Name: Adorable Easter Basket Cookie Cups Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup sugar; 1 cup brown sugar; 1 cup shortening; 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 2 eggs; ½ cup unsalted butter; 2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 34 cups powdered sugar; ¼ cup milk; ¼ cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Food coloring (your choice); Peanut Butter M&Ms (for topping)

Sweet and playful Easter basket cookie cups transform traditional desserts into adorable seasonal treats.

These delightful confections capture the festive spirit of spring celebrations with their charming design and irresistible flavors.

Soft, buttery cookie bases serve as miniature edible vessels that can be decorated with pastel-colored frostings and whimsical candy embellishments.

Home bakers and dessert enthusiasts adore creating these versatile and eye-catching sweets that delight both children and adults during holiday gatherings.

Colorful candies and delicate decorations turn these cookie cups into edible works of art that showcase creativity and culinary imagination.

The magical combination of crisp cookies, smooth fillings, and playful decorations makes these treats a beloved centerpiece of Easter dessert tables.

Can I use butter instead of shortening in the cookie dough?

Yes, you can substitute butter for shortening, but the texture might be slightly different. Butter can make the cookies spread more and potentially become less sturdy.

How do I prevent the cookie cups from sticking to the muffin tin?

Make sure to thoroughly grease the muffin tin with cooking spray or butter. You can also use parchment paper liners for easier removal.

What if I don't have a tart press to create the indent?

Use the back of a rounded spoon or your thumb to gently press down the center of each dough ball. The goal is to create a small well for the frosting.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cookie cups a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Add the frosting and decorations just before serving to keep them fresh.

Create Colorful Easter Treats: Simple cookie cups that transform ordinary desserts into festive celebrations perfect for spring gatherings.
Quick and Easy Preparation: Minimal kitchen skills required with straightforward steps anyone can follow, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
Kid-Friendly Decorating Fun: Engaging activity for children to help pipe frosting and add colorful M&Ms, turning baking into a delightful family experience.
Versatile Seasonal Dessert: Adaptable recipe that works for Easter parties, family brunches, or casual springtime get-togethers with minimal ingredient adjustments.

Cookie Base Ingredients:

Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet base that provides rich caramel-like flavor and helps create soft texture.
Shortening: Creates tender, flaky cookie texture with smooth consistency.
Peanut Butter: Adds rich, nutty flavor and helps bind ingredients together.
Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and balances sweetness.
Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, classic baking aroma and depth of flavor.

Wet Binding Ingredients:

Eggs: Provide structure and help bind ingredients.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps create smooth dough consistency.

Dry Flour Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: Primary structure for cookie cups.
Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and creates light texture.

Frosting Ingredients:

Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet frosting base.
Butter: Provides rich, creamy texture for frosting.
Milk: Helps adjust frosting consistency.
Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle flavor to frosting.
Food Coloring: Optional decorative element for festive appearance.

Decoration Ingredients:

Peanut Butter M&Ms: Colorful candy topping that adds chocolate and peanut butter flavor.

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F. Generously grease a muffin tin with cooking spray.

Step 2: Create Cookie Dough

Combine ingredients in a large mixing bowl:

White sugar
Brown sugar
Shortening
Peanut butter
Salt
Vanilla extract

Beat ingredients until smooth and well blended. Add eggs and milk, continuing to mix. Gently fold in flour and baking soda until mixture looks consistent.

Step 3: Shape Cookie Bases

Scoop dough into muffin tin using a large cookie scoop. Press center of each dough ball with a tart press or rounded spoon to create a small indentation.

Step 4: Bake Cookie Cups

Slide muffin tin into preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden brown. Cookies will puff up during baking and settle after removal. Allow cookies to cool completely at room temperature.

Step 5: Whip Up Frosting

In a clean mixing bowl, blend:

Softened butter
Milk
Vanilla extract
Powdered sugar

Whip ingredients until creamy and smooth. Add food coloring for desired pastel shade.

Step 6: Decorate Cookie Baskets

Transfer frosting into a piping bag. Carefully pipe frosting into cooled cookie cups. Sprinkle Peanut Butter M&Ms on top for festive decoration.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Let frosted cookies sit for a few minutes to allow frosting to set. Serve and delight in these adorable Easter basket treats.

Precision Matters: Use a cookie scoop for uniform dough balls to ensure even baking and consistent cookie cup sizes.
Perfect Indent Technique: Press gently with a tart press or the back of a spoon to create a clean, deep well without breaking the dough.
Frosting Consistency Key: Beat the frosting for a full 5 minutes to achieve a smooth, creamy texture that pipes beautifully into the cookie cups.
Cooling is Crucial: Allow cookies to cool completely before adding frosting to prevent melting and maintain structural integrity.
Customize Your Creation: Swap Peanut Butter M&Ms with seasonal candies or sprinkles to match different holidays or personal preferences.

Refrigerate: Store cooled cookie cups in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freeze: Wrap individual cookie cups tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for 2-3 months for best quality.
Thaw: Remove from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving. Frosting might need gentle touch-up after thawing.
Reheat: Warm gently in microwave for 10-15 seconds at 50% power to restore softness. Avoid overheating to prevent hardening of cookies.

Craft Creamy Milk Complement: Serve chilled whole milk or vanilla almond milk to balance the rich, sweet cookie cup's nutty peanut butter and sugary frosting flavors.
Select Refreshing Tea Match: Brew a light chamomile or lavender tea that provides a delicate, floral backdrop to the dessert's intense sweetness and complements the Easter theme.
Design Fruity Sorbet Contrast: Offer a zesty lemon or raspberry sorbet alongside the cookie cups, creating a bright, tangy counterpoint to the rich, creamy dessert and adding a fresh spring-like touch.
Enhance Coffee Pairing: Prepare a smooth hazelnut or caramel-flavored coffee that echoes the cookie's warm, sweet undertones and provides a sophisticated adult accompaniment.

Gluten-Free Delight: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend like almond or rice flour for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
Vegan Version: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use vegan butter, and select dairy-free milk alternatives like almond or soy milk to create a plant-based cookie cup.
Low-Sugar Option: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining sweet flavor profile.
Nut-Free Alternative: Remove peanut butter and use sunflower seed butter or coconut butter for individuals with nut allergies, ensuring safe consumption.

Sophia Rivera

Recipe Developer & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts
Seasonal and Local Ingredient Utilization
Dessert Menu Planning
Culinary Event Coordination

Education

Austin Community College

Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Techniques in baking, pastry creation, and dessert presentation.

San Antonio Culinary Institute

Program: Diploma in Farm-to-Table Culinary Practices
Focus: Emphasis on utilizing locally sourced ingredients and understanding seasonal flavors.

Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.

Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.