Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Apple Pie Cookies, or Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies, are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, offering all the warm, comforting flavors of apple pie in a convenient cookie form. Perfect for fall gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply a cozy evening at home, these cookies feature a spiced apple filling and are topped with a crunchy crumble and luscious salted caramel sauce. Each bite is a sweet and savory treat that will leave everyone wanting more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of spiced apple filling and salted caramel brings a unique taste that perfectly captures the essence of fall.
• Versatile Treat: These cookies are great for any occasion, from family gatherings to bake sales or just a sweet snack at home.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients, baking these cookies can be a fun activity for bakers of all levels.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time, making them perfect for busy schedules.
• Customizable Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings—add nuts or extra spices to make them your own!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Cookie sheets
• Medium pan (for apple filling)
• Airtight container (for chilling dough)

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or electric mixer: Helps cream butter and sugars quickly, ensuring a light cookie texture.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for organizing ingredients separately before combining them.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheets, making cleanup easier.

Ingredients

To create these delicious Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies, you’ll need the following 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 needed)
• 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
• Additional ingredients for the 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 until smooth. Add the granulated sugar and light brown sugar; mix until well combined. Incorporate the vanilla extract and eggs, mixing until just combined. Gradually add in the dry ingredients until a dough forms. Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

Rinse, peel, and dice your apples into bite-sized chunks. In a medium pan over medium-high heat, combine all apple filling ingredients. Cook while stirring occasionally for about 15 to18 minutes until tender. Once cooked to your liking, transfer the mixture to a bowl to cool.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

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

Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough

Scoop out dough balls weighing about 65 grams each using a large cookie scoop. Place them in an airtight container in the fridge for at least 4 hours or freeze for about 2 hours.

Step 5: Make the Crumble

Preheat your oven to 350° F. Melt some butter in a medium mixing bowl and stir in remaining crumble ingredients until crumbly. Spread this mixture onto parchment-lined pans and bake for about 12–14 minutes until golden brown.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Raise your oven temperature to 365° F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Combine cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. Roll chilled dough balls in this mixture before placing about six on each sheet with enough space between them. Bake for 10–12 minutes, allowing edges to set while centers remain slightly underdone.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

Once cooled slightly, use a spoon to fill each cookie with apple pie filling. Top with crumble then drizzle generously with salted caramel sauce.

Step 8: Serve & Store

Serve immediately after assembly! Store leftover cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days but avoid leaving them at room temperature due to fresh fruit content.

Enjoy these delightful Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies as they combine all your favorite flavors into one perfect bite!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

These delightful Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are perfect for any occasion! They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with various treats and beverages for an extra special experience.

With Vanilla Ice Cream

• A scoop of classic vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast to the warm, spiced flavors of the cookies.

Drizzled with Extra Salted Caramel Sauce

• For an indulgent twist, drizzle more salted caramel sauce over the cookies right before serving.

Alongside Hot Apple Cider

• Pairing these cookies with a warm cup of spiced apple cider enhances the fall flavors and creates a cozy vibe.

With Whipped Cream Topping

• A dollop of whipped cream on top can add lightness and sweetness, complementing the rich cookie texture.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Include these cookies on a dessert platter with other treats like brownies or pumpkin spice bars for an inviting spread at gatherings.

How to Perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

To make sure your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these handy tips.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents spreading too much during baking.

• Use Fresh Apples: Fresh apples ensure that your filling is juicy and flavorful, enhancing the overall taste of the cookies.

• Don’t Overbake: Remove cookies from the oven when they are slightly underdone in the center; they will continue to firm up as they cool.

• Make Your Own Caramel Sauce: Homemade salted caramel adds depth and rich flavor compared to store-bought options.

• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices in both the dough and filling according to your preference for a unique flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

These cookies can be served alongside various side dishes that complement their sweet and spiced flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Spiced Nuts: Roasted nuts seasoned with cinnamon and nutmeg provide a crunchy counterpoint to soft cookies.

2. Cheese Platter: Include sharp cheddar or creamy brie for a savory contrast that balances sweetness beautifully.

3. Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup pairs well, adding seasonal flavors that enhance your dessert experience.

4. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad brings brightness and acidity that cuts through the richness of the cookies.

5. Chocolate Fondue: Offering chocolate fondue gives guests a fun interactive element, perfect for dipping cookie pieces!

6. Hot Chocolate: A steaming cup of hot chocolate makes for a comforting drink option that matches well with sweet desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.

• Not chilling the dough: Failing to chill your cookie dough can lead to flat cookies. Chilling firms up the butter, allowing for a better texture.
• Using the wrong apple variety: Choosing apples that are too soft can result in mushy filling. Opt for firmer varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best results.
• Skipping the salted caramel drizzle: This is a vital step! Skipping it will miss out on that delightful contrast of flavors. Always finish with a generous drizzle!
• Overbaking the cookies: Leaving cookies in the oven too long can make them dry. Remove them when the edges look set but the centers remain soft.
• Ignoring measurements: Baking is a science, and inaccurate measurements can ruin your cookies. Use a kitchen scale for precision whenever possible.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for 4-5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat cookies for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat cookies individually for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use pre-made caramel sauce instead?

Yes, you can absolutely use store-bought caramel sauce if you’re short on time. Just drizzle it generously over your assembled cookies!

How do I make my own salted caramel sauce?

To make salted caramel sauce, combine sugar and water on medium heat until dissolved, then add heavy cream and sea salt once it thickens.

Can I customize the filling?

Definitely! Feel free to mix in dried fruits, nuts, or spices to create your own unique twist on these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies.

What apples are best for baking?

For these cookies, tart and firm apples like Granny Smith or Fuji work best. They hold their shape during baking and add great flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies offer a delightful blend of flavors that captures the essence of fall. With their cozy taste and customizable filling options, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients and enjoy this charming recipe!