Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dessert that brings the flavors of fall right to your kitchen, you’ve come to the right place! These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are an absolute delight that combines the classic taste of apple pie with the convenience of cookies. Imagine biting into a warm cookie filled with tender apples, warm spices, and topped with a sprinkle of crunchy crumble and a drizzle of rich salted caramel. They’re perfect for family gatherings, cozy evenings in, or even as a special treat during busy weeknights.

This recipe has become a favorite in my home because it not only fills the air with delicious aromas but also brings smiles to everyone who tries them. Whether you’re baking for friends or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible flavor: The combination of sweet apples and warm spices will remind you of homemade apple pie.
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will love these delicious cookies; they’re perfect for sharing.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the dough and filling in advance, making it easy to bake fresh cookies whenever you want.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or just because, these cookies fit right in.
• Easy preparation: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you’ll be baking like a pro in no time!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies use simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Here’s what you need:

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 you don’t have cider — note that this is NOT apple cider vinegar!)
• 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 quite flexible! Here are some fun variations you can try:

• Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a delightful crunch to your cookies.
• Use different fruits: Pears or peaches can be substituted for apples if you’re looking for something new.
• Experiment with spices: Try adding ginger or cardamom for an extra layer of flavor.
• Make them gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

Start by creaming the softened butter in a large bowl using an electric mixer on medium-high speed. Once it’s nice and fluffy, add both sugars. Mixing until well combined creates a buttery base that holds everything together. Then, incorporate the vanilla extract and eggs until just combined. Finally, mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms. Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes helps make it easier to roll later.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

For this step, rinse and peel your apples before dicing them into bite-sized chunks. In a medium pan over medium-high heat, combine all filling ingredients. Cooking them gently allows the apples to soften while absorbing those delightful spices. After about 15-18 minutes of lazy stirring, taste test to find your desired tenderness. Transfer this mixture to a bowl to cool—this step is crucial as it prevents soggy cookies later!

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Follow my easy recipe for salted caramel sauce—it’s super quick! Let it cool at room temperature until thickened; this should take around 20 minutes. Keeping it thick ensures it drizzles beautifully over your cookies later.

Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough

Scoop out about 65 grams of dough using a large cookie scoop and place them on an airtight container to chill in the fridge. This chilling period is key! It makes rolling easier while also helping your cookies maintain their shape when baked.

Step 5: Make the Crumble

While your dough chills, preheat your oven to 350° F. Melt some butter in a mixing bowl and stir in the remaining crumble ingredients until crumbly. Spread this mixture on parchment-lined pans and bake for about 12-14 minutes until golden brown. Letting it cool allows you to break it up into smaller pieces later.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven again—this time to 365° F—and line your cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Roll those chilled dough balls in cinnamon-sugar coating before placing them on sheets with enough space between each one as they will spread! Bake for about 10-12 minutes until puffed yet slightly underdone in centers; they’ll firm up nicely while cooling.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

Once cooled slightly, spoon some apple pie filling right into each cookie’s center before sprinkling on that delicious crumble topping! Finish off by drizzling with that luscious salted caramel sauce.

Step 8: Serve & Store

Enjoy these delightful bites immediately after assembling! If there are any leftovers (which I doubt!), store them in an airtight container in your fridge for about four to five days—though I wouldn’t recommend leaving them out overnight due to fresh fruit.

Now you’re ready to indulge in these amazing Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Baking these delightful cookies can be a breeze with a few simple tips to ensure perfection!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Starting with softened butter and room temperature eggs creates a smoother dough, leading to better texture in your cookies.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag. This prevents dense cookies caused by using too much flour.
• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill helps to solidify the fats, resulting in thicker cookies that hold their shape while baking.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should look slightly undercooked in the center when you take them out. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet as they cool.
• Experiment with Fillings and Toppings: Don’t hesitate to try different fruits or flavored sauces! While this recipe is a classic, customizing it can lead to new favorites that suit your taste.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

These cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Presenting them well can enhance your dessert experience!

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light, airy touch that complements the rich flavors of the cookies.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkling some finely chopped pecans or walnuts on top offers a delightful crunch and nutty flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture and classic flavor of vanilla ice cream pair beautifully with warm cookies, adding an indulgent element.
• Spiced Hot Cider: A warm cup of spiced hot cider echoes the apple flavors in the cookies, making it a cozy pairing for fall gatherings.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a light contrast to the richness of the cookies, balancing out your dessert spread nicely.
• Coffee or Tea: Serving these cookies alongside a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea enhances their flavors and makes for a comforting treat any time of day.

Enjoy these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies as a sweet treat or share them with friends during festive gatherings; they’re sure to be a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make the dough, filling, and even the caramel sauce ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy these delicious treats whenever the craving strikes.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
• If you’re worried about freshness, place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to a month. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before baking.
• Baked cookies can also be frozen; just ensure they are fully cooled and stored in a freezer-safe container. They will keep well for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For warm cookies, reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies that might help you out!

Can I make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies without eggs?

Yes! You can replace each egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). This will help bind your ingredients together.

How do I store my Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

To store your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. This keeps their texture fresh and delightful!

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Absolutely! While apples give these cookies their signature flavor, you could experiment with pears or peaches. Just keep in mind that you’ll want to adjust any spices accordingly.

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

These cookies are best enjoyed fresh after assembling with the apple filling and salted caramel drizzle. Serve them warm for a cozy dessert experience!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re inspired to try making these delightful Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies! They’re not only a fun twist on classic apple pie but also an enjoyable baking project that brings warmth and sweetness into your kitchen. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring them yourself, I’m sure they’ll bring smiles all around. Happy baking!