Christmas Sugar Cookie Shots Recipe

Introduction

Buttery, sweet, and lightly crisp with a creamy vanilla finish, Christmas Sugar Cookie Shots Recipe brings holiday magic into a single festive bite. These edible cookie cups feel nostalgic yet playful, combining classic sugar cookie flavor with a smooth, sippable filling. Perfect for parties, cookie exchanges, or cozy nights by the tree, this Christmas Sugar Cookie Shots Recipe turns dessert into an experience. Each shot delivers crunchy edges, soft centers, and a creamy contrast that melts on the tongue. You’ll learn how to shape perfect cookie cups, fill them flawlessly, and decorate them like a pro.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Christmas Sugar Cookie Shots Recipe stands out because it’s equal parts dessert and conversation starter. You get the comforting flavor of traditional sugar cookies paired with a creamy filling that feels indulgent but not heavy. The texture contrast is irresistible: crisp cookie walls, a tender base, and a silky center that ties everything together.

These cookie shots look impressive yet stay surprisingly simple. The dough comes together quickly, and shaping the cups feels almost therapeutic. You can prep them ahead, customize the filling, and decorate with festive flair. Whether you serve them at a holiday party or package them as edible gifts, they always steal the spotlight. Plus, they’re endlessly adaptable, making them a reliable favorite every December.

Ingredients

For this Christmas Sugar Cookie Shots Recipe, simple pantry staples shine.

1 cup unsalted butter, softened (226 g), for rich flavor and tender texture
1 cup granulated sugar (200 g), to keep the cookies crisp-edged and sweet
1 large egg, room temperature, for structure
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml), classic sugar cookie aroma
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (315 g), spooned and leveled
1/2 teaspoon baking powder (2 g), gentle lift
1/4 teaspoon salt (1 g), balances sweetness

For the filling:

1 cup white chocolate chips (170 g)
1/2 cup heavy cream (120 ml)
Optional: 1 tablespoon vanilla liqueur or milk

Decorations: festive sprinkles, sanding sugar, or crushed candy canes.

Pro Tips

The success of this Christmas Sugar Cookie Shots Recipe depends on technique. First, chill the dough briefly before shaping. Cold dough holds its form better and prevents spreading, giving you defined cookie cups.

Second, use a tart tamper or the back of a rounded spoon to press wells into warm cookies. Press gently and evenly while they’re fresh from the oven. This keeps the walls thick enough to hold filling without cracking.

Third, coat the inside of each cup with a thin layer of melted white chocolate before filling. This creates a moisture barrier that keeps the cookies crisp for days. Let that coating set fully before adding the creamy center for the cleanest finish.

Instructions

Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin pan. Cream the butter and sugar together in a large bowl until pale and fluffy, about 2 minutes. This step builds the base texture for the cookie cups.

Step 2
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to keep the mixture even. Consistent mixing ensures uniform baking.

Step 3
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture gradually, mixing just until combined. The dough should feel soft but not sticky.

Step 4
Roll the dough into 1-tablespoon balls and place one into each muffin cavity. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until edges turn lightly golden.

Step 5
Remove the pan from the oven and immediately press a well into each cookie using a rounded tool. Let cookies cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack.

Step 6
Heat the cream until just steaming, then pour over white chocolate chips. Let sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth. Add vanilla liqueur or milk if using.

Step 7
Spoon or pipe the filling into each cookie cup. Decorate with sprinkles and allow to set before serving.

Variations

This Christmas Sugar Cookie Shots Recipe adapts beautifully. For a chocolate twist, swap half the flour with cocoa powder and fill with dark chocolate ganache. If you prefer a dairy-free option, use plant-based butter and coconut cream with dairy-free white chocolate.

You can also flavor the filling with peppermint extract for classic holiday vibes or almond extract for a bakery-style finish. Mini sugar cookie shots can even hold mousse or custard if you want a non-chocolate center. These holiday cookie shots let creativity shine without complicating the process.

Storage and Serving

Store cookie shots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to restore flavor and texture.

Serve these sugar cookie shots on a festive platter with hot cocoa, coffee, or dessert wine. They also work beautifully as part of a cookie board alongside brownies and truffles. For gifting, place them in mini cupcake liners inside a decorative box to keep them secure and stunning.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cookie cups two days in advance and fill them the day of serving.

Do the cookie cups get soggy?
The white chocolate coating inside helps prevent sogginess and keeps them crisp.

Can I freeze them?
Freeze unfilled cookie cups for up to one month. Thaw and fill before serving.

What if I don’t have a mini muffin pan?
You can shape them on a baking sheet, but the cups won’t be as uniform.

Can kids enjoy these?
Absolutely. Skip any liqueur and use vanilla or milk in the filling.

Conclusion

This Christmas Sugar Cookie Shots Recipe is comfort food at its finest — buttery cookie cups filled with creamy sweetness and finished with festive sparkle. It’s the kind of dish that turns holiday gatherings into memorable moments and makes dessert feel playful, indulgent, and celebratory.