These Apple Pie Cookies are like little hugs of sweetness! With buttery dough wrapping around warm apple filling and spices, they are a perfect treat for any day.
I can’t resist how easy they are to make! You just roll, fill, and bake. Whether enjoyed with ice cream or on their own, they bring a smile every time! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the main ingredient for the cookies. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, you can use a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary a bit.
Unsalted Butter: I always prefer unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness. If you’re in a pinch, margarine can be used as a substitute, though I find it changes the flavor slightly.
Apples: Granny Smith apples are my go-to for their tartness. If you can’t find them, Honeycrisp or Fuji apples work well too. Just avoid overly sweet varieties for this recipe.
Cornstarch: This helps thicken the apple filling. You can replace it with arrowroot powder or all-purpose flour if needed, but the texture may differ a bit.
How Do You Get the Right Cookie Dough Texture?
Getting your cookie dough just right is crucial for the best results. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature. It should be soft enough to create a fluffy mix with the sugar.
- Mix until just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as you no longer see any flour.
- Chill the dough for about 30 minutes if it’s too sticky to handle. This also helps prevent spreading during baking.
Apple Pie Cookies Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced (Granny Smith is best)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon water
For Garnish and Finishing:
- Powdered sugar, for sprinkling
- Honey or caramel sauce for drizzling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake, plus a bit of cooling time. In total, you should set aside around 1 hour. You’ll be enjoying warm, homemade Apple Pie Cookies in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps incorporate air and ensures even baking.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.
4. Mix in Egg and Vanilla:
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, beating until fully combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Carefully add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until everything is incorporated. Remember, don’t overmix!
6. Shape the Cookies:
Divide the dough into about 20 equal portions, rolling each into a ball. Flatten each ball slightly to create a small disk, placing them on the prepared baking sheets with some space in between.
7. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a small bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. This adds a lovely flavor to the filling!
8. Thicken the Filling:
In another small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Add this to the apple mixture and stir well to combine.
9. Add the Apple Filling:
Take about a teaspoon of apple filling and place it in the center of each cookie dough disk, gently pressing down to bind the apples to the dough.
10. Bake the Cookies:
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the cookies are golden around the edges and the apple filling is tender.
11. Cool and Garnish:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Finish with Sugar and Sauce:
Before serving, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar. If you like, you can also drizzle some honey or caramel sauce on top for extra sweetness!
Enjoy your delicious Apple Pie Cookies with a warm cup of tea or coffee! They’re sure to be a hit with family and friends!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples for the Filling?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness, you can also use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or even a mix of your favorite apples. Just avoid overly sweet varieties to maintain a balanced flavor.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover Apple Pie Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If they last longer than that, consider refrigerating them to preserve freshness.
Can I Freeze the Dough or Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough! Shape it into disks, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. You can bake them straight from the freezer; just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. You can also freeze baked cookies, allowing them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
How Do I Know When the Cookies Are Done Baking?
The cookies are done when they are lightly golden around the edges and the apple filling is tender. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid overbaking!
