Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Apple Pie Cookies taste like apple pie in cookie form! An apple pie spiced cookie is filled with a tender apple filling and topped with a brown sugar crumble, finished with a drizzle of luscious salted caramel sauce. These cookies are the perfect fall treat, making them ideal for gatherings, holidays, or just a cozy night in. Each bite delivers the warmth and comfort of homemade apple pie in a delightful cookie package.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spiced apples and salted caramel creates an irresistible taste.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps, these cookies are beginner-friendly and fun to prepare.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or as a cozy dessert at home.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough and filling in advance to save time on baking day.
• Unique Presentation: Serve these cookies for a creative twist on traditional desserts that will impress your guests.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies, you’ll need some common kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Cookie sheets
• Parchment paper
• Large cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently; having multiple sizes helps manage different stages of preparation.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and energy when creaming butter and sugars together for a smooth dough consistency.
• Cookie sheets: Provides even baking; ensures your cookies don’t stick when lined with parchment paper.

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Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

• 1 cup salted butter, softened at room temperature (226 grams)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled (390 grams)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 and 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp allspice
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves

For the Apple Filling

• 4 large apples, peeled and diced (775 grams or 27 ounces of diced apple)
• 1/4 cup salted butter, cubed (4 tbsp)
• 2 tbsp apple cider(you can use 1 tsp of lemon juice if you don’t have any cider – note that this is NOT apple cider vinegar!)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 and 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves

For the Salted Caramel Sauce

• 1 cup granulated sugar(206 grams)
• 6 tbsp salted butter, cubed
• 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp heavy cream
• pinch of flaky sea salt (I love Maldon brand!)

For the Crumble Topping

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 and 3/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp allspice
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 cup salted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 and 1/2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3/4 tsp cinnamon
• pinch of salt

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium-high speed. Add the sugars and mix until creamed together with the butter, about 1 minute. Add the vanilla and eggs, mixing until just combined. Finally, add the dry ingredients last, mixing until a dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes to make it easier to roll into balls.

Make-Ahead Tip: Dough can be balled and frozen for up to 1 month before using. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

Rinse & peel your apples. Dice into bite-sized chunks. Add all the filling ingredients to a medium pan over medium-high heat. Cook for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste around 15 minutes; finish cooking until desired tenderness is reached. Transfer the apple mixture to a medium bowl to cool (this can be done at room temp or in the fridge).

Make-Ahead Tip: This can be made up to 2 days ahead; store in a jar in the fridge.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Prepare according to my easy recipe for Salted Caramel Sauce (linked in blue text). Let cool at room temp for about 20 minutes until thickened.

Make-Ahead Tip: This sauce can be cooled at room temperature and stored in a jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough

Scoop dough into balls weighing approximately 65 grams each using a large cookie scoop, placing them in an airtight container. Chill in the fridge for at least four hours or freeze for two hours.

Note: You must scoop before chilling; otherwise, it will be difficult to scoop once solidified.

Step 5: Make the Crumble

While your dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F. Melt butter in a medium mixing bowl; stir in remaining streusel ingredients until crumbly. Spread small pieces on a parchment-lined pan; bake for 12-14 minutes until golden brown.

Set aside to cool; break up as desired while cooling.

Make-Ahead Tip: This crumble can be made one to two days ahead; store at room temp or freeze for one to two months.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 365°F, lining cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. In a small bowl, mix sugar with spices for coating. Roll chilled dough balls into this mixture before placing about six cookies on each sheet with space between them.

Bake for about ten to twelve minutes until edges are set but centers slightly underdone. Let rest on sheets for one to two minutes before transferring them onto wire racks.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

Once cooled, spoon apple pie filling into each cookie center, sprinkle crumble topping over it, then drizzle generously with salted caramel sauce.

Step 8: Serve & Store

Enjoy immediately after assembling! Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for four to five days—do not leave out overnight due to fresh fruit content.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways to enhance their flavor and presentation. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to make the most of these cookie delights.

With a Scoop of Ice Cream

• Vanilla or caramel ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm cookies, adding a creamy texture and balancing the sweetness.

Drizzled with Extra Sauce

• A drizzle of additional salted caramel sauce on top elevates the cookies and adds an extra layer of indulgence.

Paired with Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these cookies with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack. The warm flavors of apple and spices complement the drinks beautifully.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter alongside other fall-themed treats like pumpkin spice muffins or pecan bars for a stunning dessert display at gatherings.

Warmed in the Microwave

• Briefly warming the cookies in the microwave makes them soft and gooey, enhancing their flavor and texture right before serving.

How to Perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Creating the perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies requires attention to detail. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your cookies turn out amazing every time.

• Chill Your Dough – Chilling your cookie dough makes it easier to handle and helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thicker cookies.

• Use Fresh Apples – Fresh, crisp apples will provide better texture and flavor compared to older ones. Choose varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for optimal results.

• Measure Ingredients Accurately – Accurate measurements are key to achieving the right dough consistency. Use a kitchen scale if possible for precision.

• Don’t Overbake – Keep an eye on your cookies toward the end of baking. They should look puffy and slightly underdone in the center; they will continue cooking as they cool.

• Experiment with Toppings – Feel free to get creative! Try nuts or chocolate chips mixed into the crumble for added flavor and crunch.

Best Side Dishes for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies can be complemented by side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Apple Salad – A fresh apple salad with greens, nuts, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.

2. Cheese Board – Offer a selection of cheeses like sharp cheddar or brie paired with fruit preserves that echo the cookie flavors.

3. Pumpkin Soup – A bowl of creamy pumpkin soup can warm up your palate before enjoying dessert, making it an ideal pairing.

4. Candied Nuts – Sweet, crunchy candied nuts add texture and bring out the nutmeg and cinnamon notes in the cookies.

5. Chocolate Fondue – For an interactive dessert experience, serve these cookies alongside chocolate fondue for dipping.

6. Caramel Dip – Add extra fun by serving alongside a caramel dip for those who love even more decadence with their cookies.

7. Spiced Hot Chocolate – A cup of spiced hot chocolate enhances your dessert experience while keeping everything cozy.

8. Fruit Compote – A warm fruit compote made from seasonal fruits complements the apple flavor beautifully while adding juiciness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch for.

• Not chilling the dough: Chilling the dough is essential for better texture and easier handling. If you skip this step, your cookies may spread too much while baking.

• Overbaking the cookies: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should look slightly underdone in the center, as they will continue to set while cooling.

• Ignoring ingredient measurements: Baking is a science. Be precise with your ingredient measurements, especially with flour and sugars, to achieve the perfect cookie consistency.

• Skipping the crumble topping: The crumble adds flavor and texture that complements the apple filling. Don’t miss out on this crucial step!

• Using unripe apples: Choose apples that are ripe and flavorful. Unripe apples can lead to a less satisfying filling.

• Not allowing cookies to cool properly: Allowing cookies to cool on a wire rack is important for maintaining their structure. Skipping this can result in soggy bottoms.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last for about 4-5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

• Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen.
• Transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over low heat; cover and warm each cookie for about 2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions related to Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies that might help you while baking them.

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

You can substitute apples with pears or peaches for a different twist on these cookies. Just adjust the spices accordingly!

How do I make vegan Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

Replace butter with plant-based alternatives and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. These adjustments will keep the flavor intact while making it vegan-friendly.

What if I don’t have apple cider?

If you don’t have apple cider, lemon juice works as a great substitute to add acidity without altering the flavor significantly.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking, ensuring it has added binding ingredients like xanthan gum.

Can I prepare these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare both the dough and apple filling ahead of time, storing them separately until you’re ready to bake.

Final Thoughts

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies combine the comforting flavors of fall into bite-sized treats that everyone will love. These cookies are versatile; feel free to customize them by adding nuts or using different spices based on your preference. Give this recipe a try and enjoy these delightful mini pies!