Why You’ll Love Apple Pie Cookies Recipe
If you love the comforting taste of apple pie but want a quicker, easier way to enjoy it, these Apple Pie cookies are the answer. They combine the sweetness of apples with the fragrant spices of pie filling, all wrapped up in a soft, buttery cookie. Plus, they’re portable and shareable, making them ideal for holiday gatherings or lunchboxes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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All-purpose flour
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Baking soda
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Ground cinnamon
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Ground nutmeg
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Salt
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Unsalted butter, softened
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Granulated sugar
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Brown sugar
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Egg
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Vanilla extract
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Fresh apples, peeled and finely chopped
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Rolled oats (optional for texture)
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
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In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
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In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy.
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Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
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Fold in the chopped apples and oats if using, distributing evenly throughout the dough.
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Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
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Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 12-15 minutes
Cooling time: 10 minutes
Variations
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Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
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Mix in raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness.
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Substitute fresh apples with apple pie filling for a softer, sweeter bite.
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Sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar before baking for a crunchy finish.
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Use a mix of cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist.
Storage/Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To refresh the softness, warm the cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving. These cookies can also be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw at room temperature before eating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?
Yes, just thaw and drain excess moisture before adding to the dough to avoid sogginess.
How do I keep the cookies soft?
Don’t overbake them; remove them when the edges are set but centers still look slightly soft.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use apple sauce instead of chopped apples?
Chopped apples provide texture, but you could add applesauce with some adjustments in flour to balance moisture.
What type of apples are best?
Tart apples like Granny Smith work well to balance the sweetness.
Can I add frosting or glaze?
A simple vanilla glaze or caramel drizzle pairs beautifully with these cookies.
Are rolled oats necessary?
They add nice texture but can be omitted if you prefer a smoother cookie.
Can I make mini cookies?
Yes, reduce baking time to 8-10 minutes for smaller cookies.
Can I freeze the baked cookies?
Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
Apple Pie Cookies offer the perfect blend of comforting apple pie flavors in a portable, easy-to-eat cookie form. Whether you need a quick treat or want to bring a taste of fall to your snack table, these cookies are a delicious choice that everyone will enjoy.
Apple Pie Cookies
These Apple Pie Cookies combine the classic flavors of warm cinnamon-spiced apples and flaky pie crust into bite-sized treats. Perfectly soft with a golden crust and a sweet apple filling, these cookies make an irresistible fall dessert or snack that’s easy to bake and share!
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- For the cookie dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the apple filling:
- 2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (Granny Smith or Fuji)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- For assembly and topping:
- 1 tbsp milk or egg wash
- 1 tbsp coarse sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Make the dough: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract. Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until combined. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the apples soften and mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Assemble cookies: Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Cut into 2 ½ inch circles using a cookie cutter. Place half of the circles on the baking sheet. Spoon about 1 tsp of apple filling onto the center of each circle. Top with another dough circle and press edges to seal, crimping with a fork.
- Bake: Brush tops with milk or egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool: Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- Use firm apples that hold their shape well when cooked.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to the filling.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freeze assembled but unbaked cookies for up to 1 month; bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to baking time.
