Caramel Apple Pie Cookie Cups

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups apple pie filling
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cup granulated sugar (for caramel)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (for caramel)
• ½ cup heavy cream (for caramel)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for caramel)
• Pinch of salt (for caramel)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
5. Grease a muffin tin or use silicone muffin cups to prevent sticking.
6. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough into each muffin cup, pressing it down to form a cup shape.
7. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
8. While the cookie cups cool, combine your apple pie filling with the ground cinnamon and lemon juice.
9. Once the cookie cups have cooled slightly, spoon the apple filling into each well, packing them gently.
10. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar, stirring constantly until it turns a deep amber color.
11. Remove from heat and quickly whisk in the butter until melted. Carefully add the heavy cream and stir until smooth.
12. Drizzle the warm caramel sauce generously over each filled cookie cup.