Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Apple Pie Cookies—a perfect blend of flaky homemade pie crust, caramel-drizzled apple pie filling, and warm cinnamon spice. These bite-sized cookies are ideal for fall desserts, holiday parties, and cozy family gatherings. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dessert or a creative twist on classic apple pie, this recipe delivers the best of both worlds. Learn how to make these delicious, portable treats that are sure to impress!

Ingredients

For the Apple Pie Filling:

3 medium apples (about 1 lb.), peeled and sliced into eighths
1 ½ tbsp lemon juice
3 tbsp granulated sugar
3 tbsp brown sugar
3 tbsp cornstarch
½ tsp ground cinnamon
A dash of nutmeg
¾ cup water

For the Pie Crust:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
¼ cup ice water

For the Cookies:

1 ¾ cups prepared apple pie filling, chopped into small pieces
1 cup caramel sauce
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

Make the Apple Pie Filling:

Prepare the Apples:
- Peel the apples and cut each into 8 slices.
- Toss the apple slices with lemon juice in a bowl and set aside.
Cook the Filling:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and water.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, whisking continuously for about 2 minutes until thickened.
Add the Apples:
- Stir the apple slices into the saucepan, ensuring they are well coated with the mixture.
- Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender.
- Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool completely.
Chop the Filling:
- Once cooled, remove the apples from the sauce and chop them into small pieces suitable for cookies. Set aside.

Make the Pie Crust:

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
Add the chilled, cubed butter and cut it into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough comes together. Form into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Assemble and Bake the Cookies:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out the chilled pie crust on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
Using a round cookie cutter, cut out circles of dough.
Place a spoonful of chopped apple filling in the center of half the circles. Drizzle with caramel sauce.
Brush the edges with the beaten egg and cover with another dough circle, pressing the edges to seal.
Brush the tops with the remaining egg wash and sprinkle with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon.
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving.

Tips

Chill the Dough: Keeping the dough cold prevents it from becoming too sticky and ensures a flaky crust.
Uniform Slices: Try to cut the apples into uniform slices so they cook evenly.
Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the sugar in the filling to your taste, especially if your apples are particularly sweet or tart.

Variations and Substitutions

Different Apples: Use Granny Smith for a tart filling or Honeycrisp for a sweeter flavor.
Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Spices: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for a warmer, spicier filling.
Salted Caramel: Use salted caramel sauce for a sweet-salty flavor contrast.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pie crust?

Absolutely! Store-bought crust can save time and works well for this recipe.

How do I store these cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Can I freeze them?

Yes! Freeze unbaked or fully baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the cookies for added sweetness.
Pair with a cup of hot coffee or apple cider for a cozy fall treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for Fall: These cookies capture the essence of a warm apple pie in a bite-sized treat.
Handheld Delight: No need for a fork or plate—perfect for parties and gatherings.
Customizable: Easily switch up the flavors with different apples, spices, or caramel sauces.
Kid-Friendly: Fun to make with kids and a favorite treat for all ages!