Easter Basket Sugar Cookie Cups are a whimsical and delightful treat that captures the joy of spring and Easter celebrations. Soft and buttery sugar cookie cups serve as the perfect base, holding a swirl of smooth, velvety vanilla buttercream frosting. The addition of vibrant green food coloring gives the frosting the appearance of fresh grass, making a beautiful nest for the chocolate egg candies nestled on top.
Not only are these sugar cookie cups fun to make, but they also make a stunning presentation on any Easter dessert table. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just looking for a fun baking project with the kids, these treats are easy to prepare and customizable with different colors and candy toppings. A bite-sized, deliciously sweet way to celebrate the season!
Full Recipe:
- 1 package (16 oz) Pillsbury Sugar Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 bags (9 oz each) Hershey’s Egg Candies or similar
- Green food coloring
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and liberally spray a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or baking spray.
- Prepare the cookie cups: Separate the premade cookie dough and place one section into each muffin tin well.
- Bake for 10-14 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and immediately press the center of each cookie down with the bottom of a shot glass or spice jar to create a small indentation for the filling.
- Cool: Let the cookie cups rest in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Make the buttercream: In a mixing bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer until fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed. Increase speed to medium and beat for another minute.
- Add vanilla & cream: Pour in the vanilla extract and heavy cream, then beat until the frosting reaches a smooth, fluffy consistency. If desired, mix in 2-3 drops of green food coloring.
- Pipe the frosting: Transfer the frosting to a piping bag with a large star tip (or use a Ziploc bag with the corner snipped off). Pipe a swirl into each cookie cup indentation.
- Decorate: Place three chocolate egg candies on top of each frosting swirl. Optionally, sprinkle with pastel Easter sprinkles.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 213 kcal | Servings: 12 servings
Easter Basket Sugar Cookie Cups: A Festive Treat for Spring Celebrations
Easter is a time of joy, renewal, and of course, delicious treats! Among the many desserts that grace the Easter table, Easter Basket Sugar Cookie Cups stand out as a fun and festive option. These delightful cookie cups are not only visually appealing but also incredibly easy to make, making them perfect for family gatherings, Easter parties, and even as a baking project with kids. With a base of soft sugar cookie dough, a fluffy buttercream filling, and a topping of colorful chocolate eggs, these cookie cups embody the spirit of spring in every bite.
The Inspiration Behind Easter Basket Sugar Cookie Cups
The idea for these sugar cookie cups comes from the tradition of Easter baskets filled with candies, chocolates, and small surprises. Just as children excitedly search for hidden Easter eggs in their baskets, these cookies mimic that excitement by presenting a bite-sized version of an edible Easter basket. The buttery cookie base acts as the basket, while the fluffy buttercream frosting—tinted green to resemble grass—holds the “eggs” in place. The result is not just a tasty treat but also a visually charming dessert that adds a festive touch to any Easter celebration.
Why These Cookie Cups Are Perfect for Easter
Easter Basket Sugar Cookie Cups are ideal for Easter celebrations because they are:
- Visually stunning – The combination of pastel colors and the playful basket-like presentation make them a showstopper on any dessert table.
- Kid-friendly – This is a recipe that kids can actively participate in, from shaping the cookie cups to decorating with frosting and candy eggs.
- Easy to customize – You can swap out the buttercream color, use different types of candies, or even add sprinkles for extra flair.
- Great for sharing – These bite-sized desserts are easy to serve and perfect for guests to enjoy without the need for plates and utensils.
The Magic of Sugar Cookie Dough
The base of these cookie cups is store-bought sugar cookie dough, which makes the recipe quick and convenient. Sugar cookie dough is naturally sweet, soft, and easy to work with, making it an excellent choice for forming the basket shape. As the cookies bake, they take on a slightly crisp exterior while remaining soft and chewy in the center. The key to getting the perfect texture is to not overbake them—a light golden color is ideal.
One of the great things about sugar cookie dough is its versatility. If you prefer a homemade version, you can always make your own sugar cookie dough from scratch using basic pantry ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. This allows for additional customization, such as adding a hint of almond extract for a slightly nutty undertone or using citrus zest for a fresh flavor twist.
Buttercream Frosting: The Perfect “Grass” for the Baskets
The frosting in these cookie cups is homemade vanilla buttercream, which serves as the “grass” in the Easter basket. The key to a fluffy and creamy buttercream is using real butter and heavy cream, which give it a rich, smooth texture that pipes beautifully onto the cookie cups.
A few drops of green food coloring transform the buttercream into a vibrant grassy layer, mimicking the look of Easter grass traditionally found in baskets. If you want to get creative, you can use other pastel colors like pink, yellow, or blue to match different Easter themes. A piping bag with a star tip works best to create a swirl effect that resembles fluffy grass, but if you don’t have one, a simple Ziploc bag with the corner snipped off will work just fine.
Choosing the Best Candy Eggs for Decoration
The final touch on these Easter Basket Sugar Cookie Cups is the chocolate egg candies that sit atop the frosting. These small, colorful candies add a festive look and a delightful crunch to each bite. Some of the best options for topping these cookie cups include:
- Cadbury Mini Eggs – A classic Easter favorite with a crispy sugar shell and creamy milk chocolate interior.
- Reese’s Mini Eggs – Perfect for peanut butter lovers, these eggs combine a smooth peanut butter center with a chocolate coating.
- Jelly Beans – If you prefer a fruity twist, jelly beans add a bright pop of color and a chewy texture.
- M&M’s Easter Edition – Pastel-colored M&M’s work well as a substitute for chocolate eggs, giving the cookies a playful look.
The beauty of this recipe is that you can mix and match different candies to create a variety of flavors and textures. For extra decoration, a light sprinkle of pastel-colored jimmies or edible glitter can enhance the festive look.
Tips for the Best Sugar Cookie Cups
To ensure your Easter Basket Sugar Cookie Cups turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Use a muffin tin – This helps the cookie dough hold its shape and creates the perfect cup-like structure.
- Spray the pan well – A generous coat of non-stick spray prevents the cookies from sticking to the pan.
- Press gently to form the indentation – Right after baking, use the bottom of a shot glass or spice jar to press down in the center of each cookie cup. This creates the perfect basket shape without cracking the cookie.
- Let them cool completely before decorating – Adding buttercream frosting to warm cookie cups can cause the frosting to melt and lose its shape.
- Store properly for freshness – Keep decorated cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate them for up to a week.
How to Make These Cookie Cups Ahead of Time
If you’re planning for an Easter party or want to save time on the day of the event, you can make these sugar cookie cups ahead of time. Here’s how:
- Bake the cookie cups in advance – Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze them for up to three months.
- Prepare the frosting ahead of time – Buttercream can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. When ready to use, let it come to room temperature and re-whip it to restore its fluffy texture.
- Decorate just before serving – For the freshest taste and best presentation, pipe the frosting and add the candy eggs the day you plan to serve them.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Easter Treat
Easter Basket Sugar Cookie Cups are the perfect combination of fun, flavor, and festivity. Not only do they make a beautiful addition to any Easter spread, but they are also easy to prepare, customizable, and loved by both kids and adults. The soft sugar cookie base pairs beautifully with the creamy buttercream frosting, while the chocolate eggs add the perfect finishing touch.
Whether you’re hosting a large Easter gathering, baking with the kids, or just looking for a festive springtime treat, these cookie cups are a must-try recipe. Their adorable basket-like appearance and delicious taste will surely bring smiles to everyone who enjoys them. So gather your ingredients, have fun decorating, and indulge in this sweet and festive Easter delight!