Pin it
Create delightful miniature cookie cups that serve as the perfect vessel for smooth, creamy frosting. These bite-sized sugar cookie treats feature a tender, buttery base topped with swirls of velvety frosting - an elegant yet simple dessert that's ideal for gatherings.
Testing multiple batches has shown that properly chilled dough and precise timing yield the ideal cup shape with crisp edges and tender centers.
Key Components
- Unsalted Butter: Room temperature for proper creaming
- Sugar: Regular granulated works best
- Flour: Standard all-purpose, spoon measured
- Eggs: Large size, room temperature
- Vanilla: Pure extract recommended
- Heavy Whipping Cream: For frosting
- Decorative Sprinkles: Optional garnish
Method Steps
- 1. Mix Cookie Dough:
- Cream butter and sugar until light, 3-4 minutes. Incorporate eggs individually, add vanilla. Blend dry ingredients separately, then mix into butter mixture just until combined. Chill dough 30 minutes.
- 2. Prepare Pans:
- Coat mini muffin tins with butter or baking spray. Optional paper liners help with removal. Heat oven to 350°F, center rack position.
- 3. Form Cups:
- Measure 1½ tablespoons dough per cup. Shape into balls, press into muffin wells, creating uniform walls and base approximately ¼-inch thick.
- 4. Bake Cookies:
- Bake until edges turn golden and centers set, 12-14 minutes. Immediately reshape centers using rounded measuring spoon while warm.
- 5. Cool and Release:
- Rest in pan 5 minutes exactly. Transfer gently to cooling rack to finish cooling completely.
Pin it
Storage Guidelines
Cool completely before adding frosting. Store finished cups at room temperature up to 3 days in sealed container. For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cups between parchment layers in freezer container up to 3 months.
Frosting Instructions
Whip room temperature butter until light. Add sifted powdered sugar alternately with cream until reaching ideal piping texture - firm enough to hold peaks but smooth enough to pipe easily. Transfer to piping bag with star tip or plastic bag with corner snipped.
Serving Suggestions
- Glass of cold milk
- Warm hot chocolate
- Hot coffee or tea
- Fresh seasonal berries
- Small scoop of ice cream
- Festive sprinkle garnish
Pin it
Decoration Options
- Holiday-themed sprinkles
- Tinted frosting
- Varied piping designs
- Shimmer sugar
- Sliced fresh fruits
- Melted chocolate accent
Basic pantry ingredients transform into elegant dessert cups through careful technique. Perfect for any occasion, these treats consistently impress guests. Following the precise timing and temperature guidelines ensures professional results every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prepare these in advance?
- Definitely! Bake the cookie shells up to three days early and keep them without frosting until it’s time to serve.
- → What’s the best way to store them?
- Put them in a sealed container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for around five days.
- → Can I freeze the cookie shells?
- Sure thing! Pop the unfrosted shells into an airtight container and freeze them for up to three months.
- → What else can I use instead of a bottle cap?
- You can use any small, round item about one inch wide, like a shot glass or the back of a measuring spoon.
- → Are there other fillings I can use?
- Absolutely. Swap the buttercream for chocolate ganache, tangy fruit curd, or even cream cheese frosting.