These Apple Pie Cookies are like tiny bits of joy wrapped in a flaky crust. Filled with sweet apples and warm spices, they are perfect for any occasion!
Honestly, they taste just like a slice of apple pie but in cookie form. Plus, they are fun to make and even more fun to eat. I sometimes share them, but not always! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of the cookies. If you need a gluten-free option, almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend works well, just remember it may slightly change the texture.
Apples: Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great for their tartness and crunch. You can also use Fuji or Braeburn apples if you prefer a sweeter flavor. If fresh apples aren’t available, canned apple pie filling could be a quick alternative.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives better control over the cookie’s salt levels. If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute in the same amount.
Caramel sauce: While store-bought provides convenience, homemade caramel adds a personal touch. For a lighter option, try a drizzle of agave syrup or maple syrup!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Cookie Texture?
The cookie texture blends a chewy base with a soft apple topping. To get this just right, here are my tips:
- Don’t overmix the cookie dough after adding the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to keep the cookies tender.
- Using softened butter helps achieve that nice fluffy consistency. If you forget to take it out early, you can microwave it for a few seconds (but be careful not to melt it).
- When placing the apple chunks, press them slightly into the dough to ensure they stick during baking.
Keeping these in mind will help you bake delightful apple pie cookies every time! Enjoy the process as much as the delicious results!
Apple Pie Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced into small chunks
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to toss apples)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for apple mixture)
For the Topping:
- Caramel sauce for drizzling (store-bought or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to let the cookies cool for a few minutes before drizzling on the caramel sauce. Altogether, you’re looking at about 40 minutes from start to finish for these delicious cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While waiting, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to make sure the cookies don’t stick.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. This mixture will add flavor and structure to your cookies. Set it aside for later.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using a mixer, cream these together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process helps incorporate air, making your cookies nice and soft.
4. Mix in the Egg and Vanilla:
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat everything together until it is fully blended.
5. Combine the Mixtures:
Gradually add your dry ingredient mix to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined. You want to avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
6. Prepare the Apples:
In another bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Let them sit for about 10 minutes. This allows the apples to soak up the flavors and get a little sweeter.
7. Shape the Cookies:
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread.
8. Flatten and Top with Apples:
Slightly flatten each ball of dough using the back of a spoon or your fingers. Now, take 3-4 apple chunks and arrange them on top of each cookie, gently pressing them into the dough.
9. Bake the Cookies:
Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they are done when the edges start to turn golden, and the cookies look set in the center.
10. Cooling Time:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Drizzle with Caramel:
Once the cookies are cool, take your caramel sauce and drizzle it generously over each cookie. The sweet, sticky topping adds the perfect finishing touch!
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Your delicious apple pie cookies are now ready to enjoy! Serve them warm or at room temperature. They’re sure to be a hit with everyone!
These cookies combine the best of apple pie and cookie goodness, making for a delightful dessert treat. Enjoy your baking adventure!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices for their balance of tartness and sweetness, you can use any variety you like. Fuji or Braeburn apples also work well for a sweeter cookie!
Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just roll the dough into balls and keep them covered. Bake them fresh when you’re ready to enjoy!
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to eat!
What If I Don’t Have Caramel Sauce?
If you’re out of caramel sauce, you can drizzle melted chocolate or even a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk as an alternative topping. They’ll still taste delicious!