Apple Pie Cookies taste like apple pie in cookie form! An apple pie spiced cookie is filled with a tender apple filling and topped with a brown sugar crumble and finished with a drizzle of luscious salted caramel sauce. These cookies are the perfect fall treat – and taste just like mini apple pies! Ideal for gatherings, holiday parties, or simply an afternoon snack, Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies will become a favorite for everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: Each bite offers a delightful blend of warm spices, sweet apples, and rich caramel.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps, even novice bakers can enjoy success.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for fall festivities, cozy nights in, or as a thoughtful gift to friends.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Both the dough and filling can be prepared in advance for convenience.
- Showstopper Presentation: The combination of filling, crumble, and caramel makes these cookies visually appealing.
Tools and Preparation
To create these delightful cookies, certain tools are essential to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Medium pan
- Cookie scoop
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Airtight container
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Ensures that butter and sugars are creamed perfectly for a light texture.
- Cookie scoop: Provides uniform sizes for even baking and consistent cookie shapes.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: Prevents cookies from sticking to trays, making clean-up easy.
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 lemon juice if necessary)
– 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
– Additional ingredients for crumble:
– 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
– 3/4 tsp cinnamon
– 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 using an electric mixer on medium-high speed. Add both sugars and mix until they are well combined with the butter. This should take about one minute. Then add the vanilla extract and eggs. Mix until just combined. Finally, incorporate the dry ingredients until a dough forms. Chill this dough for at least thirty minutes; it makes rolling easier.
Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
Start by rinsing and peeling your apples. Dice them into bite-sized chunks. In a medium pan over medium-high heat, combine all apple filling ingredients. Cook for about fifteen to eighteen minutes while gently stirring. Taste after fifteen minutes; continue cooking until you reach your desired tenderness. Transfer this mixture to a bowl to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce
Follow my easy recipe to make the Salted Caramel Sauce. Allow it to cool at room temperature until it thickens up—about twenty minutes is ideal. For convenience, you can store this sauce in a jar in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough
Scoop out dough balls weighing approximately sixty-five grams each using a large cookie scoop. Place them in an airtight container to chill; aim for at least four hours in the fridge or two hours in the freezer.
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 all remaining streusel ingredients until crumbly. Spread this mixture onto a parchment-lined pan and bake for twelve to fourteen minutes until golden brown.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven again but this time to three hundred sixty-five degrees Fahrenheit. Line several cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. In a small bowl, mix together cinnamon and sugar for coating. Roll each chilled dough ball into this mixture before placing it on prepared sheets—leave enough space for spreading during baking. Bake cookies for ten to twelve minutes, ensuring edges are set but centers remain slightly puffy.
Step 7: Assemble Cookies
Once cooled slightly, spoon apple pie filling into each cookie center before sprinkling on your crumble topping. Drizzle generously with salted caramel sauce.
Step 8: Serve & Store
These delightful cookies are best enjoyed immediately after assembly! If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge where they will stay fresh for about four to five days.
With these steps completed, you’re ready to impress with your homemade Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies! Enjoy every delicious bite!
How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging at home, here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
Pair with Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic choice that perfectly complements the warm flavors of the cookies.
- Cinnamon Swirl Ice Cream: Adds an extra layer of spice and sweetness that matches the cookie’s profile.
Add a Drizzle
- Extra Salted Caramel Sauce: Drizzling more salted caramel over the top adds richness and makes each bite even more indulgent.
- Chocolate Sauce: For chocolate lovers, a drizzle of chocolate sauce can create an irresistible combination.
Serve with Beverages
- Hot Apple Cider: The warm spices in apple cider pair beautifully with these cookies for a cozy treat.
- Coffee or Latte: Enjoying these cookies with coffee enhances their flavor, making for a perfect afternoon snack.
Create a Dessert Platter
- Mixed Desserts: Combine these cookies with mini cheesecakes and brownies to create an enticing dessert platter for gatherings.
- Fruit Garnish: Fresh apple slices or berries on the side add freshness and balance out the sweetness.
How to Perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
To ensure your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill helps it maintain its shape while baking, resulting in perfectly round cookies.
- Use Fresh Apples: Opt for fresh, firm apples for the best flavor and texture in your filling.
- Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; they should be slightly underdone in the center for optimal softness.
- Cool Completely Before Assembling: Letting the cookies cool ensures that the filling and caramel don’t melt into them, maintaining structure and taste.
- Store Properly: Keep assembled cookies in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness without compromising flavor.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust spices like cinnamon or nutmeg according to your taste preferences for a personalized touch.
Best Side Dishes for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
While these cookies are delicious on their own, pairing them with delightful side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:
- Cheese Platter: A mix of sharp cheese varieties complements the sweetness of the cookies nicely.
- Caramelized Nuts: Sweet and crunchy nuts add texture that pairs well with the soft cookie.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad brings freshness and balances out the rich flavors of the cookies.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layering yogurt with granola and berries creates a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
- Chocolate Fondue: Set up a fondue station where guests can dip cookie pieces into warm chocolate for added indulgence.
- Spiced Hot Chocolate: A warm beverage option that enhances the cozy fall vibes when paired with these cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
- Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the dough makes it hard to shape and can lead to cookies that spread too much. Always chill your cookie dough for better texture.
- Using unripe apples: Choosing hard or overly tart apples can ruin the filling. Opt for sweet, ripe apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a delicious taste.
- Overbaking the cookies: Baking them for too long will result in dry cookies. Keep an eye on them and remove them when they are slightly underdone; they will firm up as they cool.
- Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Using cold butter or eggs can affect how well your dough comes together. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Scooping flour directly from the bag can lead to using too much, making cookies dense. Spoon and level your flour for accurate measurements.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
- Keep salted caramel sauce separate until ready to serve for best texture.
Freezing Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
- Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 1 month.
- Baked cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months in an airtight container.
Reheating Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies on a baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm gently for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it’s designed for baking to achieve similar results.
What type of apples work best in these cookies?
Sweet apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith are great choices as they add flavor without being overly tart.
How do I store leftover salted caramel sauce?
Store any leftover salted caramel sauce in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Reheat gently before use.
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, using store-bought caramel is a convenient option that still tastes great.
Final Thoughts
These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with different spices or toppings according to your preference. They make the perfect fall treat or dessert anytime you crave something sweet. Try making them today!
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are the ultimate fall treat that captures the essence of classic apple pie in cookie form. Each soft, spiced cookie is filled with a tender apple filling, topped with a delightful brown sugar crumble, and finished with a luscious drizzle of salted caramel sauce. Perfect for gatherings, holiday celebrations, or as a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies are sure to become a beloved favorite among family and friends.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 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 (for crumble)
- 2 and 3/4 tsp cinnamon (for crumble)
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (for crumble)
- 1/8 tsp allspice (for crumble)
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves (for crumble)
- 1/4 cup salted butter, melted (for crumble)
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed (for crumble)
- 1 and 1/2 tbsp granulated sugar (for crumble)
- 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for crumble)
- 3/4 tsp cinnamon (for crumble)
- Pinch of salt (for crumble)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well.
- Gradually incorporate all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, spices, and salt until a dough forms. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the apple filling by cooking diced apples with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium pan until tender.
- Scoop chilled dough onto lined baking sheets and create an indentation in the center for the apple filling.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set. Cool slightly before adding the filling and topping with crumble and salted caramel.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (65g)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
