Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Apple Pie Cookies, or Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies, capture the essence of fall in every bite! These delightful cookies combine the flavors of warm apple pie with a soft cookie texture, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Perfect for cozy family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply indulging yourself, these cookies are topped with a crunchy crumble and drizzled with luscious salted caramel. Their unique combination of flavors and textures makes them stand out among traditional desserts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and fresh apples offers a comforting taste that evokes fond memories of homemade apple pie.
• Easy to Make: The simple steps allow even novice bakers to create impressive cookies without stress.
• Versatile Treat: These cookies are perfect for both casual snacking and special occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the dough and filling in advance, allowing you to enjoy freshly baked cookies anytime!
• Perfectly Shareable: With 14 servings, they’re ideal for sharing with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

Creating these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies requires some essential tools. Preparing everything ahead will make the baking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Quickly creams butter and sugars together, saving time and ensuring a fluffy texture.
• Cookie scoop: Helps in portioning uniform cookie dough balls for even baking.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouthwatering 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 cider is unavailable)
• 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 using an electric mixer on medium-high speed. Add in both sugars and mix until well combined. Then add vanilla extract and eggs, mixing until just combined. Finally, add the dry ingredients to form a dough. Chill for 30 minutes before rolling into balls.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

Rinse, peel, and dice your apples into bite-sized pieces. In a medium pan over medium-high heat, combine all apple filling ingredients. Cook for about 15 to 18 minutes until tender, stirring occasionally. Once done, transfer to a bowl to cool.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Follow my easy recipe for Salted Caramel Sauce linked in blue text. Let it cool at room temperature until thickened.

Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough

Use a large cookie scoop to portion out dough balls weighing around 65 grams each. Place them in an airtight container to chill either in the fridge for at least four hours or freeze for two hours.

Step 5: Make the Crumble

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

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven again but this time to 365° F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Roll dough balls in a mixture of sugar and spices before placing them on sheets—allowing room for spreading—then bake for about 10–12 minutes.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

After cooling slightly on sheets, use a tablespoon’s back to press indents into centers of cookies. Spoon apple filling into each cookie’s center before sprinkling crumble topping on top. Drizzle with cooled salted caramel sauce.

Step 8: Serve & Store

Enjoy your delicious cookies immediately after assembly! Store them in an airtight container within the fridge for up to five days; avoid leaving them at room temperature due to fresh fruit content.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Serving Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies is all about enhancing their delicious flavors and making them a delightful treat for any occasion. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With Vanilla Ice Cream

• A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm cookies, adding a cool contrast that complements the caramel and apple flavors.

Drizzled with Extra Salted Caramel

• For those who can’t get enough of that rich flavor, drizzle more salted caramel on top of your cookies before serving for an indulgent twist.

Accompanied by Whipped Cream

• Light and fluffy whipped cream adds a nice touch when served alongside these cookies, creating a deliciously airy contrast.

Paired with Hot Apple Cider

• Enjoy these cookies with a warm mug of apple cider for a cozy fall treat that enhances the apple pie flavors in the cookies.

Served on a Dessert Platter

• Arrange your cookies on a festive dessert platter alongside other treats like mini pies or pastries to create an inviting dessert table.

How to Perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

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

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the cookie dough helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thick, chewy cookies.

• Use Fresh Apples: Fresh apples not only taste better but also maintain their texture and flavor in the filling. Choose firm varieties for best results.

• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. They should be puffy and slightly underdone in the center for the best texture.

• Let Cool Properly: Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up without falling apart.

• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to tweak the spice levels according to your preference. More cinnamon or nutmeg can add extra warmth to your cookies.

Best Side Dishes for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Pairing side dishes with Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies can enhance their flavor profile even further. Here are some great options:

1. Cheese Platter

2. A selection of cheeses, like sharp cheddar or creamy brie, offers a savory contrast to the sweet cookies.

3. Fruit Salad

4. A fresh fruit salad made with seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances out the richness of the cookies.

5. Pecan Pie Bites

6. Mini pecan pie bites bring another layer of fall flavors that echo those found in apple pie.

7. Pumpkin Spice Latte

8. This classic coffee drink adds warmth and spice that pairs beautifully with the sweet notes of caramel and apple.

9. Coffee or Tea

10. A warm cup of coffee or tea complements the sweetness of the cookies while providing a comforting beverage option.

11. Chocolate Fondue

12. Set up a chocolate fondue station for dipping pieces of cookie into melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are a few common mistakes to be aware of.

• Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the dough can lead to cookies that spread too much during baking. Always chill for at least 30 minutes for better texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can make the cookies tough. Mix just until combined for soft and chewy cookies.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Using too much flour can result in dry cookies. Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag.
• Ignoring the baking time: Baking for too long can ruin your cookies. Watch them closely and remove them when they are puffy and slightly underdone.
• Forgetting about seasoning: Skipping spices can lead to bland cookies. Be sure to use the specified spices for that warm apple pie flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

• Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 1 month.
• Store baked cookies in a container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in 10-second intervals until just warmed through.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies special?

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies combine the flavors of classic apple pie with a chewy cookie texture, enhanced by rich salted caramel sauce.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! The dough can be frozen for up to one month, and the apple filling can be prepared up to two days in advance.

How do I store Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days or freeze them for longer storage.

Can I substitute different fruits?

Absolutely! You can experiment with other fruits like pears or peaches if you want variations on this recipe.

What should I serve with these cookies?

These cookies pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added indulgence.

Final Thoughts

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are a delicious twist on traditional fall treats. Their unique combination of flavors makes them perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. Feel free to customize by adding nuts or using different spices!