Apple Pie Cookies: A Cozy Nostalgia in Every Bite
There’s something utterly enchanting about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house, and when those cookies evoke memories of warm apple pie, it’s simply irresistible. Apple Pie Cookies are the perfect combination of soft, buttery dough and sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, a delightful treat that has the power to transport you back to your grandmother’s kitchen or family gatherings during the fall.
Not only are these cookies quick to prepare, but they’re also a wonderful way to share a slice of nostalgia with your kids. These playful twists on classic apple pie make for an extraordinary dessert that’s soft on the outside, bursting with gooey apple goodness on the inside, and topped off with a luscious drizzle of caramel. Whether for a family dessert or a fun gathering, Apple Pie Cookies are worth making—and once you taste one, you’ll understand why!
Are You Ready for a Sweet Treat That Feels Like Home?
Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm cookie filled with tender apples and fragrant spices. Can you think of a treat that brings more comfort and joy than warm baked goods that remind you of home? Apple Pie Cookies are the answer to that sweet-tooth craving that beckons for a comforting dessert that pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of coffee. Why resist when you can whip up these delectable cookies in no time?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Prep: With just a handful of ingredients and a quick assembly process, these cookies come together swiftly.
- Nostalgic Comfort: Combining the essence of apple pie into a portable cookie form that you can enjoy anytime.
- Kid-Friendly: Perfect for kids to help with, from rolling the dough to filling the cookies—with family bonding in the kitchen as a delightful bonus.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies will disappear at parties and gatherings, leaving everyone asking for the recipe.
- Minimal Ingredients: Simple pantry staples make this recipe easy to whip up at any time.
Ingredients
To create these indulgent Apple Pie Cookies, gather the following:
- 2 ½ cups peeled & finely diced apples (3 large or 4 small; Granny Smith, Jonagold, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Pink Lady)
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- ½ cup (118ml) water
- ⅓ cup (71g) packed brown sugar
- 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 ¼ cups (267g) brown sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Caramel sauce – store-bought or homemade for drizzling
These ingredients come together to create a divine flavor profile that’s both comforting and indulgent, with each piece of apple adding a touch of sweetness to the overall experience.
Timing
Preparing these Apple Pie Cookies is a balance between the bliss of fast indulgence and the rich rewards of a slow, luxurious treat. The entire process can be completed in about 30 to 45 minutes, which means you’ll have a warm, gooey dessert in no time. Plus, the anticipation of baking cookies is half the fun!
Step-by-Step
Cook the Apples: In a skillet over medium-low heat, combine the diced apples, lemon juice, water, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the apples soften and the mixture thickens into a luscious filling.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to ensure perfect cookie release.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
Prepare the Dough: In a separate bowl, beat the room-temperature butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar for about 2 minutes until fluffy and creamy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently to form a thick and soft dough.
Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or your hands, scoop golf-ball-sized portions of dough. Roll smooth and place 8 per baking sheet.
Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden. Remove from the oven and create a small well in each cookie using the back of a spoon.
Fill with Apple Mixture: Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of the warm apple filling into the well of each cookie. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 3–4 minutes.
Drizzle with Caramel: Once cooled for 15 minutes, drizzle each delightful cookie with a generous amount of luscious caramel sauce before serving.
With each step, the anticipation builds. The vibrant colors of the apple filling mixed with warm spices create a sensory masterpiece that will have your mouth watering!
Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: Approximately 200
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 2g
Even indulgent treats can find a place in a balanced diet, so why not savor a guilt-free dessert once in a while?
Healthier Alternatives
For those looking to adjust the recipe, consider these healthier alternatives:
- Use unsweetened applesauce in place of some of the butter for a lower-fat option without sacrificing taste.
- Swap out half of the brown sugar for coconut sugar or a stevia blend to lower the sugar content.
- Use a dairy-free butter alternative to transform these cookies into a dairy-free delight.
These adjustments allow you to enjoy the same warm, tasty cookies without compromising on dietary needs.
Serving Suggestions
Apple Pie Cookies are wonderfully versatile treats for any occasion, whether enjoyed warm from the oven, shared during holidays, or served at cozy family gatherings. Elevate the experience by pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for pure bliss. They are also perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or simply curling up with a cup of tea on a chilly afternoon.
Common Mistakes
Overbaking: Keep a close watch in the oven. These cookies should be soft to the touch; they will firm up as they cool.
Texture Issues: Ensure you measure the flour accurately. Too much can lead to a dry cookie versus the desired moist, gooey center.
Messes: Having everything prepped ahead of time makes for a smoother baking experience, and an old cookie sheet can make rolling out the dough messier than necessary.
Storing Tips
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you wish to keep them longer, freeze the cookies before drizzling with caramel. To reheat, simply microwave for 15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven for 5 minutes until warmed. This will keep them deliciously soft and ready for your next craving!
Tempted to Bake These Cookies Right Away?
Apple Pie Cookies embody the essence of fall and the heartwarming joys of home. The delightful fusion of spiced apples, caramel drizzles, and buttery cookies makes them a treat that’s too good to pass up. With the ease of preparation and the nostalgia each bite brings, you’ll be tempted to whip up a batch—or two—immediately. Don’t wait too long; grab your ingredients and make these dreamy cookies today!
FAQs
Can I use different kinds of apples?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work well, feel free to mix in your favorites for varied flavor.How can I store leftover cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days or freeze them for longer storage.Can I omit the caramel sauce?
While the caramel adds a delightful sweetness, you can absolutely enjoy these cookies without it or replace it with a drizzle of melted chocolate.What if I don’t have cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch on hand, you can use flour as a substitute, though it might slightly alter the filling’s texture.Can I make these cookies vegan?
To make these cookies vegan, substitute the butter with vegan butter, the eggs with flax eggs, and use a vegan-friendly caramel sauce.
With every aspect thoughtfully curated, these Apple Pie Cookies are sure to become a beloved staple in your dessert repertoire. Happy baking!
Print
Apple Pie Cookies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful cookies that combine soft, buttery dough with sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, reminiscent of warm apple pie.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups peeled & finely diced apples (3 large or 4 small; Granny Smith, Jonagold, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Pink Lady)
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- ½ cup water
- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 ¼ cups brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Caramel sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium-low heat, combine diced apples, lemon juice, water, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Cook for 5-7 minutes until apples soften and mixture thickens.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt; set aside.
- In a separate bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar for about 2 minutes until fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring gently to form a thick dough.
- Scoop golf-ball-sized portions of dough onto baking sheets, placing 8 per sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden. Create a small well in each cookie using the back of a spoon.
- Spoon 1 tablespoon of warm apple filling into each well and return to oven to bake for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Cool for 15 minutes, then drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
Notes
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Freeze un-drizzled cookies for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
