Easter is a time for joy, celebration, and delightful treats. If you're looking to add a touch of sweetness to your festivities, these Easter Cookie Cups are the perfect choice. These bite-sized wonders are not only visually appealing but also a delicious addition to your Easter dessert table. Let's dive into the recipe and create these charming and tasty Easter-themed delights.
Ingredients:
For the Cookie Cups:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (variety of pastel colors)
- Sprinkles and decorations for topping
Instructions:
Making the Cookie Cups:
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Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a mini muffin tin with paper liners.
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Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add Egg and Vanilla:
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
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Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
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Gradually Add Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft cookie dough forms.
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Form Cookie Cups:
- Take small portions of the dough and press them into the bottom and up the sides of each mini muffin cup, forming a cup shape.
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Bake:
- Bake the cookie cups in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool completely in the muffin tin.
Making the Buttercream Frosting:
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Beat Butter:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
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Add Powdered Sugar and Milk:
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the milk, and continue beating until smooth and fluffy. Add more milk if needed.
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Add Vanilla Extract:
- Mix in the vanilla extract for flavor.
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Divide and Color:
- Divide the frosting into separate bowls and add food coloring to achieve pastel shades.
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Fill Cookie Cups:
- Once the cookie cups are completely cooled, use a piping bag or spoon to fill each cup with the colorful buttercream frosting.
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Decorate:
- Top each cookie cup with sprinkles and Easter-themed decorations for a festive touch.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Arrange the Easter Cookie Cups on a platter and serve. Watch them disappear as everyone indulges in the delightful combination of soft cookie cups and creamy buttercream frosting.
Tips for Perfect Easter Cookie Cups:
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Consistent Sizing: Ensure uniformity in the size of the cookie cups for a polished presentation.
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Variety of Colors: Experiment with a variety of pastel colors for the frosting to create an Easter-inspired palette.
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Festive Decorations: Use Easter-themed sprinkles, edible flowers, or mini chocolate eggs for eye-catching decorations.
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Make Ahead: You can bake the cookie cups in advance and store them in an airtight container. Frost them just before serving for maximum freshness.
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Customization: Feel free to add flavor extracts like almond or lemon to the cookie dough for an extra layer of taste.
Conclusion
Easter Cookie Cups are a delightful combination of buttery cookie goodness and vibrant buttercream frosting, making them a perfect addition to your Easter celebrations. Whether served at a festive gathering or enjoyed with family and friends, these bite-sized treats are sure to bring smiles and sweet memories. Get ready to savor the joy of Easter with these charming and delicious cookie cups!