Apple Pie Cookies are a fun twist on the classic dessert! They have a sweet, spiced apple filling tucked inside a flaky cookie crust. Perfect for sharing or a tasty treat any time!
These cookies remind me of cozy fall days, and I can’t resist making a batch. They’re super easy to whip up, and everyone loves them—especially with a scoop of ice cream on top! 🍏🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your cookies. If you’re gluten-free, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and you won’t miss a beat.
Unsalted Butter: I always use unsalted to control the saltiness. You can substitute with coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
Apples: Granny Smith apples are tart and maintain their shape well, but Honeycrisp or Fuji apples are also great, adding a touch of sweetness. Feel free to mix types for a more complex flavor!
Cream of Tartar: This helps give the cookies a nice rise. If you don’t have it, you can skip it or use an equal amount of lemon juice or vinegar for a similar effect.
Caramel Sauce: Store-bought is convenient, but homemade caramel can be so much better! If you’re looking for a lighter option, try a drizzle of maple syrup instead.
How Do I Achieve Chewy and Fluffy Cookies?
Getting the right texture can be tricky, but following these steps will help! Here’s what you should keep in mind:
- **Creaming Butter and Sugars:** Make sure to beat the butter and sugars until they’re light and fluffy. This incorporates air, setting the stage for a nice rise.
- **Chilling the Dough (Optional):** If you have time, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. It helps the flavors meld and leads to a thicker cookie.
- **Baking Time:** Watch closely. These cookies should be set but not browned. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a bit soft right out of the oven.
With these tips, your Apple Pie Cookies will turn out perfectly every time! Enjoy the baking process and the delicious smell as they fill your kitchen!
How to Make Apple Pie Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Apple Pie Filling:
- 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1/4 cup water (if needed)
For the Caramel Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and around 12 minutes to bake. After that, allow the cookies to cool slightly before enjoying them, which takes just a bit longer. All in all, you’ll be enjoying your Apple Pie Cookies in roughly 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This is important so that the leavening agents are evenly distributed. Set the mixture aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this should take about 2-3 minutes. It’s a fun part where you see the texture change dramatically!
4. Add Egg and Vanilla:
Next, add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix everything together until combined well; this gives your cookies great flavor!
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is combined. Don’t overmix; the dough should be soft yet manageable.
6. Shape the Cookies:
Roll the dough into 1.5-inch balls and space them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Use your thumb or a small spoon to gently create a small well in the center of each cookie for the filling.
7. Bake the Cookies:
Bake your cookies for about 10-12 minutes. They should be set but not browned. Once baked, take them out and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet.
8. Prepare the Apple Filling:
While the cookies are cooling, make your apple pie filling. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and add the diced apples, lemon juice, sugars, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir to combine.
9. Cook the Apples:
Cook the apples for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until tender but still firm. If the mixture seems too thin, mix cornstarch with a little water and add it to the apples for thickening. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
10. Fill the Cookies:
Once the cookies have cooled a bit, spoon a generous amount of warm apple filling into the indentation you made in each cookie.
11. Drizzle with Caramel:
Finish by drizzling caramel sauce over the filled cookies. This adds a luscious touch to your delightful treats.
12. Cool and Serve:
Let the cookies cool completely to set the filling and caramel. Serve these delicious Apple Pie Cookies warm or at room temperature, and enjoy every bite!
These cookies make for a delicious dessert that combines a chewy, spiced cookie base, sweet cinnamon apples, and a decadent caramel drizzle—an irresistible twist on classic apple pie!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are perfect for their tartness and ability to hold shape, Honeycrisp or Fuji apples work great too. Feel free to mix your favorites for added flavor!
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresher for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just warm them slightly in the microwave before serving.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before rolling and baking.
What Can I Use Instead of Cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch on hand, you can use all-purpose flour as a thickener, although the texture may be slightly different. Alternatively, arrowroot powder works well too if you’re looking for a gluten-free option.
