Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in my kitchen, the warm aroma of cinnamon and baked apples wafted through the air, instantly bringing back cozy fall memories. Today, I can’t wait to share my recipe for Apple Crisp Cookie Cups, a delightful fusion of two beloved classics: oatmeal cookies and apple pie. These cookie cups not only boast a chewy texture and a crispy edge, but they’re also incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for impromptu gatherings or indulgent weeknight treats. Imagine your friends’ smiles as they bite into a warm cup filled with sweet, spiced apple goodness. Trust me, these are a game-changer for dessert lovers who crave that comforting taste of home. Are you ready to make some magic in your kitchen? Why Try Apple Crisp Cookie Cups? Irresistible Combination: These cookie cups perfectly blend the chewy delight of oatmeal cookies with the sweet, spiced goodness of apple pie. Effortless Delight: They are simple to make, designed for busy bakers who still crave homemade treats. Festive Essence: Infused with warm fall flavors like cinnamon and nutmeg, they’re a delightful addition to any autumn table. Crowd-Pleaser: Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or just on their own, these treats are sure to impress family and friends. Versatile Snack: Feel free to experiment! Swap in different fillings, like wild berry compote or peach preserves, similar to how I’ve done with my Honey Pineapple Salmon recipe. These cookie cups are the perfect way to embrace the cozy comfort of homemade desserts! Apple Crisp Cookie Cups Ingredients For the Apple Filling • Granny Smith Apples – Provide tartness and texture for the pie filling; alternatives like Honeycrisp can also shine here. • Lemon Juice – Brightens the flavors of the apples; you can substitute with lime juice for a twist. • Brown Sugar – Adds a rich sweetness; feel free to adjust the sugar to your taste. • Granulated Sugar – Works alongside brown sugar to balance the overall sweetness. • Cornstarch – Thickens the apple filling perfectly; can swap with all-purpose flour, but expect changes in texture. • Ground Cinnamon – Infuses warm spice; adjust to personal preference. • Nutmeg – Enhances the depth of flavor—it’s optional but highly recommended for that cozy touch. For the Cookie Cups • All-Purpose Flour – Provides the structural base for the cookie cups; gluten-free substitutes are not mentioned in this recipe. • Baking Soda – Ensures the cookie cups rise beautifully; check freshness for best results. • Unsalted Butter – Contributes richness and moisture; use salted butter if you’re okay with a slight saltiness. • Eggs – Binds everything together; make sure they’re at room temperature for an even mix. • Vanilla Extract – Elevates the flavor profile; pure vanilla extract is suggested for best taste. • Rolled Oats – Creates that wonderful chewy texture; if using quick oats, note the change in texture. For the Glaze • Powdered Sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to finish; replace water with milk if you prefer a creamier glaze. • Water – A simple way to mix with powdered sugar for a light drizzle. These Apple Crisp Cookie Cups are just waiting to burst with flavor and comfort in every bite—you won’t want to miss out! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Apple Crisp Cookie Cups Step 1: Prepare Apple Filling Begin by peeling and chopping 3–4 Granny Smith apples and tossing them in a bowl with a splash of lemon juice. In a saucepan, combine equal parts brown and granulated sugar with cornstarch, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg, mixing in a cup of water. Place this mixture over medium heat, bringing it to a boil before adding the apple chunks. Stir gently as it simmers for 5–7 minutes until the apples are tender. Set this delicious filling aside to cool completely. Step 2: Make Oatmeal Cookie Cups In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, a sprinkle of salt, and a teaspoon of cinnamon. In a separate large mixing bowl, beat together ½ cup unsalted butter with ½ cup brown sugar and ½ cup granulated sugar until fluffy and creamy. Add in 1 egg and a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, mixing well before gradually incorporating the dry ingredients along with 1 ½ cups rolled oats, creating your cookie cup dough. Step 3: Bake Cookie Cups Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin to prevent sticking. Scoop generous amounts of the cookie dough into each cup, pressing it down gently to form little wells in the center. Bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the tops are set. As soon as they come out of the oven, use a small spoon to create deeper wells in each cookie cup to hold the filling. Step 4: Assemble Cookies Once the cookie cups have cooled for a few minutes, carefully remove them from the muffin tin and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. When they are ready, fill each cookie cup generously with the apple filling, making sure to let the warm, spiced apples overflow slightly for a delightful visual appeal. If desired, drizzle with a simple sugar glaze made from powdered sugar and water for an extra sweet finish. Make Ahead Options These Apple Crisp Cookie Cups are absolute lifesavers for busy cooks! You can prepare the apple filling up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Simply peel and chop your apples, toss them with lemon juice, and cook them with the sugars and spices until tender. Let the filling cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. As for the cookie cups, you can also bake them up to 3 days ahead; just ensure they are stored in an airtight container at room temperature to keep their texture intact. When you’re ready to serve, simply fill the cooled cookie cups with the apple mixture and drizzle with glaze for that perfect, fresh-baked taste—just as delicious as when they were first made! Expert Tips for Apple Crisp Cookie Cups Perfect Well Shape: Ensure you press down the cookie cups while still hot to create proper wells for the apple filling. Cool Completely: Allow the apple filling to cool entirely before assembly to prevent soggy cookie cups. Optional Filling: For ease, consider using store-bought apple pie filling when time is tight; it works beautifully in these cups. Reheat for Freshness: Warm up filled cups in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy that freshly baked taste again. Adjust Spices: Feel free to tweak the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg based on your taste preferences for the filling. Experiment with Fruit: Don’t hesitate to substitute apples with other fruits for a fun twist on the classic Apple Crisp Cookie Cups! What to Serve with Apple Crisp Cookie Cups Imagine the delight of treating your loved ones to a cozy evening filled with these delightful cookie cups and their perfect companions. Classic Vanilla Ice Cream: This chilled delight melts over warm cookie cups, providing a wonderfully creamy contrast to the spiced apples. Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy touch, making each bite even more indulgent and satisfying. Spiced Cider: A warm mug of spiced apple cider enhances the fall flavors, filling your kitchen with a familiar, comforting aroma reminiscent of autumn gatherings. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling homemade caramel over the top adds an extra layer of sweetness, echoing the rich flavors of caramelized apples in the filling. Chai Tea: The warm notes of chai infuse your evening with a cozy vibe, perfectly complementing the spices in the cookie cups. Maple Pecan Crunch: Serve alongside a bowl of crunchy maple pecans for added texture—a delightful contrast to the soft cookie cups and apple filling. Chocolate Drizzle: For a richer experience, a light chocolate drizzle can elevate the sweet side of these cookie cups, creating an unexpected yet delicious flavor profile. These suggested pairings not only enhance the experience of enjoying Apple Crisp Cookie Cups, but they also turn simple gatherings into memorable occasions filled with warmth and happiness. Apple Crisp Cookie Cups Variations Feel free to turn these delectable cookie cups into your own personalized masterpiece with these delightful twists! Canned Filling: Substitute fresh apples with canned apple pie filling for a quick and easy option. Just pop the can open and enjoy the same cozy flavors with less work. Berry Bliss: Use fresh or frozen berries like blueberries or raspberries for a fruity twist. The tartness of berries adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness. Peachy Keen: Switch the filling to peach preserves or fresh peaches for a summer-inspired treat. The juicy peaches create a refreshing variation that’s equally comforting. Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the cookie dough for added texture and crunch. It brings a beautiful nuttiness that pairs well with the apples. Spicy Surprise: Give your filling a kick by mixing in a pinch of cayenne or chili powder. This unexpected heat will surprise and delight the taste buds—perfect for adventurous eaters! Gourmet Glaze: Instead of a simple sugar glaze, mix in some maple syrup or caramel for a deliciously different topping. It enhances the flavors and adds an extra sweet layer. Oaty Delight: Substitute half of the rolled oats with crushed graham crackers to create a different texture in your cookie cups. This adds a delightful crunch and a hint of graham flavor. Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the finished cups. Chocolate pairs beautifully with the warm apple filling, taking these treats to the next level. Enjoy experimenting and crafting your unique version of these scrumptious Apple Crisp Cookie Cups! If you’re inspired by this fun fusion, be sure to check out my recipes for Cookie Dough Cheesecake or Cookies Cream Oreo for more delicious ideas! How to Store and Freeze Apple Crisp Cookie Cups Room Temperature: Keep cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their delightful freshness. Fridge: For longer storage, place in the fridge for up to a week. Just ensure they are tightly wrapped to avoid drying out. Freezer: Freeze unfilled cookie cups for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before filling with apple mixture for best results. Reheating: To enjoy a warm treat, microwave filled cookie cups for 10-15 seconds—perfect for reliving that homemade aroma! Apple Crisp Cookie Cups Recipe FAQs How do I select the best apples for the filling? Absolutely! For the best results, I recommend choosing Granny Smith apples, as their tartness beautifully balances the sweetness of sugars. You can also use Honeycrisp or Braeburn apples for a different flavor profile, but steer clear of very soft or mealy apples like Red Delicious, which may not hold their shape during cooking. How should I store leftover Apple Crisp Cookie Cups? Very simple! Store your cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to enjoy their freshness. If you want to keep them longer, you can place them in the refrigerator for about a week. Just ensure they are tightly wrapped to prevent them from drying out. Can I freeze Apple Crisp Cookie Cups? Absolutely! To freeze unfilled cookie cups, place them in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the fridge overnight before adding the apple filling. This method will help maintain their delightful texture. What should I do if my cookie cups fall apart after baking? No worries, it happens! If your cookie cups crumble, it could be due to not enough binding agents. Make sure to mix well, incorporating eggs fully into your dough. Additionally, ensure the butter is at room temperature so it blends smoothly. If you’re still having issues, consider adding a touch more oats or flour to help with structure. Can I adjust the recipe for dietary restrictions? Of course! If there are allergens, feel free to replace eggs with a flaxseed meal or applesauce for a vegan option. For gluten-free needs, you may try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but I recommend performing a test batch since it can affect texture. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need more suggestions! How do I make these cookie cups look more visually appealing for serving? Great question! Drizzling a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and water (or milk for creaminess) atop the filled cookie cups adds a delightful finishing touch. Additionally, you can top them with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or even a dollop of whipped cream right before serving to enhance their visual appeal and make them irresistibly inviting! Delightful Apple Crisp Cookie Cups for Cozy Fall Evenings Enjoy the comforting taste of Apple Crisp Cookie Cups, a delightful blend of oatmeal cookies and spiced apple pie. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes minsCooling Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 45 minutes mins Servings: 12 cookie cupsCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Apple Filling3-4 apples Granny Smith or Honeycrisp1 tablespoon Lemon Juice or lime juice1/2 cup Brown Sugar to taste1/2 cup Granulated Sugar2 tablespoons Cornstarch can substitute with all-purpose flour1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon to taste1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg optionalFor the Cookie Cups1 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour1 teaspoon Baking Soda check freshness1/2 cup Unsalted Butter can use salted1 large Egg room temperature1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract pure recommended1 1/2 cups Rolled Oats quick oats will change textureFor the Glaze1 cup Powdered Sugar can replace water with milk for creamier glaze2-3 tablespoons Water to mix with powdered sugar Equipment Muffin tinsaucepanMixing bowlsWhisk Method Step‑by‑Step InstructionsPrepare the apple filling by peeling and chopping the apples, tossing them with lemon juice. In a saucepan, mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg with water, then bring to boil before adding apples. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until tender. Cool completely.Make the oatmeal cookie cups by whisking flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. In another bowl, beat butter with brown and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, mix well, then incorporate the dry ingredients and oats.Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin and scoop the cookie dough into each cup, pressing down to create wells. Bake for approximately 15 minutes until golden brown. Create deeper wells after removing from oven.After cooling slightly, remove cookie cups from the tin and let cool completely. Fill each cup with apple filling, allowing it to overflow for visual appeal. Drizzle with the glaze if desired. Nutrition Serving: 1cookie cupCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 2gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 80mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 50IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg NotesPress cookie cups while hot for better wells. Use store-bought pie filling if short on time. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature, a week in the fridge, or freeze unfilled for 2 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
