Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cookie with a hidden pool of creamy frosting at the center—these Sugar Cookie Cups are the ultimate treat for any occasion! Perfectly portioned and tucked into adorable cup shapes, each bite gives you the joy of a classic sugar cookie blended with a burst of sweet, melt-in-your-mouth frosting. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting friends, or treating your family, these playful cookie cups are guaranteed to brighten the dessert table and warm hearts.

Sugar Cookie Cups with Vanilla Frosting and Sprinkles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Sugar Cookie Cups is that every ingredient truly matters, bringing its own magic to the recipe. Each element—from farm-fresh eggs to simple pantry staples—builds the taste, texture, and color of both the cookies and their luscious frosting.

Salted butter (3/4 cup, softened): Adds rich flavor and keeps the cookie cups extra tender while balancing the sweetness of the dough.
Sugar (3/4 cup): Ensures the cookies are sweet but not overwhelming, giving you that classic sugar cookie sparkle and crunch.
Egg (1): Binds everything together and gives the cookies a wonderfully chewy center.
Vanilla (1 teaspoon for cookies, 1/2 teaspoon for frosting): Lends warmth and depth to both the cookie base and creamy frosting.
Almond extract (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Offers a subtle, nutty hint that takes the flavor up a notch.
Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives the cookie cups their delicate lift and lightness.
All-purpose flour (2 cups): The structural backbone, lending the perfect crumb to the sugar cookies.
Salted butter for frosting (1/4 cup, softened): Makes the frosting luxuriously smooth and creamy—don’t substitute here!
Powdered sugar (1 1/3 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting, creating that signature fluffy texture.
Milk or heavy whipping cream (1 tablespoon): Loosens the frosting to a perfectly pipeable consistency.
Food coloring (optional): For a pop of color that matches the season or your party theme—totally customizable!
Sprinkles (optional): Bring groovy fun and crunch to the finished Sugar Cookie Cups.
Cooking spray: Keeps your mini muffin tins mess-free and ensures easy release.

How to Make Sugar Cookie Cups

Step 1: Prep Your Bakeware and Get Ready

Start by preheating your oven to 350F, which sets the stage for the perfect bake. Give your mini muffin pan a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray—this tiny step makes a huge difference in releasing your beautiful cookie cups easily and intact.

Step 2: Make the Sugar Cookie Dough

In a stand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the blend looks pale, fluffy, and downright irresistible. This simple creaming method builds the classic sugar cookie foundation by trapping air in the dough for a soft, tender cup.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Stir in one egg, your vanilla, and almond extract if you’re using it. The almond is optional, but wow, just a splash brings out the nostalgia of bakery cookies!

Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Add baking powder and flour to your wet base, mixing just until it’s all combined into a soft dough. Be careful not to overmix—you want your Sugar Cookie Cups delicate, not tough.

Step 5: Shape and Bake the Cups

Scoop out rounded tablespoons of dough and roll each into a ball about one inch wide. Drop each into a muffin cup and flatten it gently with your fingertips until it’s snug but not necessarily cup-shaped yet. Bake these beauties for about 10 minutes: keep an eye out for those irresistible golden edges!

Step 6: Form the Cookie “Cups”

Right after pulling them from the oven, here’s where the fun happens: press the bottom of a small bottle cap (a vanilla extract cap works perfectly) into the center of each warm cookie to form a perfect little cup. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then remove to a wire rack—try not to eat them all at this stage!

Step 7: Make the Luscious Frosting

For that dreamy filling, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a tablespoon of milk until the frosting turns fluffy and smooth. For a playful twist, swirl in a drop or two of food coloring—it’s your ticket to holiday or birthday-themed Sugar Cookie Cups!

Step 8: Fill and Decorate Your Sugar Cookie Cups

Spoon or pipe the frosting into the cooled cookie cups, swirling high for bakery-worthy presentation. Finish each one with a scatter of sprinkles for crunch and color, inviting everyone to dive in.

How to Serve Sugar Cookie Cups

Garnishes

Sprinkles are the go-to garnish for Sugar Cookie Cups, but don’t stop there—try edible glitter, mini chocolate chips, or even a tiny fresh berry on top for a grown-up hint of color and flavor. For a holiday vibe, crush up some festive candies or add a drizzle of colored icing alongside the frosting.

Side Dishes

Sugar Cookie Cups are sweet stars on the dessert table, so balance them with lighter options like fresh fruit salad, a bowl of crisp grapes, or a creamy espresso for the adults. For a tea party feel, serve alongside lemon bars, macarons, or airy madeleine cookies.

Creative Ways to Present

A tiered dessert stand turns these cookie cups into the main event at any gathering! Arrange on a colorful platter lined with parchment, or pop them into adorable mini cupcake liners. Wrap a few Sugar Cookie Cups in cellophane bags and tie with ribbon for a charming homemade gift—you’ll win everyone’s heart, guaranteed.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If (and that’s a big “if”) you have leftover Sugar Cookie Cups, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keep them cool and dry for maximum freshness, and if you’re stacking, separate layers with parchment or wax paper to protect the frosting swirls.

Freezing

These cookie cups freeze beautifully! For easiest freezing, wait until the cookies are completely cool, then freeze them (without frosting) in a single layer. Once solid, stack them in a container. When you’re ready to serve, thaw at room temp and add fresh frosting before serving for that just-baked bliss.

Reheating

If you prefer a slightly warm cookie cup, simply microwave unfrosted cups for 5–10 seconds. For frosted cups, let them sit out at room temperature until they lose their chill, so the frosting stays smooth and delicate. There’s no need for an oven reheat—these little treats shine at room temperature or gently warmed.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to two days in advance and keep it wrapped in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, let it soften slightly, then proceed with shaping and baking your Sugar Cookie Cups.

What’s the best way to color the frosting?

Use gel or liquid food coloring and start with just a drop! Mix well and add more as needed to reach your desired shade. Swirl in color for a dreamy tie-dye effect that looks fantastic for parties or holidays.

Can I use a different pan if I don’t have a mini muffin tin?

If a mini muffin tin isn’t handy, try shaping the dough in standard muffin tins for larger cookie cups—just adjust your bake time a few extra minutes. You can also shape them freeform on a baking sheet, but the cup effect might not be as pronounced.

Is almond extract necessary in Sugar Cookie Cups?

No worries if you skip the almond extract! The sugar cookies are deliciously classic with just vanilla, but the almond adds a subtle bakery-style nuance that’s worth trying at least once.

How do I make these dairy-free?

Substitute vegan butter for both the cookie dough and frosting, and use your favorite plant-based milk for the frosting. The results are still wonderfully tender and crowd-pleasing for any vegan or dairy-sensitive friends.

Final Thoughts

There is pure joy in baking and sharing Sugar Cookie Cups—whether you’re making memories with little ones or surprising a friend with something special. Dive in, have fun with the decorations, and don’t be surprised if these little treats disappear in a flash. You’re just a few simple steps away from a batch of happiness in every bite!

Sugar Cookie Cups with Vanilla Frosting and Sprinkles Recipe