Looking for a fun, festive, and downright delicious treat? These Basket Sugar Cookie Cups are the perfect dessert for Easter, springtime celebrations, or any occasion where you want to impress with a cute and creative sweet treat. They combine the buttery, crisp texture of sugar cookies with a soft and creamy filling, all decorated to resemble tiny edible baskets.
The best part? These cookie cups are incredibly versatile. You can fill them with anything from fluffy buttercream to fruit, chocolate ganache, or even a smooth cheesecake filling. Plus, they’re a fantastic baking project for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re making them for an Easter brunch, a spring picnic, or a birthday party, these adorable cookie baskets are guaranteed to be the highlight of the dessert table!
Why You’ll Love These Basket Sugar Cookie Cups
- Adorably Festive: These cookie cups look like tiny baskets, making them perfect for Easter and spring-themed gatherings.
- Crisp Yet Soft: The sugar cookie base is buttery and slightly crisp on the outside while staying soft in the center.
- Customizable Fillings: From buttercream to pudding or fruit, you can switch up the flavors to suit your taste.
- Kid-Friendly: A great baking project for little hands, especially when it comes to decorating.
- Perfect for Parties: These bite-sized treats make a fun and elegant addition to dessert platters.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake the cookie cups in advance and fill them when you’re ready to serve.
Preparation Time and Yield
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Bake Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
- Servings: 12 cookie cups
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie Cup)
- Calories: 180
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 16g
Ingredients for Basket Sugar Cookie Cups
For the Sugar Cookie Cups:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but adds great flavor)
For the Filling:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened (for a thicker filling)
For Decoration:
- 12 licorice ropes or piped chocolate (for basket handles)
- Colored sprinkles, mini chocolate eggs, or fruit for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions for Basket Sugar Cookie Cups
Step 1: Prepare the Sugar Cookie Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and mix until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This makes it easier to shape and prevents the cookie cups from spreading too much while baking.
Step 3: Shape the Cookie Cups
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin tin lightly with butter or nonstick spray. Roll the chilled dough into 12 equal-sized balls and press each one into the muffin tin, gently pressing up the sides to form a cup shape.
Step 4: Bake the Cookie Cups
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. As soon as they come out of the oven, use a spoon or small measuring cup to gently press down the center of each cup to reinforce the basket shape.
Step 5: Cool Completely
Allow the cookie cups to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before filling.
Step 6: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. If using cream cheese for a thicker consistency, beat it separately until smooth, then fold it into the whipped cream mixture.
Step 7: Fill and Decorate
Spoon or pipe the whipped filling into the cooled cookie cups. Add festive decorations like mini chocolate eggs, sprinkles, or fresh fruit on top.
Step 8: Add Basket Handles
To complete the basket look, insert licorice ropes or piped chocolate into the sides of each cookie cup to form a handle.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
Enjoy your adorable Basket Sugar Cookie Cups as a fun dessert for any springtime occasion!
Ingredient Background
Each ingredient in these Basket Sugar Cookie Cups plays a key role in creating their perfect flavor and texture. Let’s break down a few of them:
Flour: The foundation of the cookie dough, all-purpose flour provides the necessary structure. If you want a slightly softer cookie, you can use a mix of cake flour and all-purpose flour.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best because it allows you to control the salt content. The butter contributes to the rich, tender texture and buttery flavor of the cookies. Softened butter ensures a smooth, even dough.
Egg: The egg acts as a binder, helping to hold the cookie dough together while also adding richness. A room-temperature egg blends more smoothly into the dough, preventing a lumpy consistency.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and contributes to the crisp edges of the cookie cups. If you want a softer texture, swap half of the granulated sugar for light brown sugar.
Heavy Cream & Cream Cheese: The filling is light, creamy, and slightly tangy, thanks to the combination of whipped cream and cream cheese. The heavy cream makes the filling fluffy, while the cream cheese provides a thicker, more stable texture.
Vanilla & Almond Extracts: Vanilla adds warmth and depth to both the cookies and the filling. Almond extract is optional, but it enhances the flavor, giving the cookies a bakery-style taste.
Technique Tips for Basket Sugar Cookie Cups
Perfecting these Basket Sugar Cookie Cups is all about the right techniques. Here are some pro tips to ensure flawless results every time:
For the best cookie cup shape, chill the dough before baking. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much, ensuring they hold their basket form. Additionally, using a mini muffin tin provides structure and helps create uniform sizes.
If your cookie cups puff up too much while baking, don’t worry! As soon as they come out of the oven, use the back of a spoon or a small measuring cup to gently press down the centers. This step ensures enough space for the filling while maintaining sturdy sides.
When making the whipped filling, always start with cold heavy cream. If the cream isn’t cold enough, it won’t whip properly and may turn runny. For best results, chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping.
Alternative Presentation Ideas
There are many ways to switch up the look and feel of these Basket Sugar Cookie Cups to fit different themes and occasions.
For a spring picnic or garden party, fill the cookie cups with lemon curd, fresh berries, and a dusting of powdered sugar. The tartness of the lemon curd pairs beautifully with the buttery cookie base.
If you’re making these for a birthday party, consider using rainbow sprinkles, colorful frosting, and mini marshmallows for a playful and vibrant dessert. You can also let kids decorate their own cookie cups with toppings of their choice!
For a decadent chocolate twist, replace the whipped filling with chocolate mousse or Nutella whipped cream. Drizzle melted chocolate on top and add crushed hazelnuts for an indulgent treat.
Freezing and Storing Basket Sugar Cookie Cups
These cookie cups are perfect for making ahead of time, whether for a party or just to have a sweet treat on hand.
If you plan to store them short-term, keep the baked and cooled cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If they start to lose their crispness, you can refresh them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.
For long-term storage, freeze the unfilled cookie cups by placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to use, let them thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes before filling.
If you want to freeze filled cookie cups, store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. They’ll keep well for 2-3 weeks, but note that the filling may lose some of its fluffiness upon thawing.
Healthier Twist Ideas
If you want to enjoy these cookie cups with a healthier spin, here are a few modifications you can try:
For a lower-sugar version, replace half of the granulated sugar with a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener. This reduces the overall sugar content while keeping the sweetness intact.
If you want a higher-fiber option, swap out half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour. The texture will be slightly denser, but the cookie cups will have a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
For a dairy-free alternative, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for the filling and swap butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil. The result is just as creamy and delicious, with a slight hint of coconut flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Events
These Basket Sugar Cookie Cups are perfect for a variety of occasions, whether you’re hosting a large gathering or simply making a fun family dessert.
For an Easter celebration, fill the cookie cups with pastel-colored buttercream and top them with mini chocolate eggs or jelly beans. They’ll look just like tiny Easter baskets, making them a festive addition to your dessert spread.
If you’re hosting a baby shower, these cookie cups make a charming dessert when filled with soft pink or blue frosting and edible pearls. Arrange them on a tiered tray for an elegant presentation.
For a tea party or brunch, serve them with light whipped cream, fresh berries, and a drizzle of honey. Pair them with a selection of herbal teas for a refreshing and delightful treat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before shaping.
2. What’s the best way to keep the cookie cups crisp?
Store them in an airtight container and avoid adding the filling until just before serving to prevent sogginess.
3. Can I use store-bought sugar cookie dough?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought dough works well. Just follow the shaping and baking instructions.
4. How do I keep the basket handles from falling over?
Use licorice ropes or melted chocolate to create the handles. If using chocolate, pipe a handle onto parchment paper, let it harden, and then attach it to the cookie cup.
5. Can I use different types of fillings?
Yes! Try fillings like chocolate ganache, peanut butter mousse, pudding, or fruit preserves.
6. How do I prevent the cookie cups from sticking to the pan?
Grease the muffin tin well or use silicone muffin liners for easy removal.
7. Can I add food coloring to the dough?
Yes! Add a few drops of pastel food coloring to make colorful cookie baskets.
8. Can I use frosting instead of whipped cream for the filling?
Yes, buttercream or cream cheese frosting works well for a sweeter, firmer filling.
9. How do I make mini versions of these cookie cups?
Use a mini muffin tin and reduce the baking time to 8-10 minutes.
10. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version of the cookie cups.
Conclusion
These Basket Sugar Cookie Cups are the ultimate fun and festive treat, perfect for Easter, baby showers, birthdays, or just a delightful baking project. With their buttery sugar cookie base and creamy filling, they’re not only adorable but also incredibly delicious. The best part? They’re endlessly customizable, so you can tailor them to fit any occasion. Whether you fill them with whipped cream, chocolate, or fresh fruit, these little cookie cups are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
So grab your mixing bowl and get baking—these cookie cups are too cute (and tasty) to resist!
Print
Basket Sugar Cookie Cups
- Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
Ingredients
For the Sugar Cookie Cups:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but adds great flavor)
For the Filling:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened (for a thicker filling)
For Decoration:
- 12 licorice ropes or piped chocolate (for basket handles)
- Colored sprinkles, mini chocolate eggs, or fruit for garnish
Instructions
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and mix until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This makes it easier to shape and prevents the cookie cups from spreading too much while baking.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin tin lightly with butter or nonstick spray. Roll the chilled dough into 12 equal-sized balls and press each one into the muffin tin, gently pressing up the sides to form a cup shape.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. As soon as they come out of the oven, use a spoon or small measuring cup to gently press down the center of each cup to reinforce the basket shape.
Allow the cookie cups to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before filling.
In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. If using cream cheese for a thicker consistency, beat it separately until smooth, then fold it into the whipped cream mixture.
Spoon or pipe the whipped filling into the cooled cookie cups. Add festive decorations like mini chocolate eggs, sprinkles, or fresh fruit on top.
To complete the basket look, insert licorice ropes or piped chocolate into the sides of each cookie cup to form a handle.
Enjoy your adorable Basket Sugar Cookie Cups as a fun dessert for any springtime occasion!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 16g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g