🎄 Festive Sugar Cookie Cups 🎅
Ingredients
For the Cookie Cups:
- 1 package (16 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury Ready-to-Bake Sugar Cookie Dough (or your preferred brand).
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature (helps ensure a creamy texture).
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted (to avoid lumps).
- 4 tbsp heavy cream (adjust for desired frosting consistency).
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (use pure vanilla for the best flavor).
- Sprinkles (festive shapes/colors to match the holiday theme).
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spray a mini muffin tin with nonstick baking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Cookie Cups:
- Remove the cookie dough from the package and divide it into 24 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball.
- Place each ball into the prepared muffin tin, ensuring each cup is evenly filled.
3. Bake the Cookie Cups:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers will still be slightly soft.
4. Shape the Cookie Cups:
- Immediately after removing the tray from the oven, use a ½ tablespoon measuring spoon to gently press into the center of each cookie, creating a well about 1 inch wide.
- Allow the cookie cups to cool completely in the pan for about 30 minutes before removing them. Cooling in the pan helps them hold their shape.
5. Prepare the Frosting:
- Add the softened butter to a mixing bowl. Beat on high speed for about 1-2 minutes until creamy and fluffy.
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud.
- Slowly add in the heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Increase the speed to medium-high and continue mixing until the frosting is smooth and forms soft peaks. Adjust the consistency by adding a touch more cream if needed.
6. Assemble the Cookie Cups:
- Transfer the frosting to a piping bag with your desired tip (a star tip works well for a festive look).
- Pipe frosting into the cooled cookie cups in a swirl pattern. Alternatively, spoon frosting into the wells for a more rustic appearance.
- Top with sprinkles for a festive finish!
Tips and Variations
- Color the Frosting: Use gel food coloring to tint the frosting in holiday colors like red, green, or gold.
- Flavor the Frosting: Add a drop of peppermint, almond, or orange extract for a twist on the classic vanilla flavor.
- Decorative Toppings: Add mini candy canes, edible glitter, or small sugar decorations for an extra festive touch.
- Homemade Cookie Dough: If you prefer homemade dough, ensure it’s a sturdy sugar cookie recipe that can hold its shape during baking.
Storage
- At Room Temperature: Store the cookie cups in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: If your environment is warm, refrigerate them to keep the frosting firm. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cookie cups (unfrosted) for up to 1 month. Thaw and frost before serving.
These Festive Sugar Cookie Cups are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a cup of cocoa. Happy baking! 🎄