When it comes to quick and fun desserts, nothing beats the simplicity of cookie cups. These little edible dessert bowls combine the chewy goodness of cookies with the creamy delight of your favorite frosting or filling. Whether you’re baking for a party, family night, or just craving something sweet without a long prep time, cookie cups are the answer. With only three simple ingredients—cookie dough, frosting, and sprinkles—this recipe delivers a big payoff for minimal effort.

These bite-sized treats are also a perfect introduction to baking for beginners or kids. They don’t require fancy tools or expert skills, and you can easily customize them with different doughs or toppings. Plus, they look impressive on any dessert table while being easy enough to make on a lazy weekend afternoon.

JUMP TO

Table of Contents

What Are Cookie Cups?

The Simple Joy of a Cookie Turned Cup

Cookie cups are exactly what they sound like—cookies baked in muffin tins that form tiny cups, ready to hold your favorite fillings. Imagine the buttery flavor of your favorite cookie, shaped into a golden cup, and filled with creamy frosting, caramel, or even ice cream. The concept is as simple as it is genius.

Unlike traditional cookies that flatten out, cookie cups rise and form sturdy walls, creating the perfect vessel for sweet fillings. They blend the best of both worlds: the crispness of cookies with the indulgence of cupcakes.

You can use almost any cookie dough to make them—from classic sugar cookie dough to chocolate chip or even peanut butter. For an easy version, most bakers prefer pre-made cookie dough for its convenience and consistent results.

Popular Fillings for Cookie Cups

There’s no shortage of creative ways to fill your cookie cups. Some favorites include:

• Chocolate frosting for a rich and creamy texture.
• Peanut butter for a salty-sweet balance.
• Caramel or Dulce de Leche for a decadent twist.
• Lemon buttercream for a zesty burst of flavor.
• Whipped cream or pudding for a lighter dessert option.

You can also experiment with seasonal flavors—think peppermint frosting in December or strawberry filling for Valentine’s Day. The customization possibilities are endless, making cookie cups one of the most versatile desserts out there.

For more ideas on creative fillings, check out the Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe, which uses similar ingredients and techniques.

Ingredients and Equipment Needed for Easy Cookie Cups

Essential 3 Ingredients

The beauty of this easy cookie cups recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need:

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Pre-made cookie dough	16 oz	Sugar cookie dough works best, but chocolate chip or peanut butter also work great.
Frosting	2 cans	Store-bought chocolate frosting is classic, but any flavor can be used.
Sprinkles	Optional	Adds color and crunch for a festive finish.

If you’re feeling ambitious, you can substitute homemade dough or frosting, but pre-made options keep it quick and convenient.

Tools and Bakeware

Before you start, gather a few basic kitchen tools:

• 12-count muffin tin – This shapes the cookie cups perfectly.
• Non-stick cooking spray (with flour) – Helps release the cups easily.
• Teaspoon or tart shaper – For pressing down the center after baking.
• Cooling rack – To help your cookie cups cool evenly.

Pro Tip: Using a mini muffin tin instead of a regular one makes adorable bite-sized cookie cups—great for parties or snack boxes!

How to Make Cookie Cups Step-by-Step

The magic of cookie cups lies in their simplicity. Even if you’re new to baking, you’ll find this process effortless and fun. The best part? You only need one bowl, one pan, and 30 minutes to get these bite-sized delights ready to serve.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take your pre-made cookie dough (about 16 ounces) and divide it evenly into 12 pieces. Roll each piece into a ball—roughly the size of a golf ball. Place one ball into each cup of your muffin tin.

Pro Tip: Don’t flatten them. They’ll naturally take shape as they bake.

If you prefer smaller treats, you can use a mini muffin tin and divide the dough into 24 smaller portions. These bite-sized cookie cups bake faster and are perfect for parties or holiday dessert trays.

Step 2: Bake Until Golden

Place your tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15–17 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Once baked, remove from the oven and immediately use a small spoon or teaspoon to press the center of each cookie down to form a well.

Quick Tip: Press gently! If the dough cracks, let it cool for 30 seconds before shaping again.

Step 3: Cool and Decorate

Let the cookie cups cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Once they’re completely cool, fill each cup with your favorite frosting, whipped cream, or even caramel. Top with colorful sprinkles, nuts, or chocolate chips for a finished look.

If you’re making holiday cookie cups, use themed toppings—red and green for Christmas, or pastel sprinkles for Easter.

Optional Add-Ins

Here’s how you can make your cookie cups recipe even more exciting:

Variation	Filling Idea	Flavor Tip
Peanut Butter Cookie Cups	Chocolate frosting	Add crushed peanuts for crunch
Sugar Cookie Cups	Lemon buttercream	Perfect for spring desserts
Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups	Vanilla frosting	Drizzle with melted chocolate
Chocolate Cookie Cups	Whipped cream	Top with cocoa powder

For an extra twist, pair this recipe with our Homemade Caramel Sauce—it’s an amazing filling option that adds a gooey contrast to the crispy edges.

Flavor Variations and Creative Twists

Cookie cups are a blank canvas for your imagination. You can easily adapt them for different occasions, dietary needs, or personal tastes.

Classic Flavors to Try

• Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups with Vanilla Cream: A fan favorite! Soft and chewy cookie cups filled with sweet vanilla buttercream.
• Peanut Butter Cookie Cups with Chocolate Ganache: A flavor match made in heaven—rich and nutty with a silky chocolate finish.
• Sugar Cookie Cups with Lemon Frosting: Bright, zesty, and perfect for summer gatherings.

For more citrus-based desserts, check out our Lemon Buttercream Frosting Recipe, which pairs beautifully with sugar cookie dough.

Fun Ideas for Kids and Holidays

• Birthday Cookie Cups: Fill with colorful frosting and rainbow sprinkles.
• Christmas Cookie Cups: Use peppermint frosting or crushed candy canes.
• Easter Cookie Nests: Fill with coconut shreds and mini chocolate eggs.
• Halloween Cookie Cups: Add orange and black decorations for a spooky touch.

Want something even more kid-friendly? Try serving these with a scoop of ice cream in the center—it turns your cookie cups into an edible sundae bowl!

Pro Baking Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cookie Cups

• Always spray your muffin tin with non-stick spray (preferably with flour) for easy removal.
• If the center looks raw after pressing down, pop them back into the oven for 2–3 more minutes.
• Let them cool only slightly before removing—too cold, and they’ll stick.
• The frosting ratio matters: for 12 cookie cups, two cans of frosting give you the perfect creamy texture.
• For best results, store your cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

If you enjoy baking with your family, you’ll also love our Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe—another easy, family-friendly dessert that pairs perfectly with this one.

FAQs About Cookie Cups

Conclusion

In the world of easy desserts, cookie cups stand out for their charm, versatility, and simplicity. They’re perfect for kids, party spreads, or a last-minute treat when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With just three ingredients—cookie dough, frosting, and sprinkles—you can create a dessert that looks bakery-level but takes less than 30 minutes to make.

Beyond their delicious taste, cookie cups are a canvas for creativity. You can experiment with dough types, fillings, and toppings, adapting them for holidays or personal preferences. Whether you stick with the classic sugar cookie version or venture into peanut butter or chocolate territory, the results are always satisfying.

Print