Apple Pie Cookies

These Apple Pie Cookies take all the best elements of a traditional apple pie—the buttery crust, spiced apples, and warm cinnamon—and transform them into a soft, chewy cookie with a burst of flavor in every bite. The rich apple filling is nestled in the center of each cookie, making them not only delicious but also beautifully textured. The cinnamon sugar coating adds a hint of sweetness and a delicate crunch on the outside, while the soft, spiced apple filling oozes with every bite. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save them for later, these cookies are a cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for fall or whenever you’re craving that nostalgic apple pie taste in a more portable form.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Apple Pie Cookies:

For the Filling:

• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture to both the apple pie filling and the cookie dough, making them soft and flavorful.
• Apples: The star of the filling, providing that classic apple pie flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Sweetens the filling and dough while adding a hint of caramel flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, spicy flavor to both the filling and cookie coating.
• Cornstarch: Helps to thicken the apple pie filling, making it perfect for stuffing into the cookies.

For the Cookie Dough:

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the cookie dough, giving it structure.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and become soft and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the cookie dough.
• Brown Sugar: Sweetens the dough while adding a hint of caramel flavor.
• Egg: Adds richness and helps bind the cookie dough.
• Egg Yolk: Adds extra richness and moisture to the dough.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookie dough.

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cinnamon sugar coating.
• Cinnamon: Adds extra warmth to the sugar coating for a true apple pie feel.

You’ll need the following tools for making the Apple Pie Cookies:

• Mixing Bowls: A large bowl for combining the cookie dough ingredients and a smaller ones for measuring.
• Measuring Scale: To accurately measure all your ingredients in grams.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: For creaming the butter and sugars, and mixing the dough.
• Skillet: To cook the apple filling on medium heat.
• Spatula: To fold in the dry ingredients and combine the mixtures.
• Baking Sheet: For baking the cookies.
• Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheet, preventing the cookies from sticking.
• Cookie Scoop: To evenly portion out the dough.
• Cooling Rack: For allowing the cookies to cool evenly after baking.

Here is the full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 60 g (4 tbsp) unsalted butter
• 1-2 apples, 160 g (5.6 oz) peeled, cored, and diced
• 60 g (1/4 cup) packed brown sugar (light or dark)
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp water

For the Cookies:

• 300 g (2 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 225 g (1 cup) unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
• 70 g (1/3 cup) packed brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 large egg yolk (room temperature)
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• 50 g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Directions:

1. Start by making the filling. In a medium skillet, combine the butter, diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Place the skillet over medium heat and cook, stirring frequently, until the butter and sugar melt, and the mixture begins to bubble. If it splatters too much, reduce the heat slightly to maintain a gentle simmer. Continue cooking until the liquid reduces a little, and the apples soften, giving you a rich, caramelized apple mixture.
2. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water, then add it to the apple mixture. Cook until the filling thickens. Once done, set it aside to cool completely.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and salt).
4. In another bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
5. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until well combined. Gradually fold in the flour mixture, creating a smooth cookie dough.
6. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Using a large cookie scoop, portion out balls of dough and roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until coated. Place each dough ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Create an indent in the center of each cookie using your thumb or a teaspoon, and fill it with about 1 teaspoon of the cooled apple pie filling.
8. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Bake the cookies in the center rack for about 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling. Let the cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Tricks:

Tips for the Cookies:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the dough, using room temperature butter and eggs ensures that everything mixes evenly, leading to a smoother dough.
• Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too soft, chill it for 15-20 minutes in the fridge before rolling into balls. This helps the cookies hold their shape better during baking.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. You want them to be golden brown around the edges but still soft in the middle. Overbaking can make the cookies too crispy.
• Make the Filling Ahead: The apple pie filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just ensure it’s completely cooled before adding to the cookies.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add nutmeg or allspice to the filling for a more complex flavor.

General Tips:

• Use a Cookie Scoop: For evenly-sized cookies, use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough. This ensures even baking and makes them look professional.
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze the dough for up to 2 months.
• Serve Warm: If you want to serve them later, warm the cookies slightly in the microwave or oven to bring back that fresh-baked goodness!

More Fall Baking Ideas:

• Chai Cookies – Infused with warm chai spices and topped with a sweet spiced glaze, these Chai Cookies are the perfect cozy treat for fall!
• Pumpkin Sugar Cookies – These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are soft, spiced, and packed with the rich flavors of fall, perfect for a cozy treat any time!
• Apple Cheesecake Cookies – The perfect blend of tart apples and creamy cheesecake, all in a sweet and chewy cookie that melts in your mouth.
• Cinnamon Roll Cookies – Soft, buttery cookies swirled with cinnamon sugar, bringing all the cozy flavors of cinnamon rolls in a delightful cookie form.

Watch the recipe video here. Let’s get to baking! Here is the full recipe: