Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Apple Pie Cookies taste like apple pie in cookie form! These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are an irresistible treat that combines the classic flavors of fall with the comfort of a cookie. Filled with a tender apple filling, topped with a brown sugar crumble, and finished with a drizzle of luscious salted caramel sauce, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether for a cozy family gathering or as a delightful gift, they will surely impress everyone who tries them!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: Enjoy the comforting taste of apple pie in a convenient cookie form.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple enough for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile for Occasions: Perfect for parties, holidays, or just a sweet treat at home.
• Make Ahead Options: With options to prepare dough and filling in advance, it’s easier than ever to enjoy fresh cookies.
• Customizable Topping: Add your favorite nuts or spices to the crumble for extra flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your cookies, gather the essential tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Large mixing bowls
• Medium pan
• Cookie sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Airtight container

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugars easy and efficient.
• Large mixing bowls: Provides ample space for mixing ingredients without mess.
• Cookie sheets: Ensures even baking and prevents sticking when lined with parchment.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 1 cup salted butter, softened at room temperature (226 grams)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
– 1 and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
– 2 large eggs
– 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled (390 grams)
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 and 1/4 tsp cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp allspice
– 1/8 tsp ground cloves
– 4 large apples, peeled and diced (775 grams or 27 ounces of diced apple)
– 1/4 cup salted butter, cubed (4 tbsp)
– 2 tbsp apple cider (or use 1 tsp of lemon juice if you don’t have cider)
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1 and 1/2 tsp cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp ground cloves
– 1 cup granulated sugar (206 grams)
– 6 tbsp salted butter, cubed
– 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp heavy cream
– Pinch of flaky sea salt (Maldon brand recommended)
– Additional ingredients for crumble:
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 and 3/4 tsp cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp nutmeg
– 1/8 tsp allspice
– 1/8 tsp ground cloves
– 1/4 cup salted butter, melted
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
– 1 and 1/2 tbsp granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
– Pinch of salt

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium-high speed. Add the sugars and mix until combined. Incorporate the vanilla extract and eggs, mixing until just combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients until a dough forms. Chill for about thirty minutes to make rolling easier.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

Rinse, peel, and dice your apples into small chunks. In a medium pan over medium-high heat, combine all apple filling ingredients. Cook for about fifteen to eighteen minutes while stirring occasionally. Taste at fifteen minutes; continue cooking until reaching desired tenderness. Transfer to a bowl to cool.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Prepare your salted caramel sauce according to your preferred easy recipe. Allow it to cool at room temperature until it thickens slightly.

Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough

Using a large cookie scoop, portion out dough balls weighing approximately sixty-five grams each into an airtight container. Chill them in the fridge for at least four hours or freeze them for two hours.

Step 5: Make the Crumble

While your dough chills, preheat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit (350°F). Melt butter in a medium bowl and stir in remaining crumble ingredients until crumbly. Spread on parchment-lined pan and bake for twelve to fourteen minutes until golden brown.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven again to three hundred sixty-five degrees Fahrenheit (365°F). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Roll chilled dough balls in cinnamon-sugar mixture before placing on sheets, allowing space between each cookie. Bake for ten to twelve minutes until edges appear set but centers look slightly underdone.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

Once cookies are cooled, fill each center with apple pie filling. Top with crumble mixture followed by drizzling salted caramel sauce over each cookie.

Step 8: Serve & Store

Enjoy your delicious cookies immediately after assembly! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for four to five days.

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies will be sure to delight anyone who tastes them!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are delightful on their own, but serving them with a few accompaniments can elevate the experience. Here are some creative ways to enjoy these cookies that will impress your friends and family.

Pair with Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic choice, vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast to the warm cookies.
• Cinnamon Ice Cream: For a festive touch, cinnamon ice cream complements the spices in the cookie perfectly.

Drizzle with Extra Caramel

• Additional Salted Caramel: A generous drizzle of salted caramel sauce enhances the sweetness and adds a touch of richness.
• Chocolate Sauce: A light drizzle of chocolate sauce can create a decadent twist on this already delicious treat.

Add Fresh Fruit

• Sliced Apples: Fresh apple slices can provide a refreshing crunch that balances the sweetness of the cookies.
• Berries: Strawberries or raspberries add a tart flavor that pairs wonderfully with caramel.

Serve with Coffee or Tea

• Coffee: A hot cup of coffee brings out the flavors of the cookies and is perfect for an afternoon treat.
• Herbal Tea: A warm herbal tea can complement the spices in the cookies and make for a cozy pairing.

How to Perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Making these cookies is simple, but using a few tips can help you achieve perfection. Here are some helpful suggestions for baking your best batch yet.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling cookie dough helps prevent spreading, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies.
• Use Fresh Apples: Opt for firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for maximum flavor and texture in your filling.
• Don’t Skip the Salt: A pinch of flaky sea salt on top enhances the caramel flavor and balances sweetness.
• Properly Measure Flour: Spoon and level your flour when measuring to avoid dense cookies; too much flour can affect texture.
• Watch Baking Time Closely: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; remove them from the oven when they look slightly underdone for chewy centers.
• Cool Completely Before Assembling: Allow cookies to cool completely before adding filling and toppings to maintain their structure.

Best Side Dishes for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Pairing side dishes with these delightful cookies can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here’s a list of tasty options to consider.

1. Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream adds a nice texture contrast to the cookies.
2. Caramel Sauce Dip: Serve warm caramel sauce on the side for dipping; it enhances flavor with every bite.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses like Brie or sharp cheddar balances sweetness with savory notes.
4. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad provides a refreshing contrast and can be customized based on seasonal fruits.
5. Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip cookie pieces into warm chocolate.
6. Spiced Nuts: A mix of spiced nuts adds crunch and complements the flavors in the cookies beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

• Skipping the Chilling Step: Not chilling the dough can result in cookies that spread too much. Always chill your cookie dough as directed to maintain its shape.
• Using Overripe Apples: Using apples that are too soft may lead to a mushy filling. Choose firm apples for the best texture and flavor in your filling.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Eyeballing ingredients can ruin the balance of flavors. Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precise measurements.
• Baking at the Wrong Temperature: Incorrect oven temperature can affect your cookies’ texture. Ensure your oven is preheated and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
• Skipping the Cooling Time: Transferring cookies too soon from the baking sheet can cause them to break. Let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before moving them.
• Not Storing Properly: Leaving cookies out at room temperature can make them soggy due to moisture from the apple filling. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies in an airtight container in the fridge.
• They will stay fresh for about 4-5 days.

Freezing Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 1 month.
• Store baked cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies on a baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for 10-15 seconds until warm but not hot.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies.

Can I use other fruits for filling?

You can definitely use other fruits like pears or berries for a different flavor profile. Just adjust spices accordingly!

How do I customize my Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits for extra texture and flavor. You could also try different spices like ginger or cardamom.

What’s the best way to store leftover salted caramel?

Store leftover salted caramel sauce in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that works well in baking.

Final Thoughts

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies combine all the comforting flavors of apple pie into delightful cookie form. These treats are perfect for fall gatherings or any sweet craving. Feel free to customize with your favorite spices or additions!