Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place! These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are like little bites of heaven, bringing together all the comforting flavors of a classic apple pie in a delightful cookie form. With their spiced apple filling, brown sugar crumble topping, and a drizzle of rich salted caramel sauce, these cookies are perfect for sharing at family gatherings or enjoying on a chilly evening with a warm cup of cider.

What makes these cookies even more special is how easy they are to make! Whether you’re baking for a busy weeknight dessert or preparing treats for your next get-together, these cookies will surely impress everyone. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll find it hard to resist going back for more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet apples and salted caramel creates a deliciously balanced taste that everyone will adore.
• Fun to Make: Baking these cookies is not only simple but also an enjoyable activity to do with friends or family.
• Make Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time, making them perfect for busy schedules.
• Versatile Treat: These cookies are great for any occasion – from holiday gatherings to everyday snacks!
• Perfectly Portable: The individual cookie size makes them easy to pack and share on the go.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how simple and wholesome the ingredients are for these delectable Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies! Gather these items from your kitchen, and let’s get baking!

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 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

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 flexible, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences! Here are a few ideas to switch things up:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
• Use Different Fruits: Swap the apples for pears or peaches if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Switch Up the Spice: Experiment with different spices like ginger or cardamom to create your unique flavor profile.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

Start by creaming together the softened butter with an electric mixer. This step is crucial as it helps incorporate air into the dough, making your cookies light and fluffy. Once creamy, add both sugars until they’re well combined. Then mix in vanilla extract and eggs until just blended. Finally, add your dry ingredients until a dough forms. Don’t forget to chill it for about 30 minutes — this makes rolling easier!

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

While your dough chills, prepare the apple filling. Rinse and peel those beautiful apples before dicing them into bite-sized chunks. Combine them with butter, cider, brown sugar, and spices in a medium pan over medium-high heat. Cooking this mixture allows flavors to meld beautifully while softening those apples into tender bits. Once cooked to your liking (about 15-18 minutes), transfer everything into a bowl to cool down.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Now onto one of my favorite parts—the salted caramel sauce! Follow my easy recipe (linked in blue) that takes just about 10 minutes. Allow it to cool at room temperature until thickened; this helps achieve that lovely drizzle over your cookies later on.

Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough

Scoop your chilled dough into balls about 65 grams each using a large cookie scoop. Place them in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer—this chilling step ensures they maintain their shape while baking.

Step 5: Make the Crumble

While your dough is chilling again, prepare that delightful crumble topping! Melt some butter in a mixing bowl and mix in remaining streusel ingredients until crumbly. Spread this out on parchment-lined pans and bake them until golden brown—your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven again—this time to 365° F—and line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Roll those chilled dough balls in cinnamon-sugar before placing them on sheets with enough space between each one for spreading while baking. Bake them until edges feel set yet centers are slightly underdone; they will finish cooking as they cool.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

Once cooled slightly, use a spoon to fill each cookie center with that luscious apple pie filling we prepared earlier. Top off each one generously with crumble before finishing with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce.

Step 8: Serve & Store

Enjoy these delightful treats immediately after assembling! If storing leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for about 4-5 days—just remember not to leave them out overnight due to fresh fruit content.

Now that you know how easy it is to whip up these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies, I hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Making these cookies is a delightful experience, and a few extra tips can take your baking to the next level!

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 4 hours (or longer) helps solidify the butter, making it easier to handle and ensuring your cookies maintain their shape while baking.

• Use Fresh Apples: Fresh, crisp apples provide the best flavor and texture for your filling. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp varieties are particularly great choices for that perfect tart-sweet balance.

• Monitor Baking Time: Every oven is different! Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be puffy and just slightly underdone in the center; they will continue to cook on the baking sheet after coming out of the oven.

• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste. Adding a little extra cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the warm flavors of fall that make these cookies so comforting.

• Layer Your Caramel Sauce: Drizzle a bit of caramel sauce into the cookie before adding the apple filling for an extra burst of flavor in every bite.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

These cookies not only taste amazing but also look delightful when served right! Here are some fun ideas to present them beautifully.

Garnishes

• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the cookies for added crunch and nutty flavor.
• Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar just before serving can add an extra touch of sweetness and warmth.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements these warm cookies perfectly, creating a delicious contrast in temperature.
• Hot Apple Cider: Serve alongside a cup of spiced hot apple cider, enhancing those cozy fall vibes with every sip.
• Whipped Coconut Cream: For a dairy-free option, whipped coconut cream offers a light, fluffy topping that works wonderfully with these sweet treats.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can balance out the richness of the cookies while providing a burst of freshness with each bite.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies will not only taste incredible but also look like they belong in a bakery display! Enjoy every delicious moment!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can prepare components ahead of time, making it easy to whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the assembled cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.
• Keep the cookies separate from the salted caramel sauce and crumble if possible to maintain texture.
• If you’re storing unassembled cookies, keep them in a single layer to avoid sticking.

Freezing

• To freeze the dough, scoop into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag.
• Frozen cookie dough balls can be stored for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
• You can also freeze assembled cookies; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To reheat assembled cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
• For individual servings, you can microwave each cookie for about 10-15 seconds or until warm.

FAQs

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

Can I make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute eggs with unsweetened applesauce or flaxseed meal mixed with water as a binder. Use 1/4 cup of applesauce or 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg.

How do I store Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

Store these cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, consider freezing either the dough or the assembled cookies.

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Absolutely! While apples are traditional for this recipe, feel free to experiment with pears or even berries for a different fruity twist.

What is the best way to serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

These cookies are best enjoyed fresh from the oven when they’re warm and gooey. Serve them with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce and perhaps a scoop of dairy-free ice cream!

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much while baking?

Chilling your dough is essential! Ensure that you chill your cookie balls adequately before baking to help them keep their shape.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies as much as I do! They bring all the warmth and comfort of apple pie in bite-sized form, perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself! Enjoy every moment spent baking these treats, and don’t forget to savor each delicious bite. Happy baking!