Sugar Cookie Cups – Festive Holiday Dessert

Nothing says holiday cheer like bites of buttery sugar cookies filled with sweet frosting or jam. These Sugar Cookie Cups are the perfect make-ahead dessert for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or cozy family nights.

Crispy on the edges, soft in the center, and topped with festive fillings, these mini cookie cups are as fun to make as they are to eat. They’re simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough to wow guests.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Frosting, jam, or chocolate chips for filling

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin pan.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually mix in the flour mixture until dough forms.
6. Form cookie cups: Roll dough into balls and press into the bottom of each muffin cup, creating a small well in the center.
7. Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
8. Fill cups: Once cooled, fill each cup with frosting, jam, or chocolate chips. Serve immediately or store.

Tips for Success

• Use softened butter for easier mixing and a softer cookie texture.
• Chill dough slightly if too soft to handle.
• Don’t overfill the cups — a small amount of filling looks best and avoids overflow.

Serving Ideas

• Decorate with sprinkles, edible glitter, or chopped nuts for extra festive flair.
• Arrange on a holiday platter for a party dessert table centerpiece.
• Pair with hot chocolate or eggnog for a cozy winter treat.

Sugar Cookie Cups

Mini buttery sugar cookies baked into cups and filled with frosting, jam, or chocolate — the perfect festive holiday treat for parties and family gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 27 minutes mins

Servings: 24 cookie cups

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 120

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg large
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• frosting, jam, or chocolate chips for filling

Equipment

• Mini muffin pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin pan.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
3. Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, mixing well.
4. Gradually mix in flour mixture until dough forms.
5. Roll dough into balls and press into muffin cups, creating a small well in the center.
6. Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely.
7. Fill each cup with frosting, jam, or chocolate chips and serve.

Notes

Decorate with sprinkles or festive toppings. Store unfilled cups for up to 3 days at room temperature or freeze for longer storage.

Storage & Make-Ahead

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate for longer storage (up to 1 week) or freeze unfilled cookie cups for up to 2 months. Fill after thawing.

Variations

• Chocolate Cookie Cups: Replace ½ cup flour with cocoa powder.
• Nutty Twist: Add finely chopped nuts to the dough.
• Festive Fillings: Use peppermint frosting, lemon curd, or cream cheese filling.

FAQ

Can I use a standard muffin pan instead of mini?
Yes, but bake 3–5 minutes longer and adjust the filling accordingly.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely — bake the cups and store unfilled. Fill them with frosting or jam right before serving.

Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes — substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.