Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Apple Pie Cookies are a delicious treat that captures the essence of traditional apple pie in cookie form! The Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies feature a spiced cookie filled with tender apples, topped with a delightful brown sugar crumble, and drizzled with rich salted caramel sauce. Perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights in, these cookies are sure to impress family and friends alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredible Flavor: These cookies combine warm spices and sweet apples, creating a flavor explosion.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can enjoy making these scrumptious cookies.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for holidays, parties, or just a sweet treat at home.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dough and filling in advance for quick assembly when you’re ready to bake.
• Impressive Presentation: The combination of crumbles and caramel gives these cookies an eye-catching look.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Cookie scoop
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Makes it easy to cream butter and sugars together quickly and evenly.
• Cookie scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make these delectable Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies:

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 if you don’t have cider)
• 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.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

Rinse & peel your apples, then dice them into bite-sized chunks. In a medium pan over medium-high heat, cook all the apple filling ingredients for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste around 15 minutes to check for desired tenderness. Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl to cool.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Prepare your Salted Caramel Sauce according to your favorite recipe. Let it cool at room temperature for about 20 minutes, until thickened.

Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough

Scoop dough into balls weighing approximately 65 grams, placing them in an airtight container. Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or freeze for 2 hours.

Step 5: Make the Crumble

Preheat your oven to 350° F. Melt butter in a medium mixing bowl and stir in remaining streusel ingredients until crumbly. Spread on a parchment-lined pan and bake for 12–14 minutes, until golden brown. Cool completely before breaking into smaller pieces.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 365° F again. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Roll chilled dough balls in a mixture of sugar and spices for coating before placing about six on each sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes, ensuring edges are set but centers remain puffy.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

Once baked cookies have cooled slightly, spoon apple pie filling into their centers, sprinkle on crumble topping, then drizzle with salted caramel sauce.

Step 8: Serve & Store

Enjoy immediately after assembling! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are delightful on their own, but you can enhance their flavor and presentation in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to make your cookies even more enjoyable.

A La Mode

• Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a delicious contrast of temperatures.

Drizzled with Extra Sauce

• Add more salted caramel sauce over the cookies just before serving for an extra sweet touch.

Pair with Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these cookies with a cup of coffee or tea. The warmth of the beverage complements the spices in the cookies beautifully.

Cookie Sandwiches

• Create cookie sandwiches by adding a thin layer of cream cheese frosting between two cookies for a rich treat.

Serving at Parties

• Arrange cookies on a decorative platter and serve as part of dessert at gatherings. They make excellent finger food!

Gift in Jars

• Pack cookies into jars and tie with a ribbon. This makes a lovely homemade gift for friends and family during the fall season.

How to Perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

To achieve the perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies, follow these tips that will elevate your baking game.

• Chill the Dough: Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and keeps them thick.
• Use Fresh Apples: Opt for fresh, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They provide the best flavor and texture in the filling.
• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and butter, to ensure consistent results.
• Don’t Overbake: Remove cookies from the oven when they’re slightly underdone in the center. They will continue to set while cooling.
• Customize Spices: Feel free to adjust spice levels based on your preference; adding more cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance flavors significantly.
• Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps them fresh longer, especially due to the apple filling.

Best Side Dishes for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

While these cookies are delightful on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can create an even more enjoyable dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream
   A classic pairing! The creamy texture balances out the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
2. Caramelized Bananas
   Sauté bananas in butter and brown sugar until golden; their sweetness enhances your cookie experience.
3. Spiced Hot Chocolate
   Serve with rich hot chocolate spiced with cinnamon for a cozy combination that warms you up during chilly days.
4. Cheese Platter
   An assortment of cheeses such as sharp cheddar or brie can provide a savory contrast to sweet cookies.
5. Pumpkin Spice Latte
   The fall favorite adds another layer of seasonal flavor that pairs well with salted caramel notes in your cookies.
6. Fruit Salad
   A refreshing fruit salad offers lightness alongside the rich flavors of the cookies, balancing indulgence with freshness.
7. Whipped Cream Topping
   Lightly sweetened whipped cream served alongside adds cloud-like fluffiness that complements each bite.
8. Nutty Granola
   Sprinkle some crunchy granola on top or serve it on the side for an added texture contrast with your soft cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies can be delightful, but avoiding common mistakes is key to success.

• Ignoring Chilling Time: Not chilling the cookie dough can lead to spreading during baking. Always chill the dough as instructed for the best results.
• Overfilling with Apple Filling: Adding too much apple filling can make your cookies soggy. Use just enough filling for a tasty balance without overflow.
• Skipping the Crumble: The crumble adds texture and flavor. Don’t skip it! Prepare it in advance so it’s ready when you assemble your cookies.
• Not Using Room Temperature Ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can affect how well your dough comes together. Ensure your butter is softened and eggs are at room temperature.
• Baking at the Wrong Temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated properly. Baking at an incorrect temperature can result in unevenly baked cookies.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.
• Keep them away from direct sunlight and moisture to maintain freshness.

Freezing Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

• Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 1 month, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
• Baked cookies can be frozen for 1-2 months; place them in an airtight container.

Reheating Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until soft. Be careful not to overheat!
• Stovetop: Warm cookies in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes, flipping gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies:

Can I use other fruits in these cookies?

You can substitute apples with pears or even berries. Just adjust the spices accordingly!

How do I make Salted Caramel Sauce from scratch?

Follow my easy recipe linked above, which takes about 10 minutes to make a delicious salted caramel sauce.

What type of apples are best for apple pie cookies?

Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape and balance sweetness with tartness well.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! Both the dough and apple filling can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer.

Are Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies gluten-free?

To make them gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.

Final Thoughts

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are a delightful treat that’s perfect for fall gatherings or just a cozy day at home. Their blend of warm spices, tender apple filling, and rich salted caramel creates an irresistible combination. Feel free to customize these cookies by adding nuts or adjusting spices according to your taste!