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.