Apple Pie Cookies have a way of bringing back those warm, fuzzy memories of grandma’s kitchen, don’t they? I remember the first time I tried making them, it felt like capturing the essence of a classic apple pie in a bite-sized treat. The aroma of cinnamon and baked apples filled my house, and honestly, it was pure magic. Learning how to make apple pie cookies was a game-changer for my dessert repertoire. These easy apple pie cookies are so delightful, a perfect little taste of comfort that you can whip up without a fuss. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love These Apple Pie Cookies
These homemade apple pie cookies are a true delight for so many reasons. You’ll adore the perfect balance of flaky crust and sweet, spiced apple filling – it’s like a mini apple pie in every bite!
- Incredible taste that captures classic apple pie flavors.
- Super quick prep time, perfect for busy weeknights.
- A healthier dessert option with fruit as a key component.
- Budget-friendly ingredients make these a cost-effective treat.
- Family-friendly and fun for kids to help assemble.
- These homemade apple pie cookies are incredibly satisfying.
- They offer a delightful texture contrast between the crisp cookie and soft apple.
- A wonderful way to enjoy apple pie without the fuss of a full pie.
Ingredients for Homemade Apple Pie Cookies
Crafting these delightful apple pie cookies starts with simple, accessible ingredients that come together beautifully. You’ll need about 2 medium apples, peeled and diced nice and small for the filling. For that sweet, spiced apple goodness, grab 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 3 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon nutmeg. A little trick for thickening the filling is 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water – it creates that perfect gooey consistency. For the cookie dough itself, we’re using 2 refrigerated pie crusts, which makes this an incredibly easy apple pie cookie recipe. You’ll also need 1 egg, beaten, for a lovely golden egg wash, and 2 tablespoons coarse sugar for that delightful crunch on top.
How to Make Easy Apple Pie Cookies
Let’s get these delightful treats in the oven! Making these apple pie cookies is a straightforward process that guarantees delicious results. First, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper – this makes cleanup a breeze and prevents any sticking. It’s always a good idea to get this step out of the way first.
- Step 1: Start by making the apple filling. Melt the 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add your finely diced apples, 3 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon nutmeg. Stir everything together and cook for about 5–6 minutes, just until the apples begin to soften. You’ll notice a wonderful aroma filling your kitchen!
- Step 2: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (that’s the 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) and continue to cook for one more minute until the filling thickens to a lovely, jam-like consistency. Remove from heat and let this apple mixture cool down completely. This is crucial, as hot filling can melt your dough.
- Step 3: Now for the cookie dough! Gently unroll your 2 refrigerated pie crusts onto a lightly floured surface. Using a round cookie cutter (about 2-3 inches in diameter), cut out as many circles as you can. You should aim for about 24 circles in total. These will form the base and top of your apple pie sugar cookies.
- Step 4: Assemble your cookies. Place about half of the dough circles onto your prepared parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon a small amount of the cooled apple filling into the center of each circle. Don’t overfill, or they might leak! Top each with one of the remaining dough circles.
- Step 5: Seal the edges of your apple pie sugar cookies by pressing down firmly with the tines of a fork. This not only seals them but also creates a pretty pattern. Brush the tops of the cookies with the 1 beaten egg for that beautiful golden-brown color. Finally, sprinkle generously with the 2 tablespoons coarse sugar for a delightful crunch that makes these apple pie sugar cookies truly special.
- Step 6: Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until the cookies are beautifully golden brown and the edges look crisp. The smell as they bake is absolutely divine! Once they’re done, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delicious apple pie cookies warm or at room temperature!
Pro Tips for the Best Apple Pie Cookies
Want to elevate your apple pie cookies from good to absolutely amazing? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make all the difference. Ensuring your apple filling is completely cool before assembling is key; a warm filling can make the dough sticky and hard to handle. Also, don’t skimp on sealing the edges – a good crimp with a fork prevents that delicious apple filling from oozing out during baking. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cardamom to the apple filling along with the cinnamon and nutmeg.
What’s the secret to perfect apple pie cookies?
The secret to truly perfect apple pie cookies lies in the balance of textures and flavors. Making sure your apple filling is thick and not too watery is crucial. Also, a light egg wash and a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top create that delightful crispiness and visual appeal that makes these cookies irresistible.
Can I make apple pie cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! You can prepare the apple filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also assemble the cookies and store them, unbaked, on a baking sheet in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just be sure to cover them well.
How do I avoid common mistakes with apple pie cookies?
A common pitfall is overfilling the cookies, which leads to leakage. Use just enough filling to cover the bottom layer without reaching the edges. Another mistake is not sealing the edges properly; a firm press with a fork is essential. Lastly, ensure your apples are diced small so they cook through evenly within the cookie.
Best Ways to Serve Apple Pie Cookies
These little bites of apple pie goodness are fantastic on their own, but they truly shine when served with a few thoughtful pairings. For a classic treat, enjoy these apple pie cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream – the contrast of hot cookie and cold ice cream is divine! You could also serve them alongside a warm mug of apple cider or a creamy latte for a cozy afternoon snack. They also make for beautiful presentation as part of a dessert platter, nestled amongst other apple pie inspired cookies or pastries.
Nutrition Facts for Apple Pie Cookies
Discover the nutritional breakdown for these delightful apple pie cookies. Each cookie is a perfect balance of sweetness and flavor, making them a satisfying treat.
- Calories: 270 kcal
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 22 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Apple Pie Cookies
Proper storage is key to keeping these delightful apple pie cookies tasting their best. Once they’ve cooled completely on a wire rack (this is super important to avoid sogginess!), you’ll want to store them in an airtight container. For enjoying them within a few days, the refrigerator is your best bet; they should stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep these gems for longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. This makes having a batch of apple pie cookie recipe storage ready for unexpected cravings a breeze!
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen or refrigerated cookies, reheating is simple. For a warm, just-baked feel, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also gently reheat them in a toaster oven or even microwave them for about 10-15 seconds, though be mindful that microwaving can sometimes alter the texture slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Pie Cookies
What makes these apple pie cookies so special?
These apple pie cookies are special because they perfectly capture the comforting essence of a classic apple pie in a convenient, bite-sized format. The combination of tender, spiced apple filling sealed within a flaky, buttery cookie dough is simply irresistible. It’s a delightful way to enjoy those familiar flavors without the commitment of baking a whole pie.
Can I use different types of apples for this apple pie cookie recipe?
Absolutely! While I love using a mix of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for this apple pie cookie recipe, you can certainly experiment. Granny Smith apples offer a wonderful tartness that balances the sweetness, while Gala or McIntosh provide a softer texture and milder flavor. Just ensure you dice them small so they cook through nicely within the cookie.
How do I ensure my apple pie cookies don’t leak?
To prevent your apple pie cookies from leaking, the key is to not overfill them. Spoon just enough of the cooled apple filling into the center of the bottom cookie dough circles, leaving a decent border. Then, press the edges of the top cookie firmly against the bottom one and crimp well with a fork. This creates a secure seal that holds the delicious filling inside.
Are there any variations to this apple pie cookie recipe?
Yes, you can get creative! For a richer flavor, try adding a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the apple filling. You could also swap the coarse sugar topping for a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and a splash of milk after baking. Some people even like to add a crumble topping to the base before adding the apple filling for an extra layer of texture, turning them into something akin to apple crumble cookies.
Variations of Apple Pie Cookies You Can Try
While these apple pie cookies are fantastic as is, you can easily customize them to suit your tastes or dietary needs. For a gluten-free twist, simply use your favorite gluten-free pie crust (or make one from scratch with a GF blend) and ensure your other ingredients are certified gluten-free. If you’re looking for a vegan option, use a vegan pie crust and substitute the butter in the filling with vegan butter or coconut oil. For a different texture, try making these into apple pie sugar cookies by adding a bit more sugar to the dough and a touch of vanilla extract. Another fun variation is to create mini apple pie cookie bars by pressing the dough into a rectangular pan, layering the filling, topping with more dough, and cutting them into bars after baking.
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Perfect Apple Pie Cookies: 1 Delicious Bite
- Total Time: 48 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the classic flavors of apple pie in a delightful cookie format. These apple pie cookies are easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- For the Apple Filling:
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced small
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water)
- For the Cookies:
- 2 refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons coarse sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Make the Apple Filling: Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir and cook for 5–6 minutes until apples soften. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook 1 more minute until thickened. Let cool completely.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Use a round cookie cutter to cut circles (about 24 total).
- Assemble the Cookies: Place half of the circles on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon a small amount of apple filling into the center of each. Top with the remaining dough circles, pressing edges with a fork to seal.
- Bake: Brush tops with beaten egg, then sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 16–18 minutes, until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let cookies cool slightly on the pan before moving to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- These cookies are best served warm.
- You can make the apple filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
- Ensure the pie crust edges are well sealed to prevent the filling from leaking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 270 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
