Easy Sugar Cookie Cups with Cream Cheese Frosting

Imagine biting into a perfectly baked sugar cookie that’s shaped like a cup, filled with luscious cream cheese frosting. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, you’re in for a treat! These sugar cookie cups with cream cheese frosting are not only adorable but also incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a fun family baking project, or just want to satisfy a sweet craving, this recipe will deliver. Trust me, these cookie cups are as fun to make as they are to eat!

This recipe combines the buttery sweetness of sugar cookies with the tangy, creamy goodness of cream cheese frosting. Plus, the cookie cup shape makes them perfect for individual servings—no slicing required! Let’s dive right in and create some magic in the kitchen.

Sugar cookies have been a staple in dessert culture for centuries, originating in the 1700s in Pennsylvania, where German settlers first introduced them. Fast forward to today, and sugar cookies are a beloved treat worldwide. But sometimes, you want more than just a flat, round cookie. Enter: sugar cookie cups!

My inspiration for this recipe came from my love of combining classic desserts with creative twists. I remember making these cookie cups for a friend’s baby shower, and they were the star of the dessert table. Everyone loved how the cream cheese frosting added a rich dimension to the simple sugar cookie base. Plus, they’re so festive! You can customize them for any occasion by adding food coloring to the frosting or topping them with sprinkles.

What’s great about sugar cookie cups is that they’re versatile. They’re perfect for spring picnics, holiday gatherings, or even just a rainy afternoon baking session. And let’s be honest—anything served in a cute, edible cup is bound to impress.

Ingredients: What You’ll Need

The ingredients for this recipe are simple, but each one plays a key role in creating these delightful sugar cookie cups.

Unsalted Butter: Softened butter gives these sugar cookies their rich, buttery flavor. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is the star here, giving the cookies their classic sweetness.
Egg: The egg helps bind everything together and adds moisture to the dough.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor. Go for pure vanilla extract if you can—it makes a difference!
All-Purpose Flour: This forms the structure of the cookie. Make sure to measure it correctly to avoid dense cups.
Baking Soda: A little baking soda helps the cookies rise just enough to keep their shape.
Cream Cheese: The base of the frosting, cream cheese adds a tangy richness that pairs beautifully with the sweet cookie.
Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the frosting while keeping it smooth and fluffy.
Heavy Cream: A splash of heavy cream makes the frosting light and easy to pipe.

If you’re looking to make these cups gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. And if you’re dairy-free, use plant-based butter and cream cheese alternatives. The results will still be delicious!

Equipment You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to bring these sugar cookie cups to life:

Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: For creaming the butter and sugar, as well as whipping up the frosting.
Muffin Tin: This is key for shaping the cookie cups. If you don’t have one, silicone molds can work too.
Rolling Pin: Optional, but helpful if you want to roll out the dough before pressing it into the tin.
Piping Bag and Tip: For decorating the cups with frosting. A zip-top bag with the corner snipped off works in a pinch!
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key in baking, so accurate measurements are a must.

No fancy tools? No problem! You can press the dough into the muffin tin with your fingers, and spread the frosting with a spoon if needed. Baking should be fun, not stressful.

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
Make the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup (226g) of softened butter and 1 cup (200g) of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon (5ml) of vanilla extract, mixing well.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups (315g) of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon (2g) of baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
Shape the Cookie Cups: Scoop about 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough into each muffin tin well. Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides to form a cup shape.
Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden. If the centers puff up, use the back of a spoon to gently press them down while they’re still warm. Let the cups cool completely in the tin.
Make the Frosting: Beat 8oz (226g) of softened cream cheese with 2 cups (240g) of powdered sugar until smooth. Add 2 tablespoons (30ml) of heavy cream and beat until fluffy.
Fill the Cups: Transfer the frosting to a piping bag and pipe it into the cooled cookie cups. Decorate with sprinkles if desired.

And there you have it! Beautiful sugar cookie cups filled with cream cheese frosting, ready to enjoy.

Chill the Dough: If the dough feels sticky, pop it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before shaping the cups.
Don’t Overbake: The edges should be golden, but the centers should remain soft. They’ll firm up as they cool.
Customize the Frosting: Add a few drops of food coloring or a splash of almond or lemon extract for a fun twist.
Make Ahead: Bake the cookie cups a day in advance and frost them just before serving for maximum freshness.

Variations and Adaptations

Here are some fun ways to make this recipe your own:

Chocolate Lovers: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the cookie dough for a chocolate sugar cookie cup.
Fruit-Filled: Swap the frosting for lemon curd or berry jam for a fruity surprise inside.
Seasonal Flair: Use pumpkin spice in the dough during fall or peppermint extract in the frosting for winter holidays.

Feel free to experiment and let your creativity shine!

Serving and Storing

These sugar cookie cups are best enjoyed at room temperature. Serve them on a pretty platter with a side of coffee, tea, or milk for the ultimate treat. If you’re making them for a party, they can sit out for a few hours without any issues.

To store, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to freeze them, skip the frosting step. Store the cookie cups in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months, and frost them after thawing.

Nutritional Information and Benefits

Each sugar cookie cup with frosting contains approximately:

Calories: 185
Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 23g
Protein: 2g

While these are definitely a treat, the cream cheese frosting offers a bit of calcium, and the small portion size makes them a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without overindulging. Just be mindful of potential allergens like dairy and gluten, and adjust as needed.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, these sugar cookie cups with cream cheese frosting are a must-try. They’re simple, versatile, and guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to taste them. I love how they combine the classic flavors of sugar cookies with a modern twist—and I think you will too.

Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your creations! Leave a comment below, or tag me on social media with your sugar cookie cup masterpieces. Happy baking!

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before shaping.

What if I don’t have a muffin tin?

You can use silicone cupcake molds or even small ramekins to shape the cookie cups.

Can I use store-bought frosting?

Of course! While homemade frosting adds a special touch, a good-quality store-bought option works in a pinch.

Make sure to grease your muffin tin well or use paper liners to avoid sticking.

Yes, but freeze them without frosting. Add the frosting after thawing for the best results.

The Story Behind Sugar Cookie Cups