine the nostalgia of sugar cookies with the elegance of filled desserts—making them a guaranteed hit.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a bite-sized dessert that delivers big flavor, Sugar Cookie Cups are the answer. Soft, buttery, festive, and endlessly adaptable, they’re perfect for every celebration on your calendar.
Once you try them, they’ll become a permanent part of your dessert rotation.
Bake them once—everyone will ask for them forever. 🍪✨
