Apple Pie Cookies

Introduction

There’s something magical about combining two of the world’s most beloved treats—apple pie and cookies—into one delicious bite-sized creation. These Apple Pie Cookies are the ultimate comfort dessert, bringing together the warm, spiced filling of apple pie with the tender, slightly crisp texture of a homemade cookie. Imagine the flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar filling your kitchen as these cookies bake. If that doesn’t make your mouth water, I don’t know what will!

I first made these cookies during the fall season, and they quickly became a family favorite. We were having a gathering at home, and I wanted to make something that combined the cozy feel of apple pie but with the convenience of a cookie. And let me tell you, they did not disappoint! The combination of the gooey apple filling, buttery cookie, and the delicate crunch of the streusel topping just hits the spot every single time. Whether you’re hosting a fall dinner, bringing a dessert to a holiday gathering, or simply craving something sweet on a chilly day, these Apple Pie Cookies will become your go-to recipe.

What I love most about these cookies is that they have all the familiar flavors of apple pie, but in a portable, easy-to-eat form. No pie crust rolling required, no worrying about a soggy bottom—just perfect little bites of comfort food. If you’re like me, these Apple Pie Cookies will become your new favorite way to celebrate fall and beyond.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Apple Pie Cookies aren’t just your average cookie; they’ve got everything that makes apple pie a beloved classic, wrapped up in a sweet, handheld treat. Here’s why they’re a must-try:

• A Twist on the Classic Apple Pie: These cookies bring together the best parts of apple pie—sweet, spiced apples and buttery, flaky crust—but in an easy-to-eat cookie form. It’s apple pie without the mess or fuss.
• Perfect for Fall and Beyond: With the flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar, these cookies are a comforting treat that’ll remind you of cozy fall afternoons, but they’re delicious enough to enjoy all year long.
• Soft and Tender with a Crunchy Topping: The cookies are soft on the inside, with just the right amount of crispiness on the outside. And don’t forget the streusel topping! It adds a little crunch that makes these cookies even more irresistible.
• Easy to Make: With just a handful of simple ingredients, this recipe comes together in no time. Even if you’re not an expert baker, you can whip up a batch of these Apple Pie Cookies without any stress. Trust me—you’ve got this!

Whether you’re baking for your family, friends, or just for yourself, these cookies are sure to impress. They’re a fun twist on traditional apple pie and bring comfort in every bite.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 1 hour (30 minutes for prep, 30 minutes for baking)
• Servings: This recipe yields about 24-30 cookies, depending on the size.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 2g
• Carbs: 30g
• Fat: 8g

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make these delicious Apple Pie Cookies:

Cookie Dough:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): The key to a soft, buttery cookie base.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness that pairs perfectly with the apples and spices.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed): Adds a rich, caramel-like flavor to the dough.
• 2 large eggs: Helps bind the dough together and provides structure.
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough.
• 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies spread and rise slightly.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances the sweetness of the dough and balances the flavor.
• 1 tsp cinnamon: Gives the dough a warm, comforting spice.
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg: Adds depth to the dough’s flavor.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: A must-have for the best flavor.

Apple Pie Filling:

• 2 medium apples (peeled and finely chopped): Any type of apple works, but I love using Granny Smith for their tartness.
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter: For cooking the apples until soft and caramelized.
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed): Sweetens the apples and helps create a thick syrup.
• 1 tsp cinnamon: To complement the apple flavor and bring out the fall vibes.
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg: A pinch of spice to add to the apple filling.
• 1 tbsp flour: To help thicken the apple mixture and keep it from being too runny.

Streusel Topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: The base of the streusel.
• 1/4 cup brown sugar: Sweetens the topping.
• 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter (cut into cubes): The key to making the streusel crumbly and buttery.
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon: Adds a final touch of spice to the topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get baking! These Apple Pie Cookies may sound like a lot of steps, but I promise they come together quickly. Follow these instructions, and you’ll have a batch of delicious cookies in no time.

1. Make the Apple Pie Filling
   • Start by peeling and finely chopping the apples. You want the pieces small enough to fit into the cookies without being too bulky. I recommend using a tart apple, like Granny Smith, for that perfect balance of sweet and sour.
   • In a skillet over medium heat, melt the 2 tbsp butter. Once melted, add the apples and cook for about 5 minutes, until they start to soften.
   • Stir in 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, and 1 tbsp flour. Continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the apples are tender and the mixture has thickened. Set this aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Cookie Dough
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened 1 cup butter, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
   • Add the 2 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and mix until everything is well combined.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp nutmeg. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until combined. The dough will be thick but still slightly sticky.
3. Assemble the Cookies
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
   • Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll them into smooth balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
   • Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, create a small well in the center of each dough ball to hold the apple pie filling.
   • Spoon a generous amount of the apple pie filling into each well, making sure not to overfill. The filling should be slightly heaping, but not spilling over.
4. Make the Streusel Topping
   • In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon.
   • Add the 1/4 cup cold butter and, using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the filled cookies.
5. Bake the Cookies
   • Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, and the cookie centers are set. Be careful not to overbake them—these cookies are best when they’re soft and chewy in the middle.
   • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

How to Serve

These Apple Pie Cookies are delicious on their own, but here are a few ways to serve them to make your dessert extra special:

• Serve with vanilla ice cream: Warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream are the perfect pairing.
• Drizzle with caramel sauce: A little caramel sauce goes a long way in enhancing the apple and cinnamon flavors.
• Pair with hot apple cider or coffee: For a cozy fall treat, serve these cookies with a warm drink—apple cider or coffee are perfect!

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to ensure these Apple Pie Cookies turn out perfectly every time:

1. Use tart apples: I recommend Granny Smith apples, as they hold their shape during cooking and provide a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. If you prefer a sweeter cookie, you can use Honeycrisp apples or another variety.
2. Don’t overfill the cookies: When adding the apple filling to the cookies, be careful not to overfill the centers. You want enough to give the cookies that apple pie flavor but not so much that it makes a mess in the oven. Just a spoonful per cookie should do the trick!
3. Cool the filling: Before adding the apple pie filling to the cookie dough, let it cool to room temperature. This ensures that the filling won’t melt the dough when you assemble the cookies.
4. Use cold butter for the streusel: Cold butter makes for a flaky, crumbly streusel topping. Don’t skip this step!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use store-bought pie filling instead of making my own apple pie filling?
Yes, you can absolutely use store-bought apple pie filling if you’re short on time or prefer the convenience. Just make sure to drain the filling a little before using it in the cookies to avoid excess moisture that could make the cookies soggy. You can also spice it up with a little extra cinnamon and nutmeg if you’d like!

2. Can I make these Apple Pie Cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the cookie dough and apple filling ahead of time. Refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking, and store the apple filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply assemble the cookies and bake as directed. You can also freeze the dough and filling for up to 2 months. Just let them thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

3. What kind of apples are best for these cookies?
For the best results, choose apples that are slightly tart, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. These apples hold their shape during baking and provide a nice balance to the sweetness of the cookies. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, Honeycrisp apples are a great choice!

4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can make these cookies gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that the other ingredients, like the baking soda and spices, are gluten-free as well.

5. How do I store the Apple Pie Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want them to stay fresh longer, you can store them in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months—just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before freezing.

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Conclusion

These Apple Pie Cookies combine the best of both worlds: the delicious, comforting flavors of apple pie with the handheld convenience of a cookie. With tender, spiced apples, a buttery cookie base, and a sweet streusel topping, they’re sure to become a fall favorite (or a year-round treat if you’re anything like me!). They’re simple to make, but they taste like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a gathering, or just because you’re craving something sweet, these cookies are the perfect choice.

I hope these Apple Pie Cookies bring as much joy to your kitchen as they have to mine. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or a scoop of ice cream, and savor every warm, cinnamon-spiced bite. Happy baking!