Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Apple Pie Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of apple pie with the convenience of cookies. These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are perfect for fall gatherings, holiday parties, or simply a cozy night in. With their spiced cookie base, tender apple filling, and rich salted caramel drizzle, these cookies will surely impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon-spiced apples and buttery cookie dough creates a taste reminiscent of homemade apple pie.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion, from Thanksgiving celebrations to casual get-togethers.
• Easy Preparation: With straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can create these impressive cookies.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough and filling in advance, saving you time on busy days.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Everyone loves cookies! These are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies, you’ll need a few essential tools to make the process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Cookie scoop
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Medium saucepan

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugars effortless, ensuring a light and fluffy cookie dough.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for separate ingredients and for combining your cookie dough without mess.
• Cookie scoop: Helps achieve uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking while baking and makes cleanup easier.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious 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 of diced apple)
• 1/4 cup salted butter, cubed (4 tbsp)
• 2 tbsp apple cider (or 1 tsp lemon juice if unavailable – NOT apple cider vinegar!)
• 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 well combined, about 1 minute. Incorporate the vanilla extract and eggs, mixing until just combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes to make it easier to roll into balls.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

Rinse and peel your apples before dicing them into bite-sized chunks. In a medium pan over medium-high heat, combine all apple filling ingredients. Cook for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once apples reach desired tenderness, transfer them to a medium bowl to cool.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Follow an easy recipe for making Salted Caramel Sauce. Allow it to cool at room temperature for about 20 minutes until thickened.

Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough

Scoop out portions of dough using a large cookie scoop (about 65 grams each) and place them in an airtight container. Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or freeze for up to 2 hours.

Step 5: Make the Crumble

While your dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F. Melt butter in a medium bowl, then stir in remaining streusel ingredients until crumbly. Spread on a parchment-lined pan and bake for about 12–14 minutes until golden brown.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 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 to spread). Bake for approximately 10–12 minutes until edges are set but centers look slightly underdone.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

Once cookies have cooled slightly, create an indent in each center using a tablespoon’s back. Spoon apple pie filling into each cookie center, top with crumble, then drizzle with salted caramel sauce.

Step 8: Serve & Store

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

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

These delightful Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are perfect for any occasion. You can enjoy them as a sweet treat, or pair them with various drinks and desserts for a complete experience.

With Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that enhances the warm, spiced flavors of the cookies.
• Caramel Swirl Ice Cream: Adds an extra layer of sweetness that complements the salted caramel drizzle.

As a Dessert Platter

• Fruit Platter: Serve with seasonal fruits like pears or grapes for a fresh contrast.
• Cheese Board: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese to balance the sweetness of the cookies.

With Hot Beverages

• Coffee: The rich flavor of coffee pairs wonderfully with the sweet cookies.
• Spiced Apple Cider: Enhance the apple flavors by serving these cookies with warm spiced cider.

How to Perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

To create the ultimate Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies, follow these helpful tips for a successful bake every time.

• Chill Your Dough: Chilling helps prevent spreading and keeps your cookies thick and chewy.
• Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices will elevate the flavor profile significantly compared to pre-ground varieties.
• Don’t Overbake: Remove cookies from the oven while they still look slightly underbaked; they will firm up as they cool.
• Quality Ingredients Matter: Opt for high-quality butter and apples for the best taste in your cookies.
• Make Ahead: Prepare components like dough and filling in advance to save time on baking day.

Best Side Dishes for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Pair these delicious cookies with side dishes that elevate their flavors and create an impressive spread.

1. Apple Crisp: A warm apple crisp topped with oats and cinnamon complements the cookie’s apple filling beautifully.
2. Pumpkin Soup: The creamy texture and spices in pumpkin soup provide a perfect savory contrast to sweet cookies.
3. Pecan Pie Bars: These nutty treats enhance the autumn vibe when served alongside your cookies.
4. Chai Tea Latte: The warm spices in chai tea make it an ideal drink companion to these flavorful cookies.
5. Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites offer creamy goodness that pairs well with the chewy texture of the cookies.
6. Caramel Flan: A silky caramel flan can enhance the caramel flavor present in your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies, avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your baking experience. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step can lead to cookies that spread too much. Always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes for better texture.
• Choosing the wrong apples: Using apples that are too soft will result in a mushy filling. Opt for firmer varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best results.
• Overbaking the cookies: Baking them for too long can dry out the cookies. Keep an eye on them and remove them when they’re slightly underdone; they’ll firm up as they cool.
• Ignoring measurements: Not measuring ingredients accurately can change the cookie’s texture. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups correctly to ensure consistency.
• Skipping the caramel drizzle: The salted caramel is what makes these cookies special! Don’t forget to drizzle it on before serving for that extra flavor boost.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 4-5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

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

Reheating Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds; this will keep them soft.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, cover, and heat until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, you can use store-bought salted caramel sauce if you’re short on time. It’s a convenient alternative.

How can I customize my Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

Feel free to add nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch. You could also try different spices based on your preference.

What types of apples are best for these cookies?

Firm apples such as Granny Smith or Fuji work well since they hold their shape during baking and provide great flavor.

How should I store leftover cookies?

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness for several days.

Final Thoughts

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are a delightful treat, combining the flavors of classic apple pie with the comfort of a cookie. Their versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences, making them perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe and enjoy every delicious bite!