Apple Pie Cookies

If you’re craving a delightful homemade treat that perfectly combines the comforting flavors of fall with the chewy sweetness of a cookie, you’re in for a real treat with these Apple Pie Cookies. This recipe captures all the nostalgic notes of classic apple pie — tender cinnamon-spiced apples, buttery crust, and a touch of sweetness — but in a fun, portable cookie form that everyone will adore. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just a cozy night in, Apple Pie Cookies are a simple yet delicious way to bring warmth and joy to your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic flavor combo: Enjoy the perfect marriage of cinnamon, apple, and buttery crust all in one bite.
• Easy to bake: Simple steps and straightforward ingredients make this recipe beginner-friendly.
• Great for sharing: These cookies are the ultimate crowd-pleasers for parties, lunchboxes, or holiday gatherings.
• Versatile dessert: Perfect as a snack, dessert, or even with morning coffee for a cozy start.
• Seasonal favorite anytime: Bring fall-inspired flavors to your kitchen all year long.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Apple Pie Cookies recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a balance of flavors and textures. Each element adds a unique touch, from the spiced apples to the buttery cookie base.

• Apples: Fresh, crisp apples like Granny Smith add a tart contrast to the sweet cookie.
• Cinnamon and spices: Ground cinnamon combined with nutmeg and a pinch of cloves provides that classic apple pie aroma.
• Butter: Unsalted butter contributes to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture.
• Sugar: Both granulated and brown sugars add sweetness and depth with caramel notes.
• Flour: All-purpose flour forms the base, giving structure to the cookies.
• Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise slightly for a soft bite.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add moisture.
• Vanilla extract: A splash enhances all the flavors beautifully.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and boost overall taste.

Variations for Apple Pie Cookies

The beauty of Apple Pie Cookies is that they’re incredibly adaptable. Whether you want to make them gluten-free, vegan, or add a personal twist, customization is a breeze with this recipe.

• Gluten-free version: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend to swap for all-purpose flour without sacrificing texture.
• Vegan swap: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine and use flax egg instead of regular eggs.
• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch and extra flavor.
• Drizzle topping: Ice with a cream cheese glaze or caramel drizzle for a luscious finish.
• Spice it up: Experiment by increasing cinnamon or adding pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist.

How to Make Apple Pie Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

Start by peeling and finely chopping your apples. In a small saucepan, cook the apples with a bit of butter, cinnamon, sugar, and a touch of lemon juice over medium heat until soft and tender. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and the remaining spices. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Cookies

Take a small spoonful of dough and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a small amount of the cooled apple filling in the center, then top with another spoonful of dough. Seal the edges gently to create a filled cookie.

Step 5: Bake

Place the filled cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are golden around the edges.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the Apple Pie Cookies to cool for a few minutes on the sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

Pro Tips for Making Apple Pie Cookies

• Choose the right apples: Use firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith for balanced sweetness and texture.
• Don’t overfill: Use just enough apple filling to avoid dough leaking during baking.
• Chill dough: If the dough feels too soft, refrigerate for 30 minutes before assembling to make handling easier.
• Even-sized cookies: Use a cookie scoop for consistent size and even baking.
• Watch baking time: Overbaking dries the cookies; remove as soon as edges turn golden.

How to Serve Apple Pie Cookies

Garnishes

Sprinkle the tops with powdered sugar or a cinnamon sugar blend for an inviting look and extra sweetness. A small drizzle of caramel sauce complements the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the warm apple and spice notes. A hot cup of chai tea or spiced cider pairs perfectly with these cookies.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange Apple Pie Cookies on a rustic wooden board with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks for a charming fall-inspired display. Package them in a decorative tin or cellophane for gifting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Apple Pie Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To maintain freshness, place a slice of bread inside the container to retain moisture.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies either before or after baking. For unbaked dough, freeze wrapped balls on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Baked cookies freeze well in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Warm cookies in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to revive softness and bring out the apple aroma. Microwave reheating works too, but only in short bursts to avoid drying out.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for these cookies?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith are ideal for their tartness, sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp can also work, though they may result in a sweeter filling.

Are Apple Pie Cookies gluten-free friendly?

Yes, by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, you can easily make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive diets without compromising on taste.

Can I make the apple filling ahead of time?

Definitely! The apple filling can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated, which actually helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

How long do these cookies last once baked?

Stored properly in an airtight container, Apple Pie Cookies stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days at room temperature. Beyond that, freezing is recommended.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Yes. Swap out butter for coconut oil or plant-based margarine and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs to make these cookies dairy-free and vegan-friendly.

Final Thoughts

These Apple Pie Cookies are a genuine crowd-pleaser that bring the beloved flavors of apple pie straight into your cookie jar. Easy to bake and endlessly customizable, they make a perfect cozy treat for any season. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the warm, comforting magic of Apple Pie Cookies right from your own oven.

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