Delicious Apple Pie Cookies Recipe: A Bite of Fall in Every Crumb

Warm spices, sweet apple filling, and a buttery crust – apple pie cookies bring all the comfort of a classic apple pie into a perfectly portable package. This Apple Pie Cookies Recipe is your ticket to a delicious and easy treat that’s perfect for sharing (or not!). Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this guide will walk you through every step, ensuring your cookies turn out golden brown and bursting with flavor.

Right after trying this recipe, you might also enjoy our cookie salad recipe. It’s a completely different take on cookies, perfect for a refreshing change. Now, let’s dive into the world of apple pie cookies!

The Magic of Apple Pie Cookies: Why You Need This Recipe

Why settle for a slice when you can have a cookie? These miniature delights capture the essence of apple pie, making them ideal for fall gatherings, lunchbox treats, or a simple afternoon indulgence. They’re also incredibly versatile – perfect with a scoop of ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or simply enjoyed on their own. Ever found yourself craving apple pie but don’t have the time for a full-blown baking project? These cookies are your answer.

Ingredients for the Perfect Apple Pie Cookies

• For the Crust:
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
• For the Apple Filling:
  • 4 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and diced
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

Step-by-Step Apple Pie Cookies Recipe

1. Prepare the Apple Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples, sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are softened and the mixture has thickened, about 10-15 minutes. Set aside to cool.
2. Make the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Assemble the Cookies: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter (round or your preferred shape) to cut out the cookies. Place half of the cut-out cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Add the Filling: Spoon a generous amount of the cooled apple filling onto each cookie on the baking sheet. Top with the remaining cookie cut-outs and crimp the edges to seal. Does the crimping seem tricky? Don’t worry, it gets easier with practice. Just think of it as giving your cookies a little hug.
6. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown.

Apple Pie Cookies Ingredients Layout

Tips and Tricks for the Best Apple Pie Cookies

• Choosing your Apples: A mix of sweet and tart apples creates the best flavor balance. Try combining Granny Smith with Honeycrisp or Fuji.
• Chilling the Dough: If the dough becomes too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling.
• Preventing Sticky Filling: The flour in the apple filling helps to thicken it and prevent it from making the cookies soggy. Remember, a little flour goes a long way in creating the perfect texture.
• Adding a Glaze: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cookies.

Variations on the Classic Apple Pie Cookies Recipe

• Oatmeal Apple Pie Cookies: Add ½ cup of rolled oats to the cookie dough for a chewy texture and nutty flavor. This simple addition can create a whole new dimension of flavor.
• Cranberry Apple Pie Cookies: Incorporate ½ cup of dried cranberries into the apple filling for a festive twist. These are especially delightful during the holiday season. For those who enjoy a combination of tart and sweet, check out this black & white cookie recipe.
• Caramel Apple Pie Cookies: Drizzle melted caramel over the baked cookies for an extra decadent treat.

Baking Apple Pie Cookies Step-by-Step

Frequently Asked Questions about Apple Pie Cookies

• Can I freeze apple pie cookies? Yes, you can freeze both baked and unbaked apple pie cookies. For unbaked cookies, freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container.
• How long do apple pie cookies last? Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, apple pie cookies will last for up to 3 days.
• Can I use store-bought pie crust? While homemade crust is recommended for the best flavor, you can use store-bought pie crust in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw it completely before using.

From My Kitchen to Yours: A Baker’s Story

I remember baking apple pie cookies with my grandmother every autumn. The warmth of the oven, the sweet scent of cinnamon filling the air, and the joy of sharing those warm cookies – it’s a memory I cherish. I hope this apple pie cookies recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine.

Close-Up of Baked Apple Pie Cookies

Enjoy Your Apple Pie Cookies!

These apple pie cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion. With their warm spices, sweet filling, and buttery crust, they’re sure to become a new favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of these irresistible treats. Don’t forget to share your baking adventures with us! What’s your favorite apple to use in baking? Let us know in the comments below! And if you are looking for more wholesome cookie options, you can try our healthy oatmeal cookie recipe or even delve into the diverse world of oatmeal raisin cookie recipes. Perhaps you are already thinking ahead to the next season and seeking inspiration; in that case, our curated collection of fall cookies recipes is a must-see!