Quick & Easy Easter Basket Cookie Cup

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Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on March 10, 2025

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A Sweet Memory in Every Bite

Easter has always been one of my favorite holidays—not just for the celebration itself but for the little traditions that bring family and friends together. When I was a child, my grandmother had a special way of making Easter feel magical. Each year, she would surprise us with a basket of homemade treats, from pastel-colored chocolates to intricately decorated sugar cookies. But the one treat that always stood out was her Easter Basket Cookie Cups.

She had a knack for turning the simplest ingredients into something extraordinary, and these cookie cups were no exception. The buttery peanut butter cookie base, the fluffy green frosting that mimicked fresh spring grass, and the colorful candy eggs on top—it was like capturing the essence of Easter in a single bite. As an adult, I’ve continued this tradition, baking these cookie cups with my own children, who eagerly help decorate each one with bright, candy-coated eggs.

Now, I’m excited to share this delightful recipe with you. Whether you’re baking for a festive Easter gathering or just want to create a nostalgic treat for your loved ones, these Quick & Easy Easter Basket Cookie Cups are guaranteed to bring joy to your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy and Fun to Make – No complicated baking techniques required. Just mix, bake, and decorate.
Perfect for Easter Celebrations – These cookie cups add a festive and colorful touch to any dessert table.
A Great Activity for Kids – Let the little ones help with piping the frosting and placing the candy eggs.
Deliciously Soft and Buttery – The peanut butter cookie base is rich, soft, and slightly chewy, making it the perfect vessel for the sweet buttercream frosting.
Customizable – You can experiment with different cookie flavors, frosting colors, and candy toppings to match your personal preference.

Ingredients:

For the Cookie Cups:

1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 cup shortening
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
¼ cup milk
3½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda

For the Buttercream Frosting:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¼ cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Green food coloring
Peanut butter M&M’s or similar egg-shaped candies

Directions:

1. Prepare the Cookie Cups:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, shortening, peanut butter, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix until well blended.
Add the eggs and milk to the mixture, beating until creamy.
Gradually fold in the all-purpose flour and baking soda until a dough forms.
Using a large cookie scoop, place portions of the dough into each cup of the prepared muffin tin.
With a tart press or similar tool, create an indent in each dough portion to form a cup shape.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may rise during baking but will settle upon cooling
Allow the cookie cups to cool completely in the muffin tin before removing.it

2. Prepare the Buttercream Frosting:

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add 2 cups of powdered sugar, mixing well.
Pour in the milk and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until smooth.
Incorporate green food coloring until the desired shade is achieved.

3. Assemble the Cookie Cups:

Nutrition Information (per serving):

Calories: 373
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 24mg
Sodium: 262mg
Potassium: 113mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 33g
Vitamin A: 145IU
Calcium: 24mg
Iron: 1.2mg

Easter is a holiday deeply rooted in themes of renewal, joy, and togetherness. Families gather to share meals, hunt for hidden eggs, and enjoy sweet treats that symbolize the brightness of spring. Traditional Easter baskets are filled with chocolates, jelly beans, and marshmallow candies, but these cookie cups take the concept of an edible Easter basket to a whole new level.

By transforming a classic cookie into a miniature basket, you create not just a delicious dessert but also a charming centerpiece for your Easter celebrations. The vibrant green buttercream gives the illusion of fresh spring grass, and the pastel-colored candies nestled on top add a pop of festive color. It’s a simple yet creative way to capture the magic of Easter in a single treat.

Creative Twists to Try

If you love experimenting in the kitchen, here are some fun ways to put your own spin on these Easter Basket Cookie Cups:

Chocolate Lovers’ Version – Swap out the peanut butter cookie base for a rich chocolate cookie dough.
Vanilla Sugar Cookie Cups – Use a classic sugar cookie recipe for a milder flavor that pairs beautifully with buttercream frosting.
Coconut Nest Topping – Instead of frosting, sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top to create a realistic nest for your candy eggs.
Mini Carrot Cake Cups – Infuse your dough with warm spices and shredded carrots for a unique take on this Easter classic.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

Make Ahead – You can prepare the cookie cups a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost and decorate just before serving for the freshest taste.
Refrigeration – If you have leftovers, store the decorated cookie cups in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving to enjoy their full flavor.
Freezing – Freeze undecorated cookie cups for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw at room temperature, then frost and decorate as usual.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use pre-made peanut butter cookie dough or sugar cookie dough. Just press the dough into the muffin tin and bake according to package instructions.

What type of frosting works best?

Buttercream frosting is ideal because of its smooth texture and ability to hold its shape. However, cream cheese frosting or whipped frosting can also be used for a slightly different flavor.

Do I have to use peanut butter cookies?

Not at all! While peanut butter cookies add a delicious nutty richness, you can easily substitute sugar cookies, shortbread, or even brownie cups for a different take on this dessert.

Simply use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour or opt for a pre-made gluten-free cookie dough.

Can I make these without food coloring?

Yes! If you prefer to avoid artificial food coloring, you can use matcha powder or naturally colored green sprinkles to achieve a similar grass-like effect.

What’s the best way to transport these cookies for an Easter party?

To prevent the frosting from getting smudged, place each cookie cup in a cupcake liner and arrange them in a cupcake carrier or a shallow container with a lid.

Conclusion: A Bite-Sized Easter Tradition

Baking is more than just mixing ingredients and following a recipe—it’s about creating memories, sharing joy, and keeping traditions alive. These Easter Basket Cookie Cups are more than just a sweet treat; they are a reminder of childhood excitement, family gatherings, and the simple pleasures of celebrating together.

Whether you’re making them for an Easter brunch, gifting them in homemade baskets, or simply enjoying them with a cup of tea, these cookie cups are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. So gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones into the kitchen, and start a new tradition that will be cherished for years to come.