If you’re a fan of classic apple pie but want a fun, portable twist, look no further than Apple Pie Cookies! These delightful treats combine the comforting flavors of apple pie with the convenience of a cookie, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a sweet snack, or wanting to impress guests with a homemade dessert, these Apple Pie Cookies will surely satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 2 medium apples, peeled and finely diced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Directions:
- Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, wrap each half in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. - Make the Apple Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Mix well and set aside. - Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out circles from the dough. Place the circles on the prepared baking sheet. - Fill the Cookies
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the apple filling onto the center of each dough circle. Roll out the second portion of dough and cut out more circles. Place these circles over the apple filling and press the edges with a fork to seal. - Apply Egg Wash
Brush the tops of the cookies with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired. - Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown. - Cool and Serve
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 150 kcal per serving
- Servings: Makes about 24 cookies
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips:
- Warm Serving
Serve the Apple Pie Cookies warm for the best flavor. You can reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds. - Pair with Ice Cream
For a more indulgent treat, serve these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm cookie and cold ice cream is delightful. - Drizzle with Caramel
Drizzle some caramel sauce over the cookies before serving to enhance their sweetness and add a rich, buttery flavor. - Accompany with Coffee or Tea
Apple Pie Cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. They make a great accompaniment to your morning or afternoon beverage.
Storage Tips:
- Room Temperature
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. - Refrigeration
If you need to store them for a longer period, you can refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste. - Freezing
These cookies freeze well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven before serving. - Avoiding Moisture
Ensure the cookies are completely cool before storing to prevent moisture buildup, which can make the cookies soggy.
Variations:
- Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
- Ingredients: Add 1/4 cup caramel bits to the apple filling mixture.
- Directions: Follow the original recipe, mixing the caramel bits with the diced apples, sugars, and spices. The caramel will melt and create a gooey, delicious filling.
- Serving Tip: Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the warm cookies before serving.
- Apple and Cranberry Pie Cookies
- Ingredients: Add 1/4 cup dried cranberries to the apple filling mixture.
- Directions: Combine the dried cranberries with the diced apples, sugars, and spices. The cranberries add a tart contrast to the sweet apples.
- Serving Tip: Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
- Apple Pie Cheesecake Cookies
- Ingredients: Add a cheesecake filling layer made with 4 oz cream cheese, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Directions: After placing the apple filling on the dough circles, add a small dollop of the cheesecake filling on top before sealing with the second dough circle.
- Serving Tip: Serve chilled for a refreshing and creamy twist.
- Spiced Apple Pie Cookies
- Ingredients: Add 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves and 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice to the apple filling mixture.
- Directions: Mix the additional spices with the diced apples, sugars, and existing spices for a more complex flavor profile.
- Serving Tip: Pair with a hot cup of spiced tea or cider.
- Apple Pie Cookies with Nuts
- Ingredients: Add 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple filling mixture.
- Directions: Mix the chopped nuts with the diced apples, sugars, and spices. The nuts add a delightful crunch to the cookies.
- Serving Tip: Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup for added sweetness and flavor.
- Glazed Apple Pie Cookies
- Ingredients: Prepare a simple glaze with 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 2-3 teaspoons milk or lemon juice.
- Directions: After the cookies have cooled, drizzle the glaze over the tops for a sweet finish.
- Serving Tip: Allow the glaze to set before serving to avoid a sticky mess.
- Apple Pie Cookies with Oats
- Ingredients: Add 1/4 cup rolled oats to the apple filling mixture.
- Directions: Mix the oats with the diced apples, sugars, and spices. The oats give the filling a chewy texture and add a hint of nuttiness.
- Serving Tip: Serve with a scoop of vanilla yogurt for a delicious breakfast treat.
FAQs:
- Can I use a different type of apple for these cookies?
- Yes, you can use any type of apple you prefer. Granny Smith apples are popular for baking due to their tartness, but Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples also work well.
- Can I make the dough in advance?
- Yes, you can make the dough up to 2 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
- Can I freeze the dough?
- Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
- What if I don’t have a round cookie cutter?
- You can use a glass or any round object with a similar diameter to cut out the dough circles. Alternatively, you can make square or rectangular cookies using a knife.
- Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
- Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend is suitable for baking and contains xanthan gum or another binding agent.
- How do I prevent the cookies from becoming soggy?
- Ensure the apple filling is not too wet. Drain any excess liquid before placing it on the dough. Also, bake the cookies until they are golden brown to ensure the dough is fully cooked and not soggy.
- Can I add other fruits to the filling?
- Yes, you can mix in other fruits like pears, peaches, or berries. Make sure to adjust the sugar and spices to complement the additional fruits.
- How do I store leftover cookies?
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Can I use pre-made pie dough?
- Yes, you can use store-bought pie dough to save time. Follow the same steps for filling and baking the cookies.
- Can I make these cookies vegan?
- Yes, you can make these cookies vegan by using a plant-based butter and replacing the egg wash with a plant-based milk or a flaxseed egg mixture. Ensure all other ingredients, like the sugars, are also vegan-friendly.
These FAQs provide helpful tips and alternatives to make the Apple Pie Cookies recipe more accessible and customizable for different preferences and dietary needs.
Apple Pie Cookies are the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of a traditional apple pie in a convenient, bite-sized form. They are easy to make and absolutely delicious, with a buttery, flaky crust and a sweet, spiced apple filling. These cookies are sure to become a favorite treat for your family and friends. Enjoy them warm from the oven or pack them for a delightful snack on the go!