These Apple Pie Cookies are a sweet treat that combines the best of both worlds—cookies and pie! Crunchy on the outside and filled with warm, spiced apples, they’re a delicious snack.
Honestly, who can resist the smell of cinnamon and apples wafting from the oven? I love to enjoy them with a scoop of ice cream, making every bite a little celebration. 🍏🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the saltiness in the cookies. You can substitute with margarine or coconut oil if you prefer a dairy-free option.
Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp add the right tartness; however, feel free to use any apple you enjoy! For a twist, consider using pears or even dried fruits.
Flour: All-purpose flour works great, but if you need a gluten-free version, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute. I’ve had good results with almond flour mixed with a bit of coconut flour.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is key in this recipe, but if you’d like a different flavor profile, you can add pumpkin pie spice or nutmeg.
How Can I Make Sure My Cookies Are Soft and Chewy?
The secret to soft and chewy cookies lies in the baking time and technique. Follow these steps to nail the texture:
- Don’t overmix the dough. Once combined, stop to keep the cookies light.
- Pressing the dough down slightly helps the cookies spread and ensures even baking.
- Underbake just a bit. Cookies should be golden at the edges and soft in the center; they will firm up as they cool.
If you prefer a thicker cookie, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This will help them maintain their shape while baking!
Apple Pie Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for dough)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons sugar-cinnamon mixture (for rolling cookies)
For the Apple Topping:
- 1 medium apple (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and finely diced
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for apple topping)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for apple topping)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for apple topping)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (optional, for thickening apple topping)
Optional:
- Caramel sauce for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prep and around 10 minutes to bake. After baking, allow the cookies to cool completely before serving, which will take an additional 30 minutes. So, plan for about 1 hour total from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready for your delicious cookies. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer or a spatula to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air and helps your cookies rise!
3. Add Egg and Vanilla:
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. This gives your cookies a rich flavor.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This ensures your dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
6. Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon that you’ll use for rolling the cookies.
7. Shape and Roll the Dough:
Roll the dough into 1.5-inch balls. Then, roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. Place them on your baking sheet, keeping about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
8. Form Wells:
Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, gently press down the center of each cookie dough ball to create a small well. This is where you’ll add the apple filling!
9. Bake the Cookies:
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. You want the edges to be set while the centers are still a little soft for that chewy texture.
10. Cook the Apple Topping:
While the cookies bake, prepare the apple topping. In a small skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the apples start to soften.
11. Finish the Apple Mixture:
Stir in the lemon juice. If you like a thicker topping, add the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
12. Add Apple Topping to Cookies:
When the cookies are out of the oven, immediately spoon a small amount of the warm apple mixture into the indentation of each cookie, filling them up nicely.
13. Cool the Cookies:
Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up a bit more.
14. Add the Finishing Touches:
If you like, drizzle some caramel sauce over the finished cookies just before serving for that extra touch of sweetness!
Enjoy your warm, spiced, and sweet Apple Pie Cookies! Perfect with a cup of tea or coffee. 🍏🍪
Can I Use Different Types of Apples for the Filling?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices for their balance of sweetness and tartness, you can use any apple you prefer. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples may make the filling a bit more sugary.
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Most blends work well, but a combination of almond flour and coconut flour can also yield delicious results.
How Should I Store Leftover Apple Pie Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them to extend their freshness, but allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before rolling it into balls to make it easier to handle!