Name: Holiday Sugar Cookie Cups
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 tub (16 oz) vanilla frosting; 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles or candy decorations

Soft and buttery Holiday Sugar Cookie Cups baked into bite-sized treats and filled with creamy frosting make one of my favorite festive desserts. I love how these mini treats look beautiful on a holiday dessert table while still being simple and approachable to bake. The buttery base paired with sweet vanilla frosting creates a classic flavor combination that always feels comforting and celebratory.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy these cookie cups are to prepare, even during busy holiday baking days. The dough comes together quickly with simple pantry ingredients, and I do not need any complicated techniques to shape them.

I also enjoy how perfectly portioned they are. Each little cookie cup is bite-sized, which makes them ideal for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or family gatherings. The festive sprinkles on top allow me to customize them for different celebrations, and I can easily switch up the decorations to match any theme.

Another reason I keep coming back to this recipe is the texture. I get soft, buttery cookie edges with a creamy frosting center in every bite, which creates a delicious contrast that I always find satisfying.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

1 tub (16 oz) vanilla frosting

½ cup holiday sprinkles or candy decorations

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 24-cup mini muffin pan.

In a large mixing bowl, I cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Then I beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined.

In a separate bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. I gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms.

Next, I roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place one ball into each mini muffin cup. I bake them for 10–12 minutes, until the edges turn lightly golden.

As soon as I remove the pan from the oven, I gently press the center of each cookie with the back of a spoon to create a cup shape. I let the cookie cups cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once cooled, I fill each cookie cup with vanilla frosting and decorate them with holiday sprinkles or candies.

Servings and timing

I prepare these cookie cups in about 20 minutes, and they bake in 10–12 minutes. The total time from start to finish is approximately 32 minutes.

This recipe makes 24 cookie cups. Each serving is approximately 180 kcal, making them a perfectly portioned sweet treat for gatherings and celebrations.

Variations

I sometimes swap the vanilla frosting for chocolate or cream cheese frosting when I want a richer flavor. During different holidays, I change the sprinkle colors to match the occasion, such as pastel tones for spring or red and pink for Valentine’s Day.

I also like adding a small piece of chocolate, caramel candy, or a spoonful of fruit jam in the center before frosting for a fun surprise inside. For extra flavor, I occasionally mix a little almond extract into the dough for a subtle nutty note.

Storage/Reheating

I store these cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If I want them to last longer, I refrigerate them for up to 5 days, keeping them well covered so the frosting stays fresh.

When serving from the refrigerator, I let them sit at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes so the cookie base softens and the frosting becomes creamy again. I do not recommend microwaving them, as the frosting can melt too quickly.

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FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the dough a day in advance and store it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. When I am ready to bake, I let it sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes so it is easier to roll.

Can I freeze the cookie cups?

I freeze the unfrosted cookie cups in an airtight container for up to 2 months. I thaw them at room temperature and add the frosting and decorations just before serving.

How do I keep the centers from puffing up too much?

I press the centers immediately after baking while the cookies are still warm. If they puff slightly again, I gently press them once more before they fully cool.

Can I use homemade frosting instead of store-bought?

Absolutely. I often make my own vanilla buttercream when I have extra time, and it works beautifully in these cookie cups.

What other toppings can I use?

I like experimenting with crushed candy canes, mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or chopped nuts. Changing the toppings is one of my favorite ways to make these cookie cups unique for every occasion.

Conclusion

These Holiday Sugar Cookie Cups are one of my favorite festive desserts to bake and share. I love how simple the ingredients are and how impressive the final result looks on a dessert table. With their buttery base, creamy frosting, and colorful decorations, they bring a cheerful and delicious touch to any celebration.

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