Gourmet Cadbury Egg Cookie Cups Recipe

Easter baking is a wonderful tradition, and Cadbury eggs are a quintessential part of the celebration. This Cadbury egg cookie cups recipe takes the classic Easter treat to a whole new level. Forget the same old recipes; we’re giving you a gourmet twist that’s sure to impress. Get ready to learn how to make these incredibly delicious and visually stunning cookie cups, perfect for sharing (or not!) this holiday.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another cookie cup recipe. It’s a special treat with a gourmet spin that will have everyone asking for more.

Unique Flavor: Instead of using store-bought sugar cookie dough, we start with a brown butter chocolate chip cookie dough base. This adds a nutty, caramel-like depth of flavor that elevates the simple cookie cup to something truly special.

Improved Texture: Browning the butter not only enhances the flavor but also creates a chewier, more satisfying texture than traditional sugar cookies. You can learn more about the science of browning butter, which is key to this recipe. It’s the perfect balance to the sweetness of the frosting and Cadbury mini chocolate easter eggs.

Family-Friendly Fun: This recipe is relatively quick and easy to make, perfect for getting the whole family involved in some Easter baking fun. Speaking of Easter baking, you might also enjoy these easy Easter dessert recipes for a kids party! Plus, who can resist those adorable cookie cups filled with candy?

Ingredients Needed

• 1 pack 24 count Pillsbury sugar cookie dough
• 2 squeeze bottles Great Value green decorating cupcake icing 8.4 oz
• 72 Cadbury mini chocolate easter eggs

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Cookie Dough: While this recipe calls for store-bought Pillsbury sugar cookie dough for convenience, you can definitely use store-bought chocolate chip cookie dough or even a homemade version. Peanut butter or macadamia nut cookie dough would also be delicious, but keep in mind that this will change the color and flavor profile. For those with dietary restrictions, gluten-free cookie dough is a great option.

Frosting: Feel free to get creative with the frosting! Homemade buttercream or cream cheese frosting are excellent alternatives to store-bought green icing. Add flavoring extracts like vanilla, almond, or lemon to customize the flavor. For a professional touch, use a pastry bag and star tip to pipe the frosting.

Candy Eggs: If you’re looking for alternatives to Cadbury eggs, jelly beans, mini marshmallows, or dye-free/nut-free candies are all great choices. Consider Whoppers Robin Eggs, Hershey’s chocolate eggs, Brach’s jelly bird eggs, and Lindt chocolate truffle eggs for variety.

How to Make Cadbury Egg Cookie Cups

Let’s get baking! These cookie cups are easy to make, and the results are absolutely delightful.

Get Started

First, preheat your oven to 350F. This ensures even baking and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.

Prepare the Muffin Tins

Next, spray two 12-count non-stick muffin pans with cooking spray. This is crucial to prevent the cookies from sticking and ensures easy removal later.

Shape the Dough

Place one sugar cookie dough puck into each muffin tin. Make sure each indentation has one.

Bake the Cookies

Bake according to the cookie package’s instructions or until the edges of the cookies are a light golden brown. Watch closely – the golden brown color indicates caramelization and delicious flavor development.

Form the Cups

Remove the muffin tins from the oven. While the cookies are still hot and pliable, gently press a shot glass into the center of each cookie to create a cup shape. Be careful, as the cookies will be hot! The goal is to create an indentation without cracking the cookie.

Cool and Remove

Let the cookies cool slightly in the muffin tins, about 5 minutes. Then, gently remove them from the muffin tins. If the cookies stick, use a butter knife to carefully loosen the sides before removing them. The bottom of the cookie should be firm, but the centers will still be soft.

Frosting Time

Let the cookies cool completely before frosting. Once cooled, fill each cup with green frosting using the star-shaped piping tip that comes with the frosting. Hold the piping bag at a 45-degree angle and apply gentle pressure to create a neat “nest” effect.

Add the Eggs

Finally, place three mini Cadbury eggs into the center of each cookie cup. Be gentle and avoid pushing the eggs too deep into the frosting.

Mastering Homemade Green Frosting

Want to take your cookie cups to the next level? Making your own green frosting is easier than you might think!

The foundation of most frostings is a classic buttercream. This involves creaming together softened butter with powdered sugar, then adding a splash of milk or cream and a touch of vanilla extract for flavor. For green frosting, start with about ½ cup (1 stick) of softened unsalted butter, 3-4 cups of powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons of milk or cream, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.

Achieving the perfect green color is all about using the right food coloring. Gel food coloring is more concentrated than liquid food coloring, so you’ll need less of it to achieve a vibrant color. Add the food coloring gradually, mixing well after each addition, until you reach your desired shade of green.

For added flavor, consider incorporating a few drops of mint extract or a teaspoon of lemon zest into your frosting. These additions can really brighten up the flavor profile. You can adjust the consistency of your frosting by adding more milk or cream for a thinner consistency, or more powdered sugar for a thicker consistency. If you plan to pipe the frosting, a slightly thicker consistency will hold its shape better.

For more information, here’s a guide to different types of frosting.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Pro Tips

• Chill the cookie dough before baking to prevent excessive spreading.
• Use a non-stick muffin tin and cooking spray to ensure easy release.
• Press the shot glass gently but firmly to create a deep enough cup.
• Cool the cookies completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
• Use a piping bag with a star tip for a professional-looking frosting nest.
• Store the cookie cups in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Consider drizzling melted chocolate over the frosting for added visual appeal.
• Experiment with different toppings, such as shredded coconut or sprinkles.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking the cookies, which can make them dry and brittle. Keep a close eye on them!
• Not greasing the muffin tin properly, leading to cookies sticking to the pan.
• Pressing the shot glass too hard, causing the cookies to crack.
• Frosting the cookies while they are still warm, resulting in melted frosting.
• Overfilling the cookie cups with frosting, making them messy to eat.
• Using stale or low-quality ingredients, affecting the taste and texture.
• Not storing the cookie cups properly, causing them to dry out or become soggy.

Serving & Storage

Serving Ideas

• Arrange the cookie cups on a cake stand for an elegant presentation.
• Serve them with a glass of cold milk or hot coffee.
• Pair them with other Easter desserts, such as carrot cake or fruit salad.
• Garnish with edible glitter or extra sprinkles for a festive touch.

Storage and Make-Ahead

• Store the cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, freeze the un-frosted cookie cups for up to 2 months.
• Thaw the cookies completely before frosting and decorating.
• The cookie dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Conclusion

This Cadbury egg cookie cups recipe offers a delightful gourmet twist on a classic Easter treat. By using brown butter chocolate chip cookie dough, you’ll create a cookie cup with a depth of flavor and a satisfying texture that sets it apart. If you enjoy baking with lemon and blueberry, you might also enjoy this lemon blueberry cheesecake layer cake. Don’t be intimidated; the recipe is incredibly easy to follow, and you’ll be amazed at the impressive and delicious treats you can create, even if you’re a beginner baker. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy these delightful Cadbury egg cookie cups! Share this recipe with your friends and family, and let the Easter baking fun begin!

FAQ

Can I use different types of cookie dough? How does it change the flavor/texture?

Yes, you can! Chocolate chip dough will add a richer, chocolatey flavor, while peanut butter dough will give a nutty taste. Sugar cookie dough provides a classic sweetness and slightly crisp texture. Adjust baking time slightly depending on the dough type.

How do I prevent the cookies from sticking to the muffin tin?

Generously grease the muffin tin with cooking spray, or use muffin liners for easy removal. Let the cookies cool slightly in the tin before attempting to remove them.

How do I store these cookie cups for optimal freshness?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the un-frosted cookies for up to 2 months.

Can I use homemade frosting instead of store-bought? What’s the best type for piping?

Absolutely! Homemade buttercream or cream cheese frosting are excellent choices. Buttercream is generally easier to pipe due to its smooth and stable consistency. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar for stiffness or milk for creaminess.

What other candies can I use instead of Cadbury eggs for a nut-free or dye-free version?

Jelly beans, mini marshmallows, or dye-free candies like Annie’s Organic Bunny Grahams are great alternatives. Always check the labels to ensure they meet your dietary needs. Thinking about other Easter treats? Consider these no bake birds nest cookies!

What is the best way to melt chocolate for drizzling (as an alternative nest look)?

You can melt chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or over a double boiler. Ensure no water gets into the chocolate, or it may seize. For a smooth drizzle, add a teaspoon of coconut oil or shortening.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cookie cups ahead of time and store them un-frosted. You can also prepare the frosting in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the cookie cups just before serving for the best results.

How long do these cookie cups last?

They will stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.