Mini Apple Pie Cookie Cups Recipe

Let's make some heartwarming Mini Apple Pie Cookie Cups together! Remember, a clean kitchen is a happy kitchen, so let’s keep things tidy as we go. Ready? Let’s start this sweet adventure!

Ingredients:

• For the Cookie Cups:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (let's keep our hands clean while handling it)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed (for a lovely caramel hint)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs (make sure they're fresh)
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch of nutmeg
• For the Apple Filling:
  • 2 cups finely chopped apples (wash them well)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • A pinch of nutmeg

Baking Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven to 350°F:

   • While the oven warms up, let’s put on our aprons and wash our hands, shall we?

2. Making the Dough:

   • In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars. Add in the eggs and vanilla, mixing just until combined. Remember, cleanliness first - wipe up any spills!
   • In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add this to the butter mixture, stirring gently. Let’s keep the counter flour-free by cleaning as we go.

3. Preparing Apple Filling:

   • Mix the chopped apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Set aside, but first, let's tidy up any apple peels or cores.

4. Assembling the Cups:

   • Grease a mini muffin tin (a little butter on a paper towel does the trick).
   • Take small balls of dough and press them into each muffin cup, forming a cup shape. It’s okay to get your hands a bit doughy, just remember to wash them after!

5. Adding the Filling:

   • Spoon the apple filling into each dough cup. If you have a little one helping, this is a fun task for them!

6. Baking Time:

   • Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. While they’re baking, let’s wipe down the counters and wash any used bowls.

7. Cooling Down:

   • Allow the cookie cups to cool in the tin for a few minutes. Then, with clean hands, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

🧹 Clean-Up Tips:

• Wash As You Go: Keep a bowl of soapy water in the sink for quick washing of utensils.
• Wiping Down: After each step, take a moment to wipe down your counters.
• Teaching Moments: If you're baking with children, use this as an opportunity to teach them about cleaning up after themselves.

🍪 Final Touch:

Serve these adorable Mini Apple Pie Cookie Cups with a warm smile. They’re perfect for sharing with loved ones. Remember, baking is not just about the delicious treats, but also about the love and care we put into making them. Enjoy your baking, dear friends, and cherish the clean and joyful kitchen you’ve maintained throughout this process. Happy baking! 🍏🍪💕