Name: Apple Pecan Cookie Cups with Caramelized Apple Filling Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounce cream cheese, softened; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup all-purpose flour; ¼ cup powdered sugar; 1 large egg; ¾ cup brown sugar; ½ cup pecans, chopped; ½ cup apples, peeled and diced small; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; Powdered sugar for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 289 reviews

Let me introduce you to my all-time favorite fall treat: the Apple Pecan Cookie Cups with Caramelized Apple Filling Recipe. These bite-sized delights bring together a creamy, tender cookie crust with a luscious filling of caramelized apples and crunchy pecans that will have you coming back for more. Perfectly balanced with a hint of cinnamon and just the right amount of sweetness, this recipe feels like cozy autumn in every single bite. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party or just craving a warm, comforting treat, these cookie cups are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will make your kitchen smell like heaven.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface filled with five separate layers of ingredients. On the left, there is a whole raw egg with a bright yellow yolk and clear egg white. Next to it, there are small pale yellow apple cubes arranged in a neat pile. In the lower center, there is a mound of light brown sugar with a soft, grainy texture. To the right of the sugar, there is a small pile of ground cinnamon displaying a rich brown color. Finally, there is a heap of chopped pecans with a mix of dark and light brown pieces, showing some texture and irregular shapes. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Apple Pecan Cookie Cups with Caramelized Apple Filling Recipe comes down to some simple but incredibly important ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the perfect textural contrast and flavor harmony — creamy cream cheese for richness, tender apples for sweetness, and crunchy pecans for that essential nutty crunch.

Cream cheese: Softened to blend perfectly into the tender cookie crust, giving it a smooth and tangy base.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create the perfect cookie texture without overpowering any flavors.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie crust, providing structure and a light, tender crumb.
Powdered sugar: Twice used here — once in the crust for delicate sweetness and at the end for a pretty dusting.
Large egg: Binds the filling ingredients together, helping it set while baking.
Brown sugar: Sweetens the caramelized apple filling and adds a wonderful molasses depth.
Pecans: Chopped for a satisfying, crunchy texture that perfectly complements the softness of the apples.
Apples: Peeled and diced small to ensure every bite has those tender, juicy fruit pockets bursting with flavor.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances the sweet apple notes.
Ground cinnamon: A classic spice that brings cozy, aromatic spice to every mouthful.

How to Make Apple Pecan Cookie Cups with Caramelized Apple Filling Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Cookie Crust

Start by beating together your softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy. This creamy combination forms the base of your cookie crust and ensures a tender bite. Next, incorporate the flour and powdered sugar gradually, mixing until everything becomes a soft dough. Don’t forget to wrap the dough in plastic wrap before popping it in the freezer — chilling is key for shaping perfect cookie cups later.

Step 2: Mix the Caramelized Apple Filling

While the dough chills, prepare the filling by gently combining the egg, brown sugar, chopped pecans, diced apples, vanilla extract, and grounded cinnamon. Use a fork to mix gently—overmixing could break the delicate apple pieces, but you want all ingredients well-distributed to get a balanced, caramelized flavor throughout.

Step 3: Shape the Cookie Cups

After your dough has been chilling for an hour, scoop out about one tablespoon per cookie and roll each into a ball. Then press each ball into a mini muffin pan cup, using your fingertips or a tart shaper to gently press the dough along the bottom and up the sides without going over the edge. This forms the perfect little crust cups that will hold all your delicious filling.

Step 4: Fill and Bake

Fill each cookie cup with about one teaspoon of the caramelized apple mixture, being careful not to overfill to avoid bubbling over. Bake your cookie cups in a 375°F oven for about 20 minutes until golden and bubbling slightly. Once out of the oven, cool them in the pan for 15 to 20 minutes to let the filling set up nicely and avoid messy spills.

Step 5: Final Touch and Serving

Once they’ve cooled and popped out of the pan, sprinkle the cookie cups with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful finishing touch. These little treats are lovely right out of the oven or at room temperature, perfect for sharing or savoring solo with your favorite hot drink.

How to Serve Apple Pecan Cookie Cups with Caramelized Apple Filling Recipe

A close-up of many small round tarts stacked closely together on a white plate, each tart has three visible layers: a light golden flaky crust forming the base and sides, a dark brown nut filling layer full of chopped nuts and syrupy bits in the middle, and a light dusting of white powdered sugar sprinkled over the top. Some small pieces of nuts are scattered around the plate. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of chopped pecans or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce takes these cookie cups to the next level of deliciousness. A dollop of whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream also makes a wonderful accompaniment, adding creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the slightly spiced filling.

Side Dishes

These cookie cups are wonderful on their own but also pair delightfully with a cup of hot apple cider or a spiced chai latte. For an extra special gathering, serving alongside a cheese platter featuring sharp cheddar can be an unexpected but delightful combo that brings out the rich pecan and apple flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, arrange your Apple Pecan Cookie Cups on a pretty platter lined with cinnamon sticks and fresh apple slices. You can also serve them in individual mini cupcake liners for easy grabbing or as part of a dessert buffet with other small bites. Presentation is fun and can make these little treats look even more inviting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, these cookie cups keep wonderfully in an airtight container stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keeping them chilled preserves the texture of the creamy crust and the luscious apple filling.

Freezing

Want to make these ahead of time for a special occasion? Simply freeze them in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, just thaw them slowly in the fridge overnight to maintain their texture and glorious flavor.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly baked warmth, reheat your cookie cups in a preheated oven at 325°F for about 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the crust soggy and affect the texture of the caramelized filling.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work wonderfully and provide a similar crunchy texture, but pecans are classic for this recipe’s flavor profile.

What type of apples should I use?

Granny Smith apples are perfect because their tartness balances the sweet filling, but Pink Lady or even Honeycrisp apples are excellent choices if you prefer a milder sweetness.

Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?

Yes, chilling the dough helps it firm up and makes it much easier to shape into cups without sticking or spreading too much during baking.

Can I make the filling without the egg?

The egg helps bind the filling and gives structure as it bakes; skipping it might result in a runnier filling, so it’s best to keep it in for the best texture.

How do I prevent the filling from bubbling over?

Placing the mini muffin pan on a baking sheet lined with foil will catch any spills, and filling just one teaspoon per cup helps prevent overflow.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Pecan Cookie Cups with Caramelized Apple Filling Recipe is truly a little slice of autumn joy that combines texture, flavor, and warm nostalgia into one unforgettable treat. Once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your recipe box for any holiday, family get-together, or cozy evening at home. Trust me, these sweet little cups are worth every single step — so grab your ingredients and dive into this delicious adventure right away!