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Sugar Cookie Cupcakes

Sugar Cookie Cupcakes are tender, buttery vanilla cupcakes that taste just like your favorite sugar cookies—only lighter, softer, and topped with irresistibly creamy frosting. They’re simple to make, beautiful to serve, and customizable with sprinkles, food coloring, or festive toppings for any celebration.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Chilling Time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Servings: 12

Ingredients

Cupcakes

  • 1/2 cup butter softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup fat-free half n’ half

Frosting

  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese
  • 5 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 8 tablespoons butter softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 4 –5 tablespoons half n’ half
  • Optional: red food coloring and red sprinkles

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  • Cream butter and sugar for 2 minutes until fluffy.
  • Mix in vanilla and eggs until smooth.
  • Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
  • Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix gently.
  • Pour in half n’ half and mix until fully incorporated.
  • Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full with batter.
  • Bake for 18–20 minutes until lightly golden at the edges.
  • Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
  • Beat cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar until smooth.
  • Mix in vanilla and add half n’ half gradually until spreadable.
  • Tint frosting with food coloring if desired.
  • Pipe or spread frosting onto cupcakes.
  • Add sprinkles and serve.

Notes

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Use whole milk or heavy cream in place of half n’ half.
  • Swap vanilla for almond extract for a sugar-cookie bakery flavor.
  • Use salted butter and reduce added salt to a pinch.

Make-Ahead & Storage

  • Store frosted cupcakes in the fridge up to 4 days.
  • Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months.
  • Frost just before serving for the best texture.

Serving Variations

  • Add sprinkles to the batter for “funfetti” cupcakes.
  • Pipe tall frosting swirls for a bakery-style look.
  • Use themed sprinkles for holidays and parties.

Avoid Common Mistakes

  • Don’t overmix the batter or cupcakes will be dense.
  • Ensure cupcakes are fully cooled before frosting.
  • Add half n’ half slowly to avoid runny frosting.