If you love the warm, cozy flavors of traditional apple pie but want a fun twist that’s perfect for sharing or packing in lunchboxes, this Apple Pie Cookies Recipe will become your new go-to delight. Imagine soft, chewy cookies packed with tender cinnamon-spiced apple chunks, caramel swirls, and just the right balance of sweetness and spice — all in one bite-sized treat. These Apple Pie Cookies are comforting, yet unique enough to wow your friends and family, making them a wonderful addition to your baking repertoire any time of the year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Apple Pie Cookies Recipe lies in its simple, yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial part in building the cookie’s irresistible flavor and texture, from the crisp-tart apples to the warm apple pie spice and the rich caramel notes that tie everything together.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness that balances the tartness of the apples.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings classic warm spice and depth of flavor.
- 4 Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples (about 2 cups diced, peeled): Provides crisp, juicy apple pieces packed inside the cookies.
- ¼ cup water: Helps cook the apples down into a tender filling.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Prevents the apples from browning and adds brightness.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the apple filling so it doesn’t get too runny.
- ¼ cup light brown sugar (packed): Adds caramel-like sweetness to the apple mixture.
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice: Enhances the apples with warm, fragrant spices like nutmeg and cloves.
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce: Swirled into the filling for rich, gooey sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon salted butter: Enriches the fruit filling with a creamy finish.
- 4 cups bread flour (545g): Provides structure and chewiness to the cookie dough.
- 1 (3.3oz.) box instant vanilla pudding mix (93g): Keeps the cookies tender and moist.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder (12g): Gives a nice rise for soft and fluffy cookies.
- 1½ teaspoons salt (10g): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: A second hit of cinnamon for deeper spice in the dough.
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice: Complements the cinnamon with its classic pie magic.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (227g, cold): Creates rich, tender crumb with buttery goodness.
- 1½ cups light brown sugar (315g, packed): Sweetens and tenderizes the dough, adding a caramel touch.
- 3 large eggs (room temperature): Bind everything together and add moisture.
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings warmth and rounds out the flavor harmoniously.
How to Make Apple Pie Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
Start by combining the diced apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, water, lemon juice, cornstarch, light brown sugar, and apple pie spice in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring gently until the apples soften and the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the caramel sauce and butter until melted and smooth. Let this filling cool completely before adding it to the dough. This step is crucial for packing those luscious apple pie flavors right into each cookie.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the bread flour, instant vanilla pudding mix, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and apple pie spice. Using a pastry cutter or two forks, cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a separate bowl, beat the brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the dough—you want it tender, not tough.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Take about 2 tablespoons of dough and flatten it into a small disc. Place a spoonful of the cooled apple filling in the center and fold the dough around it to seal completely. Place the stuffed dough balls on the baking sheet, spacing them at least 2 inches apart. Bake for 22-25 minutes until golden around the edges and puffed. Let cool on wire racks before indulging in the ultimate apple pie cookie goodness.
How to Serve Apple Pie Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle your Apple Pie Cookies with a dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of caramel sauce right before serving. A pinch of extra cinnamon or a tiny dollop of whipped cream makes a lovely, festive touch that enhances the warm spices.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or apple cider. For a simple, cozy treat, pair them with a warm mug of milk or a spiced latte for dipping.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Apple Pie Cookies on a rustic wooden platter with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks for a charming fall-themed display. Pack them in decorative tins or cellophane bags tied with twine for thoughtful homemade gifts during the holidays or special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Apple Pie Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and flavorful. If your kitchen is humid, refrigeration helps extend freshness but may firm up the cookies slightly.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature for the perfect quick snack anytime.
Reheating
To revive the freshly baked texture and aroma, warm your Apple Pie Cookies in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds. This makes the caramel filling extra gooey and the cookies wonderfully soft again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are ideal for their tartness and crisp texture, you can experiment with Fuji, Braeburn, or Gala apples. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples will give a milder, less tangy flavor.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling the apples creates a smoother filling and softer bites inside the cookies. The peel can add texture and color but may make the filling slightly chewier if you prefer a rustic feel.
What if I don’t have apple pie spice?
No worries! You can mix your own using cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and ground cloves. Usually, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, and a pinch of the others works great.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
For gluten-free versions, substitute the bread flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Results may vary slightly in texture, but they will still taste amazing.
How long will the cookies keep fresh?
Stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, these Apple Pie Cookies stay fresh for about 3 days. Beyond that, their texture may change, but freezing is a great way to extend their shelf life.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so heartwarming about the classic flavors of apple pie transformed into these delightful Apple Pie Cookies Recipe bites. They bring an effortless charm to your baking lineup and are sure to earn compliments from everyone lucky enough to try them. Whether baked for celebrations, cozy afternoons, or just because, I can’t wait for you to experience these comforting, addictive cookies yourself!
Print
Apple Pie Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in the warm, comforting flavors of fall with these Apple Pie Cookies. Featuring tender, cinnamon-spiced apples nestled in a soft cookie dough infused with apple pie spices and a hint of caramel, these cookies combine the best elements of classic apple pie in a perfect handheld treat. Ideal for sharing or enjoying with a cup of tea, they offer a deliciously unique twist on traditional cookies.
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples (about 2 cups once diced), peeled and small diced
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
Cookie Dough
- 4 cups bread flour (545g)
- 1 (3.3oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix (93g)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder (12g)
- 1½ teaspoons salt (10g)
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
- 1 cup unsalted butter (227g), cold
- 1½ cups light brown sugar (315g, packed)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the apple filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, diced apples, water, lemon juice, cornstarch, light brown sugar, and apple pie spice. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens and the apples become tender, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in the caramel sauce and butter, then set aside to cool completely.
- Make the cookie dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the bread flour, instant vanilla pudding mix, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and apple pie spice. Using a pastry cutter or food processor, cut the cold unsalted butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. In a separate bowl, beat the light brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Assemble and bake the cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Take a small portion of dough and flatten it in your palm, spoon a small amount of the cooled apple filling onto the center, then fold the dough around the filling and seal it well to form a ball. Place the cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers are set. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
- Choose tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor balance.
- Make sure the apple filling is completely cooled before incorporating into the cookie dough to prevent melting the dough.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- For extra indulgence, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the cooled cookies before serving.
- If you want a softer cookie, reduce the baking time by a few minutes but be careful to not underbake.
