Strawberry Shortcake Cookie Cups
Strawberry Shortcake Cookie Cups bring together the comforting sweetness of strawberry shortcake and the crisp texture of sugar cookies—all in a compact, handheld treat.
In this recipe, we’ll start by baking sugar cookie dough into cup shapes, then fill them with whipped cream and fresh strawberries to recreate the classic dessert in a modern, fun way.
We’ll begin by shaping the cookie cups, bake them until golden, and then prepare the filling and toppings for a fresh, fruity finish.
Prep & Cook Overview
| Prep Time | Bake Time | Total Time | Yield | Difficulty | Perfect For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 mins | 12–14 mins | ~35 mins | 12 cookie cups | Easy | Spring parties, birthdays, brunch |
Ingredients List
For the Cookie Cups
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes & Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar cookie dough | 1 tube/store-bought or homemade | Chill if sticky |
| All-purpose flour | 1–2 tbsp (if using soft dough) | Helps prevent spreading |
| Cooking spray | As needed | To grease muffin pan |
For the Filling
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh strawberries | 1 cup (chopped) | Reserve some slices for garnish |
| Heavy whipping cream | 1 cup | Cold |
| Powdered sugar | 2–3 tbsp | To sweeten the whipped cream |
| Vanilla extract | ½ tsp | Optional |
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cookie Cups
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Muffin Tin
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a standard muffin tin with cooking spray.
Step 2: Shape Cookie Cups
- Scoop about 1½ tbsp cookie dough into each muffin cavity.
- Press the dough evenly along the bottom and sides, forming a small cup.
- Tip: Use a shot glass or spice jar base to help press and shape.
Step 3: Bake & Reshape
- Bake for 12–14 minutes or until lightly golden.
- When out of the oven, use the same jar or spoon to gently re-press the centers.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a rack.
Step 4: Make Strawberry Whip
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold in chopped strawberries for a textured, fruity filling.
Step 5: Fill & Decorate
- Spoon or pipe strawberry whipped cream into cooled cookie cups.
- Top with a thin strawberry slice or sprinkle of crushed cookies.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or a mint leaf for presentation.
Natural Coloring Options for Filling (Optional)
| Color Hue | Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Soft pink | Strawberry purée | Blend 2–3 strawberries and fold into cream |
| Peachy | Raspberry + cream | Lightly strain for smoother texture |
| White | No color | Let the strawberries shine as-is |
Variations to Try
| Variation | Description |
|---|---|
| Chocolate-Dipped | Dip edges of cookie cups in melted chocolate before filling |
| Cheesecake Style | Use cream cheese whipped with sugar for a richer filling |
| Lemon Berry | Add lemon zest to whipped cream and mix in blueberries with strawberries |
| Vegan Swap | Use vegan cookie dough and coconut cream whipped with maple syrup |
| Miniature Cups | Use mini muffin tins for bite-sized party treats |
Background: What is Strawberry Shortcake?
Strawberry shortcake is a traditional American dessert featuring layers of shortcake, whipped cream, and fresh strawberries.
Originating as early as the 1840s, it’s often associated with spring and summer events like strawberry festivals.
Our cookie cup version reimagines this classic dessert by using sugar cookie shells as the base, allowing for a portable and fun-to-eat version that still carries the same flavor nostalgia.
Storage Tips
- Store filled cups in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- For best texture, fill just before serving.
- Cookie cups can be baked and stored in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Problem | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Overbaked cups | Hard texture | Check doneness at 11 minutes |
| Wet filling | Berries too juicy | Pat chopped berries dry before folding |
| Deflated whipped cream | Warm cream or overwhipping | Always use chilled cream; stop at stiff peaks |
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Shortcake Cookie Cups are the perfect combination of crisp cookie, creamy filling, and juicy berries.
With options to customize and the added portability, they’re a modern twist on a beloved dessert—perfect for spring gatherings, Mother’s Day, or anytime you’re craving something fruity and fun.
