Mini Apple Pie Cookie Cups

This mini apple pie cookie cup recipe delivers all the cozy flavor of classic apple pie in a cute, hand-held treat. It is the ultimate answer when you want easy prep, effortless serving, and guaranteed smiles at your holiday table or backyard picnic. No rolling pin or pie plate required.

I made these on a whim for Thanksgiving when my oven was packed with other dishes and now these sweet little pies are my most-requested holiday treat from friends and family. They bake up fast and make your kitchen smell incredible.

Ingredients

• Sugar cookie dough: Choose a good-quality refrigerated dough for the best cookie cup texture I like Pillsbury and also recommend any with real butter for flavor
• Apples: Go for a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp Peel core and chop into small pieces so they fit the cups well and cook evenly
• Butter: Unsalted is best for both the filling and crumb topping Cold butter will give your topping a nice crumble
• Flour: All-purpose flour thickens the filling and creates tender structure in the crumb Use fresh flour for best results
• Brown sugar: Pack it in the measuring cup for warm flavor depth
• Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness especially if your apples are tart
• Apple pie spice or cinnamon: Go for fresh and fragrant spices or blend your own with cinnamon nutmeg allspice and cloves
• Optional toppings: Spoon over caramel sauce or add a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a decadent finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get the Oven and Tin Ready:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F Spray a muffin tin well with baking spray to prevent sticking or brush with butter getting all the way into the corners

Shape the Cookie Crusts:

Slice your cookie dough into 12 even pieces Roll each into a ball then gently press into each muffin well making sure to cover the bottom and push some dough up the sides for a stable crust

Bake the Cookie Cups:

Bake for about 10 minutes until the edges are just golden Let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes so they firm up before filling

Make the Apple Pie Filling:

Melt butter in a skillet on medium heat Add the chopped apples and cook stirring often until they begin to soften around 5 minutes Stir in flour sugars and apple pie spice Cook for another 3 minutes until the apples are tender and everything is thick and syrupy

Prepare the Crumb Topping:

Cut cold butter into flour brown sugar and cinnamon using a fork until it forms chunky crumbs You want small and large bits for the best texture

Fill and Bake Again:

Spoon warm apple pie filling into the baked cookie cups Top generously with crumb mixture Return to the oven and bake another 10 minutes until the topping is crisp and golden

Cool and Serve:

Let the cookie cups cool in the pan for a few minutes Run a small spatula or butter knife around the edges to help them release Serve warm or at room temperature with your favorite toppings

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My favorite part is the crumb topping I love sneaking a few golden crumbs to taste while the cups cool. Last Christmas my kids helped sprinkle the crumbs over each pie and it has become a little tradition now.

Storage Tips

Store mini apple pie cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days For longer storage keep them refrigerated up to four days They stay tender and moist If stacking separate layers with wax paper so the tops do not stick together

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to use homemade sugar cookie dough it works beautifully with the same method For gluten free baking swap for a good gluten free cookie dough and use cornstarch instead of flour in the filling You can also use canned apple pie filling in a pinch just give it a quick chop for smaller pieces

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Serving Suggestions

These cookies are perfect served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream Try a drizzle of caramel for an extra treat They are also lovely with whipped cream for a lighter finish The mini size makes them ideal for dessert tables or on the go snacking

Cultural History

Apple pie holds a special place in American celebrations from Thanksgiving to Fourth of July This mini version brings the comfort and nostalgia of apple pie to modern gatherings letting everyone enjoy a personal serving without the typical hassle of slicing and serving a whole pie

Commonly Asked Questions

→ Which apples work best for the filling?

Granny Smith and Honey Crisp apples offer a great balance of tartness and sweetness, but any crisp, flavorful variety can be used.

→ Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough?

Absolutely! Homemade or store-bought sugar cookie dough both yield delicious, tender crusts for the cups.

→ How should I serve these apple cookie cups?

They’re best enjoyed warm, topped with ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel for extra indulgence.

→ Do the cups freeze well?

Yes, allow them to cool completely before freezing. Store in an airtight container for up to three months.

→ What’s the trick to easily removing cookie cups from the pan?

Use a well-greased muffin tin, and gently loosen cups with an offset spatula or butter knife for clean removal.

→ Can canned apple filling be substituted?

In a pinch, canned apple filling is a convenient swap for homemade, shortening prep and still delivering great flavor.