These Easy Apple Crisp Cookie Cups are like little warm hugs in dessert form! Crunchy on the outside with a soft, sweet apple filling, they’re a cozy treat perfect for any day.
Can you believe how simple they are to make? Just whip up some cookie dough, press it into muffin tins, and fill them with yummy apple goodness. Your friends will be impressed!
Whenever I make these, I love to sprinkle a little cinnamon on top. It’s the perfect spice to make my kitchen smell amazing! Enjoy them fresh out of the oven with a scoop of ice cream—heavenly!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This forms the base of the cookie cups. You can substitute with gluten-free flour if you need a gluten-free option. However, you might have to adjust the liquids in the recipe.
Apples: Any crisp variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp works well. If apples aren’t in season, you can use canned apple pie filling to save time!
Butter: Unsalted butter gives the perfect balance. If you’re dairy-free, use a non-dairy butter or coconut oil. For a richer taste, you could use browned butter, which adds a nutty flavor!
Nuts: Optional, but they add great texture. If you want a nut-free version, just omit them or use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds instead.
How Do I Make Sure My Cookie Cups Hold Their Shape?
To get those beautiful cookie cups, pressing the dough is essential. Here are some steps to follow:
- Make sure to press the cookie dough evenly along the bottom and up the sides of the muffin cup.
- Don’t overfill the centers; a small amount of extra apples or oats will do.
- Keep an eye on the baking time, as overbaking can make the cookie cups crack. They should be golden at the edges.
Once cooled, they should pop out easily when you gently run a knife around the edges. Enjoy your homemade treats!
Easy Apple Crisp Cookie Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus extra for topping)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup peeled, chopped apples (about 1 medium apple)
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or pecans)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and around 15-18 minutes for baking. So, in total, you’ll need about 30-35 minutes to enjoy these delightful cookie cups from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin to make it easy to remove the cookie cups later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This helps distribute the leavening agent and spices evenly throughout the cookie dough.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or whisk to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until they become creamy and smooth. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the Egg and Vanilla:
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until everything is well combined and fluffy.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. Be careful not to over-mix!
6. Fold in the Goodies:
Gently fold in the chopped apples, oats, and nuts (if you’re using them) until just mixed in. The apple pieces will add delicious moisture and flavor!
7. Form the Cookie Cups:
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cookie dough into each muffin cup, gently pressing it up the sides to create a cup shape with a hollow center.
8. Add Extra Apples:
For a little extra yum, fill the center of each cookie cup with a small amount of extra chopped apples or a sprinkle of oats.
9. Sprinkle with Cinnamon:
Add a light dusting of cinnamon on top of each cookie cup, giving them that classic apple crisp flavor.
10. Bake:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the cookie cups have set.
11. Cool and Transfer:
After baking, allow the cookie cups to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Serve and Enjoy:
These delightful cookie cups can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Serve them as they are, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat!
Enjoy this cozy and delicious twist on classic apple crisp in a portable cookie cup form!
FAQ about Easy Apple Crisp Cookie Cups
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are great choices, feel free to use any variety you enjoy. Just ensure they’re crisp and not too soft to maintain the texture in your cookie cups.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’re looking to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week. Just reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before enjoying!
Can I Freeze These Cookie Cups?< /h3>
Yes, you can freeze these cookie cups! Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container separated by layers of parchment paper. They’ll keep well for about 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
What Can I Substitute for the Nuts?
If you want to skip the nuts due to allergies or preference, that’s perfectly fine! You can substitute them with additional oats or add some seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch if you like.