Do apple pie cookies taste like traditional apple pie?

Yes, apple pie cookies capture the classic taste of apple pie in a bite-sized treat. They include a filling made from spiced apples, brown sugar, lemon juice, and butter, all wrapped in a flaky pie crust. This combination delivers the familiar sweet and tart flavors of apple pie, often enhanced with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, offering a convenient alternative to a full-sized pie.

Which type of apple is best for making apple pie cookies?

Baking apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn are ideal for apple pie cookies. Granny Smith apples are popular because their tartness balances the sweetness of the sugar and spices, and their firm texture holds up well during baking, preventing the filling from becoming too mushy.

Should I peel the apples before using them in apple pie cookies?

Peeling apples is recommended for apple pie cookies to achieve a smoother filling and avoid tough or chewy apple skins. While you can leave the peels on for added texture and nutrients, removing them helps the filling cook more evenly and creates a more tender bite.

How do I store apple pie cookies to keep them fresh?

Store apple pie cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain crispness, separate layers with parchment paper. Before serving, warm them briefly in the oven or microwave to refresh the texture.

Can apple pie cookies be frozen, and how should they be thawed?

Yes, apple pie cookies freeze well. Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before enjoying. Reheat lightly to restore their fresh-baked taste.

Apple Pie Cookies Recipe With Warm Cinnamon And Sweet Apple Flavors

Name: Apple Pie Cookies
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons salted butter Adds richness and helps cook the apples to a tender consistency; 2 apples, peeled and diced Using tart varieties like Granny Smith balances the sweetness and provides fresh apple flavor; peeling them ensures a softer texture; 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar It sweetens the filling and creates a caramel-like depth that enhances the overall taste; Juice of 1/2 lemon Brightens the flavors and prevents the apples from browning, keeping the filling fresh; 2 tablespoons apple juice or cider (or water) Adds moisture to the filling; apple juice boosts the sweet apple flavors naturally; 1 tablespoon cornstarch Thickens the filling so it doesn’t get too runny, ensuring your cookies hold their shape; 1 (14-ounce) package refrigerated pie dough (2 crusts) Provides a flaky base that’s simple to use and saves time in preparation; 1/2 cup powdered sugar Used for the glaze to give a sweet, smooth finish that ties everything together; 2 to 3 teaspoons heavy cream Makes the glaze creamy and easy to drizzle; it adds a luxurious touch without overpowering the other flavors; 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional) Offers a subtle spice that complements the warm cinnamon notes, though you can skip it for a milder taste

Description

🍏 Enjoy bite-sized apple pie cookies that blend warm cinnamon and sweet apple flavors in every delicious bite.
🍪 These easy-to-make treats provide a convenient and delightful way to savor classic fall dessert flavors anytime.

Ingredients

Scale

3 tablespoons salted butter Adds richness and helps cook the apples to a tender consistency

2 apples, peeled and diced Using tart varieties like Granny Smith balances the sweetness and provides fresh apple flavor; peeling them ensures a softer texture

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar It sweetens the filling and creates a caramel-like depth that enhances the overall taste

Juice of 1/2 lemon Brightens the flavors and prevents the apples from browning, keeping the filling fresh

2 tablespoons apple juice or cider (or water) Adds moisture to the filling; apple juice boosts the sweet apple flavors naturally

1 tablespoon cornstarch Thickens the filling so it doesn’t get too runny, ensuring your cookies hold their shape

1 (14-ounce) package refrigerated pie dough (2 crusts) Provides a flaky base that’s simple to use and saves time in preparation

1/2 cup powdered sugar Used for the glaze to give a sweet, smooth finish that ties everything together

2 to 3 teaspoons heavy cream Makes the glaze creamy and easy to drizzle; it adds a luxurious touch without overpowering the other flavors

1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional) Offers a subtle spice that complements the warm cinnamon notes, though you can skip it for a milder taste

Instructions

First Step: Prepare Your Ingredients Start by gathering all your ingredients to make the process smooth. Peel and dice 2 apples, then juice half a lemon to have everything ready. This mise en place step ensures you don’t rush later, and using tart apples like Granny Smith will balance the sweetness in your apple pie cookies.

Second Step: Cook the Apple Filling In a pan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of salted butter. Add the diced apples, 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, the juice of 1/2 lemon, and 2 tablespoons of apple juice or cider. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 5 minutes until the apples soften, incorporating that warm cinnamon essence naturally.

Third Step: Thicken the Mixture Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to thicken the filling, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes gooey and fragrant with sweet apple flavors. This step is crucial for apple pie cookies, as it prevents the filling from spilling out during baking; you can adapt it by using a different thickener if you’re watching calories.

Fourth Step: Prepare the Dough Roll out the refrigerated pie dough on a lightly floured surface. Use a cookie cutter or glass to cut out circles, aiming for about 24 pieces from the 14-ounce package. This creates the base for your apple pie cookies, and if you’re making them gluten-free, swap in gluten-free dough here for the same great results.

Fifth Step: Assemble the Cookies Spoon a tablespoon of the cooled apple filling onto half of the dough circles. Top each with another circle and seal the edges with a fork, making sure to crimp them well. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until they’re golden brown. This assembly keeps the warm cinnamon flavors intact and allows for easy adaptations based on dietary needs

Sixth Step: Make the Glaze While the cookies cool, whisk together 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 teaspoons of heavy cream, and a pinch of ground cardamom if you like. Drizzle this over the baked cookies for a sweet finish that enhances the apple pie cookie experience. For a vegan version, use a non-dairy cream to keep it simple and delicious.

Final Step: Serve and Enjoy Let the cookies cool for 10 minutes before serving to maintain their shape and flavor. They’re ready to enjoy warm, bringing that classic apple pie taste in a portable form. With a total time of around 55 minutes, these treats are perfect for sharing, and you can store leftovers for later as needed. For more inspiration on apple-based desserts, check out our lemon oatmeal cookies recipe, which pairs well with these flavors.

Notes

🍎 Use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness.
🥄 Peel apples for a softer filling texture.
❄️ Store cookies in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months, thaw before serving.

Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie

Keywords: Apple pie cookies,Apple cinnamon cookies,Fall dessert cookies,Sweet apple treats