Comfort food has a magical way of making us feel better, especially desserts. From warm pies to crispy cookies, desserts evoke nostalgia and create cozy, homey vibes. One such treat that brings together two classics—apple pie and oatmeal cookies—is the Apple Crisp Cookie Cup. These delightful bites combine the flavors of traditional apple pie with the chewy texture of oatmeal cookies, offering a unique take on two beloved American classics.
PrintApple Crisp Cookie Cups
These Apple Crisp Cookie Cups bring the perfect combo of buttery oatmeal cookies and warm apple pie filling. A cozy dessert made to impress and indulge!
- Total Time: 2 hours
Ingredients
1. Apple Pie Filling
The apple filling is the heart of this dessert, offering a sweet and spiced center that contrasts beautifully with the cookie cup’s texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Granny Smith Apples (6 cups, 4-5 apples): These tart apples provide a nice balance to the sweetness of the filling.
- Lemon Juice (1 Tbsp): Adds brightness and prevents the apples from browning.
- Brown Sugar and Granulated Sugar (½ cup each): These sugars add sweetness and caramelize while cooking.
- Cornstarch (¼ cup): Helps thicken the apple mixture.
- Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg (1 tsp & a pinch): Warm spices that enhance the flavor of the apples.
- Water (2 cups): Forms the base of the filling to create a sauce as the apples cook.
2. Oatmeal Cookie Cups
The cookie cup is the foundation of this dessert, providing a chewy, buttery vessel for the apple filling. Here’s what you’ll need for the cookie cups:
- All-Purpose Flour (1½ cups): Provides structure to the cookie dough.
- Baking Soda (1 tsp): Helps the dough rise and creates a light texture.
- Cinnamon (1 tsp): Adds warmth to the cookies.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, room temperature): Provides richness and helps bind the dough.
- Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar (1 cup & ¼ cup): For sweetness and moisture.
- Eggs (2 large, room temperature): Help bind the ingredients and add moisture.
- Vanilla Extract (2 tsp): Enhances the flavor of the cookie dough.
- Rolled Oats (3 cups): Add chewiness and texture to the cookie cups.
3. Sugar Glaze
The sugar glaze adds a finishing touch, offering a hint of sweetness and shine:
- Powdered Sugar (1 cup): The base for the glaze.
- Water (1 Tbsp): Thins the sugar into a pourable consistency.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Pie Filling
- Peel and Chop the Apples: Start by peeling and chopping your Granny Smith apples into bite-sized pieces. Toss them with lemon juice in a medium bowl to prevent browning and set aside.
- Cook the Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugars, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil. Once boiling, add the apples and continue to cook for another 10-15 minutes until the apples are tender and the mixture has thickened.
- Cool the Filling: Once the apple filling is ready, allow it to cool completely before filling the cookie cups. This step ensures the cookie cups remain crisp when filled.
Step 2: Make the Oatmeal Cookie Cups
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy—this should take about 3 minutes. This step is crucial for creating a light and chewy cookie texture.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Follow with the vanilla extract and mix on high speed for another minute to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Turn the mixer to low speed and gradually add the dry flour mixture until combined. Finally, fold in the rolled oats until just mixed.
- Form the Cookie Cups: Spray two regular-sized muffin tins with cooking spray. Using a large cookie scoop (about 3 tablespoons of dough), scoop the dough into each muffin tin and press it down into a cup shape, pushing the dough up the sides to create a well.
- Bake the Cookie Cups: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the cookie cups for about 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and mostly set. Once out of the oven, you can use a small jar or container to press down in the center of each cookie, making the well more defined if needed.
- Cool the Cookie Cups: Allow the cookie cups to cool in the muffin tin for about 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Assemble the Apple Crisp Cookie Cups
Once both the cookie cups and apple pie filling have cooled, it’s time to assemble your dessert.
- Fill the Cookie Cups: Using a spoon, scoop the cooled apple pie filling into each cookie cup, filling them generously.
- Drizzle with Sugar Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and water to make the glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the top of each apple-filled cookie cup for an extra touch of sweetness.
Notes
- Choose the Right Apples: Granny Smith apples work best for this recipe because of their tart flavor and firm texture. However, if you prefer a sweeter filling, you can substitute Honeycrisp or Fuji apples.
- Don’t Overfill the Cookie Cups: Be careful not to overfill the cookie cups with too much apple filling, as this can make them soggy. Make sure the filling is fully cooled before adding it to the cookie cups.
- Make Ahead for Convenience: Both the apple pie filling and the cookie cups can be made ahead of time. Store the filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the cookie cups can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days before assembly.
- Add a Crumble Topping: For extra texture, consider adding a crumble topping made from oats, flour, butter, and sugar before baking the cookie cups.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering, looking to impress guests, or simply craving something sweet, Apple Crisp Cookie Cups are the perfect choice. In this article, we’ll guide you through making this comforting dessert step by step. We’ll also discuss its key components, from the apple pie filling to the oatmeal cookie cups, and share helpful baking tips to ensure perfect results every time.
Why Apple Crisp Cookie Cups Are the Ultimate Comfort Dessert
A Fusion of Two Classics
Apple Crisp Cookie Cups take the best parts of a classic apple pie—the spiced, tender apples—and pair them with chewy, buttery oatmeal cookies. This fusion offers a modern take on both desserts, transforming them into easy-to-eat cups filled with cozy flavors. The result? A dessert that’s as heartwarming as it is convenient to enjoy.
The Appeal of Individual Portions
Unlike traditional apple pies, which require slicing and serving, cookie cups come in individual portions. This makes them ideal for potlucks, parties, and even casual family dinners. Each person gets their own perfectly formed cookie cup, eliminating the need for plates or forks. Plus, these bite-sized treats are perfect for on-the-go snacking.
Perfect for Fall and Holiday Gatherings
With the comforting flavors of apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg, Apple Crisp Cookie Cups are perfect for the fall season. They’re especially great for holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving or Christmas, where apple-based desserts are a must. The combination of warm spices and soft apples creates an irresistible aroma that fills your home with coziness.
Ingredients: Breaking Down the Recipe
To create the perfect Apple Crisp Cookie Cups, you’ll need three main components: the apple pie filling, the oatmeal cookie cups, and a simple sugar glaze for drizzling. Let’s take a closer look at each ingredient to ensure your dessert turns out perfectly.
1. Apple Pie Filling
The apple filling is the heart of this dessert, offering a sweet and spiced center that contrasts beautifully with the cookie cup’s texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Granny Smith Apples (6 cups, 4-5 apples): These tart apples provide a nice balance to the sweetness of the filling.
- Lemon Juice (1 Tbsp): Adds brightness and prevents the apples from browning.
- Brown Sugar and Granulated Sugar (½ cup each): These sugars add sweetness and caramelize while cooking.
- Cornstarch (¼ cup): Helps thicken the apple mixture.
- Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg (1 tsp & a pinch): Warm spices that enhance the flavor of the apples.
- Water (2 cups): Forms the base of the filling to create a sauce as the apples cook.
2. Oatmeal Cookie Cups
The cookie cup is the foundation of this dessert, providing a chewy, buttery vessel for the apple filling. Here’s what you’ll need for the cookie cups:
- All-Purpose Flour (1½ cups): Provides structure to the cookie dough.
- Baking Soda (1 tsp): Helps the dough rise and creates a light texture.
- Cinnamon (1 tsp): Adds warmth to the cookies.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, room temperature): Provides richness and helps bind the dough.
- Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar (1 cup & ¼ cup): For sweetness and moisture.
- Eggs (2 large, room temperature): Help bind the ingredients and add moisture.
- Vanilla Extract (2 tsp): Enhances the flavor of the cookie dough.
- Rolled Oats (3 cups): Add chewiness and texture to the cookie cups.
3. Sugar Glaze
The sugar glaze adds a finishing touch, offering a hint of sweetness and shine:
- Powdered Sugar (1 cup): The base for the glaze.
- Water (1 Tbsp): Thins the sugar into a pourable consistency.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Apple Crisp Cookie Cups
Now that you know the ingredients, let’s break down the process of making these Apple Crisp Cookie Cups. Here’s a detailed guide with helpful tips for success.
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Pie Filling
- Peel and Chop the Apples: Start by peeling and chopping your Granny Smith apples into bite-sized pieces. Toss them with lemon juice in a medium bowl to prevent browning and set aside.
- Cook the Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugars, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil. Once boiling, add the apples and continue to cook for another 10-15 minutes until the apples are tender and the mixture has thickened.
- Cool the Filling: Once the apple filling is ready, allow it to cool completely before filling the cookie cups. This step ensures the cookie cups remain crisp when filled.
Step 2: Make the Oatmeal Cookie Cups
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy—this should take about 3 minutes. This step is crucial for creating a light and chewy cookie texture.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Follow with the vanilla extract and mix on high speed for another minute to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Turn the mixer to low speed and gradually add the dry flour mixture until combined. Finally, fold in the rolled oats until just mixed.
- Form the Cookie Cups: Spray two regular-sized muffin tins with cooking spray. Using a large cookie scoop (about 3 tablespoons of dough), scoop the dough into each muffin tin and press it down into a cup shape, pushing the dough up the sides to create a well.
- Bake the Cookie Cups: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the cookie cups for about 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and mostly set. Once out of the oven, you can use a small jar or container to press down in the center of each cookie, making the well more defined if needed.
- Cool the Cookie Cups: Allow the cookie cups to cool in the muffin tin for about 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Assemble the Apple Crisp Cookie Cups
Once both the cookie cups and apple pie filling have cooled, it’s time to assemble your dessert.
- Fill the Cookie Cups: Using a spoon, scoop the cooled apple pie filling into each cookie cup, filling them generously.
- Drizzle with Sugar Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and water to make the glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the top of each apple-filled cookie cup for an extra touch of sweetness.
Tips for Perfect Apple Crisp Cookie Cups
- Choose the Right Apples: Granny Smith apples work best for this recipe because of their tart flavor and firm texture. However, if you prefer a sweeter filling, you can substitute Honeycrisp or Fuji apples.
- Don’t Overfill the Cookie Cups: Be careful not to overfill the cookie cups with too much apple filling, as this can make them soggy. Make sure the filling is fully cooled before adding it to the cookie cups.
- Make Ahead for Convenience: Both the apple pie filling and the cookie cups can be made ahead of time. Store the filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the cookie cups can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days before assembly.
- Add a Crumble Topping: For extra texture, consider adding a crumble topping made from oats, flour, butter, and sugar before baking the cookie cups.
Conclusion: A Modern Take on a Classic Dessert
Apple Crisp Cookie Cups are the perfect fusion of two classic desserts, offering a bite-sized treat that’s both comforting and delicious. With their spiced apple filling and chewy oatmeal cookie base, these cups are sure to impress at any gathering. Plus, they’re easy to customize with your favorite apple varieties or extra toppings.
So, the next time you’re craving something sweet or planning a fall get-together, give these Apple Crisp Cookie Cups a try. They’re simple to make, bursting with flavor, and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.