Mini Cookie Cups (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Cookie Dough Base

01 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
02 - 1 teaspoon vanilla
03 - 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
04 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
05 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - 1 egg
07 - 3/4 cup sugar

→ Creamy Frosting

08 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
09 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
10 - 1 tablespoon milk or heavy cream
11 - 1 1/3 cups powdered sugar
12 - Sprinkles (optional)
13 - Food coloring (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - Turn your oven to 350°F. Spray a mini muffin tin with some nonstick spray.
02 - Use a stand mixer to cream the butter with the sugar until the mixture is nice and smooth.
03 - Mix in the vanilla, egg, and almond extract (if you'd like).
04 - Toss in the flour and baking powder. Mix everything until it's combined.
05 - Grab a rounded tablespoon of the dough (about 1-inch) and roll it into a ball. Flatten it gently with your fingers and pop it into the muffin tin cups. No need to make a cup shape yourself—just press it flat!
06 - Pop them in the oven for around 10 minutes. They should look golden at the edges when they're done!
07 - While warm, press a bottle cap into each cookie to make a cup shape. Let them cool a bit in the pan (about 5 minutes), then move them to a wire rack.
08 - Beat the butter until it's creamy. Stir in vanilla and powdered sugar. Then pour in the milk (or cream) and beat until smooth. Add food coloring, if you’d like, to make it pop!
09 - Fill a piping or resealable baggie with frosting. Pipe the frosting into the cookie cups and, if you'd like, sprinkle on some fun toppings.

# Notes:

01 - Store-bought cookie dough and frosting work as shortcuts
02 - Great for birthdays, holidays, or just because
03 - Use a bottle cap to easily shape the cookies