Name: Elegant Strawberry Sugar Cookie Cups
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup strawberry jam; 1 cup pink buttercream frosting; Heart and round sprinkles for decoration

Welcome to a dessert that delights both the eyes and the palate: Elegant Strawberry Sugar Cookie Cups. These bite-sized treats are a visual and culinary feast, perfectly suited for any occasion, from a cozy family gathering to a festive celebration. Picture a buttery sugar cookie base cradling a dollop of sweet strawberry jam, all topped off with a swirl of fluffy pink buttercream frosting. This recipe strikes a perfect balance between simplicity and elegance, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced bakers. Whether you’re keen on impressing your guests or simply want to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookie cups are a must-try!

One of the best features of this recipe is how effortless it is to whip up a batch of these delightful cookie cups. The ingredients are straightforward, making the preparation a breeze. The result? A visually stunning dessert that tastes as good as it looks! Not only do these cookie cups deliver on flavor, but they also create a cheerful atmosphere, making them ideal for celebrations like birthdays, anniversaries, or just because. The elegant strawberry flavor coupled with the sweet frosting makes them an irresistible treat for kids and adults alike. Prepare to dazzle your loved ones with an easy yet show-stopping dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Elegant Strawberry Sugar Cookie Cups

Visually Appealing: The pink buttercream and sprinkles create a festive display.
Delicious Flavor: A perfect blend of sweetness from the jam and butteriness from the cookies.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions ensure success.
Kid-Friendly: Fun to make and enjoyable for kids, both in the kitchen and at the table!
Customizable: Tailor the decorations or flavors to suit your preferences or themes.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the enticing world of Elegant Strawberry Sugar Cookie Cups, preparation is key to ensuring your baking goes smoothly. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a mini muffin tin lightly, as this is essential for easy removal of the cookie cups later. Having all your ingredients measured out and ready will streamline your workflow, making this an even more enjoyable experience.

For this recipe, you will need basic baking tools, including mixing bowls, an electric mixer, and a whisk. Additionally, having a cookie scoop on hand can help you portion the dough evenly, ensuring your cups bake uniformly. An icing bag will come handy when you’re ready to pipe the pink buttercream frosting onto your cookies, adding an elegant touch to the finishing process. With everything organized and tools at the ready, you’ll be set up for a successful baking endeavor!

Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup strawberry jam
1 cup pink buttercream frosting
Heart and round sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

To start your baking adventure, it’s essential to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden edge. Take a moment to lightly grease your mini muffin tin, which will help prevent sticking and make it easier to remove your delightful cookie cups later.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients will help ensure that your cookies have the right structure and flavor. Set the mixture aside while you prepare the butter and sugar, as this will allow the leavening agents to activate when they encounter moisture.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a larger mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer at medium speed. Continue mixing for about 3-4 minutes, or until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating the airy texture of your cookie cups, which will enhance their deliciousness.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, introduce one large egg and a teaspoon of vanilla extract to your fluffy butter and sugar mixture. Beat everything together until well combined, ensuring that the egg is fully incorporated. The addition of vanilla will give your cookies a beautiful and rich flavor!

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Now, gradually add your pre-mixed dry ingredients to the wet butter-sugar-egg mixture. Mix gently until just combined—careful not to overmix, which can result in a tougher cookie. You want to maintain that light and tender quality that makes these cookie cups so irresistible.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

Once your cookie dough is ready, take a tablespoon scoop of dough and roll it into a ball. Place each ball into the greased mini muffin tin, spacing them evenly apart. This will allow them to spread slightly as they bake, creating the perfect shaped cups.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Slide the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookie edges become a light golden brown. After baking, let them cool for about 5 minutes. Then, gently press down the center of each cup with a spoon to create a little well—this is where you’ll add the strawberry jam!

Step 8: Fill and Decorate

Once the cookie cups have completely cooled, it’s time for the fun part—filling them with strawberry jam! Spoon a generous amount of jam into each well. Then, take your icing bag filled with pink buttercream frosting and pipe a swirl on top of each cup. Finish with heart and round sprinkles for an extra festive touch! Your elegant dessert is now ready to serve!

Variations

Protein: Consider adding a sprinkle of protein powder for an extra boost if desired.
Vegetables: Try incorporating grated zucchini or carrots into the cookie dough for added moisture and nutrition.
Spices: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough for a warm, spiced flavor that complements the strawberries.

Cooking Notes

For best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
Store any leftover cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these cookie cups with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
Serve alongside fresh strawberries for added color and freshness on your dessert platter.

Tips

Do not skip the step of cooling the cookie cups before adding the jam to ensure it doesn’t run out.
If you’re short on time, store-bought strawberry jam and frosting can be a quick alternative!

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 120 per cookie cup
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 60mg

FAQs

Can I make these cookie cups ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cookie cups a day ahead, fill them with jam, and frost them just before serving to keep the frosting fresh.

Are they gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these beautiful treats gluten-free.

How can I store leftover cookie cups?

Store any uneaten cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

Can I freeze them?

Yes, you can freeze the unfilled cookie cups for up to a month. Thaw before filling with jam and frosting.

Conclusion

The Elegant Strawberry Sugar Cookie Cups are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a delight for the eyes. Their charming presentation coupled with the wonderful flavors creates a dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you choose to whip them up for a holiday gathering, a family celebration, or an everyday indulgence, these cookie cups are sure to be a hit. Don’t hesitate to share your creations and variations in the comments below, as your experiences can inspire others to dive into the sweet world of baking. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and enjoy the delightful process of creating these stunning strawberry cookie cups!