The perfect Easter dessert, these Easter Basket Sugar Cookie Cups are buttery, soft, and shaped like little baskets filled with creamy frosting and colorful toppings. A fun and creative way to bring the festive spirit of spring to your table! Not only are these cookie cups absolutely adorable, but they’re also easy to make with just a handful of simple ingredients. The combination of sweet sugar cookie, fluffy buttercream, and coconut “grass” makes each bite a delightful treat. Perfect for Easter brunch, school parties, or as a fun weekend baking project!
Full recipe:
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Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup buttercream frosting (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup shredded coconut, dyed green
- ½ cup mini chocolate eggs or jelly beans
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract, mixing until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Scoop about 1 ½ tablespoons of dough into each muffin cup, pressing slightly to create a small well in the center.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and use the back of a spoon to gently press the centers down to create cup shapes.
- Let the cookie cups cool completely in the tin before removing.
- Pipe buttercream frosting into each cup. Sprinkle the dyed coconut on top to resemble grass.
- Add mini chocolate eggs or jelly beans to complete the Easter basket look.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes
Kcal: 215 kcal per cookie cup | Servings: 12 cookie cups
Easter Basket Sugar Cookie Cups: The Perfect Springtime Treat
Easter is a time of joy, family gatherings, and of course, delicious treats! One of the most adorable and festive desserts you can make this season is Easter Basket Sugar Cookie Cups. These bite-sized delights are shaped like tiny baskets, filled with luscious buttercream frosting, and topped with colorful coconut “grass” and mini chocolate eggs or jelly beans. They not only look fantastic on an Easter dessert table but also taste absolutely amazing. If you’re looking for a fun and easy recipe that captures the spirit of Easter, these sugar cookie cups are the perfect choice. They’re buttery, soft, and slightly chewy, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that pairs beautifully with the creamy frosting. Whether you’re making them for an Easter brunch, school event, or just as a fun baking activity with your kids, these cookie cups are guaranteed to bring smiles all around.
The Story Behind Easter Basket Sugar Cookie Cups
Easter basket treats have long been a tradition in many cultures, often symbolizing renewal, joy, and the arrival of spring. Many Easter desserts incorporate bright colors, candies, and fun shapes that appeal to children and adults alike. This recipe takes inspiration from the classic sugar cookie but transforms it into an edible version of the beloved Easter basket. Cookies have been a staple in holiday celebrations for centuries. Sugar cookies, in particular, date back to the 1700s in Europe and were brought to the United States by early settlers. Their simple ingredients—flour, sugar, butter, and eggs—make them versatile for countless variations. Turning sugar cookies into mini baskets is a creative twist that makes this traditional treat even more festive!
Why This Recipe is the Best for Easter
- Easy to Make – With just a few simple ingredients and a muffin tin, you can create beautifully shaped cookie cups without the need for special tools.
- Perfect for All Ages – Kids love decorating these cookie cups, and adults enjoy the nostalgic flavors of a classic sugar cookie.
- A Stunning Dessert Table Addition – These cookie cups add a pop of color and charm to any Easter celebration, making them an eye-catching centerpiece.
- Versatile Flavors – You can customize the frosting flavors, swap out the toppings, or even add fillings like chocolate ganache or fruit compote.
- Ideal for Gifting – Packaged in small boxes or Easter-themed tins, these cookie cups make wonderful homemade gifts for friends and family.
Customization Ideas
Want to make this recipe even more special? Here are some creative variations to try:
- Chocolate Lovers’ Version – Add cocoa powder to the cookie dough for a rich chocolate base.
- Nutty Delight – Sprinkle crushed almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts on top for a crunchy texture.
- Fruit-Filled Surprise – Add a small spoonful of lemon curd, raspberry jam, or caramel in the center before piping the frosting.
- Gluten-Free Alternative – Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe celiac-friendly.
- Dairy-Free Option – Substitute the butter with plant-based alternatives and use coconut cream for the frosting.
How to Store and Serve
These cookie cups are best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to store them:
- Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration – Keep in the fridge for up to a week, though the texture may slightly harden.
- Freezing – Freeze the cookie cups (without frosting) for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw and decorate.
For the best results, let the cookies come to room temperature before serving so the frosting remains soft and creamy.
Pairing Ideas
Wondering what to serve alongside these delightful Easter Basket Sugar Cookie Cups? Here are some great ideas:
Beverages:
- A glass of cold milk
- Freshly brewed coffee or tea
- Homemade lemonade or fruit punch
Other Easter Treats:
- Classic carrot cake
- Mini hot cross buns
- Deviled eggs for a savory balance
Fun Baking Activity for Families
If you’re looking for an interactive Easter activity, this recipe is a fantastic way to get kids involved in the kitchen. Let them:
- Shape the cookie cups
- Mix and dye the coconut
- Pipe the frosting
- Decorate with their favorite Easter candies
This not only makes baking fun but also helps kids learn basic kitchen skills while creating a delicious treat they can be proud of.
Conclusion
Easter Basket Sugar Cookie Cups are the ultimate holiday treat—they’re easy, delicious, and absolutely adorable. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, gifting treats to loved ones, or simply indulging in the joy of festive baking, these cookie cups will be a huge hit. The combination of soft sugar cookie, creamy frosting, and colorful toppings makes each bite a delightful celebration of spring. So, why not add these to your Easter baking list this ye ith their charming look and irresistible taste, they’re sure to become a tradition in your household!