Caramel Apple Gingerbread Cookie Cups

By Aimee Broussard

Prep Time:

30m

Bake/Cook Time:

10m

Yield:

24 cookie cups

Craving apple pie and gingerbread cookies at the same time? Combine them in these easy to make, fun to serve, Caramel Apple Gingerbread Cookie Cups. All the flavors of Fall combined to create one fantastic hand-held treat.

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Products Used

Extra Fine Granulated Pure Cane Sugar Bag

Light Brown Sugar Poly Bag

Ingredients

Gingerbread Cookie Cups

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup Dixie Crystals Extra Fine Granulated Sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup molasses
2 cups all-purpose flour*
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon each ground ginger, cloves, nutmeg

Caramel Apple Filling

3 1/2 cups apples, peeled and chopped into small cubes
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 tablespoons Dixie Crystals Light Brown Sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
8-10 soft caramels

Whipped Topping

1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

*Spoon & Sweep method: Use a spoon to fill measuring cup with flour until required amount is obtained. Scooping measuring cup directly into flour bag will firmly pack flour resulting in too much flour required for recipe.

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F degrees. Spray a mini muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
Add butter and sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer and beat on medium until light and fluffy. Add egg and molasses and continue to beat, scraping down sides of bowl several times.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. Add dry ingredients, a little at a time, mixing until just combined.
Using a mini cookie scoop (or about a tablespoon full), roll dough into small balls. Drop each ball into prepared mini muffin tin and use back of a teaspoon to press an indentation into center of dough ball.
Bake for 10 minutes.
While cookie cups are still hot, use the same teaspoon to press down centers of each cup. Allow to cool before removing from muffin tin.
Prepare caramel apple filling: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and ginger; mix well. Add apples, stirring to combine and cook, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes. Add caramels and continue to cook until completely melted and apples are fork tender. Remove from heat.
Prepare whipped topping. In the bowl of a stand mixer, whip together ingredients until stiff peaks form being careful not to over-beat.
To assemble, remove caramel apple filling with a slotted spoon and evenly divide between gingerbread cups. Top with whipped topping and garnish with a pecan (if desired).