Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of fall, let me introduce you to my beloved Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies. These delightful cookies pack all the flavors of traditional apple pie into a handheld version that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, enjoying a quiet evening at home, or need something sweet for a busy weeknight, these cookies will surely bring smiles to everyone’s faces.

What makes this recipe so special is the combination of spiced cookie dough with a tender apple filling and a crunchy brown sugar crumble on top. And we can’t forget the drizzle of luscious salted caramel sauce that ties it all together! Every bite is like a warm hug from your grandma’s kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe comes together in simple steps that even beginner bakers can master with ease.
• Family Favorite: Everyone loves cookies, and when they taste like apple pie? Pure magic!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough and fillings ahead of time. This means less stress on baking day!
• Festive Flavors: The warm spices and rich caramel make these cookies perfect for fall celebrations or holiday gatherings.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as dessert or with your afternoon coffee; they fit any moment.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! You’ll find that these are simple, wholesome items you might already have in your pantry. Together, they create the perfect balance of flavors for our Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies.

For the Cookie Dough

• 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

For the Apple Filling

• 4 large apples, peeled and diced (775 grams or 27 ounces)
• 1/4 cup salted butter, cubed (4 tbsp)
• 2 tbsp apple cider (or 1 tsp lemon juice as an alternative)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 and 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves

For the Salted Caramel Sauce

• 1 cup granulated sugar(206 grams)
• 6 tbsp salted butter, cubed
• 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp heavy cream
• Pinch of flaky sea salt

For the Crumble Topping

• 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
• 3/4 tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible. You can easily customize it to suit your taste or dietary preferences! Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the apples: Use pears or a mix of both for a different flavor profile.
• Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can add crunch to both the filling and crumble.
• Change up the spices: Experiment with ginger or cardamom for an unexpected twist!
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute with your favorite gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium-high speed. Add both sugars and mix until they’re well combined, which should take about one minute. Then, add in the vanilla extract and eggs. Mixing until just combined is key here; don’t overdo it! Finally, incorporate your dry ingredients until a dough forms. Chill this dough for about 30 minutes—it makes rolling it into balls so much easier!

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

Start by rinsing and peeling your apples before dicing them into bite-sized chunks. In a medium pan over medium-high heat, combine all filling ingredients. Cook while stirring occasionally for about 15 to 18 minutes until they reach your desired tenderness. Once done, transfer the apple mixture to a bowl to cool—this step can be done ahead of time too!

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

For this step, follow my easy salted caramel sauce recipe (linked above). Let it cool at room temperature for around 20 minutes until thickened. It’s essential to let it cool; otherwise, it may run off your cookies!

Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough

Using a large cookie scoop, portion out dough balls weighing around 65 grams each. Place them in an airtight container and chill them in the fridge for at least four hours (or up to two days!). Chilling helps prevent spreading during baking.

Step 5: Make the Crumble

While your dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt some butter in a mixing bowl before stirring in all other crumble ingredients until crumbly. Spread this mixture onto a parchment-lined pan and bake for about 12-14 minutes until golden brown—your kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Now preheat your oven again—this time to 365°F (185°C). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Roll those chilled dough balls in cinnamon-sugar before placing them on baking sheets with space in between since they will spread out while baking. Bake for about 10-12 minutes; look for set edges but slightly puffy centers—they will firm up as they cool.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

Once cooled slightly, spoon apple pie filling into each cookie’s center before sprinkling on that glorious crumble topping. Lastly, drizzle over your homemade salted caramel sauce generously!

Step 8: Serve & Store

These cookies are best enjoyed immediately after assembly! However, store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days—just remember not to leave them out overnight due to fresh fruit content!

Happy baking! I can’t wait for you to try these wonderful Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies—they’re sure to become your new favorite treat!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Baking these delightful cookies is a joy, and with a few pro tips, you’ll be sure to impress everyone who takes a bite!

• Use room temperature butter: This ensures that the butter blends evenly with the sugars, creating a smooth and creamy cookie dough that bakes up perfectly.
• Chill the dough: Chilling your dough not only makes it easier to handle but also helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking, resulting in beautifully uniform cookies.
• Don’t skip the apple filling taste test: Tasting your apple filling as it cooks allows you to adjust the sweetness and spice levels to your liking, ensuring each cookie will be bursting with flavor.
• Make extra salted caramel sauce: This luscious drizzle is not only perfect for assembly but can also be served on the side for guests who want an extra indulgent treat.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to play around with the spices in both the cookie dough and apple filling. A bit of ginger or cardamom can add an exciting twist!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

These cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious, making them perfect for any occasion! Presenting them thoughtfully can elevate your dessert game even further.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped pecans or walnuts over the top of your cookies for added crunch and flavor.
• Whipped cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream alongside your cookies offers a light and creamy contrast to the richness of the pie cookies.
• Cinnamon dust: A light dusting of cinnamon powder on top before serving adds an inviting aroma and enhances their visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The classic pairing of warm cookies with cold vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast in temperatures and textures.
• Caramel sauce: Serve additional salted caramel sauce on the side for those who enjoy an extra drizzle; this will please any sweet tooth!
• Hot apple cider: A warm cup of spiced apple cider complements these cookies wonderfully, enhancing their fall flavors and providing a cozy drink option.
• Coffee or chai latte: The rich flavors of coffee or spiced chai tea pair beautifully with these cookies, making them a comforting choice for an afternoon snack or dessert.

Enjoy crafting and sharing these scrumptious Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies; they are sure to become a favorite among friends and family!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make components ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy fresh cookies whenever the craving hits.

Storing Leftovers

• Store assembled cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
• If you prefer, you can keep the cookie dough, apple filling, and crumble separately to maintain freshness.
• Avoid leaving the cookies at room temperature overnight due to the fresh fruit.

Freezing

• Freeze cookie dough balls before baking for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
• The apple filling can be frozen in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
• Crumble topping can also be frozen; just break it into pieces before storing.

Reheating

• Reheat cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• For a quick fix, microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delicious cookies!

Can I make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies without cider?

Yes! If you don’t have apple cider on hand, simply use 1 teaspoon of lemon juice as a substitute. It works perfectly to enhance the flavor of the apples!

How do I store Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. It’s best not to leave them out at room temperature overnight due to the fresh fruit filling.

Can I freeze Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough balls and bake them fresh later. Just thaw them in the fridge before baking for the best results.

What’s the best way to reheat Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

Reheat your cookies at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes or microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy warm!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies! They bring a delightful taste of fall right into your kitchen, combining warm spices with sweet apples and that irresistible salted caramel drizzle. Whether you’re sharing with friends or indulging yourself, these cookies are sure to impress. Enjoy every bite!