Name: Sugar Cookie Cups with Vanilla Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 37 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 egg; 3 tbsp milk; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup creamy vanilla frosting; Optional toppings: sprinkles, candy, fruit

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 49 reviews

There is something incredibly irresistible about the way classic sugar cookies transform when baked into adorable little cups, filled with luscious, creamy frosting. This Sugar Cookie Cups with Vanilla Frosting Recipe brings together the nostalgic flavors of a sugar cookie with a fun and creative twist, perfect for any occasion where you want to impress without stress. These delightful treats are soft, buttery, and sweet, with a perfectly soft center ready to be filled with velvety vanilla frosting that melts in your mouth. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as charming as it is delicious, you’re going to love making and sharing these sugar cookie cups.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a dark grey muffin tray with 24 round dough pieces placed inside each section, their color is light beige and they have a smooth texture. On the top right, there is a wooden tool pressing down the dough in one section, forming a hollow center. On the bottom right, the dough pieces all have a clear round hole pressed in the middle, giving them a two-layer look: the outer dough ring and the hollow center. The tray is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this Sugar Cookie Cups with Vanilla Frosting Recipe. Each component plays a starring role—from the richness of the butter to the sweet tang of vanilla, every element works in harmony to create that perfect balance of texture and flavor.

All-purpose flour (3 cups): Forms the sturdy yet tender base for the cookie dough.
Baking powder (1 ½ tsp): Gives the cookie cups just enough lift to stay soft and slightly puffy.
Salt (½ tsp): Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
Butter, softened (1 cup): Adds richness and moisture, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough while contributing to a tender crumb.
Egg (1): Binds the ingredients together and adds structure.
Milk (3 tbsp): Keeps the dough soft and helps with consistency.
Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Infuses that classic warm flavor that’s essential to sugar cookies.
Creamy vanilla frosting (1 cup): The luscious filling that takes these cookie cups to the next level.

How to Make Sugar Cookie Cups with Vanilla Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F so it’s ready for baking. Then, in a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This mix of dry ingredients is essential for providing the right texture and balance to your cookie dough.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step creates a smooth texture and helps incorporate air into the dough for a soft bite.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. These ingredients add moisture, flavor, and structure to your dough.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Slowly add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients and beat until fully combined. Your dough should come together smoothly without any dry patches.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Place the dough in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes. Chilling firms it up, making it easier to handle and helping the cookie cups hold their shape during baking.

Step 6: Prepare the Mini Muffin Tins

Grease two 24-cup mini muffin tins with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This is a crucial step to ensure your cookie cups release easily once baked.

Step 7: Fill and Bake

Fill each mini muffin cup about ¾ full with the chilled cookie dough. Pop the tins into the oven and bake for 12 minutes. The cookies should be golden but still soft enough to mold into cups.

Step 8: Shape the Cookie Cups

Right after removing the cookies from the oven, gently press the center of each cookie with the end of a spatula or wooden spoon to create a cup shape. This step needs to be done while the cookies are warm for best results.

Step 9: Cool Completely

Let the cookie cups cool in the muffin tins for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Proper cooling ensures they hold their shape perfectly for filling.

Step 10: Fill with Vanilla Frosting

Place the creamy vanilla frosting into a plastic bag, cut a small hole in one corner, and pipe the frosting right into the cooled cookie cups. This adds that indulgent creamy layer that everyone will adore.

Step 11: Add Optional Toppings

If you want to get creative, top your frosted cookie cups with sprinkles, candies, or fresh fruit to add an extra pop of color and texture.

How to Serve Sugar Cookie Cups with Vanilla Frosting Recipe

The image shows a group of small cupcakes arranged on a silver wire cooling rack. Each cupcake has a light golden-brown base with a slightly rough texture. On top of each cupcake is a small dollop of smooth, bright red frosting, decorated with a few tiny green and red sprinkles that look like dots and leaves, giving a festive look. The wire rack sits on a white marbled surface, and to the right, there are colorful silicone whisks in red, blue, and white, slightly out of focus. The lighting is soft and natural, creating a warm and inviting feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like colored sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or fresh berries can transform these treats from sweet snacks to irresistible show-stoppers. Adding a sprinkle of edible glitter or finely chopped nuts can bring an elegant touch, too.

Side Dishes

These cookie cups are perfect on their own but pair delightfully with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot tea. Fresh fruit or a light sorbet on the side makes for a balanced dessert experience without overwhelming the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

You can present your Sugar Cookie Cups with Vanilla Frosting Recipe in charming ways like on a tiered dessert stand for parties, inside little cupcake wrappers for easy serving, or even decorated with edible flower petals for special occasions. Making a mini dessert buffet with various frosting colors and toppings is always a crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature to keep the cookie base soft and the frosting fresh. They should stay delicious for up to three days when properly stored.

Freezing

If you want to keep your Sugar Cookie Cups with Vanilla Frosting Recipe for longer, freeze the unfrosted cookie cups in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to a month and thaw at room temperature before frosting.

Reheating

To bring back that warm, fresh-out-of-the-oven feeling, warm unfrosted cookie cups in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. Avoid reheating once frosted to keep the frosting from melting.

FAQs

Can I use a different frosting for the cookie cups?

Absolutely! While vanilla frosting perfectly complements these sugar cookie cups, feel free to experiment with chocolate, cream cheese, or even flavored buttercream to suit your taste.

How do I prevent the cookie cups from sticking to the muffin tin?

Greasing the mini muffin tins thoroughly with cooking spray or using mini silicone liners helps prevent sticking. You can also lightly dust the tins with flour after greasing for extra insurance.

Can I make these cookie cups gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Just keep in mind that textures may vary slightly, so chilling the dough well is even more important.

What is the best way to transport these cookie cups?

Use a sturdy, airtight container with compartments or line a single layer with parchment paper to avoid the cookie cups sticking to each other. Keep them cool to preserve the frosting.

How long does the frosted cookie cups last?

Once frosted, the cookie cups are best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days as the frosting can start to dry out or soften too much if left longer at room temperature.

Final Thoughts

Making this Sugar Cookie Cups with Vanilla Frosting Recipe is a joyful adventure in creating bite-sized delights that bring smiles and warm memories with every bite. They are just as fun to make as they are to share, and I promise once you try them, they’ll become a go-to dessert for all your celebrations and sweet cravings. Grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy these charming little cups of happiness!