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! Whether for family gatherings, holiday parties, or cozy evenings at home, these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies will surely delight everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spiced apples, buttery cookies, and sweet salted caramel creates a mouthwatering treat.
• Easy to Make: With clear instructions and simple ingredients, even novice bakers can whip these up with ease.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a festive gathering or a casual get-together, these cookies will impress your guests.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough and fillings in advance, making it convenient for busy days.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to adjust spices or toppings based on your preferences.

Tools and Preparation

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

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool ensures your butter and sugars are perfectly creamed together for a light and fluffy cookie base.
• Cookie scoop: A large cookie scoop helps create uniform-sized cookies that bake evenly.
• Parchment paper: Using parchment paper prevents sticking, making it easy to remove the cookies after baking without any mess.

Ingredients

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)
• 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 dry ingredients to form a dough.
* Chill for 30 minutes before rolling into balls.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

Rinse and peel your apples. Dice them into bite-size chunks.
* Combine all filling ingredients in a medium pan over medium-high heat.
* Cook for about 15 to 18 minutes while stirring occasionally until desired tenderness is reached.
* Transfer the mixture to cool in a bowl.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Follow a simple recipe to create your salted caramel sauce.
* Allow it to cool at room temperature for about 20 minutes until thickened.

Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough

Scoop dough into balls weighing about 65 grams each using a large cookie scoop.
* Place them in an airtight container 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 medium bowl.
* Stir in remaining crumble 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 again to 365° F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
* Mix cinnamon-sugar coating ingredients in a small bowl.
* Roll chilled dough balls in this mixture before placing on sheets.
* Bake for about 10–12 minutes; they should look slightly underdone but will set as they cool.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

Once cooled, spoon apple pie filling into each cookie center.
* Sprinkle with crumble topping and drizzle with salted caramel sauce.

Step 8: Serve & Store

Enjoy your delicious cookies immediately after assembling!
* Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to impress guests or indulge yourself, these cookies can be served in creative styles that enhance their deliciousness.

Pair with Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic addition that complements the spiced apple flavor perfectly.
• Cinnamon Ice Cream: Adds an extra layer of warmth and enhances the overall fall vibe.

Drizzle with Extra Sauce

• More Salted Caramel Sauce: A generous drizzle over the cookies intensifies the sweet and salty flavors.
• Chocolate Sauce: A rich chocolate drizzle can provide a contrasting sweetness that many will enjoy.

Serve with Beverages

• Hot Apple Cider: The warm spices in apple cider pair beautifully with these cookies, creating a cozy atmosphere.
• Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in chai tea mirror the cookie flavors and make for a comforting pairing.

Create a Dessert Platter

• Assorted Cookies: Include other flavored cookies alongside for variety, appealing to diverse tastes.
• Fresh Fruit: Slices of seasonal fruits like pears or additional apples can add freshness to your dessert spread.

How to Perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Perfecting your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your baking game.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough not only makes it easier to work with but also helps prevent spreading during baking.
• Use Fresh Apples: Fresh, crisp apples provide better texture and flavor than older ones. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great choices.
• Don’t Skip the Salt: A pinch of flaky sea salt on top enhances the caramel’s flavor and creates a delightful contrast.
• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; they should look slightly underdone in the center when you take them out.
• Storage Matters: Store your cookies in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess from the apple filling.

Best Side Dishes for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some tasty options to consider.

1. Spiced Nuts: A mix of roasted almonds and walnuts seasoned with cinnamon offers a crunchy contrast.
2. Cheese Platter: Incorporate mild cheeses like Brie or cheddar, which balance sweetness with savory notes.
3. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides brightness and complements the rich flavors of the cookies.
4. Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of creamy pumpkin soup adds warmth and depth, perfect for autumn gatherings.
5. Caramel Flan: This smooth, creamy dessert pairs well by echoing caramel themes while adding richness.
6. Chai-Spiced Muffins: Muffins spiced with chai flavors will mirror the cookie’s taste profile while offering a different texture.

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: Failing to chill the cookie dough can lead to cookies that spread too much. Always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes, or longer if possible.

• Overcooking the apples: Cooking the apples too long can turn them mushy. Aim for a tender texture by checking doneness around the 15-minute mark.

• Skipping the crumble: The crumble adds essential texture and flavor. Don’t skip this step; it’s simple and enhances your cookies significantly.

• Using warm caramel: Drizzling warm caramel can make it runny and difficult to manage. Allow it to cool slightly before drizzling over assembled cookies.

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is precise. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups to ensure you’re using the correct amounts of ingredients.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.
• Keep away from strong-smelling foods to avoid unwanted flavors.

Freezing Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.
• They can be stored for up to 2 months.

Reheating Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time in short bursts of 10-15 seconds for warmth.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies:

What makes these cookies taste like apple pie?

The combination of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, along with tender apple filling, creates that classic apple pie flavor in cookie form.

Can I use other types of fruit?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different fruits such as pears or berries for unique flavor variations.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to two days in advance and refrigerate it before baking.

What is the best way to serve these cookies?

Serve them warm with extra salted caramel drizzled on top for an indulgent treat!

Final Thoughts

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are not just delicious; they are versatile enough for any occasion. With their rich flavors and delightful textures, these cookies are perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights at home. Feel free to customize them by adding nuts or changing up the spices according to your taste!