Apple Pie Cookies are a delightful treat that combine the flavors of traditional apple pie into a fun, handheld cookie. With their spiced apple filling, crunchy crumble topping, and a drizzle of salted caramel, these cookies are perfect for fall gatherings, holiday parties, or simply enjoying at home. Their unique combination of textures and flavors makes them a standout dessert that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The blend of warm spices and sweet apples creates a nostalgic taste that reminds you of homemade apple pie.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and can be tackled by bakers of all skill levels.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to festive celebrations.
- Make Ahead Option: Both the dough and filling can be prepared in advance, making it easy to whip up these cookies when you’re ready.
- Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add nuts or different spices to suit your taste!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Cookie scoop
- Medium saucepan
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: Helps achieve creamy butter and sugar mixture easily, ensuring great texture for the cookies.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without spills.
- Cookie scoop: Allows uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: Prevents sticking and aids in easy cleanup.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 1 cup salted butter, softened at room temperature (226 grams)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
– 1 and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
– 2 large eggs
– 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled (390 grams)
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 and 1/4 tsp cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp allspice
– 1/8 tsp ground cloves
– 4 large apples, peeled and diced (775 grams or 27 ounces of diced apple)
– 1/4 cup salted butter, cubed (4 tbsp)
– 2 tbsp apple cider (or substitute with 1 tsp of lemon juice if needed)
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1 and 1/2 tsp cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp ground cloves
– 1 cup granulated sugar (206 grams)
– 6 tbsp salted butter, cubed
– 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp heavy cream
– Pinch of flaky sea salt (Maldon recommended!)
– Additional:
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 and 3/4 tsp cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp nutmeg
– 1/8 tsp allspice
– 1/8 tsp ground cloves
– 1/4 cup salted butter, melted
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
– 1 and 1/2 tbsp granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
– Pinch of salt
How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium-high speed. Add the sugars and mix until creamed together with the butter, about one minute. Add the vanilla extract and eggs, mixing until just combined. Finally, incorporate the dry ingredients until a dough forms. Chill for about thirty minutes to make rolling easier.
Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
Rinse, peel, and dice your apples into bite-sized chunks. Combine all apple filling ingredients in a medium pan over medium-high heat. Cook for fifteen to eighteen minutes while stirring occasionally. Once tender enough for your liking, transfer the mixture to a bowl to cool.
Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce
Prepare your salted caramel sauce following an easy ten-minute recipe. Allow it to cool at room temperature for about twenty minutes until thickened.
Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough
Scoop the dough into balls weighing around sixty-five grams using a large cookie scoop. Place them in an airtight container in either the fridge for at least four hours or freeze for two hours.
Step 5: Make the Crumble
While your dough chills, preheat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit. Melt some butter in a medium mixing bowl, then stir in remaining streusel ingredients until crumbly. Spread small pieces onto a parchment-lined pan and bake for twelve to fourteen minutes until golden brown.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven again, this time to three hundred sixty-five degrees Fahrenheit. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. In a small bowl, mix together sugar with spices for coating cookies. Roll each dough ball in this mixture before placing them on baking sheets. Bake cookies for ten to twelve minutes until edges look set but centers remain slightly underdone.
Step 7: Assemble Cookies
Once cooled slightly, spoon apple pie filling into each cookie center. Sprinkle on crumble topping generously before drizzling with salted caramel sauce.
Step 8: Serve & Store
Enjoy these delicious cookies immediately after assembly! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for four to five days; avoid room temperature storage due to fresh fruit content.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself, here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.
With Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing, vanilla ice cream complements the warm flavors of the cookies.
- Cinnamon Ice Cream: For an extra kick, cinnamon ice cream enhances the apple pie flavor profile.
- Caramel Swirl Ice Cream: Drizzling caramel ice cream over the cookies adds a delightful touch of sweetness.
As a Dessert Platter
- Mini Cheesecakes: Pair these cookies with mini cheesecakes for an elegant dessert table.
- Brownies: Offer fudgy brownies alongside for a rich combination of flavors.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances the sweetness of the cookies and adds a light touch.
With Beverages
- Coffee: A warm cup of coffee brings out the spices in the cookies, making it a perfect morning treat.
- Hot Chocolate: Rich hot chocolate is an indulgent pairing, especially on cold days.
- Apple Cider: Warm apple cider echoes the flavors in the cookies and creates a cozy atmosphere.
How to Perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
To achieve the best results with your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies, consider these helpful tips that will guide you through the process.
- Chill Your Dough: Chilling helps firm up the dough, making it easier to handle and shape into balls.
- Use Fresh Apples: Opt for fresh, crisp apples for a better texture and flavor in your filling.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on baking time; underbaked cookies will continue to set as they cool.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to tweak spice amounts based on personal preference for flavor intensity.
- Layer Flavors with Caramel: Drizzle additional salted caramel on top after baking for an extra decadent touch.
- Store Properly: Keep assembled cookies in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that can enhance your dessert experience. Here’s a list of ideal companions:
- Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses like brie or sharp cheddar can complement the sweetness of cookies.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte: This seasonal beverage adds warmth and spice that matches perfectly with fall flavors.
- Pecan Tarts: Mini pecan tarts provide a nutty contrast and add variety to your dessert spread.
- Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into chocolate fondue for a fun and interactive dessert experience.
- Sweet Potato Fries: The sweet and salty combination plays well against the sugary cookies.
- Ginger Snap Cookies: Pairing these cookies together creates a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
- Candied Nuts: Crunchy candied nuts can add texture and richness; serve them on the side for snacking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies, it’s easy to overlook some essential steps. Here are some common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.
- Skipping the Chilling Step: Not chilling the cookie dough can lead to overly flat cookies. Chilling allows the butter to firm up, giving you a thicker cookie.
- Overcooking the Apples: If you cook the apples too long, they can turn mushy. Keep an eye on them and stop cooking once they’re tender but still hold their shape.
- Ignoring Ingredient Temperature: Using cold butter instead of softened butter can affect the cookie’s texture. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for optimal results.
- Not Measuring Flour Properly: Too much flour can make cookies dry. Always spoon and level your flour for accuracy.
- Underbaking the Cookies: If you take your cookies out too soon, they may not set properly. Look for slightly underdone centers; they will continue to cook as they cool.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.
- Keep in the fridge to maintain freshness due to the apple filling.
Freezing Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
- Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 1 month; thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
- Baked cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months; place in an airtight container.
Reheating Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds or until warm.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, covering with a lid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading?
Ensure you chill your dough properly and use enough flour when measuring. This helps keep your cookies thick during baking.
Can I use different types of apples?
Yes! Feel free to mix varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for added flavor and texture in your apple filling.
How do I make the salted caramel sauce?
Follow an easy recipe that involves sugar, butter, and cream, adding a pinch of salt at the end for that delicious salted flavor.
What are some customization options?
You can add nuts or chocolate chips into the cookie dough or change up spices according to your taste preferences!
Final Thoughts
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies combine all the delightful flavors of traditional apple pie into a cozy cookie form. They are perfect for fall gatherings or as a sweet treat any time of year. Feel free to customize them with additional spices or toppings like nuts for a unique twist!
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies, a perfect treat that captures the essence of traditional apple pie in a fun, handheld form. These cookies feature a spiced apple filling nestled within a soft cookie base, topped with a crunchy crumble and drizzled with luscious salted caramel. Ideal for cozy fall gatherings or festive celebrations, these cookies are not only delicious but also easy to make and customizable to suit your taste. Enjoy them warm from the oven or share them with friends and family – they’re sure to be a hit!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup salted butter, softened at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 and 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
- 4 large apples, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup salted butter, cubed
- 2 tbsp apple cider
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 and 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp salted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp heavy cream
- Pinch of flaky sea salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 and 3/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp allspice
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 cup salted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 and 1/2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in eggs and vanilla until well combined. Gradually add flour, baking soda, baking powder, and spices to form dough.
- Chill dough for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare apple filling by cooking diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until tender. Let cool.
- Scoop chilled dough onto baking sheets; bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set.
- Once cooled slightly, fill each cookie center with apple filling, top with crumble, and drizzle with salted caramel.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
