Air Fryer Easter Basket Cookie Cups

Is there anything cuter than this Air Fryer Easter Basket Cookie Cup? Made in the air fryer, this dessert took less than 20 minutes from start to finish, and the kids and I had a fantastic time decorating the cookie baskets.

Today, I made these fantastic sugar cookie cups filled with dyed coconut flakes to resemble the grass. Then, I filled each basket with mini jellybeans and finished the basket with the iconic handle made with a candy strip.

These Easter Cookie Cups are easy to make and the perfect dessert for Easter Dinner. This is a fun and easy baking project for the kids!

If you are looking for even more desserts to serve at Easter Dinner, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER CHERRY CHEESECAKE EGG ROLLS, AIR FRYER CANNOLI, AIR FRYER ELEPHANT EARS and, of course, a special carrot cake, AIR FRYER CARROT CAKE LOAF.

Air Fryer Easter Basket Cookie Cups

If you have been following me for a while, what you know about me is that I love cooking with my kids. Even though they are older, I love getting them involved in cooking. I think it’s a great way to share time with them and a great way to get involved in holiday preparation. Or everyday cooking. It teaches them a great skill needed as they grow up.

This recipe is no different, made with simple ingredients and candy. What is better for a kid’s baking project?

Why You Love This Easy Air Fryer Easter Cookie Recipe

This Easy Air Fryer Easter Cookie Recipe is a delightful addition to your holiday baking, offering a unique and fun way to create festive treats. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Quick and Convenient: The air fryer significantly reduces the baking time compared to traditional oven baking, meaning you can enjoy your Easter cookies much faster.
• No Need for Preheating: Unlike an oven, most air fryers don’t require preheating, so you can start baking your cookies immediately.
• Perfect Texture: Air frying provides a unique baking environment that can produce cookies with a perfectly crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior.
• Energy Efficient: Using an air fryer for small batches of cookies is more energy-efficient than heating up a full-sized oven, making it eco-friendly.
• Easy Cleanup: With non-stick baskets, air fryers make the cleanup process a breeze, especially compared to dealing with multiple cookie sheets and baking racks.
• Fun for Kids: Decorating Easter cookies is a fun activity for children, and the air fryer’s quick baking time keeps the process engaging for young bakers with short attention spans.
• Versatility: This recipe can be easily adapted to include your favorite cookie dough flavors and decorations, making it versatile enough to become a new Easter tradition in your home.

Whether you’re an experienced baker looking for a new method or a busy parent needing a quick holiday treat, this Easy Air Fryer Easter Cookie Recipe offers a delightful and efficient way to celebrate the season.

Ingredients Needed In Air Fryer Easter Basket Cookie Cups

Celebrate the joy and colors of Easter with these charming Air Fryer Easter Basket Cookie Cups. This festive recipe transforms simple ingredients into delightful treats that resemble miniature Easter baskets, complete with edible “grass” and tiny Easter egg candies. Using the convenience of an air fryer, these cookie cups are not only fun to make but also a hit with family and friends. Let’s explore the ingredients that make up these adorable Easter creations:

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

• Refrigerated Cookie Dough: The foundation of your Easter basket cookie cups, refrigerated cookie dough offers a quick and convenient way to create the cookie base without mixing and measuring.
• Shredded Coconut: To mimic the appearance of grass within the Easter baskets, shredded coconut adds texture and a slight sweetness. Dying green brings a vibrant pop of color to each cookie cup.
• Green Dye: A few drops of green dye mixed with the shredded coconut achieve the perfect look of Easter grass, making your cookie cups come to life with the spirit of spring.
• Mini Candies, Jelly Beans, Mini Easter Eggs: These small candies and jelly beans serve as the delightful “eggs” and decorations that fill each cookie cup, adding various colors and flavors that appeal to the eyes and the palate.
• Rainbow Airheads: Cut into thin strips, Rainbow Airheads can be fashioned into tiny handles for the Easter basket cookie cups, adding a whimsical and colorful touch that completes the basket look.
• Flour: A light dusting of flour on your hands or cookie dough can prevent sticking as you shape the dough into cups, ensuring a smooth and easy process.
• Frosting: Used to adhere the Airhead handles to the cookie cups, frosting also adds an extra layer of sweetness. Choose your favorite flavor or color to complement the theme.
• Cooking Spray: A quick spray in the air fryer basket ensures that your cookie cups come out easily after baking, maintaining their perfect basket shapes.

How To Make Air Fryer Easter Basket Cookie Cups

Making Air Fryer Easter Basket Cookie Cups is a fun and festive way to celebrate Easter. Follow these simple steps to create delightful treats that will be a hit with both kids and adults:

Flour a flat surface, then roll out the cookie dough with a rolling pin.

Use a biscuit cutter or a mason ring and cut out the circles. You want them a little bigger than your muffin tin.

Spray your muffin tin with cooking spray, then press the cookie dough into the pan, creating a basket.

Place the pan into the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 300 degrees F, air fryer setting, for 7-12 minutes. While the cookie is still hot, press the middle with a spatula end, making the Easter Basket hole in the middle.

Let them cool completely before decorating them.

Add some frosting on the two sides, and press your Air Head into the position.

Note: you will need to cut your Air Head to size. In a small bowl, add your coconut and green food coloring and mix until you get the desired green color you want.

Fill your basket, and enjoy!

Recipe Variations

Air Fryer Easter Basket Cookie Cups are as versatile as they are delightful, offering endless possibilities for customization to suit your taste or whatever you have. Here are some creative variations to inspire your Easter baking:

• Chocolate Cookie Cups: Swap the regular cookie dough for chocolate cookie dough to create a rich, chocolatey base. Top with pastel-colored candies for a beautiful contrast against the dark cookie cups.
• Cheesecake Filled Cups: Instead of using candies as a filling, spoon a small amount of cheesecake mixture into the baked cookie cups and chill until set. Top with a dollop of fruit compote or fresh berries for an elegant Easter treat.
• Lemon Curd Baskets: Fill the baked cookie cups with homemade or store-bought lemon curd for a tangy twist. Garnish with whipped cream and a mint leaf for a refreshing spring dessert.
• Gluten-Free Easter Baskets: Use gluten-free cookie dough to make the cookie cups accessible to those with gluten sensitivities. Ensure all your toppings and fillings are also gluten-free.
• Vegan Easter Baskets: Opt for vegan cookie dough and dairy-free chocolate to cater to vegan dietary preferences. Use vegan candies for topping and plant-based food coloring for the coconut “grass.”
• Nutella® Filled Cookie Cups: After baking, fill each cookie cup with a spoonful of Nutella® for a decadent filling. Top with chopped hazelnuts for added crunch and flavor.
• S’mores Easter Baskets: Before baking, press a piece of chocolate into the center of each cookie dough cup. After baking and slightly cooling, add a marshmallow on top and return to the air fryer for a minute to melt. Sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs for the full s’mores effect.
• Fruit Tart Cookie Cups: Fill the cooled cookie cups with a layer of pastry cream and top with assorted fresh fruit such as kiwi, strawberry slices, and blueberries for a colorful and healthier option.
• Caramel Apple Cookie Cups: Mix finely chopped apples with caramel sauce, then spoon into the baked cookie cups. Top with more caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt for a caramel apple-inspired dessert.
• Mini Carrot Cake Cups: Use carrot cake dough for the cups, and once baked, pipe cream cheese frosting into each one. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans and a tiny marzipan carrot for a festive touch.

Each of these variations on the Air Fryer Easter Basket Cookie Cups recipe allows you to explore different flavors and presentations, making your Easter celebration even more special and personalized

Pro Tips

Creating Air Fryer Easter Basket Cookie Cups is an enjoyable way to celebrate the holiday, and with a few professional tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time. Here are some pro tips to enhance your Easter baking experience:

• Uniform Size: To ensure even cooking, try to keep your cookie cups uniform in size. Use a cookie scoop or measuring spoon for consistent portions of dough.
• Chill the Dough: If you have time, chilling the shaped cookie dough in the muffin tin before air frying can help the cups maintain their shape and result in a more tender texture.
• Non-Stick Success: Even though air fryer baskets are typically non-stick, don’t skip lightly greasing your muffin tin or using cooking spray. This extra step ensures your cookie cups will release easily after cooking.
• Monitor Closely: Air fryers can vary greatly in how they cook. Keep a close eye on your cookie cups, especially the first time you make them, to prevent over-browning.
• Cool Before Decorating: Allow the cookie cups to cool completely before filling them with coconut “grass” and candies. This prevents the toppings from melting or sinking into the warm cookies.
• Dye Coconut Efficiently: To dye your shredded coconut green, place it in a ziplock bag, add a few drops of green food coloring, seal the bag, and shake well. This method distributes the color evenly and keeps your hands clean.
• Flexible Fillings: Feel free to get creative with fillings. While mini candies and jelly beans are traditional, exploring with chocolate eggs, fruit pieces, or even a cream filling can add a delightful twist.
• Crafting Handles: For a realistic basket look, carefully attach the Airhead or licorice handles with a bit of melted chocolate or frosting. Ensure they’re securely attached before moving or serving.
• Decorating Tips: Use a small piping bag or a ziplock bag with a corner snipped off to pipe frosting neatly onto your cookie cups. This technique can add an elegant touch if you’re using frosting as part of your decoration.
• Storage Solutions: If you’re not serving the cookie cups immediately, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Add the coconut “grass” and candy toppings shortly before serving to keep them looking fresh.

By following these pro tips, your Air Fryer Easter Basket Cookie Cups will not only look festive and charming but also taste delicious, making your Easter celebration even more memorable.

Faq’s

Can I make the cookie cups ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the cookie cups ahead of time and store them in an airtight container once they’re completely cooled. Wait to add the coconut “grass” and candy until you’re ready to serve to keep everything fresh.

What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I still make these? Absolutely! While the air fryer offers convenience and speed, you can bake the cookie cups in a conventional oven. Adjust the temperature and baking time according to your oven settings, typically around 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until golden.

How do I prevent the cookie cups from sticking to the muffin tin? Ensure you lightly grease the muffin tin with cooking spray or use muffin liners for easy removal. If they do stick, gently run a knife around the edges to loosen them.

Can I use homemade cookie dough instead of refrigerated dough? Yes, homemade cookie dough is a great option and allows you more control over the ingredients and flavors. Just make sure it’s suitable for shaping into cups.

Is there a gluten-free option for these cookie cups? For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free cookie dough recipe or a store-bought gluten-free dough. Also, ensure all your fillings and decorations are gluten-free.

How can I naturally dye the coconut without food coloring? For a natural alternative, you can use spinach juice or matcha powder to dye the shredded coconut green. Start with a small amount and adjust to achieve your desired color.

What other types of candy can I use for decoration? Feel free to get creative with candy choices. Besides jelly beans and mini Easter eggs, consider using small chocolate candies, candy-coated chocolates, or even pieces of fruit for a healthier option.

Can these cookie cups be frozen? It’s best to enjoy the cookie cups fresh or stored at room temperature for a couple of days. Freezing them, especially after decoration, might affect the texture and appearance of the coconut and candies.

How do I make the cookie cups if my air fryer doesn’t have a muffin tin that fits?
If a muffin tin doesn’t fit in your air fryer, you can shape the dough into cups and place them directly in the air fryer basket if it’s non-stick. Alternatively, you can make mini cookie cups using smaller molds or cupcake liners that fit your air fryer.

Can I add other flavors to the cookie cups? Definitely! Consider adding a dash of vanilla extract, citrus zest, or spices like cinnamon to the cookie dough for an extra flavor boost.

Equipment Used:

• Silicone Muffin Cake Cups, 7Cup Non-Stick Muffin Cupcake Tin Tray Baking Mould for 3.5-5.8 L Air Fryer Accessories, Chocolate Universal Cake Cups
• Cupcake Pan Nonstick Baking Tray Carbon Steel Baking Pans Kitchen Bakeware Mini Cupcake Baking Muffin Pan Heat Resistant Cake Baking Trays for Oven Easy

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