The perfect mix of creamy, fruity, and buttery, these Strawberry Mousse Sugar Cookie Cups are a must-try for any dessert lover. The tangy sweetness of fresh strawberries folded into a light, airy mousse pairs irresistibly with a soft, golden sugar cookie base. A hint of white chocolate adds just enough decadence to make each bite unforgettable.
These cookie cups are ideal for spring or summer gatherings, baby showers, or just treating yourself to something special. They’re easy to make, endlessly cute, and full of flavor in every single bite. Plus, they’re a fantastic make-ahead dessert option that can be kept chilled and served with zero stress!
Full Recipe:
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4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
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1 cup Cool Whip, thawed
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2/3 cup chopped fresh strawberries (plus more for garnish, optional)
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1/3 cup white chocolate chips
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1 (16.5 oz) tube refrigerated sugar cookie dough
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Cooking spray
Directions:
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In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar with an electric mixer until smooth (about 30 seconds).
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Gently fold in the Cool Whip until well combined, then fold in the chopped strawberries.
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Chill the mousse mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a mini muffin tin with cooking spray.
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Place about 1½ teaspoons of sugar cookie dough into each muffin cup.
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Bake for 8 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.
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Remove from oven and immediately place 4-5 white chocolate chips into the center of each cup.
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Let the heat from the cookies melt the chocolate, then gently spread it to coat the bottom of the cookie cup.
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Carefully loosen each cookie cup from the muffin tin and cool on a wire rack.
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Once cooled, spoon or pipe about 1 teaspoon of the chilled mousse into each cookie cup.
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Garnish with a strawberry slice, if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including chilling)
Kcal: 120 kcal (per cookie cup) | Servings: 30 mini cookie cups
A Delightful Treat: Strawberry Mousse Sugar Cookie Cups
If you’re on the lookout for a show-stopping dessert that’s simple to make, visually stunning, and absolutely delicious, Strawberry Mousse Sugar Cookie Cups might just be your new go-to. These adorable little treats combine the comforting sweetness of sugar cookies with the creamy, fruity freshness of strawberry mousse, all topped off with a kiss of white chocolate. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, holiday celebration, baby shower, or just a cozy weekend indulgence, these cookie cups are sure to impress.
What Makes This Dessert So Special?
There’s something incredibly satisfying about combining textures in a dessert. These cookie cups offer that in spades — a soft and slightly chewy sugar cookie base, a silky mousse that melts in your mouth, and a burst of strawberry in every bite. The gentle tang of cream cheese and the lightness of Cool Whip make the mousse feel airy yet decadent, and the white chocolate base layer in the cookie adds a creamy richness that ties it all together.
But perhaps the most impressive aspect of this dessert is how quickly it comes together, especially since it cleverly relies on store-bought cookie dough. That means you can skip the time-consuming dough prep and still deliver a homemade treat that looks and tastes like you spent hours perfecting it.
A Perfect Balance of Flavor and Texture
Strawberry desserts can often lean too sweet or too tart. This recipe finds the perfect middle ground. The cream cheese balances the sweetness with a subtle tang, while the strawberries add natural fruity brightness. The sugar cookie, buttery and sweet, acts as the foundation that supports all the other flavors. A few white chocolate chips, melted into the base of each cookie cup, not only enhance the overall taste but create a barrier to keep the mousse from soaking into the cookie too quickly — a smart little touch that improves both flavor and structure.
Why These Cookie Cups Are Crowd-Pleasers
These treats are designed with the modern host in mind. Not only are they visually delightful — small, round, creamy, and pink with a garnish of bright red strawberry slices — but they’re also easy to make ahead of time. That makes them perfect for events where you want to wow your guests without spending your entire day in the kitchen.
They’re also perfectly portioned. Each cookie cup is a bite-sized treat that satisfies a sweet tooth without overwhelming, which makes them great for dessert tables, buffets, or lunchbox surprises. You can double or triple the batch without much additional effort, and because they’re kept chilled, they hold their shape and texture beautifully until serving time.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Mousse Cookie Cups
To ensure your dessert comes out flawless, here are a few helpful tips:
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Use ripe, sweet strawberries. Since the strawberries are folded directly into the mousse, their flavor really shines through. Avoid underripe or sour berries that could throw off the balance.
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Chill the mousse well. Giving the mousse enough time to firm up before assembling helps it hold its shape and improves the overall consistency.
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Don’t overbake the cookie cups. The cookie dough should be just golden around the edges. Overbaking can make the cups too crisp and cause them to crumble when filled.
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Use a piping bag for cleaner presentation. While spooning in the mousse works fine, a piping bag or even a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off will give a more polished finish.
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Garnish just before serving. If you’re adding fresh strawberry slices or other toppings, do so shortly before serving to keep the fruit fresh and vibrant.
Creative Variations to Try
Once you’ve tried the original version, it’s hard not to imagine all the different directions you could take this concept. Here are a few variations to inspire you:
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Chocolate-Strawberry Twist: Swap the sugar cookie base for chocolate cookie dough and top with a dark chocolate drizzle for a rich twist.
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Berry Medley: Fold in a combination of chopped raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries for a mixed berry mousse.
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Citrus Burst: Add a little lemon or orange zest to the mousse for a citrusy lift that complements the strawberries beautifully.
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Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle crushed pistachios or almonds on top for a lovely contrast in texture and a hint of savory flavor.
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Holiday Flair: Use holiday-themed cookie dough (like red and green sprinkles for Christmas or pink hearts for Valentine’s Day) to make them festive and themed.
Storage and Make-Ahead Advice
These cookie cups are as practical as they are pretty. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to three days after assembling, making them a fantastic make-ahead dessert. If you’re preparing them in advance, consider keeping the mousse and cookie cups separate until the day of your event. This ensures the cookie bases stay as fresh and firm as possible.
The mousse itself can be made up to 48 hours in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Likewise, the baked cookie cups can be cooled and kept in a sealed container at room temperature for a day or refrigerated for longer storage.
If you have leftover mousse (and you just might, depending on how generously you fill the cups), it’s delicious on its own or served with fresh berries, graham crackers, or even layered into a parfait.
Serving Ideas and Presentation Tips
These cookie cups are so versatile when it comes to serving. For formal gatherings, arrange them on a tiered dessert tray with garnish for an elegant touch. For casual get-togethers, stack them on a rustic wooden platter or place them in colorful cupcake liners for easy grab-and-go presentation.
You can also serve them with other small desserts like mini cheesecakes or brownie bites for a full dessert sampler. They pair wonderfully with coffee, sparkling wine, or even a fruity cocktail like a strawberry daiquiri.
Add a finishing touch by dusting the tops with powdered sugar or a tiny mint leaf. For a more indulgent version, consider a small swirl of whipped cream and a drizzle of strawberry syrup over each one.
A Sweet Ending: Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
Strawberry Mousse Sugar Cookie Cups are more than just a dessert — they’re a joyful bite of comfort, elegance, and fun. With minimal prep time, a short ingredient list, and maximum flavor payoff, it’s no wonder they quickly become a favorite among both bakers and eaters alike.
They celebrate everything we love about homemade treats: the ability to surprise and delight with just a few simple ingredients. And because they’re so adaptable, you can make them your own each time with just a few tweaks.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner looking for a “wow” moment in the kitchen, this recipe offers the perfect balance of ease and elegance. Once you’ve served them at one event, don’t be surprised when friends and family start requesting them again and again.