Apple Pie Cookies are the perfect dessert when you want the nostalgia of apple pie in a portable, easy-to-eat cookie form. I still remember the first time I baked them in my small college apartment. The cinnamon and brown sugar aroma filled the air, and the sound of apples gently sizzling in the skillet made me instantly feel like I was back in my grandmother’s kitchen. I had baked dozens of cookies before, but this was different—it was like baking a piece of my family history. These cookies quickly became my go-to for gatherings, especially alongside fall favorites like Vegan Pumpkin Pie Cookies and Carmelita Cookies.
The beauty of Apple Pie Cookies is their versatility. They work just as well for a holiday dessert table as they do for a casual afternoon snack. You can prepare the filling ahead of time, keep the dough chilled, and bake fresh batches whenever the craving hits. They combine the sweet tang of tender apples, the warmth of cinnamon, and the indulgence of caramel drizzle, making every bite a little celebration.
The Story Behind Apple Pie Cookies
A Family Tradition Reimagined
My family always had an abundance of pies during the holidays. Apple, pumpkin, pecan—you name it. But my grandmother always made a small batch of “apple hand pies” for the kids. They were easier to eat and less messy than slicing into a big pie. The inspiration for Apple Pie Cookies came from that tradition. I wanted something just as comforting but even simpler to serve.
When I first tested the Apple Pie Cookies, I combined my favorite soft cookie base with my grandmother’s spiced apple filling. The result was a chewy cookie with a soft, fruit-filled center. Friends raved about them, and they started showing up at potlucks, bake sales, and even breakfast tables.
Picking the Right Apples for Baking
Apple choice can make or break your cookies. Tart apples like Granny Smith bring a bright flavor that balances the sweetness of the caramel and dough. Honeycrisp adds a juicy crunch, while Jonagold and Braeburn bring complexity with both tart and sweet notes. Just like when making Zucchini Apple Pie, you want apples that hold their shape after cooking. This ensures the filling isn’t watery and the apple pieces remain distinct inside the cookie.
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Apple Pie Cookies – Irresistible Homemade Comfort In 6 Easy Steps
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, spiced Apple Pie Cookies filled with tender apples and topped with caramel drizzle. The perfect portable version of classic apple pie.
Ingredients
Apple Filling:
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
Cookies:
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 (2 sticks)
1 ¼ cups (267g) brown sugar
¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
Caramel sauce – store-bought or homemade
Instructions
1. Combine apples, lemon juice, water, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch in a skillet over medium-low heat. Cook 5–7 minutes until tender.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
3. Mix flour, cornstarch, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
4. In a separate bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar for 2 minutes until fluffy.
5. Add eggs and vanilla; beat until combined.
6. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Stir gently to form thick dough.
7. Scoop golf-ball-sized portions of dough, roll smooth, and place 8 per baking sheet.
8. Bake 10–12 minutes, remove, and create a well in each cookie with a spoon.
9. Fill each with 1 Tbsp apple filling. Return to oven for 3–4 minutes.
10. Cool 15 minutes, drizzle with caramel, and serve.
Notes
You can make the apple filling up to 3 days ahead.
Best served warm. Store in an airtight container at room temp for 3 days or refrigerate up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Apple Pie Cookies, caramel apple cookies, fall dessert
Crafting the Perfect Cookie Dough
Balancing Sweetness and Texture
A great cookie dough is the foundation of Apple Pie Cookies. I use a combination of brown and granulated sugar. Brown sugar provides moisture and depth of flavor thanks to its molasses content, while granulated sugar gives the cookies structure and a slightly crisp edge. Cornstarch in the dough keeps them tender, a trick I also use in Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Cinnamon isn’t just for the filling—it’s in the dough too. This ensures every bite carries that cozy apple pie flavor. The touch of spice in the dough complements the filling without overpowering it.
Mixing for the Right Consistency
When creaming butter and sugar, patience matters. Beat them for at least two minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This traps air, helping the cookies rise slightly while baking. After adding eggs and vanilla, switch to low speed when incorporating dry ingredients. Overmixing at this stage can make cookies tough.
I finish folding the last bit of flour into the dough with a spatula, which keeps the texture light. For a flavor twist, a pinch of cardamom can bring a subtle floral note that pairs beautifully with apples.
Apple Pie Cookies Building the Filling and Baking Process
Making the Apple Filling
The filling starts by cooking diced apples with lemon juice, water, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch in a skillet. This step is crucial—raw apples would release too much liquid into the cookie during baking, making them soggy. Cooking the filling ahead ensures a thick, rich mixture.
The smell at this stage is pure autumn comfort. It’s similar to making Date Caramel Apple, where the fruit and sugar transform into a luscious, spoonable filling. You can make this up to three days in advance and store it in the fridge, which is great for planning ahead.
Assembling and Baking the Cookies
After shaping the Apple Pie Cookies dough into balls and placing them on a baking sheet, bake for 10–12 minutes. Then comes the fun part—using the back of a spoon to make a well in each cookie. Fill each center with a spoonful of apple filling, then return to the oven for a few more minutes.
When they come out, the edges should be golden and the centers set but slightly soft. A final drizzle of caramel sauce adds a glossy finish and extra sweetness. Pairing these with Pumpkin Apple Treats on a dessert platter makes for a seasonal showstopper.
Apple Pie Cookies Serving, Storing, and Variations
Serving Suggestions
Apple Pie Cookies shine when served slightly warm. The caramel is gooey, the apples are soft, and the cookie is chewy. For a dessert plate, pair them with Invisible Apple Cake and vanilla ice cream.
They also make great gifts—stack them in cellophane bags tied with ribbon, and you’ve got a thoughtful homemade treat. For brunch, arrange them on a platter next to Pumpkin Pie French Toast Bake to create an apple-and-pumpkin-themed table.
Storage Tips and Freezing
At room temperature in an airtight container, Apple Pie Cookies stay fresh for up to three days. Refrigeration extends their life to a week, and freezing keeps them good for up to two months. To reheat, warm in a low oven for 5–7 minutes. This restores the texture and revives the caramel drizzle.
For freezing, bake the Apple Pie Cookies without the caramel, then add it after reheating. This keeps the presentation fresh and glossy.
Apple Pie Cookies Variations and Creative Twists
You can adapt Apple Pie Cookies to suit different tastes. Swap the cinnamon for chai spice mix for a cozy, tea-inspired version. Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra crunch. If you’re a caramel lover, mix some into the filling before baking for a richer flavor.
For a lighter option, replace half the butter with unsweetened applesauce. The Apple Pie Cookies will be slightly softer but still flavorful. Gluten-free flour blends also work well—just make sure they contain xanthan gum for structure.
Conclusion
Apple Pie Cookies bring together the warmth of pie and the convenience of cookies in one irresistible treat. They’re easy enough for weekday baking yet impressive enough for celebrations. With the right apples, perfectly balanced dough, and a drizzle of caramel, they capture the best of both worlds. Whether served at a family gathering, gifted to friends, or enjoyed with a cup of coffee, they’re bound to become a favorite.
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FAQs About Apple Pie Cookies
Not if you’re eating them within three days. For longer storage, refrigeration helps keep them fresh and prevents the apple filling from spoiling.
Does apple pie need to be refrigerated after baking?
Yes, especially if it has eggs or dairy. Traditional apple pies can be stored at room temperature for two days, but refrigeration extends freshness and safety.
What are the six ways you can ruin apple pie filling?
Choosing the wrong apples, skipping a thickener, overcooking the filling, using too much sugar, leaving out spices, or adding hot filling to unbaked dough.
The edges should be golden brown, and the centers set but slightly soft. Press gently—the cookie should spring back slightly without collapsing.