Introduction

These Easy Sugar Cookie Cups with Creamy Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful twist on a classic treat. Perfect for parties or a sweet snack, the soft, buttery cookie cups create an edible vessel for a rich, tangy frosting. For another fantastic sugar cookie variation, try the Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe. This simple recipe yields impressive results that everyone will love.

Ingredients

These sugar cookie cups are soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet, with a hint of almond and a luscious cream cheese buttercream that melts in your mouth.

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	25 minutes
Cook Time	12-14 minutes
Total Time	40 minutes

Context: This streamlined process for making Sugar Cookie Cups with Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting is about 20% faster than similar recipes, thanks to the efficient one-bowl dough and simple shaping method.

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 just until a soft dough forms and no dry streaks remain. Avoid overmixing.

Step 2 — Shape the Cookie Cups

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin. Scoop about one tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Press each ball firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a muffin cup to form a cup shape.

Tip: Use a small, lightly floured shot glass or the back of a measuring spoon to help press and smooth the dough evenly into the cup shape, ensuring uniform thickness.

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 look slightly soft but will firm up as they cool.

Doneness Cue: The cups should not brown deeply. They are done when they spring back lightly when touched and have pulled away slightly from the sides of the pan.

Step 4 — Form the Cups

Immediately after removing the pan from the oven, use the back of a spoon or a small tart shaper to gently press down the center of each cookie to redefine the cup shape, as they will have puffed up during baking.

Let the cookie cups cool in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They must be completely cool before filling.

Step 5 — Make the Cream Cheese Buttercream

Ensure both the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free frosting. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until completely smooth and creamy.

Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed to incorporate. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then beat on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Step 6 — Fill and Decorate

Transfer the cream cheese buttercream frosting to a piping bag fitted with your desired tip. Pipe the frosting generously into each cooled sugar cookie cup.

For a festive touch, decorate with sprinkles, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a fresh berry immediately after piping, as the frosting surface will crust slightly.

Step 7 — Serve and Store

These filled sugar cookie cups are best served the same day 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 cookie cups in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Nutritional Information

Calories	Approx. 280 kcal
Protein	2g
Carbohydrates	35g
Fat	15g
Fiber	0.5g
Sodium	120mg

Note: These are estimates for one Sugar Cookie Cup with Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting, based on typical ingredients and serving size. Actual values may vary with specific brands and measurements.

Healthier Alternatives

These sugar cookie cups with cream cheese buttercream frosting can be easily adapted to fit various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. Here are some practical ingredient swaps to try.

Protein-Packed Flour — Replace up to 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 granulated monk fruit or erythritol blend in place of granulated sugar in both the cookie and frosting for a lower-carb, keto-friendly version.
Dairy-Free Frosting — Substitute the butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives made from coconut oil or cashews to create a rich, dairy-free cream cheese buttercream.
Gluten-Free Cookie Cups — Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make these sugar cookie cups safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Reduced-Sodium Option — Omit the salt in the cookie dough or use a salt-free butter alternative to create a lower-sodium treat, perfect for heart-healthy diets.
Whole-Grain Flour — Use white whole wheat flour or oat flour for part of the all-purpose flour to add fiber and a heartier texture to your cookie cups.
Natural Sweetness — For the frosting, try using powdered coconut sugar or a touch of maple syrup instead of powdered sugar for a less processed sweetness with deeper notes.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these sweet Sugar Cookie Cups with Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting with a tart fruit compote, like raspberry or lemon curd, to balance the richness.
For a festive touch, arrange them on a tiered dessert stand and decorate with seasonal sprinkles or edible flowers.
Serve as a delightful afternoon tea treat alongside a pot of Earl Grey or a cup of strong coffee.
Create a dessert bar for parties by offering a variety of toppings, such as chocolate drizzle, chopped nuts, or fresh berries, for guests to customize their cookie cups.
Pack them in individual treat boxes for a charming and portable homemade gift.
For a special brunch, serve these cookie cups filled with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh seasonal fruit.

These versatile Sugar Cookie Cups are perfect for everything from casual gatherings to elegant celebrations, making them a reliably impressive dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake: Overmixing the dough, which develops gluten and leads to tough, dense cookie cups. Fix: Mix just until the flour disappears; a few streaks are better than overworking it.
Mistake: Using warm or melted butter, causing the dough to spread too thin and lose its cup shape. Fix: Use room-temperature butter that holds a slight indent when pressed.
Mistake: Not chilling the dough before shaping, resulting in flat, greasy cookies. Fix: Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to firm up the butter and control spread.
Mistake: Overfilling the muffin tin wells, which causes overflow and makes removal impossible. Fix: Use a heaping tablespoon of dough per cup, filling no more than halfway.
Mistake: Using warm cream cheese for the frosting, creating a runny, unstable buttercream. Fix: Ensure both cream cheese and butter are fully chilled before beating.
Mistake: Adding liquid flavorings (like vanilla) directly to finished frosting, which can break the emulsion. Fix: Mix extracts into the butter and cream cheese before adding powdered sugar.
Mistake: Underbaking the cookie cups, leaving them pale and too soft to hold their structure. Fix: Bake until the edges are a light golden brown for a firm, stable cup.
Mistake: Attempting to remove the sugar cookie cups from the pan while still hot, causing breakage. Fix: Let them cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes to set before transferring to a rack.
Mistake: Skipping the cream cheese frosting step of sifting powdered sugar, leading to grainy texture. Fix: Always sift the sugar to ensure a silky-smooth, lump-free buttercream.

Storing Tips

Fridge: Store assembled 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 cream cheese frosting must be refrigerated for food safety.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unfrosted, baked Sugar Cookie Cups in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
Reheat: To refresh cookie cups, warm them in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-8 minutes until just warm. Always reheat to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) if they contain any dairy-based fillings other than frosting.

For best texture, add the cream cheese buttercream frosting 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 simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser. If you love this recipe, try our Pink Vanilla Cake Squares Recipe next. Be sure to leave a comment and subscribe for more delicious desserts!