Easter Basket Sugar Cookie Cups

Introduction

Easter Basket Sugar Cookie Cups are the perfect way to bring the joy and charm of Easter right into your kitchen! These bite-sized treats combine the buttery sweetness of classic sugar cookies with a whimsical basket design, making them as fun to decorate as they are to eat. Filled with creamy frosting, colorful candies, or even a surprise chocolate egg, they capture the magic of spring in every bite.

I still remember the first time I made these for an Easter brunch—everyone’s eyes lit up at the sight of these adorable little baskets! The best part? They’re incredibly customizable. Whether you top them with pastel sprinkles, coconut shreds for a “grass” effect, or mini chocolate eggs, each one is a tiny masterpiece.

And don’t worry, they’re easier to make than they look! With a simple sugar cookie dough, a muffin tin, and your favorite festive toppings, you can create a batch of these delightful Easter treats in no time. Whether you’re sharing them at a party, making them with kids, or just indulging in some holiday baking, these sugar cookie cups are guaranteed to be a sweet centerpiece for your Easter celebration!

Perfect for:

• Easter celebrations
• Springtime parties
• Kid-friendly baking
• Gift-giving and party favors
• A creative twist on traditional sugar cookies

Why You’ll Love This Easter Basket Sugar Cookie Cups

Here’s why Easter Basket Sugar Cookie Cups will be a new holiday favorite:

• Fun and Festive: These cookie cups look like tiny Easter baskets, making them a perfect seasonal treat.
• Deliciously Sweet: The buttery sugar cookie base pairs perfectly with a variety of fillings, from frosting to chocolate.
• Customizable: Use different fillings, decorations, and colors to make them uniquely yours.
• Kid-Friendly: A great baking activity for children to help decorate and fill the baskets.
• Easy to Make: Requires simple ingredients and can be made ahead of time for stress-free holiday prep.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookie cups
• Calories per serving: Approximately 150-180 calories
• Key Nutrients: Carbs: 22g, Fat: 7g, Protein: 2g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Easter Basket Sugar Cookie Cups:

• For the Sugar Cookie Cups:
  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup sour cream
• For the Filling and Decoration:
  • 1 cup vanilla buttercream frosting (store-bought or homemade)
  • ½ cup shredded coconut (optional, for “grass”)
  • Green food coloring (for coconut grass)
  • Mini chocolate eggs or jelly beans (for decoration)
  • Sprinkles (optional, for extra color)
  • Licorice or pretzel sticks (for optional basket handles)

Ingredient Highlights

• Sugar Cookie Dough: This soft, buttery dough forms the perfect base for holding delicious fillings.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and tenderness to the cookie cups.
• Buttercream Frosting: A smooth and creamy filling that mimics the look of a real Easter basket.
• Coconut “Grass”: Dyed green to resemble grass, adding a fun and festive touch.
• Mini Chocolate Eggs or Jelly Beans: Classic Easter candy makes the perfect topping.
• Edible Basket Handles: Use licorice, pretzel sticks, or piped icing to complete the basket look.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Easter Basket Sugar Cookie Cups:

Prepare the Sugar Cookie Cups:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin tin with non-stick spray.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Add the Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Incorporate the Sour Cream: Stir in the sour cream, which helps keep the cookies soft and tender.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
7. Scoop the Dough: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, roll the dough into small balls and place them in the greased mini muffin tin.
8. Form the Cups: Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, gently press each dough ball down to create a small indentation in the center.

Bake and Cool:

9. Bake the Cookie Cups: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Re-Shape the Cups: Immediately after baking, use the back of a spoon to gently press down the center of each cookie cup to maintain the indentation.
11. Cool Completely: Allow the cookie cups to cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.

Decorate the Cookie Cups:

12. Prepare the “Grass”: If using shredded coconut, place it in a small bowl and add a few drops of green food coloring. Stir until evenly coated.
13. Fill with Frosting: Pipe or spoon vanilla buttercream into each cookie cup.
14. Add Decorations: Sprinkle coconut “grass” over the frosting and top with mini chocolate eggs or jelly beans.
15. Optional Handles: If desired, gently press licorice or pretzel sticks into the sides of the cookie cups to create basket handles.

How to Serve Easter Basket Sugar Cookie Cups

Easter Basket Sugar Cookie Cups are a festive and fun treat to serve in various ways:

• Classic Easter Display – Arrange the cookie cups on a pastel-colored platter with edible grass and mini chocolate eggs for a festive presentation.
• Individual Gift Wraps – Place each cookie cup in a decorative cellophane bag with a ribbon for a cute party favor or Easter gift.
• Dessert Board Addition – Add the cookie cups to a dessert grazing board with other Easter treats like chocolate bunnies, fruit, and marshmallows.
• Ice Cream Topping – Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla or pastel-colored ice cream for a delicious twist.
• Mini Easter Centerpieces – Arrange the cookie cups in a basket or tiered stand as an edible table centerpiece.
• Personalized Treats – Write guests’ names on mini fondant eggs or candies inside each cookie cup as edible place cards.
• DIY Decorating Station – Let guests customize their own cookie cups with different toppings like sprinkles, icing, or jelly beans.
• Paired with Drinks – Serve alongside hot chocolate, flavored milk, or Easter-themed mocktails for a fun dessert pairing.
• Egg Hunt Reward – Hand them out as sweet prizes for kids after an Easter egg hunt.
• Breakfast Treat – Serve with coffee or tea for a delightful morning bite on Easter Sunday.

Additional Tips for Easter Basket Sugar Cookie Cups

• Chill the Dough (Optional): If the dough is too soft, chilling it for 15-30 minutes can help with shaping.
• Don’t Overbake: Remove the cookie cups when the edges turn golden but the centers are still slightly soft.
• Get Creative with Fillings: Try different frostings, chocolate ganache, or even pudding as an alternative filling.
• Use a Piping Bag: For a professional-looking finish, use a piping bag with a star tip to swirl the frosting into each cup.
• Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Recipe Variations for Easter Basket Sugar Cookie Cups

Here are 10 variations to try:

1. Chocolate Cookie Cups: Use a chocolate sugar cookie dough for a different flavor.
2. Peanut Butter Easter Baskets: Add peanut butter to the cookie dough for a nutty twist.
3. Lemon Sugar Cookie Cups: Add lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy variation.
4. Chocolate Ganache Filling: Swap frosting for a rich chocolate ganache.
5. Carrot Cake Cookie Cups: Use a spiced cookie dough with shredded carrots.
6. Cream Cheese Frosting: Replace buttercream with tangy cream cheese frosting.
7. Sprinkle Surprise: Hide a small candy inside the frosting for a fun surprise.
8. Rainbow Easter Baskets: Use pastel-colored frostings for a rainbow effect.
9. Nutella Filling: Fill with Nutella for a delicious chocolate-hazelnut twist.
10. Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a GF-friendly treat.

Freezing and Storage for Easter Basket Sugar Cookie Cups

• Freezing: Freeze undecorated cookie cups in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw before filling.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Special Equipment for Easter Basket Sugar Cookie Cups

• Muffin Tin – To shape the sugar cookie dough into cup-like forms.
• Cookie Scoop – For evenly portioning the sugar cookie dough.
• Pastry Bag & Tips – To neatly pipe frosting or filling into the cookie cups.
• Silicone Baking Mat or Parchment Paper – To prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
• Offset Spatula – For smoothing frosting or filling inside the cookie cups.

Frequently Asked Questions for Easter Basket Sugar Cookie Cups

1. Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! Bake the cookie cups in advance and decorate closer to serving time.
2. Can I use store-bought cookie dough? Yes, but homemade dough gives the best flavor and texture.
3. What if I don’t have a mini muffin tin? Use a regular muffin tin and adjust baking time.
4. Can I make them nut-free? Yes, just avoid nut-based decorations.
5. How do I keep the handles from falling over? Insert them firmly into the frosting or use melted chocolate as glue.

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Conclusion

Easter Basket Sugar Cookie Cups are a delightful way to bring the joy of Easter and spring right into your kitchen. With their adorable basket design, soft and buttery sugar cookie base, and endless decorating possibilities, these festive treats are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Fill them with colorful candies, creamy frosting, or your favorite sweet surprises to create a personalized dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday gathering or just for fun, these cookie cups add a touch of magic to your Easter celebrations.

I’d love to see how your Easter Basket Sugar Cookie Cups turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your adorable creations. Happy baking!