Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are pure autumn joy in a bite-sized package: tender sugar cookie shells cradling warm, buttery apples, all swirled with luscious caramel and topped with pillowy whipped cream. They’re irresistibly easy to make, perfect for gatherings or after-dinner treats, and pack all that nostalgic caramel apple flavor into a delightfully flaky cookie cup. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just looking for a new favorite, these Caramel Apple Dessert Cups deliver coziness, crunch, and gooey caramel in every single bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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For the Cookie Cups:
- 1 package (16.5 oz) refrigerated sugar cookie dough
For the Caramel Apple Filling:
- 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and finely diced)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp nutmeg
- ½ cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- Whipped cream for topping (optional)
How to Make Caramel Apple Dessert Cups
Step 1: Prep the Cookie Cups
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and giving your mini muffin tin a quick greasing—no one wants a stuck cookie! Slice the sugar cookie dough into 24 equal pieces (eyeball it, or use a kitchen scale if you’re a perfectionist), then roll each chunk into a little ball. Use your fingers to gently press each ball into a muffin cup, making a well in the center to hold the filling later. This is the magic that turns ordinary cookie dough into the sturdy, golden “cup” for the Caramel Apple Dessert Cups.
Step 2: Bake and Shape
Once your dough is nestled in the mini muffin tin, bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cups look puffed and just golden on the edges. While they’re hot and soft, grab the back of a spoon and very gently press down the centers—making the perfect little pocket for all that gooey apple filling. It’s okay if the sides crack a bit; rustic charm is part of the fun! Let the cookie cups cool completely in the pan so they set up firm enough to hold the filling.
Step 3: Make the Caramel Apple Filling
While the cookie cups cool, grab a skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, stirring until the kitchen smells like heaven. After about 6–8 minutes, the apples should be tender and glossy with syrup. Stir in the caramel sauce, letting everything bubble together for just a minute more, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Your Caramel Apple Dessert Cups filling should look gooey and irresistible!
Step 4: Assemble the Dessert Cups
Carefully pop the cooled cookie cups out of the tin, and spoon a generous mound of caramel apple filling into each one. If you want to get super fancy, pipe the whipped cream on top; otherwise, a spoonful does the trick. Finish with a drizzle of extra caramel sauce (no such thing as too much caramel) and these Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are ready to steal the show.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Dessert Cups
Garnishes
Dress up each Caramel Apple Dessert Cup with a big swoop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a finishing pinch of sea salt for a modern twist. Try adding chopped pecans or a dusting of powdered sugar for a little extra wow factor—they turn these bites into the prettiest treats on the table.
Side Dishes
These Caramel Apple Dessert Cups shine solo, but if you want to build a dessert spread, pair them with spiced pecans, a platter of fresh berries, or a few scoops of vanilla bean ice cream. A spiced chai or mulled cider on the side is the ultimate cozy combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the dessert cups on a rustic wooden board for a party, or pile them into a vintage cake stand for impact. You can also serve them in individual cupcake liners for grab-and-go ease, or set up a DIY topping bar so people can add nuts, caramel, or chocolate chips as they like. No matter what, Caramel Apple Dessert Cups always look and taste like a celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once assembled, it’s best to enjoy these within a day—the cookie cups stay crispest this way. If you do have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge for up to two days. The filling stays rich and gooey, and the flavors just get cozier.
Freezing
Want to prep ahead? Bake the cookie cups and make the apple filling separately—freeze each component in airtight containers for up to one month. When you’re ready for a treat, let them thaw at room temperature, then fill and garnish as needed. Assembled Caramel Apple Dessert Cups don’t freeze well (they get soggy), so build them right before serving.
Reheating
If you’d like to serve these warm, gently reheat the apple filling in the microwave or on the stovetop before spooning into the cooled cookie cups. The cookie shells are best enjoyed at room temperature, but you can warm them for a few seconds in the microwave if you’d like a soft, just-baked touch. Top with cream and caramel after heating.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cookie dough instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite sugar cookie recipe, feel free to use it. Just make sure you’re using enough for 24 mini cups and keep in mind that homemade dough might spread a bit more, so chill it well before shaping.
What kind of apples are best for Caramel Apple Dessert Cups?
Tart apples like Granny Smith are my top pick—they bring a nice balance to the sweet caramel, and hold their shape after cooking. If you’re after a sweeter filling, try Honeycrisp or Fuji for extra crunch and flavor.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free sugar cookie dough (store-bought or homemade), and double-check that your caramel sauce is gluten-free. The filling itself is naturally gluten-free, so it’s a simple swap.
How far in advance can I make them?
You can bake the cookie cups and cook the apple filling up to two days ahead—store them separately for best results. Fill and garnish just before serving for that fresh, crisp bite everyone loves in Caramel Apple Dessert Cups.
Can I serve these cold?
Definitely! They’re delicious either at room temperature or chilled from the fridge. If you prefer a cold and creamy treat, just make sure the filling is completely cool before you spoon it into the cookie cups.
Final Thoughts
Don’t wait for a special occasion—these Caramel Apple Dessert Cups come together so fast, and bring all the cozy, caramel-drizzled flavor you crave into a perfect little bite. Gather your family, grab some apples, and let these sweet treats become a new classic in your dessert rotation!
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Caramel Apple Dessert Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 dessert cups
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Caramel Apple Dessert Cups, a delightful treat featuring a buttery cookie cup filled with spiced caramel apples and topped with whipped cream. Perfect for fall gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Cups:
- 1 package (16.5 oz) refrigerated sugar cookie dough
For the Caramel Apple Filling:
- 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and finely diced)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp nutmeg
- ½ cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- Whipped cream for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a mini muffin tin. Slice cookie dough into 24 pieces, roll into balls, and press into muffin cups.
- Bake the Cookie Cups: Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden. Press centers with a spoon to create cups. Cool in pan.
- Make the Caramel Apple Filling: Cook apples, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until soft. Stir in caramel sauce.
- Fill the Cups: Spoon the apple mixture into the cookie cups. Top with whipped cream and extra caramel.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately or refrigerate until serving.
Notes
- Opt for tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced flavor.
- Best served the same day, but components can be prepared ahead.
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