Apple Cheesecake Cookie Cups
The ultimate comfort food, Apple Cheesecake Cookie Cups are creamy, crispy, and easy to make. With a delightful apple filling and cheesecake flavor, these treats are perfect for any gathering. Make them tonight for a sweet surprise!
Equipment
- Frying Pan
- Oven
- Peeler
- Wooden Spoon
- Cutting Board
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted Challenge Butter
- 4 ounces Challenge Cream Cheese
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 large Granny Smith Apple peeled, cored, and diced small
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. It's essential to get your oven hot before baking so that your cookie cups rise properly. While the oven is warming, grab your mini muffin pans and spray them generously with nonstick cooking spray. This will ensure that your cookie cups come out easily after baking.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and cream cheese together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step typically takes about 2 to 3 minutes. You want to make sure there are no lumps, as this will affect the texture of your final product.
- Once smooth, gradually mix in the brown sugar until the mixture becomes creamy. This will take another 2 minutes. The brown sugar adds a lovely caramel flavor that pairs beautifully with the apples. Next, incorporate the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Now, it’s time to add the dry ingredients. Add in the baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt, mixing until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cookie cups dense.
- Slowly add the all-purpose flour to the mixture. You can do this in increments, allowing the dough to form naturally. Once the dough has come together, gently fold in the diced Granny Smith apple pieces. They’ll provide that delightful texture and flavor contrast in your cookie cups.
- Using a cookie scoop or your hands, scoop about 2 tablespoons of the dough into each muffin cavity. Press down lightly to compact the dough, but don’t overdo it; you want them to have a bit of air for baking.
- Place the muffin pans in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 20 minutes. The cookies are done when they are golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
- Once baked, remove the muffin pans from the oven and let them cool for at least 10 minutes before attempting to remove the cookie cups. This cooling time allows them to set properly.
- Transfer the cooled cookie cups to a wire rack to cool completely. They can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or you can freeze them for up to one month. If you’re serving them for a special occasion, consider dusting with powdered sugar right before serving for that extra touch!
Notes
- Tip 1: Store leftover cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be refrigerated for freshness.
- Tip 2: To freeze, ensure they are completely cooled, then place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. They can last for up to one month frozen.
- Tip 3: Experiment by adding spices like nutmeg or allspice for a different flavor profile.
- Tip 4: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for a gooey surprise.
- Tip 5: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free treat.