Apple pie cookies have quickly become one of my favorite treats to bake—especially when fall rolls around, and the air starts to get that crisp, cozy feeling.
There’s something about the combination of warm cinnamon, tart apples, and buttery dough that just feels like a hug in cookie form.
These cookies are the perfect way to enjoy all the flavors of apple pie, but without the fuss of pie crusts and long baking times.
Whether you’re short on time or just in the mood for a handheld version of a classic, these cookies offer that familiar, comforting taste in every bite.
The best part? These cookies are incredibly easy to make, and they deliver all the flavor of a traditional apple pie, but with less mess and prep.
With a soft, chewy texture and that irresistible sweet-spiced apple filling tucked inside, they’re just perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or as part of your holiday spread.
Plus, they’re so versatile! Pair them with a scoop of homemade Vanilla Ice Cream or a dollop of Whipped Cream for the ultimate dessert experience.
These Apple Pie Cookies are so much more than just a fun fall recipe. They’re a way to turn the classic flavors of apple pie into a convenient and shareable treat!
Why This Is My Go-To Recipe?
- Simplicity at its best: I’m all about easy recipes, and these cookies don’t disappoint. No need for a pie dish or complicated crust techniques.
- Tastes just like apple pie: Every bite is filled with the warm spices and tender apple filling that makes apple pie so comforting.
- Great for busy days: I love making these when I don’t have the time for a full pie but still crave that homey dessert.
- Freezer-friendly: They freeze beautifully, so I can make a big batch and have them on hand whenever I need a quick treat.
Apple Pie Cookies Recipe
These Apple Pie Cookies feature a buttery, spiced crust filled with a warm, caramelized apple mixture, topped with a golden lattice. Perfect for any dessert lover, these cookies are a mini version of a classic apple pie!
Equipment
- Small Pot
- Large skillet
- Colander
- Medium bowl
- Large bowl
- Food processor (optional)
- Rolling Pin
- 1 round cookie cutter
- Small bowl (for egg wash)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 pounds apples Honey Crisp, Golden Delicious, Cortland, or Mitsu
- 2/3 cup sugar plus more for sprinkling
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch nutmeg
For the Dough:
- 2 ½ cups flour plus more for rolling
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 16 tablespoons unsalted butter chilled
- 4 tablespoons ice water
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- ½ teaspoon ginger
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon cream
For the Caramel:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt generous
Instructions
Prepare the Caramel:
- Combine the brown sugar, butter, cream, vanilla extract, and salt in a small pot over medium-low heat.
- Whisk continuously for 7-8 minutes, until the caramel thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the Filling:
- Roughly chop apples and toss them in a bowl with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat, then add the apples. Cook for about 2 minutes until the sugar dissolves and it begins to simmer.
- Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 7 minutes until apples soften.
- Strain the apples in a colander to remove excess juice, then simmer the juice in the skillet for 8-10 minutes until it thickens.
- Toss the apples with the reduced juice and spices, then set aside to cool completely. Once cool, chop apples into small pieces and return to the bowl.
Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and spices. Whisk to mix.
- Grate in chilled butter and drizzle in ice water. Mix with a fork or use a food processor.
- Divide dough into two disks, wrap in plastic, and chill for 20 minutes.
Prepare the Egg Wash:
- Crack the egg into a small bowl and add 1 tablespoon of cream. Mix well and chill until ready to use.
Assemble the Cookies:
- Roll out dough to about 1/4″ thick.
- Cut dough into circles (use a round cutter).
- Brush each circle with caramel, then add 1 tablespoon of the apple pie filling to the center of each.
- Brush the edges with egg wash and arrange lattice strips on top. Brush the lattice with egg wash again.
- Cut away excess dough using the round cutter. Sprinkle with sugar (and cinnamon if desired).
Bake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Bake cookies for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and serve.
Nutritional Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 123kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fibre | 4g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Sugar | 15g |
Delicious Variations for Apple Pie Cookies
- Peanut Butter Apple Pie Cookies: Add 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter to the cooked apple mixture for a nutty flavor. Sprinkle crushed peanuts on top of the lattice before baking for added crunch and texture.
- Spiced Apple Pie Cookies: Enhance the dough with ¼ teaspoon ground cloves and a dash of cardamom for a more aromatic profile. Include a handful of raisins or dried cranberries in the apple filling for a touch of sweetness and variety.
- Chocolate-Drizzled Apple Pie Cookies: After the cookies have cooled, drizzle them with melted dark or white chocolate for a decadent finish. Optionally, sprinkle sea salt over the chocolate drizzle to create a delightful sweet-salty contrast.
- Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cookies: Combine 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with the cooled apple filling to give the cookies a creamy twist. Once baked, garnish with a dollop of whipped cream or additional caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
- Almond Apple Pie Cookies: Replace ½ cup of flour with almond flour in the dough for a nuttier flavor. Sprinkle sliced almonds over the lattice before baking to add crunch and a subtle almond aroma.
- Maple Pecan Apple Pie Cookies: Substitute the sugar in the apple filling with ¼ cup of pure maple syrup for a richer sweetness. Add finely chopped pecans to the lattice and sprinkle lightly with maple sugar for a warm, autumnal touch.
- Berry-Infused Apple Pie Cookies: Introduce 1 cup of mixed berries such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries to the apple filling for a fruity twist. Dust the finished cookies with powdered sugar for a bakery-style presentation.
- Savory Apple Pie Cookies: Replace the sugar in the filling with 2 teaspoons of honey and mix in ¼ cup of crumbled blue cheese or sharp cheddar for a unique sweet-savory combination. Add a pinch of black pepper to the dough for a subtle kick.
- Gluten-Free Apple Pie Cookies: Use a gluten-free flour blend in the dough and ensure all ingredients in the caramel and filling are gluten-free. Consider adding gluten-free oats to the filling for additional texture and flavor.
