Introduction

These Easy Sugar Cookie Cups with Creamy Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful twist on a classic treat. The soft, buttery cookie cups create the perfect edible vessel for a generous swirl of tangy, sweet frosting. For another simple and delicious sugar cookie variation, try these Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe. They are perfect for parties, holidays, or a fun baking project with a guaranteed crowd-pleasing result.

Ingredients

These soft, buttery sugar cookie cups are the perfect edible vessel for a luscious swirl of tangy cream cheese frosting, creating a treat that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.

• 3/4 cup salted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• Sprinkles, for decorating
• 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons milk (or heavy cream)
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pink or red food coloring gel, optional

Timing

Prep Time	30 minutes
Cook Time	12-14 minutes
Total Time	About 1 hour (including cooling)

Context: This recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes, as the cookie cups bake quickly and the frosting comes together in minutes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.

Step 2 — Shape the Cookie Cups

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin. Scoop dough into 1-inch balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and press each ball into a mini muffin cup, using your fingers or a small tart shaper to create an even cup shape up the sides.

Tip: A lightly floured finger or the back of a small measuring spoon helps create a smooth, uniform indentation for the filling.

Step 3 — Bake to Perfection

Bake the sugar cookie cups for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn a light golden brown. The centers may still look slightly soft; they will firm up as they cool.

Key doneness cue: The cups should no longer look wet or shiny on top. Overbaking can make them too crisp and difficult to remove from the pan.

Step 4 — Cool Completely

Allow the baked cookie cups to cool in the muffin tin for 5-10 minutes. This lets them set. Then, carefully run a small offset spatula or knife around the edges and gently lift them out to finish cooling on a wire rack.

They must be completely cool before filling, as any residual warmth will melt the cream cheese buttercream frosting.

Step 5 — Make the Cream Cheese Buttercream

Using a clean bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until completely smooth and creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed initially to avoid a sugar cloud.

Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then increase speed to medium-high and beat for 2-3 minutes until the frosting is light, fluffy, and holds stiff peaks.

Step 6 — Fill and Decorate

Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip, or simply use a small spoon. Fill each cooled sugar cookie cup with a generous swirl or dollop of cream cheese buttercream frosting.

For a festive touch, decorate immediately with sprinkles, colored sugar, or a drizzle of melted chocolate before the frosting crusts over.

Step 7 — Serve and Store

These sugar cookie cups with cream cheese buttercream frosting are best served the same day at room temperature for optimal texture. If preparing ahead, store unfilled cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Store any frosted leftovers in a single layer in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to soften the frosting slightly.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~280 kcal
Protein	~2 g
Carbohydrates	~38 g
Fat	~13 g
Fiber	~0.5 g
Sodium	~120 mg

Note: These are approximate values per Sugar Cookie Cup with Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting, calculated for a standard serving. Actual nutrition can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

Healthier Alternatives

You can easily adapt these Sugar Cookie Cups with Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting to fit various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. Here are some practical ingredient swaps to try.

• Protein-Packed Flour — Replace half of the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a scoop of unflavored protein powder for a boost of protein and a subtly nutty flavor.
• Lower-Carb Sweetener — Use a monk fruit or erythritol blend in place of granulated sugar in the cookie dough to reduce the carb count while maintaining sweetness.
• Dairy-Free Frosting — For the cream cheese buttercream, swap in vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter to create a rich, dairy-free frosting perfect for lactose intolerance.
• Gluten-Free Cookie Cups — Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend to make the cookie cups safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• Low-Sodium Option — Omit the salt in the cookie dough and use unsalted butter to significantly reduce the sodium content, letting the vanilla and butter flavors shine.
• Nutty Flour Alternative — Substitute all-purpose flour with finely ground oat flour for a heartier texture and a mild, wholesome taste.
• Refined Sugar-Free Frosting — Make the buttercream with powdered coconut sugar or a keto-friendly powdered sweetener for a less processed frosting option.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a light, tart fruit compote like raspberry or lemon curd to balance the sweetness of the cream cheese buttercream frosting.
• For a festive touch, arrange the sugar cookie cups on a tiered dessert stand and decorate with seasonal sprinkles or edible flowers.
• Serve alongside coffee or a dessert wine like Moscato for an elegant after-dinner treat.
• Create a dessert bar for parties by offering toppings like chocolate shavings, toasted nuts, or fresh berries for guests to customize their sugar cookie cups.
• For a fun twist, fill the cups with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or lemon sorbet just before serving.
• Package individual sugar cookie cups in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for charming party favors or gifts.

These sugar cookie cups with cream cheese buttercream frosting are incredibly versatile. Their elegant cup shape makes them perfect for any occasion where a handheld, mess-free dessert is ideal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Overmixing the cookie dough, which develops gluten and leads to tough, dense cups. Fix: Mix just until the flour disappears; a few streaks are better than overworking it.
• Mistake: Not chilling the dough, causing the cups to spread and lose their shape in the oven. Fix: Chill the dough for at least 1-2 hours to ensure the butter firms up for perfect structure.
• Mistake: Using warm cream cheese for the frosting, resulting in a runny, unstable buttercream. Fix: Ensure both cream cheese and butter are fully chilled before beating for a fluffy, pipeable consistency.
• Mistake: Over-greasing the muffin tin, which can cause the cookie cups to fry and develop a greasy texture. Fix: Use a light coating of non-stick spray or a brush of melted butter—just enough to prevent sticking.
• Mistake: Overbaking the cups, which dries them out and makes them crumbly instead of soft. Fix: Bake just until the edges are lightly golden; they will continue to set as they cool in the pan.
• Mistake: Removing the cookie cups from the tin while they are still hot, causing them to break. Fix: Let them cool completely in the pan to firm up, then gently twist to release.
• Mistake: Adding liquid to the frosting too early, which can cause it to separate or become soupy. Fix: Only add extracts or flavorings after the cream cheese and butter are fully creamed and smooth.
• Mistake: Using a low-fat cream cheese, which has more water and less fat, leading to a less stable, weepy frosting. Fix: Always use full-fat, brick-style cream cheese for the best texture and flavor.
• Mistake: Skipping the step of pressing the dough into the tin, resulting in uneven cup thickness and baking. Fix: Use a small glass or measuring spoon to press the dough evenly up the sides for uniform cups.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store assembled Sugar Cookie Cups with Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The cream cheese frosting must be refrigerated for food safety.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cookie cups in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Freeze frosting separately in an airtight container for 1-2 months. Thaw both overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheat: To refresh cookie cups, warm them in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-8 minutes until slightly crisp. Always ensure reheated components reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) if they contain dairy or eggs.

For best quality, frost the cookie cups just before serving. If making ahead, store components separately and assemble when ready.

Conclusion

These Sugar Cookie Cups with Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting are the perfect bite-sized treat for any occasion. They’re easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. If you love this style of dessert, you might also enjoy our Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe or Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Bars Recipe. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think in the comments!

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FAQs

Can I make the Sugar Cookie Cups ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the Sugar Cookie Cups a day in advance. Store them unfrosted in an airtight container at room temperature. Prepare the Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting fresh and pipe it into the cups just before serving for the best texture.

How do I prevent the cookie cups from sticking to the pan?

Thoroughly grease your mini muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray or butter. Ensure the dough is pressed evenly into each cup. Let the baked Sugar Cookie Cups with Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting cool in the pan for only 5-10 minutes before gently loosening and transferring them to a wire rack.

What’s the best way to store leftover frosted cookie cups?

Store any leftover Sugar Cookie Cups with Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The frosting contains cream cheese, so refrigeration is necessary. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to soften slightly.