I have always loved creating desserts that are both fun and easy to share, and sugar cookie cups have quickly become one of my favorites. There’s something magical about taking a classic sugar cookie, soft and buttery, and shaping it into a little cup that can hold chocolate, fruit, or even a scoop of ice cream. I remember the first time I made them—it was a busy weekend, but I wanted a dessert that felt special without taking hours in the kitchen. The result? Perfectly golden, soft cookie cups that impressed everyone at my table.

You will love this recipe because it combines the simplicity of sugar cookies with endless possibilities for fillings. Whether you prefer chocolate ganache, fresh berries, caramel, or even a mini scoop of ice cream, these cookie cups provide the perfect vessel. Their buttery flavor, soft interior, and slightly crisp edges make them irresistible to both kids and adults. Plus, they’re made from ingredients that are staples in most kitchens, so you can whip them up anytime the craving strikes.

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can customize the fillings to suit the occasion—holiday gatherings, birthday parties, or just a simple weeknight treat. You can even experiment with toppings, like sprinkles, nuts, or drizzles of chocolate, to create different textures and flavors. The cookie cups themselves stay soft yet hold their shape well, making them perfect for a variety of fillings.

Another reason this recipe is so appealing is its affordability. All the ingredients are basic pantry items: sugar, butter, eggs, flour, baking powder, and vanilla extract. You don’t need fancy tools or expensive additions, making it accessible for any home baker. Even better, the recipe yields multiple cups from a single batch, so it’s perfect for sharing with friends, family, or coworkers.

Ingredients for Sugar Cookie Cups:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

These simple ingredients come together to create something extraordinary—a sweet, customizable dessert that’s sure to delight anyone lucky enough to try it.

Creating sugar cookie cups may seem like a delicate process, but with the right steps, it’s quick, easy, and extremely rewarding. These cookie cups are designed to be soft on the inside with slightly crisp edges, holding their shape perfectly while providing a base for endless fillings. I always recommend reading through all the steps before starting, so you know exactly what to expect and can prepare your ingredients in advance.

How to Prepare Sugar Cookie Cups

Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, lightly grease a standard muffin tin or line it with nonstick baking spray. This ensures that the cookie cups will release easily after baking.
Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Mix on medium speed for about 2–3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is crucial for achieving a soft and tender cookie texture.
Incorporate the egg and vanilla: Add one large egg and one teaspoon of vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.
Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Make sure the ingredients are evenly distributed to avoid uneven rising in the cookies.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed to prevent overworking the dough. Stop mixing once all the flour is incorporated. The dough should be soft, slightly sticky, and easy to handle.
Form the cookie cups: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough for each muffin cup. Press the dough gently into the bottom and sides of the prepared muffin tin to create a small cup shape. Ensure the bottom and sides are even, with a slight indentation in the center to hold the filling.
Bake the cookie cups: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should remain soft and slightly underbaked, as they will continue to firm up while cooling.
Cool and remove: Allow the cookie cups to cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes. Carefully remove each cup using a butter knife or small spatula. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before adding any fillings. Cooling completely is essential to prevent the cups from breaking when filled.

Quick, Easy, and Customizable

The beauty of these sugar cookie cups is that they are both simple to make and highly customizable. Once cooled, you can fill them with chocolate ganache, whipped cream, fruit preserves, caramel, or even a scoop of ice cream. You can also decorate the edges with sprinkles, drizzle chocolate on top, or add chopped nuts for extra texture.

Popular with Many People

These cookie cups are a crowd-pleaser because they combine the comfort of a sugar cookie with the elegance of a filled dessert. They are ideal for parties, holiday gatherings, or simple treats at home. Kids love helping to fill and decorate them, making the recipe both interactive and fun. Even picky eaters are usually drawn to the sweet, buttery flavor and customizable fillings.

By following these steps carefully, you will have a batch of perfectly soft, golden sugar cookie cups that are versatile, easy to make, and endlessly enjoyable for any occasion.

Sugar Cookie Cups

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Sugar cookie cups are a fun and versatile twist on classic sugar cookies. Soft, buttery, and golden, they can be filled with chocolate, fruit, caramel, or any favorite filling. Perfect for parties, gifts, or everyday treats, they are easy to make and highly customizable.

Author: Lura Skye
Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 15
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a standard muffin tin or spray with nonstick baking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Scrape the bowl sides as needed.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated. Dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough into each muffin cup. Press gently to form a cup shape with an indentation in the center.
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Centers should remain soft.
Allow to cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes, then carefully remove and transfer to a wire rack. Cool completely before filling.

Notes

Use fillings like chocolate ganache, caramel, whipped cream, or fruit.

Decorate with sprinkles, chocolate drizzle, or chopped nuts.

Cookie cups can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to two days.

FAQs

1. Can I make the cookie cups ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cookie cups up to two days in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Fill them just before serving to keep them fresh and prevent sogginess.

2. Can I freeze sugar cookie cups?
Absolutely. Once baked and completely cooled, place the cookie cups in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for 1–2 hours. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw at room temperature before adding fillings.

3. What fillings work best for sugar cookie cups?
The options are endless! Popular choices include chocolate ganache, caramel, fruit preserves, pudding, whipped cream, or even a scoop of ice cream. You can also mix fillings to create layered desserts.

4. Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to help the cookie cups hold their shape.

5. How can I prevent the cookie cups from cracking?
Avoid overmixing the dough and make sure not to overbake. Press the dough evenly in the muffin tin, and cool them completely before adding fillings.

These tips ensure your sugar cookie cups are soft, sturdy, and ready to impress every time.