Name: Easter Basket Cookie Cups Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 1 1/4 cups (150 grams) all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar; 1/4 cup (50 grams) light brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature; 3 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; Green food coloring (optional); 1 cup Cadbury mini eggs or M&M eggs

Cookie cups have become my latest passion for creating delightful easter basket treats that spark joy in every bite.

Sweet memories of childhood celebrations dance through my mind when I craft these adorable desserts.

Miniature edible baskets emerge from crisp cookie dough, waiting to be filled with colorful candies and pastel-hued surprises.

Each little cup transforms into a whimsical canvas for edible creativity.

Soft chocolate chips and creamy frosting blend seamlessly to craft these charming miniature desserts.

Small hands will eagerly reach for these playful confections that capture the essence of springtime cheer.

These adorable cookie cups promise to bring smiles and delight to your easter gathering.

Quickest Easter Treat: Whip up these adorable cookie cups in just 30 minutes, perfect for last-minute holiday baking.
Kid-Friendly Decorating: Engage children in creating colorful Easter basket designs with simple piping and chocolate egg toppings.
Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Impress guests with homemade desserts that combine the comfort of soft cookies and the festive spirit of Easter celebrations.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cookie cups and frosting a day in advance, reducing stress and allowing more time to enjoy family gatherings.

Base Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for the cookie cups, choose unbleached flour for best texture.
Butter: Adds rich flavor and creates a tender crumb, use unsalted for better control of sweetness.
Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a soft, chewy cookie texture.
Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture to the dough.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with its warm, sweet notes.

Leavening and Seasoning:

Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise and become light, ensure it's fresh for best results.
Salt: Balances sweetness and highlights other flavors in the cookie.

Frosting and Decoration:

Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, spreadable buttercream frosting.
Milk: Adjusts buttercream consistency and adds softness.
Green Food Coloring: Creates grass-like appearance for Easter basket effect.
Mini Eggs: Decorative topping that adds festive Easter theme, choose pastel-colored candies.

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Grab a mini muffin pan and give it a light spray with baking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Cookie Dough

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine:

Butter
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar

Beat these ingredients until they become light and fluffy.

Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything blends smoothly.

Slowly incorporate the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Mix on low speed until the dough just comes together.

Step 3: Shape and Bake the Cookie Cups

Use a small cookie scoop to divide the dough into the mini muffin pan cavities.

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 12 minutes.

Once out of the oven, while the cookies are still warm, gently press down the center of each cup using a measuring teaspoon.

This creates a perfect little nest for your frosting.

Step 4: Whip Up the Buttercream

In a clean bowl, beat the butter until it becomes creamy.

Slowly add powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly.

Pour in milk, vanilla extract, and a few drops of green food coloring.

Continue beating until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.

Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar or milk as needed.

Step 5: Decorate Your Easter Basket Cookies

Once the cookie cups have cooled completely, pipe or spoon the green buttercream into each cup.

Top with mini chocolate eggs to create adorable Easter basket-inspired treats that will delight both kids and adults.

Generously spray mini muffin pan with non-stick baking spray to ensure easy removal of cookie cups without breaking.
Mix cookie dough until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make cookies tough and dense.
Use a measuring teaspoon while cookies are still warm to gently press centers, creating uniform spaces for frosting.
Gradually add powdered sugar and adjust liquid to achieve the right piping consistency – not too runny or stiff.
Place mini eggs carefully on buttercream to create adorable Easter basket designs, ensuring even distribution and visual appeal.

Store cookie cups in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep them in a single layer to prevent buttercream from smearing.
Wrap individual cookie cups in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw at room temperature for best texture.
Warm cookie cups briefly in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to restore softness. Be careful not to overheat, which can make the buttercream melt.
For maximum freshness, add decorative eggs just before serving to maintain their crisp appearance and prevent color bleeding.

Delightful Dessert Companions
Pair Buttercream Easter Basket Cookie Cups with chilled milk for a classic sweet combo that highlights the cookie's rich, buttery flavor.
Serve alongside light chamomile tea to balance the sweetness and provide a delicate herbal contrast that complements the sugary treat.
Match with vanilla bean gelato for a creamy, cold accompaniment that enhances the cookie's soft texture and adds luxurious depth to each bite.
Enjoy with sparkling white moscato wine for adult gatherings, creating a playful and sophisticated dessert experience that elevates the festive cookie cups.

Gluten-Free Easter Basket Cookies: Swap wheat flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring same texture and taste for those with wheat sensitivities.
Vegan Spring Treat Cups: Replace butter with coconut oil, use egg substitute like flax egg, and create plant-based buttercream using vegan butter and powdered sugar.
Low-Sugar Easter Cookie Cups: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener, use sugar-free chocolate eggs, and reduce overall sugar content while maintaining delicious flavor profile.
Dairy-Free Basket Cookies: Use dairy-free margarine instead of butter, replace milk with almond milk, and select dairy-free chocolate eggs for lactose-intolerant bakers.

FAQs

Can I make these cookie cups ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie cups a day in advance. Store them unfrosted in an airtight container at room temperature, and frost them just before serving to maintain their fresh texture.

Are these cookie cups kid-friendly to make?

Absolutely! Kids will love helping press the dough into mini muffin tins and decorating with colorful mini eggs. It’s a fun baking activity that allows children to get creative in the kitchen.

What type of mini eggs work best for decoration?

Chocolate mini eggs work perfectly. Brands like Cadbury or Robin’s Eggs are great choices. They add a colorful and festive touch to the Easter basket cookie cups and provide a delicious chocolate crunch.

Can I use a different type of food coloring for the frosting?

Certainly! While green is traditional for an Easter basket look, you can use pastel colors like pink, blue, or purple to match your Easter theme. Gel food coloring works best for creating vibrant, consistent colors.

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis

Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.