Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Apple Pie Cookies taste like apple pie in cookie form! An apple pie spiced cookie is filled with a tender apple filling and topped with a brown sugar crumble and finished with a drizzle of luscious salted caramel sauce. These cookies are the perfect fall treat – and taste just like mini apple pies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: These cookies capture the essence of traditional apple pie with warm spices and sweet caramel.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps, you can whip up these delightful treats without any fuss.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive holiday party, these cookies are sure to impress everyone.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dough, filling, and crumble in advance, saving time on busy days.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spices or add your favorite nuts for an extra touch.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies, you’ll need some essential tools. Having these on hand will streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Cookie scoop
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone mats

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugars together.
• Cookie scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
• Baking sheets: Essential for placing your cookies in the oven without mess.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 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 creamed together with the butter, about 1 minute. Add the vanilla and eggs, mixing until just combined. Finally, add the dry ingredients last, mixing until a dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes to make it easier to roll into balls.

Make-Ahead Tip: Dough can be balled and frozen for about one month before using. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

Rinse & peel your apples. Dice them into bite-sized chunks. In a medium pan over medium-high heat, combine all apple filling ingredients. Cook for about 15 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until desired tenderness is reached. Transfer this mixture to a bowl to cool; it can be done at room temperature or in the fridge.

Make-Ahead Tip: This filling can be prepared up to two days ahead; store in a jar in the fridge.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Prepare your Salted Caramel Sauce using an easy recipe that takes just ten minutes. Let it cool at room temperature for about 20 minutes until thickened.

Make-Ahead Tip: Store cooled caramel sauce in a jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough

Using a large cookie scoop, portion out dough balls that weigh approximately 65 grams each. Place them in an airtight container and chill them in the fridge for at least four hours or freeze them for two hours.

Note: Always scoop dough into balls before chilling; otherwise, it will be difficult to scoop later.

Step 5: Make the Crumble

While your dough chills, preheat your oven to 350° F. Melt butter in a medium mixing bowl and stir in remaining streusel ingredients until crumbly. Spread this mixture onto a parchment-lined pan and bake for about 12–14 minutes until deep golden brown. Allow it to cool before breaking into smaller pieces if desired.

Make-Ahead Tip: This crumble can be prepared one to two days ahead; store it at room temp or freeze for one to two months.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven again but now to 365° F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. In a small bowl, combine sugar and spices for coating; roll each dough ball in this mixture before placing about six cookies on each sheet with space between them. Bake for roughly 10–12 minutes until edges appear set but centers remain slightly underdone. After resting on sheets for one to two minutes, gently press indents into centers with a tablespoon before transferring them onto wire racks to cool completely.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

Once cooled, spoon apple pie filling into each cookie’s center, sprinkle crumble topping over it generously, then drizzle warm salted caramel sauce on top.

Step 8: Serve & Store

Enjoy your assembled cookies immediately! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for four to five days; avoid leaving out at room temperature due to fresh fruit content.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies can be enjoyed in various delightful ways. Whether for a cozy fall gathering or a sweet treat at home, these cookies are sure to impress. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With a Scoop of Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing! A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the warm flavors of the cookies perfectly.
• Caramel Swirl Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, try a caramel swirl ice cream that echoes the salted caramel drizzle on the cookies.

Drizzled with Extra Salted Caramel Sauce

• Warm Up: Lightly heat additional salted caramel sauce and drizzle it over each cookie just before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Serving Bowls: Offer a small bowl of salted caramel sauce alongside the cookies for guests to add their desired amount.

Accompanied by Hot Beverages

• Coffee: A warm cup of coffee balances the sweetness of the cookies and adds a comforting touch.
• Spiced Tea: Serve with a cup of spiced tea for a cozy flavor combination that’s perfect for chilly days.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Variety of Cookies: Include other cookie varieties to create a colorful and diverse dessert platter, showcasing different flavors and textures.
• Fresh Fruit: Add slices of fresh apples or pears to complement the apple pie filling in the cookies.

How to Perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

To ensure that your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Chill the Dough: Allowing your dough to chill for at least 30 minutes makes it easier to handle and helps prevent spreading during baking.
• Use Fresh Apples: Opt for firm, fresh apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture in your filling.
• Don’t Overbake: Remove cookies from the oven when they look slightly underdone; they will continue cooking as they cool on the baking sheet.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to tweak the spices according to your taste preference; adding more cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor.
• Cool Completely Before Assembling: Ensure cookies are fully cooled before adding apple filling and crumble to avoid sogginess.
• Store Properly: Keep assembled cookies in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness and prevent them from getting too soft.

Best Side Dishes for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Pairing side dishes with Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Cheese Plate: A selection of cheeses such as brie or cheddar can provide a savory contrast to sweet cookies.
2. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the richness of the cookies.
3. Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip pieces of cookie into melted chocolate for an extra treat.
4. Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream pairs well with the flavors in these cookies and adds creaminess.
5. Nut Mix: A crunchy nut mix can offer texture contrast while providing healthy fats that complement sweet desserts.
6. Caramel Popcorn: Serve caramel popcorn on the side for an added crunch and sweetness that ties in with the cookie theme.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding these common mistakes will help you create the best Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies.

• Skipping the Chilling Step: Not chilling the dough makes it harder to shape and can result in cookies that spread too much. Always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Using too much or too little of any ingredient can affect texture and flavor. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar.
• Overbaking Cookies: Leaving cookies in the oven too long can lead to dry, hard cookies. Watch them closely and take them out when the edges are set but centers are still soft.
• Ignoring Cooling Time: As tempting as it is, don’t skip letting cookies cool on the baking sheet. This helps them firm up and maintain their shape.
• Underestimating Salted Caramel Sauce: The sauce is essential for flavor depth. Make sure to allow it enough time to cool and thicken before drizzling over your cookies.
• Neglecting Flavor Balancing: Ensure the spices used in both the cookie dough and apple filling are well balanced. Adjust according to your taste preferences for a perfect blend.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies 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 in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month.
• Baked cookies can be frozen individually wrapped or in containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup.

Can I use other fruits in place of apples?

Yes! Pears or peaches can also work well with similar spices, creating delicious variations of these cookies.

How should I store leftover salted caramel sauce?

Keep any extra salted caramel sauce stored in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

What if I don’t have salted butter?

You can use unsalted butter instead; just add a pinch of salt to your recipe where needed.

Final Thoughts

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies offer a delightful twist on traditional apple pie flavors, packed into easy-to-eat bites. Their versatility allows you to customize fillings or toppings based on your preferences, making them perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe today and enjoy the sweet taste of fall!