Simple Sugar Cookie Cups: Sweet, Fun & Perfect for Valentine’s Day
Make your Valentine’s Day extra special with these simple sugar cookie cups. These delightful treats combine the sweetness of sugar cookies with an irresistible filling, making them perfect for sharing with loved ones. Their playful presentation adds a fun element to your dessert table while being incredibly easy to make at home.
Why You’ll Love This Simple Sugar Cookie Cups
Simple sugar cookie cups are a charming twist on the classic cookie. The cookie cups have a crisp exterior, while the soft centers hold delicious fillings like frosting or fruit preserves. With their vibrant colors and customizable toppings, they are not only delicious but also visually stunning. They are an excellent choice for celebrations, especially Valentine’s Day, as you can personalize them with shades of pink, red, and white. Whether you are baking for a family gathering or a romantic dinner, these cookie cups bring a sense of joy and sweetness to the occasion.
How to Make Simple Sugar Cookie Cups
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2½ cups (312g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Vanilla or cream cheese frosting
- Fruit preserves or jam
- Fresh berries
- Chocolate ganache
- Sprinkles, crushed candy, or edible glitter
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin pan.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the bowl and mix until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until fully combined.
- Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls and place one ball into each muffin cup.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
- While the cookie cups are still warm, gently press the centers using the back of a spoon to create space for fillings.
- Allow the cookie cups to cool completely in the pan before removing them.
- Once cooled, fill each cookie cup with frosting or your choice of filling and decorate as desired.
How to Serve Simple Sugar Cookie Cups
These sugar cookie cups are best served fresh but can also be enjoyed later. Present them on a beautiful platter, and offer an assortment of toppings for your guests to customize their treats. Perhaps create a vibrant dessert bar with various fillings like fruity jams, chocolate ganache, or whipped cream. You can even add fresh fruit or sprinkles for an extra touch of fun.
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How to Store Simple Sugar Cookie Cups
To store your simple sugar cookie cups, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you prefer to keep them fresh longer, you can store them in the refrigerator. They will stay delicious for up to three days. However, to maintain the best texture, fill the cookie cups just before serving.
Tips to Make Simple Sugar Cookie Cups Perfect
- Be sure to measure your ingredients accurately. For the best result, use a kitchen scale for the flour and sugar.
- If the dough feels too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before rolling.
- Perform a test bake with one cookie cup to check the baking time and adjust as needed.
- Don’t skip pressing the centers; this helps create the perfect cup shape for filling.
Flavor Variations
While the basic sugar cookie cup is delightful, experimenting with flavors can make it even more exciting. Here are a few variations:
- Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest to the dough for a refreshing twist.
- Chocolate Chip Sugar Cups: Mix in chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Nutella Cups: Use Nutella as a filling for a hazelnut-y treat.
- Vegan Version: Substitute the butter with coconut oil and use a flaxseed mixture instead of the egg.
Pro Tips for Success
- For a pretty presentation, use a piping bag to add frosting or filling neatly.
- Consider matching the toppings to the occasion; red and pink sprinkles work exceptionally well for Valentine’s Day.
- Make a double batch to ensure there are enough for everyone, as they are sure to disappear quickly!
FAQs About Simple Sugar Cookie Cups
Can I freeze these cookie cups?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie cups without filling. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and fill with your desired toppings.
Can I use other fillings besides frosting?
Absolutely! These cookie cups are versatile. You can fill them with fruit preserves, whipped cream, pudding, or even ice cream for a fun dessert treat. The options are endless.
How do I make the cookies less sweet?
If you want a less sweet cookie, try reducing the amount of sugar by ¼ cup. You can also use unsweetened chocolate or yogurt as a filling to balance the sweetness.
Final Thoughts
Simple sugar cookie cups are an easy yet fabulous dessert that will add sweetness to your Valentine’s Day festivities. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create charming cookie cups that everyone will love. These cookies are not only fun to eat but also a joy to decorate, making them a perfect activity for family and friends. So gather your ingredients and start baking — you’ll create beautiful treats that are sure to delight those you care about!
Simple Sugar Cookie Cups
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
Fillings and Toppings
- Vanilla or cream cheese frosting
- Fruit preserves or jam
- Fresh berries
- Chocolate ganache
- Sprinkles, crushed candy, or edible glitter
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin pan.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the bowl and mix until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until fully combined.
Baking
- Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls and place one ball into each muffin cup.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
- While the cookie cups are still warm, gently press the centers using the back of a spoon to create space for fillings.
- Allow the cookie cups to cool completely in the pan before removing them.
Serving
- Once cooled, fill each cookie cup with frosting or your choice of filling and decorate as desired.