Name: Snickerdoodle Cookie Cups
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 egg; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 5 tbsps (74 ml) butter, melted; 3 tbsps (45 ml) plain greek yogurt; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 3/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour; 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/4 tsp cream of tartar; 1/4 tsp baking soda; 4 oz (113 g) low fat cream cheese, room temperature; 2 tbsps (30 ml) butter, softened; 3/4 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Warm, buttery snickerdoodle cookie cups have become my latest kitchen obsession, promising a delightful twist on classic cinnamon-sugar treats.

Sweet memories of childhood baking adventures dance through my mind with each batch.

Soft centers and crisp edges create a perfect textural harmony that melts in your mouth.

Childhood comfort meets grown-up sophistication in these adorable handheld desserts.

Cinnamon’s rich aroma fills the kitchen, promising pure indulgence with every bite.

Simple ingredients transform into something magical when mixed with love and a pinch of creativity.

Each cup tells a story of comfort, warmth, and pure deliciousness – you won’t be able to resist trying this irresistible recipe.

Customize with Ease: Transform this recipe into a personalized treat by adding your favorite sprinkles or experimenting with different frosting flavors, making each batch unique and exciting.
Master Baking Skills: Perfect for bakers looking to improve their technique, this recipe offers a simple yet sophisticated approach to creating delightful cookie cups that impress without overwhelming.
Quick Party Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or family dessert nights, these Snickerdoodle Cookie Cups deliver maximum flavor with minimal preparation, ensuring you'll be the star of any event.
Comfort Food Delight: Packed with warm cinnamon notes and creamy frosting, these cookie cups provide a nostalgic and comforting experience that brings back memories of homemade treats.

Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour, Whole Wheat Flour: These flours provide the base structure and texture for the cookie cups.
Cinnamon: Adds a warm, sweet spice that complements the cookie flavor.
Salt: Enhances the overall taste and balances the sweetness.
Cream of Tartar: Helps create a soft, tender texture in the cookies.
Baking Soda: Provides leavening to help the cookies rise and become light.

Wet Ingredients:

Butter: Offers rich flavor and helps create a soft, tender cookie texture.
Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and contribute to the cookie's moisture and caramel-like flavor.
Greek Yogurt: Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together and provides structure.
Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor profile.

Frosting Ingredients:

Cream Cheese, Butter: Create a rich, creamy base for the frosting.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps achieve the right frosting consistency.
Cinnamon: Adds a warm spice that complements the cookie cups.

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Space

Set your oven to 375° F (190° C). Grab a 24-cup mini muffin tin and coat it generously with cooking spray.

This ensures your cookie cups will release smoothly after baking.

Step 2: Create a Creamy Base

In a mixing bowl, blend together:

Melted butter
White sugar
Brown sugar
Greek yogurt

Whip these ingredients until they become silky smooth.

Add in the egg and vanilla extract, continuing to mix for another couple of minutes until everything looks perfectly combined.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

All-purpose flour
Whole wheat flour
Ground cinnamon
Salt
Cream of tartar
Baking soda

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing slowly to keep the batter light and airy.

Step 4: Shape and Bake Cookie Cups

Scoop small portions of dough into each muffin cup. Bake for 10-12 minutes.

Right after removing from the oven, use a spoon to press down the center of each cookie, creating a cute little cup shape.

Step 5: Cool Down

Let the cookie cups rest in the pan for 5 minutes.

Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Whip Up Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

In a clean mixing bowl, combine:

Cream cheese
Butter
Vanilla extract

Beat until smooth.

Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until the frosting becomes fluffy and light.

Step 7: Finish and Decorate

Fill each cooled cookie cup with the cinnamon cream cheese frosting.

Sprinkle with decorative toppings if desired. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and delicious.

Ensure cooking spray covers every mini muffin tin surface evenly to prevent sticking and guarantee easy cookie cup removal.
Control mixing speed when combining dry and wet ingredients to maintain cookie dough's delicate texture without overworking the mixture.
Press center of baked cookie cups immediately after removing from oven to create perfect indentation for frosting, using back of spoon with gentle, consistent pressure.
Chill cream cheese frosting briefly before piping to achieve firmer consistency and more precise decorating results.
Store cookie cups in refrigerator for maximum freshness, consuming within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture.

Gluten-Free Snickerdoodle Cups: Replace wheat flour with almond flour and gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
Vegan Cookie Cups: Swap butter with coconut oil, Greek yogurt with applesauce, and egg with flax egg. Use dairy-free cream cheese for frosting.
Chocolate Cinnamon Variation: Add cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and mix chocolate chips into the dough for a rich chocolate-cinnamon flavor profile.
Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute regular sugars with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining sweet taste.

Creamy, spicy chai tea complements the cinnamon notes in the cookie cups, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and aromatic flavors that dance on your palate.
Cool, smooth vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm, spiced cookie cups, offering a classic dessert combination that melts in your mouth.
Crisp, sweet apple cider with a caramel twist enhances the cinnamon and creamy frosting, bringing out the cookie's rich, comforting undertones.

Refrigerator Storage: Place cookie cups in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, maintaining their delicious texture and flavor.
Freezer Storage: Wrap individual cookie cups tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months without the frosting to preserve their quality.
Thawing Method: Remove frozen cookie cups from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. Add fresh frosting after thawing for the best taste and texture.
Reheating Technique: Warm cookie cups gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 2-3 minutes to restore their soft, fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

What makes the texture of these cookie cups unique?

The combination of melted butter, Greek yogurt, and carefully mixed dry ingredients creates a soft, tender cookie cup with a delicate crumb that’s both moist and light.

Why do I need to press down on the cookies immediately after baking?

Pressing creates a perfect indentation for the frosting, ensuring each cookie cup has a uniform well to hold the creamy cinnamon frosting without spilling over.

Can I make these cookie cups gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose and whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend that maintains a similar protein structure to achieve comparable texture and taste.

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.

Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.