Easter Basket Cookie Cups

Easter is one of my favorite holidays, and that means it’s time for some extra special baking! These Easter Basket Cookie Cups are just the thing to brighten up your holiday table.

Imagine a soft, chewy sugar cookie shaped into a tiny basket, filled with creamy buttercream frosting, and topped with colorful chocolate eggs. They’re adorable, delicious, and so easy to make!

Table of Contents

Easter Basket Cookie Cups are sugar cookies baked in a mini muffin pan to create the shape of little cups. Once baked, they’re filled with smooth buttercream and decorated with mini chocolate eggs to resemble tiny Easter baskets.

These cookies are a fun twist on traditional Easter sugar cookie recipes, and they’re so much quicker than cut-out cookies! Plus, they make a great family activity kids will love decorating them!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Easy to Make: No rolling or cutting dough required!

Perfect for Easter: These cookie cups add a festive touch to any Easter table.

Fun for Kids: Little ones will love decorating their own cookie baskets.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them in advance for easy entertaining.

Customizable: Swap out candies, change the frosting color, or add sprinkles.

Ingredients You’ll Need

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup light brown sugar
1 large egg, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

Buttercream Frosting:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Green food coloring

Decorating:

1 cup Cadbury mini eggs or M&M eggs
Green-colored coconut flakes (optional, for a grass effect)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven: Set to 350°F (180°C) and grease a mini muffin pan.

Cream Butter and Sugars: Beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract.

Mix Dry Ingredients: Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until combined.

Scoop Dough into Pan: Use a small cookie scoop to divide the dough into 22 mini muffin cups.

Bake: Bake for 12 minutes until golden.

Create the Cup Shape: While warm, use a teaspoon to press down the centers slightly.

Cool Completely: Let them cool before adding frosting.

2. Make the Buttercream Frosting

Beat Butter: In a bowl, beat butter until creamy.

Add Sugar Gradually: Mix in powdered sugar a little at a time.

Add Milk and Vanilla: Beat until smooth.

Tint with Food Coloring: Add green food coloring and mix well.

Pipe Frosting: Use a piping bag with a star tip to fill each cookie cup.

Add Mini Eggs: Place 2-3 chocolate eggs on top.

Optional: Sprinkle with green coconut flakes for a grass effect.

Serving Suggestions

These adorable Easter Basket Cookie Cups pair wonderfully with a variety of Easter treats and drinks. Here are some ideas:

Pair with Tea or Coffee: Serve with a warm cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.

Easter Dessert Platter: Arrange them on a dessert board alongside Mini Easter Cheesecakes and Easter Dirt Cake.

Brunch Table Addition: These cookie cups make a sweet addition to an Easter brunch spread.

Kids’ Party Favorite: Let kids customize their own cookie cups with extra sprinkles or different candy toppings.

FAQs

How Do I Store Easter Basket Cookie Cups?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If refrigerated, bring them to room temperature before serving.

Can I Make the Cookie Dough Ahead of Time?

Yes! Store the dough in the fridge for up to 3 days, then let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before baking.

How Do I Prevent the Cookie Cups from Overflowing?

Don’t overfill the muffin cups.
Use a small cookie scoop for even portions.
Gently press down the centers right after baking to keep the shape.

Can I Use Different Candy for Decorating?

Absolutely! Try:
Jelly beans for a non-chocolate option.
Pastel M&Ms for more color.
Mini marshmallows for a fun twist.

Can I Make These Gluten-Free?

Yes! Swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

More Easter Recipes You’ll Love

Looking for more festive treats? Try these delicious Easter recipes:

These Easter basket sugar cookie cups are a must-have for your holiday baking. They’re festive, easy to make, and fun to decorate. Perfect for kids’ parties, Easter brunch, or a sweet afternoon treat. Try this simple Easter cookies recipe and impress your guests! Don’t forget to pin this recipe on Pinterest for later!