These apple pie cookies are like little bites of happiness! With a flaky crust and sweet apple filling, they bring all the classic pie flavors in a fun, handheld treat.
Honestly, who can resist the smell of cinnamon and apples baking? I love serving them warm, sometimes with a scoop of ice cream. It’s like dessert and fun in one! 🍏❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pie Crust: You can use store-bought refrigerated pie crusts for ease, but if you’re feeling adventurous, homemade dough adds a personal touch. For a gluten-free option, try a gluten-free pie crust mix!
Apples: Granny Smith apples are tart and keep their shape well while baking, but Honeycrisp or Fuji work too for extra sweetness. If you prefer, pears can be used for a unique twist!
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal for better control of the sweetness. You can substitute coconut oil if you’re dairy-free, but the flavor will change slightly.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These spices are key for that classic apple pie flavor. Feel free to add a pinch of allspice for extra warmth or omit nutmeg if you’re not a fan.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel adds a fun touch! You can substitute with a chocolate drizzle or simply sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a lighter touch.
How Do I Achieve a Perfectly Flaky Crust?
Creating a flaky crust can seem tricky, but with the right steps, it’s easy! Here’s how you can ensure yours turns out perfectly:
- Keep your ingredients, especially butter, cold. Cold butter creates pockets of steam, giving you a nice lift.
- Don’t overwork the dough. Mix just until combined to avoid a tough texture.
- When rolling out, handle the dough gently. If it warms up, chill it for a few minutes before cutting out shapes.
- Consider using a fork to create a decorative edge after placing your filling. It seals in the goodness!
By keeping these tips and substitutions in mind, you’ll be on your way to making irresistible apple pie cookies that everyone will love! 🍏🍪
Apple Pie Cookies
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade pie dough)
- 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (to thicken filling)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons coarse sugar or sanding sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
- Caramel sauce for drizzling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful treat will take about 20 minutes to prepare and approximately 15-18 minutes to bake. It’s a perfect way to whip up some cozy goodness in no time! Enjoy these cookies fresh and warm for the best experience.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Firstly, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will keep your cookies from sticking!
2. Make the Apple Filling:
Next, grab a medium skillet and melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add in the diced apples, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon flour. Cook everything together, stirring occasionally, until the apples become just tender and the mixture thickens slightly, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a bit.
3. Roll Out the Pie Crust:
Now it’s time to roll out your pie crust! On a lightly floured surface, roll it out with a rolling pin. Using a round cookie cutter (about 3 inches in diameter), cut out circles and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Create the Cookie Edges:
To add a nice touch, take a fork and gently press down around the edges of each circle. This creates a decorative border and helps seal the cookies too!
5. Fill the Cookies:
Take your cooled apple filling and spoon a small amount onto the center of each crust circle, creating a little mound. Be careful not to overfill—just a spoonful should do.
6. Brush and Sprinkle:
In a small bowl, beat the egg and then lightly brush it around the edges of the crust circles. If you’re using coarse sugar, sprinkle it on the edges for a nice sweet crunch.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let them bake for about 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Cool and Drizzle:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. If you’re adding caramel sauce, drizzle it over the top of each cookie while they are still warm.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve your apple pie cookies warm or at room temperature. They’re sure to be a hit with friends and family—enjoy every delicious bite!
These apple pie cookies combine all the sweet and comforting flavors of a classic apple pie in a simple cookie form. Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or just because! 🍏🍪
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great options, feel free to experiment with others like Fuji, Gala, or even a mix of your favorites. Just keep in mind that some apples are sweeter than others, so adjust the sugar in your filling if needed!
Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the apple filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can also assemble the cookies and freeze them (before baking) for up to a month. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover apple pie cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them if you prefer, but let them come back to room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave before enjoying again!
Can I Use a Different Type of Dough?
Yes! If you’re looking for something gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free pie dough or a pre-made gluten-free crust. Alternatively, phyllo dough or even biscuit dough can be used for a different texture and flavor!