If you’re searching for a show-stopping holiday treat that combines the nostalgia of sugar cookies with a fun, festive twist, these Christmas Cookie Cups are going to steal the spotlight. Imagine a soft, buttery sugar cookie baked right in a mini muffin tin, shaped perfectly to cradle a creamy dollop of luscious cream cheese frosting, then topped with colorful Christmas sprinkles that sparkle like holiday lights. These delightful little cups aren’t just edible, they’re an experience—perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or simply brightening up your festive dessert table. Once you try making Christmas Cookie Cups, you’ll wonder how you ever celebrated the season without them!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these enchanting Christmas Cookie Cups comes down to a handful of simple, well-chosen ingredients. Each one plays its part in creating a soft, flavorful base and a sweet topping that blends perfectly for that classic holiday vibe.
- Sugar cookie mix (17 ounces): The foundation of our cookie cups, making the process quick without losing that fresh-baked taste.
- Egg and butter (as called for on the mix package): Essential for binding the dough and lending a rich, tender crumb.
- Christmas sprinkles (½ cup, divided): Adds a pop of festive color and a slight crunchy texture that makes these cookies extra special.
- Canned cream cheese frosting (16 ounces): The creamy filling that balances the sweet cookie perfectly, offering a smooth, tangy flavor.
How to Make Christmas Cookie Cups
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Tin
Start by heating your oven to 375 degrees and generously spraying a 24-cup mini muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray. This step ensures your cookie cups will release easily after baking, keeping those cute cup shapes intact.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix with the egg and melted butter as directed on the package. Using your hands or a mixer, blend until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. This dough is the base for your cookie cups, so getting that soft consistency right is key for tender cookies with a bit of structure.
Step 3: Fold in Festive Sprinkles
Gently fold in ¼ cup of your Christmas sprinkles. Be careful not to overmix here; the colors from the sprinkles can bleed into the dough, creating a less appealing color. You want those bright flecks of red and green to pop, not swirl together!
Step 4: Form the Cookie Cups
Using a 1-inch cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough balls into each muffin cup. Then, firmly but gently press the back of a round ½ teaspoon spoon into the center of each dough ball, creating a perfect crater. This is where your creamy frosting will eventually nestle.
Step 5: Bake and Re-Shape
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the cookie cups are just turning golden around the edges. As soon as they come out of the oven, press down again with a teaspoon to reinforce those lovely craters—warm dough can shift as it cools, so this step is essential for maintaining the cup shape.
Step 6: Cool Completely and Add Frosting
Allow the cookie cups to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool fully, around 45 to 60 minutes. Once cooled, fill a piping bag with the canned cream cheese frosting and pipe 1 to 2 tablespoons of frosting into each crater. Finally, sprinkle with the remaining Christmas sprinkles for that extra festive flair!
How to Serve Christmas Cookie Cups
Garnishes
While the colorful sprinkles are the classic finish, feel free to get creative with garnishes! A tiny peppermint candy cane piece, edible glitter, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate can add holiday flair and tailor your cookie cups to your party theme or personal taste.
Side Dishes
Serving these Christmas Cookie Cups alongside a warm cup of spiced hot cocoa or peppermint tea makes for a comforting holiday treat combo. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fresh fruit salad for a delightful balance of sweet and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Arrange the Christmas Cookie Cups on a decorative holiday platter lined with fresh pine branches or festive napkins. You could even serve them individually in mini cupcake liners or clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for easy grab-and-go treats at holiday gatherings or gift exchanges.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Christmas Cookie Cups can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping them sealed prevents the cookies from drying out and helps the frosting stay creamy and fresh-tasting.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the cookie cups after baking but before frosting. Arrange the cooled cookie cups on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, thaw completely before piping on frosting to keep each component fresh.
Reheating
If you prefer your cookie cups slightly warm, gently heat them in a low oven (around 300 degrees) for 5 minutes before adding frosting. Avoid microwaving as it can cause the texture to become soggy or the frosting to melt unevenly.
FAQs
Can I make Christmas Cookie Cups without cream cheese frosting?
Absolutely! While cream cheese frosting is a classic choice, you can substitute with buttercream, chocolate ganache, or even a dollop of whipped cream mixed with a bit of powdered sugar.
How do I prevent the sprinkles from bleeding color into the dough?
Fold the sprinkles into the dough gently and only add a small amount (around ¼ cup). Overmixing or using too many sprinkles with red and green dyes can cause the dough to take on an unpleasant color.
Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough instead of a mix?
Yes! Feel free to use your favorite sugar cookie recipe. Just make sure the dough is soft enough to scoop and form cups but firm enough to hold their shape after baking.
Is it necessary to press the dough again after baking?
Yes, pressing the dough again immediately after baking helps maintain that crater shape, as the dough can rise and spread in the oven but fall gently once cooled.
How long do the Christmas Cookie Cups last?
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh for about three days. Beyond that, the texture might start to change, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh or freeze extras for later.
Final Thoughts
These Christmas Cookie Cups have quickly become one of my all-time favorite holiday treats. They bring together the classic flavors we all love, with a playful, festive look that’s sure to charm anyone lucky enough to try them. Whether you’re swapping cookies at a neighbor’s party or just indulging with your family at home, I promise these little cups will brighten your holiday baking and bring smiles all around. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and make some Christmas Cookie Cups – your festive season deserves this sweet, cheesy, colorful celebration!
PrintChristmas Cookie Cups
Christmas Cookie Cups combine a soft sugar cookie crust with creamy cream cheese frosting and festive Christmas sprinkles. These bite-sized treats are perfect for holiday parties or cookie exchanges, offering a fun and colorful twist on traditional cookies.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookie cups 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 17 ounces sugar cookie mix (1 pouch, unprepared)
- Ingredients required by the cookie mix package (typically 1 egg and butter, quantity as per package instructions)
- ¼ cup Christmas sprinkles
Frosting and Topping
- 16 ounces canned cream cheese frosting
- ¼ cup Christmas sprinkles (for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a 24-cup mini muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix with the egg and butter called for on the package. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Add Sprinkles to Dough: Gently fold in ¼ cup of Christmas sprinkles to the dough, being careful not to overmix to prevent the dough from turning an unappetizing color.
- Form Cookie Cups: Using a 1-inch cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop 1-inch dough balls into each muffin cup. Spray the back of a round ½ teaspoon spoon with non-stick spray and press into the center of each dough ball to create a crater.
- Bake: Bake the cookie cups for 8-10 minutes or until they just start to turn golden brown.
- Reform Craters: Remove the muffin tin from the oven and quickly press the back of a teaspoon into the center of each cookie cup again to reinforce the crater shape.
- Cool: Allow the cookie cups to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then pop them out onto a wire rack to cool completely for 45-60 minutes.
- Pipe Frosting and Decorate: Transfer the cream cheese frosting to a piping bag and fill each cooled cookie cup crater with 1-2 tablespoons of frosting. Top with the remaining Christmas sprinkles and serve.
Notes
- Do not overmix the sprinkles into the dough to avoid discoloration.
- Use non-stick spray on the spoon to prevent dough from sticking when creating the craters.
- Make sure cookies are completely cooled before adding frosting to prevent melting.
- Can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Perfect for holiday cookie exchanges and parties.