Cherry Pie Cookie Cups: A Mini Dessert with Maximum Flavor

A Simple and Sweet Treat That’s Perfect for Any Occasion

Cherry Pie Cookie Cups are a delightful mini dessert that combines the ease of store-bought cookie dough with the classic flavors of cherry pie. These bite-sized treats feature a buttery sugar cookie “cup” filled with sweet and tart cherry pie filling. They’re incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal prep time. Perfect for parties, potlucks, bake sales, or a simple weeknight dessert, these cookie cups are sure to be a hit with everyone. The combination of textures and flavors – the soft, chewy cookie, the sweet and tangy filling, and the optional glaze – makes them irresistible.

A Recipe That’s Both Quick and Impressive

I first made these Cherry Pie Cookie Cups when I needed a quick and easy dessert to bring to a potluck. I wanted something that was both delicious and visually appealing, but I didn’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. These little cups were the perfect solution. They were so easy to assemble, and they looked so cute and festive. Everyone at the potluck loved them, and I received so many compliments. They were surprised at how simple the recipe was! Since then, these cookie cups have become one of my go-to desserts for any occasion. They’re always a crowd-pleaser, and they’re a fun and easy way to enjoy the flavors of cherry pie without the fuss of making a whole pie.

Ingredient Insights: Choosing the Right Ingredients for Convenience and Flavor

This recipe relies on convenience ingredients to create a delicious treat without a lot of effort. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Refrigerated Sugar Cookie Dough (1 roll, 16.5 oz): Provides the base for the cookie cups, offering a quick and easy shortcut.
  • Tip: Look for a good-quality refrigerated sugar cookie dough.
• Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Used for rolling the cookie dough balls, adding a touch of extra sweetness and a slightly crunchy texture to the exterior.
• Cherry Pie Filling (1 can, 21 oz): The star of the show, providing the sweet and tart cherry flavor.
  • Tip: Use your favorite brand of cherry pie filling.
  • Alternative: You can also use other flavors of pie filling, such as apple, blueberry, or peach.

For the Optional Glaze:

• Powdered Sugar (1 cup): The base of the glaze, providing sweetness.
• Melted Butter (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps create a smooth glaze.
• Milk (1-2 tablespoons): Used to thin out the glaze to a drizzling consistency.

Essential Equipment: Tools for Easy Cookie Cup Assembly and Baking

• Mini Muffin Tin (24 cups): For baking the cookie cups. Using a mini muffin tin creates the perfect bite-sized treats.
• Cooking Spray: For greasing the muffin tin to prevent sticking.
• Small Bowl: For rolling the cookie dough balls in sugar.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Spoon or Cookie Scoop: For portioning out the cookie dough and pie filling.
• Wire rack: For cooling.

The Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Cherry Pie Cookie Cup Perfection

Ingredients with Measurements

• 1 16.5 oz. roll refrigerated sugar cookie dough
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 21 oz. can cherry pie filling

Optional Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1-2 tablespoons milk

Detailed Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Muffin Tin: Setting the Stage for Baking

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare Muffin Tin: Generously spray a 24-cup mini muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray. This is crucial to prevent the cookie cups from sticking.

2. Prepare the Cookie Dough: Shaping the Cups

1. Divide Dough: Remove the refrigerated sugar cookie dough from its packaging. Divide the dough in half, and then cut each half into 12 equal slices. You should have 24 pieces of dough.
2. Roll into Balls: Roll each slice of cookie dough into a smooth ball.
3. Coat in Sugar: Place the granulated sugar in a small bowl. Roll each dough ball in the sugar until it’s evenly coated.

3. Place Dough in Muffin Tin: Creating the Cookie Cups

1. Arrange in Cups: Place each sugar-coated dough ball into a greased mini muffin cup.

4. Bake the Cookie Cups (First Bake): Forming the Base

1. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven.
2. Baking Time: Bake for 15 minutes.
   • Check for Doneness: The cookie cups should be lightly golden brown around the edges.

5. Create Indentations: Making Room for the Filling

1. Remove from Oven: Carefully remove the muffin tin from the oven.
2. Press Centers: While the cookie cups are still hot, use the back of a small spoon, the handle of a wooden spoon, or your thumb to gently press down the center of each cookie cup, creating a small indentation or well. This will create space for the cherry pie filling.

6. Fill the Cookie Cups: Adding the Cherry Filling

1. Add Filling: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of cherry pie filling into the indentation of each cookie cup.
   • Tip: Don’t overfill the cups, or the filling may spill over during baking.

7. Bake Again (Second Bake): Setting the Filling

1. Return to Oven: Return the muffin tin to the oven.
2. Bake: Bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and bubbly.

8. Cool and Glaze (Optional): The Finishing Touches

1. Cool Slightly: Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the Cherry Pie Cookie Cups cool in the tin for a few minutes before removing them.
2. Prepare Glaze (Optional): While the cookie cups are cooling, you can make the optional glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, melted butter, and milk until smooth. Add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency.
3. Drizzle with Glaze (Optional): Once the cookie cups have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the tops.
4. Cool Completely: Let cool on wire rack.

9. Serve and Enjoy: Savoring Your Homemade Treat

1. Serve: Serve the Cherry Pie Cookie Cups warm or at room temperature.

Troubleshooting Common Problems: Tips for Success

• Cookie Cups Sticking:
  • Problem: The cookie cups are sticking to the muffin tin.
  • Solutions: Make sure to grease the muffin tin generously with non-stick cooking spray.
• Filling Spilling Over:
  • Problem: The cherry pie filling spills over the edges of the cookie cups during baking.
  • Solutions: Don’t overfill the cookie cups with filling.
• Cookie Cups Too Hard:
  • Problem: The cookie cups are hard and crunchy instead of soft and chewy.
  • Solutions: Don’t overbake the cookies.

Tips and Variations: Customize Your Cherry Pie Cookie Cups

• Different Pie Filling: Use other flavors of pie filling, such as apple, blueberry, peach, or strawberry.
• Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds over the cookie cups before baking for added texture and flavor.
• Cream Cheese Filling: Add a dollop of sweetened cream cheese to the center of each cookie cup before adding the cherry pie filling for a cheesecake-like twist.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookie cups for an extra touch of decadence.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough for a warm, spiced flavor.

Serving Suggestions: A Versatile Treat for Many Occasions

• Dessert: Serve these cookie cups as a fun and easy dessert.
• Party Food: Perfect for serving at parties, potlucks, or bake sales.
• Afternoon Snack: Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for a sweet treat.
• Holiday Baking: A festive addition to your holiday dessert spread.
• Lunchbox: Pack in lunchboxes as a treat.

Pairing Recommendations: Drinks and Complements

• Drinks:
  • Milk: A cold glass of milk is a classic pairing for cookies.
  • Coffee: Complements the sweetness of the cookie cups.
  • Tea: A warm cup of tea, especially a fruit tea, pairs well with the cherry flavor.
• Sides:
  • Ice Cream: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special dessert.
  • Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a touch of lightness.
  • Fresh Fruit: A side of fresh berries provides a refreshing contrast.

Nutritional Information: A Sweet Treat

Per serving (1 cookie cup, approximate, will vary based on size and specific ingredients): Calories: 150-200, Fat: 7-10g, Carbohydrates: 20-25g, Protein: 2-3g. (Note: This is an approximation and may vary based on the specific ingredients used).

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Your Cherry Pie Cookie Cup Questions Answered

• Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
  • A: Yes, you can bake the cookie cups a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also make and freeze the dough.
• Q: How do I store leftovers?
  • A: Store leftover cookie cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Q: Can I freeze these cookie cups?
  • A: Yes, you can freeze the baked and cooled cookie cups for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. Thaw at room temperature or reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
• Q: Can I use a different type of cookie dough?
  • A: Yes, you can, but this recipe calls for a sugar cookie base.
• Q: Can I use a different type of pie filling?
  • A: Absolutely! Apple, blueberry, peach, or any other fruit pie filling would be delicious.
• Q: What if I don’t have a mini muffin tin?
  • A: You can use a regular muffin tin, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time and the amount of filling per cup.
• Q: Can I make these without the glaze?
  • A: Yes, the glaze is optional.
• Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
  • A: You would need to use a gluten-free alternative for the refrigerated cookie dough.
• Q: Can I make these vegan?
  • A: You would need to find a vegan alternative for the refrigerated cookie dough, butter, and ensure the pie filling is also vegan.
• Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
  • A: You can reheat leftovers in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
• Q: Can I add nuts to the recipe?
• A: Yes, chopped nuts can be added to the cookie dough or sprinkled on top.
• Q: How do I prevent the cookie cups from sticking to the pan?
• A: Make sure to generously grease the muffin tin.