There’s something magical about the combination of flaky pastry and sweet apple filling that draws you in. Apple Pie Cookies are an irresistible treat that brings the flavors of a classic apple pie into bite-sized delights. These cookies offer all the warm spices, buttery crust, and tender apple goodness in a smaller, more manageable package. Whether you’re looking for a fantastic dessert to impress your guests or a simple snack to enjoy with your afternoon coffee, these cookies are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Why We Love This Apple Pie Cookies Recipe
This recipe for Apple Pie Cookies is a perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence. You get to savor the delightful taste of homemade pie but without all the fuss of a traditional pie crust. The crinkle of the outer shell combined with a luscious apple filling makes every bite a comforting experience. Not only are these cookies delicious, but they also remind many of home, family gatherings, and cherished memories created around the dining table. Plus, they are an easy way to get your kids involved in baking, making it an enjoyable family activity.
Ingredients about Apple Pie Cookies
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 large apple, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
How to Make Apple Pie Cookies Directions
Making Apple Pie Cookies isn’t just about following a recipe—it’s about creating a heavenly treat that fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly, producing that lovely golden color you desire.
In a good-sized mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, softened butter, granulated sugar, salt, and cinnamon. You want these ingredients to come together beautifully, forming a soft dough. Use your hands to knead the mixture slightly, making sure all the components are well integrated.
Once your dough is ready, roll it out onto a lightly floured surface until it reaches about 1/4 inch in thickness. This thickness provides that perfect balance between a crunchy exterior and a soft interior. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut circles from the dough.
In another bowl, prepare the filling by mixing the diced apple with brown sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. The brown sugar adds a rich depth of flavor, while the lemon juice brightens up the apples. This step is essential for ensuring your apple filling is as delicious as it gets!
Now, it’s time to assemble the cookies. Place a spoonful of the apple mixture on top of half of the dough circles. Make sure not to overfill them, as this can make sealing tricky. Then, take the remaining dough circles and cover the filling. Use your fingers to seal the edges, ensuring that the goodness stays inside while baking.
After you have completed assembling your cookies, take a beaten egg and brush it over the tops of each cookie. This will give them that beautiful, shiny finish once they are baked.
Now for the fun part—baking! Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them into the oven for 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown. When you take them out, let them cool on a wire rack for a few moments. The anticipation will be worth it when you bite into your homemade Apple Pie Cookies!
How to Serve Apple Pie Cookies
Serving Apple Pie Cookies is as delightful as making them. You can serve these treats fresh out of the oven while they’re still warm, allowing the filling to be wonderfully gooey. They pair perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s hard to resist.
For a more casual serving, simply dust the cookies with a sprinkle of powdered sugar before presenting them on a platter. This little touch adds a refined elegance without the effort! You can also consider drizzling them with caramel or chocolate sauce for an extra layer of sweetness. Whether you’re serving them at a picnic, a dessert table, or simply at home on a cozy evening, these cookies are bound to steal the show.
They can also be accompanied by a hot cup of tea or coffee. The warmth of your beverage complements the cookie’s rich flavors beautifully. You might even catch yourself preparing a second batch just to share with friends or family!
Expert Tips: Apple Pie Cookies
To ensure your Apple Pie Cookies turn out perfect every time, consider the following tips:
- Use Fresh Apples: Choose firm varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for a nice crunch and balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too soft to handle, let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to roll out and cut.
- Don’t Overfill: Remember that less is more when it comes to the apple filling. Overstuffing can lead to messy cookies that won’t seal properly.
- Seal Well: Use a fork to crimp the edges of the cookies after sealing them to ensure they do not open during baking.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add nutmeg or allspice for an added depth of flavor in the filling. A pinch of these spices can elevate your cookies.
- Check the Cookies Often: Baking times can vary with ovens; keep an eye on your cookies to prevent them from browning too much.
- Serve With Style: Elevate your presentation by serving these cookies on a pretty plate garnished with fresh mint leaves or some extra diced apples for a touch of color.
How to Store Apple Pie Cookies
If, by chance, you have any Apple Pie Cookies left after your gathering, storing them properly is crucial for maintaining their flavor and freshness. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps maintain their texture and keeps them from drying out.
For longer storage, consider refrigerating them, where they can last up to one week. If you want to keep them for an extended period, freezing is also an option—simply place the cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the oven for a few minutes to reheat.
Variation of Apple Pie Cookies
These Apple Pie Cookies are delicious as they are, but the fun part is customizing them to suit your taste. Here are a few variations you might try:
- Caramel Apple: Drizzle caramel sauce over the filling before sealing. It adds a sweet, gooey element that truly enhances the flavors.
- Nutty Surprise: Add chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the filling for a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the sweet apples.
- Cheesecake Filling: Mix cream cheese with sugar and vanilla to create a creamy filling. You can also swirl in the apple filling for a delightful twist.
- Spiced Apples: Mix in a combination of spices like nutmeg or cardamom with your apple mixture for a more aromatic experience.
- Chocolate Chip: Fold in mini chocolate chips to your apple filling for a sweet surprise in every bite.
- Fried Instead of Baked: For a different approach, try frying the cookies for a golden and extra crispy texture. Just be careful not to overcook them.
- Mini Version: Create mini cookies using smaller circles of dough for bite-sized treats that are great for parties or gatherings.
FAQ
What are Apple Pie Cookies?
Apple Pie Cookies are small pastries filled with a rich apple mixture that combines the taste of traditional apple pie into a portable, bite-sized treat.
How do I ensure my filling doesn’t leak during baking?
To prevent leaking, make sure to seal the edges of your cookies well and avoid overfilling them. Crimping the edges with a fork can also help secure them.
Can I make Apple Pie Cookies in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time. Assemble the cookies and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them.
What types of apples are best for these cookies?
Firm apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn hold up well during baking and provide a delightful contrast of sweet and tart flavors.
Can I freeze Apple Pie Cookies?
Absolutely! Once baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to three months. Reheat them in the oven before serving for a fresh taste.
Apple Pie Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
For the Apple Filling
- 1 large apple, peeled and diced Use firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice Brightens up the apples
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, softened butter, granulated sugar, salt, and cinnamon to form a soft dough.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use a round cookie cutter or glass to cut circles from the dough.
Making the Filling
- In another bowl, mix the diced apple with brown sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice.
Assembling the Cookies
- Place a spoonful of the apple mixture on half of the dough circles.
- Cover the filling with the remaining dough circles and seal the edges tightly.
- Brush the tops of each cookie with the beaten egg.
Baking
- Bake the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let them cool on a wire rack before serving.
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