Celebrate Easter with these delightful Peanut Butter Easter Basket Cookie Cups. These charming treats feature a soft peanut butter cookie base filled with homemade buttercream frosting and topped with festive Easter egg candies.

FULL RECIPE:

Ingredients

For the Cookie Cups:

1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup shortening
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1/4 cup milk
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda

For the Buttercream Frosting:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups powdered sugar
Food coloring of your choice

For Decoration:

Peanut Butter M&M’s or other egg-shaped candies

Directions

Prepare the Cookie Cups: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine sugar, brown sugar, shortening, peanut butter, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix well until creamy. Add eggs and milk to the mixture, blending until smooth. Gradually fold in the flour and baking soda until well incorporated. Using a large cookie scoop, place portions of dough into the cups of a greased muffin tin. With a tart press or similar tool, create an indent in each dough ball to form a cup shape. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may appear slightly underbaked but will set as they cool. Remove from the oven and allow the cookie cups to cool completely in the muffin tin before removing.
Prepare the Buttercream Frosting: In a large bowl, combine softened butter, milk, vanilla extract, and 2 cups of powdered sugar. Mix on medium speed until smooth and creamy, approximately 5 minutes. Add the remaining powdered sugar and continue to mix until the frosting reaches a thick and fluffy consistency. Incorporate your chosen food coloring, mixing until the color is evenly distributed.
Assemble the Cookie Cups: Transfer the colored frosting into a piping bag fitted with your preferred tip. Pipe the frosting into the cooled cookie cups, filling each to the top. Decorate by placing Peanut Butter M&M’s or other egg-shaped candies on the frosting to resemble an Easter basket.
Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the decorated cookie cups on a serving platter. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container until ready to enjoy.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Cookie Cup
Calories: 320
Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 220mg
Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 28g
Protein: 5g

Easter Basket Cookie Cups: A Delightful Springtime Treat

Easter is a time for family gatherings, festive decorations, and, of course, delicious treats. Among the many desserts that make Easter special, Easter Basket Cookie Cups stand out as a charming and creative option. These adorable cookie cups are not only visually appealing but also bursting with delightful flavors. They perfectly capture the essence of Easter with their bright colors and candy-filled centers. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party, a family get-together, or just for fun, these cookie cups are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easter Basket Cookie Cups are more than just a sweet treat; they offer a unique baking experience that combines creativity with taste. Here’s why they are a must-try:

Fun and Festive: Their adorable basket-like appearance, complete with colorful frosting and candy eggs, makes them perfect for Easter celebrations.
Easy to Make: Despite their fancy look, these cookie cups are relatively simple to prepare, making them great for both beginner and experienced bakers.
Kid-Friendly: Kids will love helping out with decorating, making this a fantastic family activity.
Customizable: You can tweak the recipe to fit different dietary needs, flavors, and aesthetics.
Perfect for Gifting: These treats make excellent homemade gifts for friends, family, or Easter baskets.

Variations and Customization Ideas

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize Easter Basket Cookie Cups to match your personal preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are a few ideas:

Different Cookie Bases: While peanut butter cookies provide a deliciously rich flavor, you can substitute them with sugar cookie dough, chocolate chip cookie dough, or even shortbread for a different taste.
Frosting Options: The classic buttercream frosting can be replaced with cream cheese frosting, marshmallow fluff, or even whipped cream for a lighter option.
Candy Substitutes: Instead of Peanut Butter M&M’s, you can use jelly beans, mini chocolate eggs, or even gummy candies to add a different texture and flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the cookie cups suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Vegan-Friendly Version: Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, use a flax egg instead of a regular egg, and opt for dairy-free frosting and candies.

Tips for Making the Perfect Easter Basket Cookie Cups

To achieve the best results, follow these expert tips:

Use a Muffin Tin for Shaping: Pressing the dough into a muffin tin helps create the perfect cookie cup shape, ensuring a sturdy base for the frosting and toppings.
Avoid Overbaking: The cookie cups should be slightly soft when taken out of the oven, as they will firm up as they cool. Overbaking can make them dry and crumbly.
Let Them Cool Completely: Decorating warm cookie cups can cause the frosting to melt, so be patient and allow them to cool before adding the finishing touches.
Use Piping Bags for Frosting: A piping bag with a decorative tip makes it easier to apply the frosting neatly, giving the baskets a polished look.
Experiment with Colors: Easter is all about vibrant hues, so don’t hesitate to use pastel food coloring to match the festive spirit.

Storage and Shelf Life

Easter Basket Cookie Cups can be prepared ahead of time and stored properly to keep them fresh.

At Room Temperature: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: If you want to keep them fresh for longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften the frosting.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the undecorated cookie cups in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw them and decorate as desired.

Serving Suggestions

These delightful treats can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are a few serving ideas:

Easter Dessert Table: Place them on a decorative platter as part of a holiday dessert spread.
Party Favors: Wrap them in clear cellophane bags and tie them with a festive ribbon for adorable party favors.
Paired with Drinks: Enjoy them with a glass of milk, a cup of hot chocolate, or a fruity Easter punch for a perfect sweet pairing.
DIY Dessert Bar: Set up a decorating station with different frosting colors and toppings so that guests can customize their own cookie cups.

The Significance of Easter Basket-Themed Treats

The concept of Easter Basket Cookie Cups is inspired by the traditional Easter basket, which symbolizes new life and abundance. In many cultures, Easter baskets are filled with sweets, chocolates, and eggs to celebrate the joy of spring and renewal. Incorporating these symbolic elements into a dessert makes the holiday even more special, bringing together tradition and taste in a single bite.

Conclusion

Easter Basket Cookie Cups are the perfect way to add a touch of sweetness and creativity to your Easter celebration. Their charming appearance, delightful flavors, and endless customization options make them a must-have for the holiday season. Whether you’re baking with kids, preparing treats for guests, or simply indulging in some festive fun, these cookie cups are guaranteed to be a hit.

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