These Strawberry Sugar Cookie Cups are soft, buttery sugar cookie cups filled with sweet strawberry jam and topped with fluffy pink frosting. They look like cupcakes but taste like the perfect mix of cookies and cake. These are ideal for Valentine’s Day, birthday parties, baby showers, or anytime you want a cute and crowd-pleasing dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Filling
- ¾ cup strawberry jam or strawberry preserves
For the Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream
- Pink food coloring
- Sprinkles (optional)
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Make the Dough
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin pan well. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix just until combined and a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
Step 3: Shape the Cookie Cups
Roll dough into balls and place one ball into each muffin cavity. Bake for 12–14 minutes, until lightly golden around the edges.
Step 4: Create the Centers
Remove from the oven and immediately press the center of each cookie using the back of a spoon or small glass to form a cup. Let cool completely in the pan.
Step 5: Fill with Strawberry Jam
Once cooled, spoon strawberry jam into the center of each cookie cup.
Step 6: Make the Frosting
Beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, milk, and pink food coloring. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
Step 7: Frost and Decorate
Pipe frosting on top of each cookie cup and finish with sprinkles if desired.
Cooking Notes
- Press the centers while cookies are hot to prevent cracking
- Do not overbake or the cookie cups will be dry
- Allow cookies to cool fully before adding jam and frosting
- Use thick jam to prevent leaking
- Grease the pan well so cookie cups release easily
Variations
- Use raspberry, cherry, or mixed berry jam instead of strawberry
- Add lemon zest to the dough for a bright citrus flavor
- Fill with chocolate ganache for a chocolate-strawberry combo
- Swirl jam lightly into the frosting for a marbled look
- Use cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist
Tips
- A small spice jar makes perfect uniform centers
- Chill frosting slightly if piping soft swirls
- Use seedless jam for a smoother look
- Store unfrosted cookie cups separately if making ahead
- Add jam just before frosting for the freshest texture
Serving Suggestions
- Serve on a Valentine dessert tray or party platter
- Package individually for gifting
- Pair with coffee, tea, or milk
- Add fresh strawberries on the side
- Perfect for bake sales and special occasions
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 14 minutes
Total Time: 39 minutes
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, bake the cookie cups one day ahead and fill and frost before serving.
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, but homemade dough gives better structure and flavor.
Why did my cookie cups puff up?
That’s normal. Just re-press the centers while they’re still warm.
Can I freeze these?
Freeze unfrosted cookie cups for up to 2 months.
Can I use a mini muffin pan?
Yes, reduce baking time to about 9–11 minutes.
Conclusion
Strawberry Sugar Cookie Cups are soft, sweet, and filled with a burst of strawberry flavor. With their jam center and pretty pink frosting, they’re guaranteed to stand out on any dessert table and are as fun to make as they are to eat.