Sugar Cookie Cups with Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting Recipe

There is something truly magical about these Sugar Cookie Cups with Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting Recipe that instantly brings smiles to any gathering. Imagine a tender, buttery sugar cookie shaped into a perfect little cup, gently holding a swirl of luscious cream cheese buttercream that melts in your mouth. This delightful treat combines classic sweetness with a creamy frosting that’s smooth, tangy, and irresistibly rich. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion or simply craving a charming homemade dessert, this recipe delivers a fun and flavorful experience that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe box.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first joyful step toward making these scrumptious cookie cups. Each component plays a key role in building the perfect texture, taste, and appearance of your dessert, ensuring every bite is heavenly.

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides a rich, creamy base for the cookie dough, resulting in tender, melt-in-your-mouth bites.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, fluffy texture when creamed with butter.
• 1 large egg: Binds the dough together and gives structure to the cookies.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses the dough with warm, aromatic flavor that’s essential for classic sugar cookies.
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookie, providing the perfect balance of softness and sturdiness to hold the frosting.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookie dough rise just enough to stay tender while maintaining shape.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened, for frosting): Creates the creamy base of the frosting for a rich texture.
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened): Adds tang and smoothness to the buttercream, giving it a dreamy consistency.
• 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and achieves that classic silky feel.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Gives the frosting a fragrant, sweet finish.
• 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed): Adjusts frosting consistency to perfect pipeability and spreadability.
• Food coloring and sprinkles (optional): Bring fun and festive flair that’s perfect for parties or holidays.

How to Make Sugar Cookie Cups with Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 12-cup muffin tin lightly. This warm-up step is key to making sure your cookie cups bake evenly and pop out easily without sticking, setting you up for success.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat together 1 cup of softened butter and the granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This aeration process is what gives the cookies a tender crumb, so don’t rush it—feel that delightful creamy texture develop.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, beat in the large egg and 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract until fully blended. This step adds moisture, flavor, and structure to the dough, making every bite richly aromatic and soft.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Combining these ingredients ahead ensures they distribute evenly and prevent any lumps or pockets of rising agent in your dough.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. This dough should be easy to handle but not sticky. If it feels too soft, chilling for a few minutes helps tremendously.

Step 6: Shape and Fill Muffin Cups

Roll the dough into 1.5-inch balls and place one in each muffin cup. Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, gently press the center of each ball to form a shallow well. This is the pocket that will hold your luscious frosting later, so be sure not to press too deep.

Step 7: Bake

Bake your cookie cups for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden. The sweet aroma will fill your kitchen and the visual cue of golden edges means they’re perfectly baked—tender yet sturdy.

Step 8: Create Wells

Right after removing from the oven, press down the centers again using a spoon or small cup to deepen the cups while the cookies are still soft. Then allow the cookie cups to cool completely in the pan to set their shape.

Step 9: Make the Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting

For the frosting, beat softened butter and cream cheese together until silky smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating continuously to reach a creamy consistency. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, to adjust thickness as needed. If you want, mix in food coloring for extra personality.

Step 10: Frost and Decorate

Once the cookie cups are completely cool, pipe or spoon the cream cheese buttercream into each well. Finish with sprinkles or toppings of your choice for a festive flair that will make these treats as beautiful as they are delicious.

How to Serve Sugar Cookie Cups with Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

Adding garnishes is a fantastic way to personalize your sugar cookie cups. Fresh fruit like raspberries or blueberries not only add a pop of color but also a fresh-tart contrast to the sweet frosting. Edible flowers or finely chopped nuts bring elegance and texture, making each bite even more exciting.

Side Dishes

These cookie cups shine as a solo dessert but can also star alongside a creamy cup of hot cocoa or a refreshing glass of cold milk. For parties, consider placing them next to a fruit platter or a lightly spiced chai tea to balance the sugary richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not turn these delightful cookie cups into mini dessert centerpieces? Arrange them on a tiered cake stand surrounded by fresh flowers or holiday décor for a charming table display. Place each cookie cup in a decorative paper liner or a mini cupcake wrapper to make them feel extra special. For kid-friendly fun, create themed decorations with colored frosting and candy accents according to the season or occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover cookie cups, store them unfrosted in an airtight container for up to three days to maintain their freshness and texture. Frost them just before serving to keep the cream cheese buttercream from becoming soggy or too soft.

Freezing

Both baked cookie cups and the cream cheese buttercream frosting freeze well. Freeze the unfrosted cookie cups in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. The frosting can be frozen separately in an airtight container. Thaw completely at room temperature before assembling to preserve the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

If you want the cookie cups warm, give them a quick zap in the microwave for about 10 seconds before frosting. Avoid reheating frozen frosted cookies to prevent the buttercream from melting. For best results, frost after warming.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?

All-purpose flour works best here to provide the right balance of structure and tenderness. Using alternatives like whole wheat or gluten-free blends may alter texture and may require adjustments to liquid measurements.

Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling isn’t mandatory, but if your dough feels too soft or sticky to handle, chilling for 20–30 minutes makes it easier to shape and helps maintain the cookie cups’ form while baking.

Can I substitute the cream cheese buttercream with a different frosting?

Absolutely! While the cream cheese buttercream adds a lovely tang and richness, you can also try classic vanilla buttercream or chocolate ganache to switch things up and create different flavor profiles.

How do I prevent the cookie cups from cracking while baking?

Ensure your butter is softened, not melted, and avoid overmixing the dough once the flour is added. Pressing the centers gently and baking at the correct temperature also help maintain their shape without cracking.

Can I make these sugar cookie cups vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute the butter with plant-based margarine, use a flax or chia egg instead of a chicken egg, and replace cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative in the frosting. Keep in mind that texture and flavor may vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

This Sugar Cookie Cups with Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to treats when I want to impress with minimal fuss. The combination of buttery cookies with velvety, tangy frosting feels like a comforting hug in dessert form. I encourage you to try making these delightful little cups, customize them with your favorite colors and toppings, and share the joy with friends and family. Baking has never been so fun, easy, and rewarding!

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