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If you adore the comforting flavors of traditional apple pie but crave a fun, portable treat, this Apple Pie Cookies Recipe is just what you need. Imagine tender, buttery cookie dough wrapped around a warm, spiced apple filling that captures all the magic of your favorite dessert in a perfectly sized bite. These cookies are a delightful way to enjoy the familiar taste of apple pie with an easy-to-share, charming twist that’s sure to bring smiles at any gathering or cozy afternoon snack time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Apple Pie Cookies Recipe plays a vital role, combining simplicity with rich, comforting flavors. From the flaky texture of the buttery dough to the warm spice blend that brings the apple filling to life, these components come together beautifully to deliver a true crowd-pleaser.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure and tenderness to the cookie dough.
- Unsalted butter (cold and cubed): Essential for a flaky, buttery texture and a rich flavor that melts in your mouth.
- Granulated sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness to balance the tartness of the apples.
- Brown sugar: Infuses the dough and filling with a deep, caramel-like warmth.
- Egg: Binds the dough together and contributes to a soft, yet sturdy cookie base.
- Vanilla extract: Elevates the overall flavor with its mellow, sweet aroma.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Granny Smith apples (peeled and finely diced): Their tartness pairs beautifully with the sweet spices in the filling.
- Cinnamon: A classic spice that brings warmth and depth to the apple filling.
- Nutmeg: Adds a subtle, nutty sweetness that enhances the cozy autumn vibe.
- Allspice: Provides a hint of complexity and earthiness to round out the spice blend.
How to Make Apple Pie Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by pulsing the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt together in a food processor until combined. This mixture sets the stage for the perfect cookie crust. Add the cold, cubed butter next and pulse until you get a texture resembling coarse crumbs—this step is crucial for that flaky bite. Finally, incorporate the egg and vanilla extract, pulsing just until the dough comes together smoothly. Wrap the dough in plastic and chill it for an hour to make it easier to roll out later.
Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
While the dough chills, mix the diced Granny Smith apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of allspice. This mixture is bursting with those nostalgic apple pie flavors, and the spices balance the tartness of the apples perfectly. Letting the flavors meld here will make for a heavenly filling inside your cookies.
Step 3: Form the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll your chilled dough out on a lightly floured surface until it reaches about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a 3-inch round cutter to create cookie circles. Spoon a bit of the apple filling into the center of each circle. Carefully fold the edges up to form a little tart shape, pinching the edges to seal the filling inside. This shaping is where the magic happens, giving you that perfect mini apple pie look in cookie form.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your formed cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them for 15 to 18 minutes or until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown. As they bake, the warm spices and buttery dough create an irresistible aroma that will fill your kitchen with cozy vibes. Let your cookies cool slightly before enjoying the delightful contrast of crisp edges and soft, spiced apple centers.
How to Serve Apple Pie Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an added touch of charm and flavor, dust your Apple Pie Cookies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce. A small dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on the side also pairs beautifully, enhancing the indulgent feel without overwhelming the delicate apple flavors.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine alongside a hot cup of spiced chai tea, freshly brewed coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. Their portable size makes them perfect for packing into lunchboxes or serving at brunch with a selection of fresh fruit and nuts for a wholesome, comforting spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Apple Pie Cookies into a delightful gift by stacking them in a clear jar tied with a rustic ribbon. You can also arrange them on a festive platter with edible autumn leaves or cinnamon sticks for a beautiful seasonal display that impresses guests and invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Apple Pie Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the crust crisp and the filling flavorful—perfect for grabbing a quick treat over the next few days.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies in advance, freeze the unbaked formed cookies on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to three months to enjoy that fresh-baked spirit any time.
Reheating
Warm leftover cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes to revive that flaky texture and warm the spiced apple filling. Avoid microwaving as it may make the cookie soggy or unevenly warm.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples provide a wonderful tartness that balances the sweetness, varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji can be swapped in if you prefer a sweeter filling. Just keep in mind their texture may differ when baked.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but make sure it’s one that includes xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best texture. The dough might behave a bit differently, so chilling it well is especially important.
Can I prepare the dough or filling ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before rolling out. The apple filling can also be prepared a day early and stored in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
How do I prevent the cookie edges from browning too fast?
If you notice the edges browning quickly, try lowering your oven temperature slightly or placing a baking sheet on a lower rack. Keeping an eye on baking times can also help prevent over-browning.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
To make a vegan version, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a flax or chia seed egg substitute. The spices and apples remain the same, keeping that delicious classic flavor intact.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Apple Pie Cookies Recipe is like gifting yourself a little slice of warm, spiced happiness wrapped in a buttery cookie. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, bringing them to a potluck, or just treating yourself, they’re guaranteed to spark joy and satisfy your apple pie cravings in the most delightful way. So, roll up your sleeves and dive into this cozy baking adventure—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Apple Pie Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Apple Pie Cookies, a perfect marriage of tender buttery dough and spiced apple filling. These charming little tarts capture the warm flavors of traditional apple pie in a handheld cookie form, ideal for sharing or enjoying with a cup of tea.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Apple Filling
- 2 Granny Smith apples (peeled and finely diced)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- Pinch of allspice
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients: In a food processor, pulse together the flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and salt until thoroughly combined.
- Add butter: Add the cold cubed butter to the mixture and pulse until it resembles coarse crumbs, ensuring the butter is well incorporated but still in small pieces.
- Incorporate wet ingredients: Add the egg and vanilla extract, pulsing until the dough just comes together into a cohesive mass.
- Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up, making it easier to handle.
- Prepare the filling: While the dough chills, mix the finely diced apples with 1/4 cup brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of allspice in a bowl to create the spiced filling.
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) to get ready for baking the cookies.
- Roll and cut dough: Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness, then cut into 3-inch circles using a cookie cutter or glass.
- Add filling: Place a spoonful of the apple filling in the center of each dough circle, being careful not to overfill.
- Form the tarts: Fold the edges of each circle up around the apple filling, pinching the sides gently to seal and create a mini tart shape.
- Bake: Transfer the formed cookies to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- Ensure butter is very cold to achieve a flaky dough texture.
- Do not overfill the cookies to prevent leaking during baking.
- Use Granny Smith apples for their tartness and firm texture which hold up well in baking.
- Chilling the dough is crucial to make it easier to roll and shape.
- Allow cookies to cool slightly on a rack before serving to let the filling set.
