Apple Pie Cookies
Apple Pie Cookies combine the nostalgic flavors of classic apple pie—cinnamon-spiced tender apples, buttery crust, and a touch of sweetness—in a chewy, portable cookie form. Perfect for cozy nights, gatherings, or as a seasonal treat all year round, these cookies are simple to bake and endlessly customizable.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free flour substitution option)
Apple Filling
- 2 cups fresh apples (Granny Smith or preferred variety), peeled and finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of ground cloves
- Prepare the Apple Filling: Peel and finely chop the apples. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and add apples, cinnamon, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook until apples are soft and tender. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined without overmixing.
- Assemble the Cookies: Take a small spoonful of dough and flatten it in your palm. Place a small amount of cooled apple filling in the center, then cover with another spoonful of dough. Seal the edges gently to enclose the filling fully.
- Bake: Arrange the filled cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes or until edges turn golden.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith for balanced sweetness and texture.
- Do not overfill cookies to prevent leaking during baking.
- If dough feels too soft, chill for 30 minutes before assembling.
- Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies and consistent baking.
- Watch baking time carefully; remove cookies as soon as edges turn golden to avoid dryness.
- Sprinkle powdered or cinnamon sugar on top or drizzle with caramel or cream cheese glaze for added flavor.
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture.
- Freeze baked cookies in airtight containers for up to 2 months or unbaked dough balls on a tray before transferring to a zip-top bag.
- Reheat cookies in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes or briefly in the microwave to revive softness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Apple pie cookies, fall dessert, cinnamon cookies, apple dessert, cozy snack, gluten-free cookies, vegan options