Easter Cookie Cups: Fun & Easy Easter Egg Treats

Looking for Easter egg treats ideas that are festive, delicious, and easy to make? These Easter Cookie Cups are the perfect dessert! Made with soft sugar cookie cups and filled with a creamy frosting or chocolate ganache, these bite-sized treats are topped with festive Easter decorations like mini eggs or sprinkles.

Whether you need Easter DIY snacks, easy Easter bake sale treats, or a fun Mother’s Day baked goods idea, these adorable Easter-themed cookies are guaranteed to impress!

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What Are Easter Cookie Cups?

These sugar cookie cups are mini cookie-based “baskets” that hold a delicious filling, making them a fun twist on Easter dirt cake cups. Instead of using a standard cookie, the dough is baked in a mini muffin tin to create a cup shape, perfect for holding frosting, pudding, or melted chocolate.

They’re easy, festive, and perfect for Easter parties, bake sales, or even as a treat for adults at an Easter gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple & Fun: Made with a basic sugar cookie cups recipe that’s easy to follow.
• Perfect for Kids & Adults: Great for Easter party adults and little bakers alike.
• Customizable: Fill with frosting, chocolate, or even Easter dirt cake cups filling!
• Great for Gifting: A beautiful homemade treat for Mother’s Day baked goods idea.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake the cookie cups ahead and fill them before serving.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Sugar Cookie Cups:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for extra flavor!)
• 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Filling (Choose One!):

Classic Buttercream Filling:

• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Ganache Filling:

• 1 cup (180g) chocolate chips
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream

Easter Dirt Cake Cups Filling:

• 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 ½ cups cold milk
• ½ cup crushed Oreos

For Decoration:

• Mini chocolate eggs (Cadbury, M&M’s, or jelly beans)
• Green shredded coconut (for “grass”)
• Pastel sprinkles
• Peeps marshmallow bunnies or chicks (optional!)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
• Mini muffin tin (for shaping the cookie cups)
• Spatula or piping bag (for filling the cups)
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Sugar Cookie Dough

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin tin.
2. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract (if using) and mix well.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.

Step 2: Shape & Bake the Cookie Cups

1. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough into each mini muffin cup.
2. Press gently in the center with your thumb or a spoon to form a small well.
3. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
4. Remove from oven and immediately press down the centers again using a spoon.
5. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

For Buttercream Filling:

1. Beat butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla together until smooth and fluffy.
2. Transfer to a piping bag or spoon into cookie cups.

For Chocolate Ganache:

1. Heat heavy cream until warm, then pour over chocolate chips.
2. Stir until smooth and creamy.
3. Let cool slightly, then spoon into cookie cups.

For Easter Dirt Cake Cups Filling:

1. Whisk together vanilla pudding mix and cold milk.
2. Stir in crushed Oreos and mix until combined.
3. Spoon into cookie cups.

Step 4: Decorate the Easter Cookie Cups

1. Add shredded coconut on top of the filling to resemble Easter grass.
2. Place mini chocolate eggs or jelly beans in the center.
3. Add sprinkles, edible glitter, or a Peep marshmallow bunny for extra fun!

Step 5: Chill & Serve

1. Let the cookie cups set in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes.
2. Serve and enjoy these adorable Easter DIY snacks!

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Tips for the Best Easter Cookie Cups

• Use softened butter for smooth cookie dough.
• Chill the dough for 15 minutes if it’s too sticky to work with.
• Don’t overbake! The cookies should stay soft in the center.
• Make them ahead: Bake the cookie cups and fill them just before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not pressing the centers deep enough: Make sure there’s enough space for filling.
• Overbaking the cookie cups: They should be golden but still soft.
• Filling too early: Let cookie cups cool completely before adding filling.

Variations & Flavor Twists

• Chocolate Sugar Cookie Cups: Swap out ½ cup flour for ¼ cup cocoa powder.
• Lemon Easter Cookie Cups: Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Cups: Use strawberry jam and cream cheese frosting for filling.
• Bunny Pretzel Easter Cups: Add Bunny Pretzels White Chocolate on top!

How to Store & Make Ahead

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Unfilled cookie cups can be frozen for up to 1 month—thaw before filling.
• Make Ahead: Bake the cups a day in advance and fill them before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These Easter Cookie Cups pair well with:

• Easter brunch or dessert platters
• A side of hot chocolate or coffee
• A gift box of homemade Easter treats
• As a part of an Easter egg hunt snack table!

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FAQs

Can I use store-bought cookie dough?

Yes! Just press into mini muffin tins and bake as directed.

Can I use frosting instead of pudding?

Absolutely! Buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or even Nutella work great.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.

Do I need to refrigerate these?

If filled with pudding or ganache, yes. Otherwise, they can stay at room temperature.

Conclusion

These Easter Cookie Cups are a festive, easy, and delicious Easter-themed cookie treat! Whether you’re making easy Easter bake sale treats, Easter DIY snacks, or a Mother’s Day baked goods idea, these adorable mini desserts will be a crowd-pleaser.

Try this sugar cookie cups recipe today and share with family and friends!

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