Apple Pie Cookies Recipe
If you love the cozy, comforting flavors of a classic dessert but want to enjoy them in a fun, bite-sized form, these Apple Pie Cookies are exactly what you need. Bursting with cinnamon-spiced apples and tender cookie dough, Apple Pie Cookies capture all the warmth and sweetness of an apple pie, yet they are delightfully portable and easy to share. Whether for a cozy afternoon treat or a festive gathering, these cookies will quickly become a beloved favorite, offering that perfect balance of soft, buttery texture and fragrant fruit-filled goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to these scrumptious Apple Pie Cookies lies in the simplicity and quality of the ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and aroma that make these cookies so irresistible.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb to the cookies.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough while helping to achieve a light and fluffy texture.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture for softness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet aroma that complements the spices beautifully.
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, yielding the perfect structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and keeps them light.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and heightens other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Gives the cookies their signature apple pie spice kick.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the spice blend.
- 2 cups finely diced apples (about 2 medium apples): The star ingredient, bringing juicy bursts of fresh flavor.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: Sweetens the apples and enhances their caramel notes.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Keeps the apples bright and prevents browning for a fresher taste.
- Optional: caramel sauce for drizzling: Adds a luscious, gooey finish to elevate every bite.
- Optional: cinnamon sugar for topping: Sprinkles a bit of extra spice and sweetness on top.
How to Make Apple Pie Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This preparation ensures your cookies bake evenly without sticking, setting the stage for perfect bakes every time.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, helping your cookies become tender and soft rather than dense.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully combined, then stir in the vanilla extract. These enrich the dough and infuse it with a lovely, sweet aroma that hints at the delicious flavors to come.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a separate bowl. This spice blend is what truly brings the apple pie vibe to these cookies.
Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid over-mixing here to keep your cookies tender and soft rather than tough.
Step 6: Prepare the Apple Mixture
In a small bowl, toss the finely diced apples with brown sugar and lemon juice. The lemon juice ensures the apples stay fresh and vibrant, while brown sugar gives them that warm caramelized touch.
Step 7: Incorporate Apples into Dough
Gently fold the sweetened apple pieces into the cookie dough, distributing them evenly without breaking the apples down too much. This keeps each bite filled with fruity bursts.
Step 8: Shape and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto your lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are just lightly golden brown, signaling perfectly baked cookies with a soft center.
Step 9: Cool and Add Finishing Touches
Allow your Apple Pie Cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled, drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top for an irresistible finishing touch.
How to Serve Apple Pie Cookies
Garnishes
Taking these cookies to the next level is easy with some simple garnishes. A drizzle of caramel sauce enhances their natural sweetness and adds a luxurious, syrupy texture. Sprinkling cinnamon sugar on top right before serving gives a delightful crunch and an extra burst of spice that pairs beautifully with the apple filling.
Side Dishes
Apple Pie Cookies are a treat on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can make for an indulgent dessert experience. Warm apple cider or a cup of chai tea also complements the cinnamon and nutmeg flavors perfectly for a cozy snack or dessert pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special occasions, arrange your Apple Pie Cookies on a rustic wooden board, and garnish with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks to create an inviting autumn-themed display. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a bit of cream cheese frosting or caramel spread for a decadent twist that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Apple Pie Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Keeping them sealed ensures the cookies retain their soft texture while preserving the moisture of the apple pieces.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze them by placing cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing their delicious flavor or texture.
Reheating
To revive frozen Apple Pie Cookies, let them thaw at room temperature, then warm briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This quick heat-up refreshes the softness and releases those delicious aromas once again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! Crisp apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best because they hold their shape and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness that complements the spices beautifully.
What if I don’t have lemon juice on hand?
You can substitute with a small amount of apple cider vinegar or even a splash of orange juice, though lemon juice is preferred for its bright, fresh flavor and ability to prevent apple browning.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
As written, no—they use all-purpose flour. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking, but results may vary slightly in texture.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
To make vegan Apple Pie Cookies, substitute the butter for a plant-based alternative, use a flax or chia egg instead of chicken eggs, and check that your sugar is vegan-friendly. The flavor will still be wonderful but take care with baking times, as vegan doughs sometimes need adjustment.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, Apple Pie Cookies will stay fresh and soft for about 4 days at room temperature. For longer storage, freezing is your best friend.
Final Thoughts
These Apple Pie Cookies are a delightful way to bring the essence of homemade apple pie into cookie form. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing them as much as I do—they’re perfect for cozy afternoons, festive celebrations, or just a sweet pick-me-up anytime. Trust me, once you try these, Apple Pie Cookies will become one of your all-time favorite treats to bake and savor!
Print
Apple Pie Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Apple Pie Cookies blend the warm spices and tender apples of a classic apple pie into soft, chewy cookies. These delightful treats are perfect for cozy autumn days or any time you crave a comforting, fruity dessert with a buttery, cinnamon-scented twist.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Apple Mixture
- 2 cups finely diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Optional Toppings
- Caramel sauce for drizzling
- Cinnamon sugar for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create tender cookies.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to fully incorporate, then stir in the vanilla extract for added depth of flavor.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agent.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which could make the cookies tough.
- Prepare apple mixture: In a small bowl, toss the finely diced apples with brown sugar and lemon juice to soften the apples slightly and add sweetness and brightness.
- Fold apples into dough: Gently fold the apple mixture into the cookie dough, taking care not to break down the apples too much.
- Shape cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the cookies are set.
- Cool cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Add toppings: Once cooled, optionally drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for an extra sweet and festive finish.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best balance of sweetness and acidity.
- Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for proper creaming with sugar.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Adding a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: apple pie cookies, fall dessert, cinnamon apple cookies, easy cookie recipe, apple snacks
