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