Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Apple Pie Cookies, or Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies, are a delightful twist on the classic dessert. These cookies combine the warm spices of apple pie with a chewy cookie base, filled with a luscious apple filling. Topped with a brown sugar crumble and drizzled with salted caramel, they make the perfect fall treat. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just enjoying an afternoon snack, these cookies are sure to impress everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of apples, spices, and salted caramel creates a flavor explosion.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you can whip up these cookies without any fuss.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for parties, holidays, or cozy nights in.
• Make Ahead: Both the dough and filling can be prepared in advance, saving you time when you need it.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust spices or toppings according to your taste!

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious cookies, you’ll need some essential tools and equipment.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Medium saucepan

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Ensures that your butter and sugars are creamed perfectly for a light cookie texture.
• Baking sheets: Provide a sturdy surface for even baking of your cookies.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy clean-up after baking.

Ingredients

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 of diced apple)
• 1/4 cup salted butter, cubed (4 tbsp)
• 2 tbsp apple cider (or 1 tsp lemon juice)
• 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

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. Then add vanilla and eggs, mixing until just combined. Lastly, add dry ingredients while mixing until a dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

Peel and dice your apples into bite-sized chunks. Combine all apple filling ingredients in a medium pan over medium-high heat. Cook for 15 to 18 minutes until tender. Transfer to a bowl to cool.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Prepare your salted caramel sauce according to an easy recipe. Let it cool at room temperature for about 20 minutes until thickened.

Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough

Scoop dough into balls weighing about 65 grams each using a large cookie scoop. Place them in an airtight container to chill in the fridge for at least four hours.

Step 5: Make the Crumble

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Melt butter in a mixing bowl; stir in remaining crumble ingredients until crumbly. Spread on parchment-lined pan and bake for 12–14 minutes until golden brown.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Preheat oven to 365°F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Roll dough balls in cinnamon-sugar mixture before placing on sheets with space between them. Bake for about 10–12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain puffy.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

Once cookies have cooled slightly, spoon apple pie filling into their centers, sprinkle with crumble topping, and drizzle with salted caramel sauce.

Step 8: Serve & Store

Enjoy immediately after assembling! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate your serving experience with a few creative ideas. Here are some suggestions to make your cookie presentation even more enjoyable.

With a Scoop of Ice Cream

• Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert pairing.

Drizzled with Extra Salted Caramel

• Add an extra drizzle of salted caramel sauce over the top for that indulgent touch.

Garnished with Whipped Cream

• Top the cookies with freshly whipped cream for a light and fluffy addition.

Accompanied by Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside slices of fresh apples or pears to enhance the fruity flavor of the cookies.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Create a dessert platter featuring these cookies, chocolate treats, and seasonal fruits for a festive gathering.

How to Perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

To ensure that your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies turn out perfectly every time, keep these handy tips in mind.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your butter and eggs come to room temperature for better mixing and texture.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps maintain their shape while baking, preventing them from spreading too much.

• Don’t Overbake: Remove cookies from the oven when they are slightly underdone in the center; they will continue cooking on the baking sheet.

• Taste as You Go: When making the apple filling, taste it to adjust sweetness and spice according to your preference.

• Store Properly: Keep baked cookies in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some options that complement these delicious cookies beautifully.

1. Spiced Hot Cider: Warm spiced apple cider brings out the flavors of the cookies and adds warmth to your treat.

2. Pumpkin Spice Latte: A creamy pumpkin spice latte pairs perfectly with fall flavors, enhancing your cookie enjoyment.

3. Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses like sharp cheddar or brie adds savory notes that contrast nicely with sweet cookies.

4. Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate for dipping can create an interactive dessert experience that’s fun for everyone.

5. Caramel Pudding: Creamy caramel pudding offers another layer of sweetness that complements the salted caramel in the cookies.

6. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits refreshes the palate between bites of rich cookie goodness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the final result. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Ignoring Chill Time: Skipping the chilling step can lead to cookies that spread too much while baking. Always chill your dough for the recommended time to maintain shape.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too long after adding flour can make the cookies tough. Mix just until combined to keep them soft and chewy.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Using too much or too little of any ingredient can alter the cookie’s texture and flavor. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups carefully for best results.
• Underbaking or Overbaking: Baking cookies for too short or too long can affect their texture. Keep an eye on them and remove them when the edges are set but the centers are slightly puffy.
• Forgetting to Preheat the Oven: Not preheating your oven may lead to uneven baking. Always preheat your oven before placing cookies inside for consistent results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

• Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 1 month.
• Place in a freezer-safe bag or container, separated by parchment paper.

Reheating Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on low power in 10-15 second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a covered pan over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and freeze it, or bake the cookies in advance and store them.

How do I customize Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

Feel free to add nuts like pecans or walnuts, or use different types of apples for varied flavors.

What makes these cookies taste like apple pie?

The combination of spices and apple filling gives these cookies their signature apple pie flavor.

How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for optimal freshness.

Final Thoughts

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies bring all the comforting flavors of classic apple pie into a delightful cookie form. They are perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights at home. Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings or fillings, making this recipe versatile and enjoyable for everyone!