Apple Pie Cookies Recipe

Apple pie is a timeless dessert, but what if you could capture its flavor in a smaller, more portable form? That’s where Apple Pie Cookies come in! These soft, chewy cookies are bursting with warm cinnamon-spiced apple filling, all wrapped in a buttery, flaky dough. Perfect for a cozy snack, a fun bake sale treat, or a festive dessert, apple pie cookies combine the best of both worlds — the comforting flavors of apple pie with the convenience of a cookie.

This Apple Pie Cookies Recipe will take you step-by-step through everything you need to create the ultimate apple pie-inspired treat. From sourcing the best ingredients to mastering the technique, we’ll make sure you can bake these cookies like a pro. Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced chef, this guide will help you bring this delicious dessert to life.

Why Apple Pie Cookies?

Apple pie is a classic American dessert that has been loved by generations for its comforting aroma, delicious apple filling, and buttery crust. However, traditional apple pie can sometimes be a bit cumbersome to make, requiring a pie crust, pie dish, and long baking times. Enter apple pie cookies – a fun, portable, and easy-to-make twist on the traditional pie that you can enjoy any time of the day. These cookies allow you to enjoy the same great flavors but in a much more bite-sized form.

Apple pie cookies are perfect for various occasions such as family gatherings, holiday celebrations, bake sales, or even as a comforting snack after a long day. They are an ideal option for anyone who enjoys the combination of sweet apples, cinnamon, and a buttery cookie base but without the time-consuming process of making an entire pie.

Benefits of Baking Apple Pie Cookies

There are several benefits to baking apple pie cookies instead of a traditional pie:

• Convenience: Apple pie cookies are easier to make and require less time compared to a full-sized pie. You don’t need to worry about rolling out pie crusts or creating a pie dish.
• Portability: Apple pie cookies are portable, making them easy to take to gatherings, picnics, or snack breaks.
• Customization: You can adjust the size and thickness of the cookies to suit your preferences.
• Less Mess: Baking individual cookies eliminates the mess of cutting and serving slices of a pie. They are easy to eat and serve without needing plates or utensils.
• Freezable: These cookies freeze well, so you can bake a batch ahead of time and enjoy them later.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to dive into the step-by-step process of creating these Apple Pie Cookies. This section will guide you through the process of making the filling, preparing the dough, and assembling the cookies for baking.

A. Preparing the Apple Pie Filling

1. Peel and Chop the Apples: Start by peeling and chopping your apples into small cubes. The smaller the pieces, the easier they are to fit inside the cookies.

2. Cook the Apples: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped apples and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The apples should soften but still retain some of their shape.

3. Add Sugar and Spices: Stir in the sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Let the apples cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sugar to melt and coat the apples.

4. Thicken the Filling: In a small bowl, combine cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to make a slurry. Add this mixture to the apples and stir well. This will thicken the filling. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.

5. Cool the Filling: Transfer the apple filling to a separate bowl and let it cool to room temperature while you prepare the dough.

B. Making the Cookie Dough

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will take about 3-4 minutes.

2. Add the Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until well combined.

3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.

4. Mix the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.

5. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up. Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

C. Assembling the Apple Pie Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.

2. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.

3. Cut the Dough: Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut circles of dough. Each cookie will need two rounds — one for the base and one for the top.

4. Add the Filling: Place a small spoonful of the cooled apple pie filling in the center of half of the dough circles.

5. Seal the Cookies: Place another dough round on top of each filled circle and gently press the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and to ensure they stay sealed during baking.

Baking the Perfect Apple Pie Cookies

Oven Temperature and Baking Time

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). The baking time for these cookies should be around 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cookies are firm to the touch. Make sure to keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven and the size of your cookies.

How to Avoid Common Baking Mistakes

• Dough Too Soft: If your dough is too soft to handle, chill it for a bit longer. Cold dough is much easier to work with.
• Spilling Filling: Make sure the apple filling is completely cool before adding it to the dough, as hot filling can cause the cookies to break apart during baking.
• Overbaking: Keep an eye on the cookies toward the end of baking. Overbaking can cause them to become dry and tough.

Flavor Enhancements and Variations

Adding Spices for Extra Warmth

While cinnamon is the go-to spice for apple pie, you can experiment with other spices to create a more complex flavor profile. Try adding:

• Nutmeg: A small amount of ground nutmeg will bring a slightly sweet and spicy flavor that pairs beautifully with the apples.
• Allspice: A pinch of allspice adds a depth of warmth that works wonderfully in apple-based desserts.
• Cloves: Just a pinch of ground cloves can add an aromatic, warming note to your apple pie cookies.

Exploring Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Versions

For those with dietary restrictions, here are some substitutions to make these cookies:

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend, making sure it’s one that includes xanthan gum or another binder.
• Dairy-Free: Swap out the butter for a plant-based butter substitute, and use non-dairy milk or cream cheese alternatives for the filling.

Tips and Tricks for Success

To get the best possible results when making apple pie cookies, here are some additional tips:

• Use Cold Dough: Make sure your dough is cold when working with it. This will help the cookies hold their shape during baking.
• Don’t Overstuff: Be sure not to overstuff the cookies with too much apple filling. A small spoonful is all you need to keep the dough from bursting open.
• Chill the Dough Before Baking: Chilling the dough before baking can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much and becoming thin.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make the apple pie filling ahead of time? Yes, the filling can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

2. Can I freeze these apple pie cookies? Absolutely! These cookies freeze well. You can freeze them either before or after baking.

3. Can I use store-bought pie filling? While homemade filling is recommended for the best taste, you can use store-bought apple pie filling if you’re short on time.

Conclusion

Apple Pie Cookies are the perfect blend of a classic dessert and a fun, portable treat. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or just want a sweet, comforting snack, these cookies are sure to delight. With the right balance of spices, apples, and a buttery cookie base, you can enjoy all the flavors of apple pie without the hassle.

Yield: 24 Cookies

Apple Pie Cookies Recipe

Print

Apple pie is a timeless dessert, but what if you could capture its flavor in a smaller, more portable form? That's where Apple Pie Cookies come in! These soft, chewy cookies are bursting with warm cinnamon-spiced apple filling, all wrapped in a buttery, flaky dough. Perfect for a cozy snack, a fun bake sale treat, or a festive dessert, apple pie cookies combine the best of both worlds — the comforting flavors of apple pie with the convenience of a cookie.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Apple Filling:
• 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great options), peeled, cored, and diced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (or sweetener of choice for a lower-carb version)
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp butter
• For the Cookie Dough:
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar (or sweetener of choice)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (or a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option)
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• For the Icing (optional):
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tsp milk or heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Apple Filling:
   In a small saucepan, combine the diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and butter.
   Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until the apples soften and the mixture becomes syrupy. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
   
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
   Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until fully combined.
   
3. Assemble the Cookies:
   Scoop about 1 tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten it into a disc shape.
   Place about 1 teaspoon of the apple filling in the center of each dough disc.
   Gently fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, sealing the edges by pinching them together.
   Place the filled cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
   
4. Bake:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
   Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
   
5. Optional Icing:
   While the cookies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and drizzle over the cooled cookies for added sweetness.

Notes

• Apple Variety: Use apples that hold up well to cooking, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, to get the right texture and flavor in the filling.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the apple filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Cookie Dough Variations: For a softer cookie, chill the dough for 30 minutes before scooping and baking.
• Icing Option: The icing is optional, but it adds a lovely sweetness and extra flair to the cookies. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon to the icing for more spice.