Easy Pot of Gold Cookie Cups for Kids

If you’re looking for a festive St. Patrick’s Day dessert that’s fun, colorful, and guaranteed to make kids smile, these Pot of Gold Cookie Cups are the perfect treat. Soft sugar cookie cups baked into bite-sized “pots” are filled with cheerful yellow frosting and topped with shiny candy gold, creating a whimsical dessert that feels like discovering a little treasure. They’re easy to make, adorable to serve, and ideal for parties, classroom treats, or holiday baking with kids.

Why You’ll Love These Pot of Gold Cookie Cups

These cookie cups check all the boxes for a family-friendly holiday dessert. They’re simple enough for beginner bakers, yet impressive enough to steal the show on a dessert table. Kids love the bright colors and surprise candy center, while parents appreciate how customizable and mess-free they are.

They’re also:

• Perfectly portioned and easy to grab
• Festive without being overly sweet
• Great for make-ahead party prep
• Easy to customize with different toppings

Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just want a fun baking project, these cookie cups are a guaranteed hit.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these festive cookie cups, you’ll need a handful of simple baking staples:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 tsp fine sea salt
• 1½ tbsp pure vanilla extract
• Green food coloring
• 2 tbsp heavy cream or whole milk
• Sugar cookie dough (homemade or refrigerated)
• Yellow frosting (store-bought or homemade)
• 24 gold foil-wrapped chocolate coins

Optional toppings: Rolos, gold sprinkles, or candy-coated chocolates

How to Make Pot of Gold Cookie Cups (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven according to the sugar cookie dough instructions. Lightly grease a mini muffin tin so the cookie cups release easily after baking.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar cookie dough with eggs, baking soda, salt, vanilla extract, and heavy cream or milk. Mix until smooth. Add a small drop of green food coloring and stir gently until the dough reaches a soft pastel green.

Step 3: Shape the Cookie Cups

Roll dough into small balls and press them into the muffin tin cavities. Press the centers slightly to help form the “cup” shape.

Step 4: Bake

Bake until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. If needed, gently press the center again using the back of a spoon to deepen the cup.

Step 5: Cool and Fill

Once fully cooled, spoon or pipe yellow frosting into each cookie cup.

Step 6: Add the Gold

Top each cup with a gold chocolate coin, Rolos, or gold sprinkles to complete the “pot of gold” look.

Tips & Variations

• No food coloring? Leave it out for classic sugar cookie cups
• Different filling: Try vanilla pudding or white chocolate ganache
• Extra texture: Add crushed candy pieces under the frosting
• Dairy-free option: Use dairy-free milk and frosting
• Party shortcut: Use refrigerated cookie dough to save time

Serving Ideas & Storage

Serve these Pot of Gold Cookie Cups on a green platter with rainbow decorations for a festive display. They’re perfect alongside milk, hot cocoa, or fruit punch for kids’ parties.

Storage:
Store unfrosted cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Frosted cups should be stored in the refrigerator and enjoyed within 2 days for best texture.

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Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	180
Protein	2g
Carbohydrates	24g
Fat	8g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	120mg

Final Thoughts

These Pot of Gold Cookie Cups are proof that holiday baking doesn’t need to be complicated to be memorable. With their soft cookie base, creamy filling, and shiny candy topping, they’re a magical little treat kids absolutely adore. Whether you’re baking for a party or just for fun, this recipe brings a little luck and a lot of smiles to the table.