If you’re looking to bring a vibrant, fun twist to your Easter celebrations, the Easter Basket Sugar Cookie Cups Recipe is an absolute delight! These adorable little treats combine the buttery goodness of sugar cookies shaped perfectly into tiny cups, brimming with luscious green frosting that mimics fresh Easter grass. Topped with colorful mini chocolate eggs or jelly beans, these cookie cups are not only a feast for the eyes but also a delicious burst of sweetness that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Perfect for sharing with family or gifting to friends, this recipe is wonderfully simple yet charmingly festive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this recipe are straightforward and essential, each playing a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and visual appeal of these cookie cups. From the buttery richness of the dough to the vibrant green frosting that brings the Easter theme to life, every item contributes to making this recipe truly special.
- Sugar cookie dough: Whether store-bought or homemade, this is the base that gives the cups their sweet, tender texture.
- All-purpose flour: Added if using store-bought dough to help make it easier to handle and shape.
- Butter: Softened butter creates a creamy frosting base that’s rich and smooth.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for that perfect piping consistency.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth to the frosting’s flavor.
- Milk: Adjusts frosting consistency to make piping easy and precise.
- Green food coloring: Gives the frosting the fresh, grassy appearance that simulates Easter basket grass.
- Shredded coconut (optional): Dyed green, this adds delightful texture and a natural grass effect.
- Mini chocolate eggs or jelly beans: The perfect colorful, edible decorations that make the cookie cups truly festive.
- Licorice strips or pretzel sticks (optional): Used for creating charming basket handles on the cups.
How to Make Easter Basket Sugar Cookie Cups Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with non-stick spray or butter. This step ensures your cookie cups will release easily after baking without losing their cute shape.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
If you’re using store-bought sugar cookie dough, mix in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour to make the dough easier to handle and shape without sticking to your hands. This simple adjustment makes rolling and forming the cookie cups a breeze.
Step 3: Form the Cookie Cups
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them snugly into the mini muffin tin cups. Then, using your thumb or the back of a small measuring spoon, gently press the center of each dough ball down to create a cup shape. This makes sure the cookie will bake into a perfect little basket shape ready to hold frosting and goodies.
Step 4: Bake the Cookie Cups
Bake the cookie cups in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges just start to turn a light golden color. This subtle browning means your cookies will have that delightful crispness around the edges while staying soft and chewy inside.
Step 5: Shape the Cups After Baking
Remove the cookie cups from the oven, and while they are still warm, use a spoon to gently press the centers down once more to reinforce their cup shape. Then let them cool completely in the pan before carefully transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling fully prevents the frosting from melting later.
Step 6: Make the Green “Grass” Frosting
In a large bowl, beat softened butter until it’s smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, mixing well until you have a silky frosting. Add green food coloring until you reach a vibrant grass-green hue that’s perfect for your Easter basket theme.
Step 7: Fill and Decorate the Cookie Cups
Transfer the green frosting to a piping bag fitted with a grass piping tip, or use a ziplock bag with a small corner snipped off as an easy alternative. Pipe the frosting into each cookie cup to resemble bright, fresh Easter grass. For extra texture, sprinkle dyed green shredded coconut over the frosting. Finish by placing colorful mini chocolate eggs or jelly beans right in the center of each cookie cup. For a charming finishing touch, gently press licorice strips or pretzel sticks into the sides of the cups to create little handles, making them look like actual Easter baskets.
How to Serve Easter Basket Sugar Cookie Cups Recipe
Garnishes
Besides the classic mini eggs and jelly beans, you can get creative with garnishes such as edible flowers, sprinkles in pastel colors, or even tiny fondant carrots. These playful touches not only enhance the visual appeal but add delightful little surprises with every bite.
Side Dishes
These cookie cups stand beautifully on their own as a sweet treat but pair wonderfully with fresh fruit trays, a smooth vanilla yogurt dip, or even a light cup of hot cocoa or tea to balance the sweetness for your Easter gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
Display your Easter Basket Sugar Cookie Cups Recipe on decorative plates lined with pastel-colored napkins, or arrange them in a large basket filled with real Easter grass for a whimsical presentation. Wrapping individual cups in clear cellophane tied with ribbon makes them perfect party favors or gifts for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping them covered preserves the softness of the sugar cookie and the silky texture of the frosting without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookie cups before frosting by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw completely before adding frosting and decorating.
Reheating
While these are best enjoyed fresh or at room temperature, you can briefly warm the unfrosted cookie cups in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 3 minutes to refresh the soft texture. Avoid reheating the frosting to maintain its appearance and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough for the Easter Basket Sugar Cookie Cups Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade dough works beautifully and allows you to customize sweetness and flavor. Just be sure to chill the dough well if it’s soft, and add a touch of flour if needed for easy handling.
What kind of frosting works best for these cookie cups?
A classic buttercream frosting colored green is ideal since it holds its shape well for piping and provides that lush, creamy grass effect. Cream cheese frosting can also work but may be softer and harder to pipe.
How do I make the shredded coconut green?
Simply toss shredded coconut with a few drops of green food coloring and a tiny bit of water or alcohol (like vodka) until evenly colored. Spread it out on a tray to dry before using to prevent clumps.
Can these cookie cups be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free sugar cookie dough and gluten-free flour for dusting if needed. Make sure all other ingredients, including decorations, are gluten-free to keep the recipe safe for those with sensitivities.
Is there a way to make the cookie cups sturdier for transportation?
To help the cups stay intact when transporting, bake them just until the edges turn golden but avoid overbaking. Also, allow them to cool completely in the pan to set their shape before removing. Transport them in a sturdy container with minimal shaking.
Final Thoughts
The Easter Basket Sugar Cookie Cups Recipe is one of those charming treats that bring smiles and sweet moments to any holiday celebration. With their vibrant colors, delightful textures, and playful design, they’re sure to become a favorite recipe you’ll return to year after year. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the fun of creating these edible Easter baskets that everyone will adore!
Print
Easter Basket Sugar Cookie Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookie cups
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easter Basket Sugar Cookie Cups are delightful bite-sized treats perfect for spring celebrations. Soft sugar cookie cups are baked to golden perfection, filled with vibrant green buttercream frosting resembling Easter grass, and decorated with colorful mini chocolate eggs or jelly beans to mimic festive baskets. Optional licorice or pretzel handles add a charming touch, making these cookies a fun and creative dessert for Easter gatherings.
Ingredients
Cookie Cups
- 1 package (16.5 oz) sugar cookie dough (or homemade sugar cookie dough)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (if using store-bought dough, to make it easier to handle)
Frosting
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk (adjust as needed for consistency)
- Green food coloring
Decorations
- Shredded coconut (optional, dyed green for a grass effect)
- Mini chocolate eggs or jelly beans (for decoration)
- Licorice strips or pretzel sticks (for basket handles, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Form the Cookie Cups: If using store-bought sugar cookie dough, mix it with 1/4 cup all-purpose flour to make it easier to handle. Then roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place each ball into the prepared mini muffin tin.
- Shape the Cups: Press your thumb or a small measuring spoon into the center of each dough ball to create a cup shape, ensuring the edges remain raised to hold the filling.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies turn lightly golden.
- Reinforce Cup Shape: Immediately after removing from the oven, use a spoon to gently press down the center of each cookie to reinforce the cup shape before they fully cool.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cookie cups to cool in the pan completely, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool further, ensuring they are completely set before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, beating continuously until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Color the Frosting: Add green food coloring to the frosting and mix until you achieve a vibrant, grass-like hue.
- Fill the Cookie Cups: Spoon the green frosting into a piping bag fitted with a grass piping tip or a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off, then pipe the frosting into each cookie cup to resemble Easter grass.
- Decorate the Baskets: Sprinkle green-dyed shredded coconut over the piped frosting for extra texture, and place mini chocolate eggs or jelly beans in the center of each cookie cup to complete the basket look.
- Add Handles (Optional): For a whimsical touch, gently press licorice strips or pretzel sticks into the sides of the cookie cups to create basket handles.
- Serve & Enjoy: Let the frosting set for a few minutes before serving, then enjoy your charming and festive Easter Basket Sugar Cookie Cups!
Notes
- If you prefer, you can make homemade sugar cookie dough for a fresher taste instead of using store-bought dough.
- Adjust the amount of milk in the frosting to achieve your desired piping consistency.
- Use a grass piping tip for best frosting effect; if unavailable, a small star tip can also work.
- The shredded coconut can be dyed green by mixing it with a few drops of green food coloring in a bowl before sprinkling.
- Store leftover cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free cookie dough.
