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
Scale
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
