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, finished with a drizzle of luscious salted caramel sauce. These cookies are the perfect fall treat and taste just like mini apple pies, making them an ideal dessert for gatherings, family meals, or cozy nights at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spiced apples and rich salted caramel creates an irresistible treat.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, you can whip these up even if you’re new to baking.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for fall gatherings, holiday parties, or as a sweet surprise for any occasion.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Both the dough and filling can be prepared in advance, saving time on busy days.
• Fun to Assemble: The process of filling the cookies and drizzling them with caramel makes baking more enjoyable!

Tools and Preparation

To make these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will help ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or electric hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Cookie scoop
• Medium saucepan

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or electric hand mixer: This tool makes creaming butter and sugar easy, ensuring a smooth dough.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes helps organize ingredients effectively during preparation.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: These prevent cookies from sticking to the baking sheets, making cleanup simple.
• Cookie scoop: A cookie scoop allows you to portion your dough evenly for consistently sized cookies.

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 if you don’t have any cider – 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

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 and mix until a dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes to make it easier to roll into balls.
Make-Ahead Tip: Dough can be balled and frozen for about one month before using. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

Rinse & peel your apples. Dice into bite-sized chunks. Add all the apple filling ingredients to a medium pan over medium-high heat. Cook for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring lazily throughout. Taste around 15 minutes and finish cooking once desired tenderness is reached. Transfer apple mixture to a medium bowl to cool (this can be done at room temp or in the fridge).
Make-Ahead Tip: This can be done up to two days ahead. Store in a jar in the fridge.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Prepare the Salted Caramel Sauce according to my easy recipe (linked in blue text). Let cool at room temperature for about 20 minutes, until thickened.
Make-Ahead Tip: This sauce can be cooled at room temperature and stored in a jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough

Scoop dough into balls weighing approximately 65 grams each using a large cookie scoop, placing them into an airtight container. Chill in the fridge for at least four hours or freeze for two hours; alternatively, refrigerate for up to forty-eight hours. Note that you must scoop before chilling; otherwise, it will be difficult to portion later.

Step 5: Make the Crumble

While your dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt butter in a medium mixing bowl and stir in remaining streusel ingredients. You should have a crumbly mixture; crumble this onto a parchment-lined pan and bake for about 12–14 minutes until deep golden brown. Set aside to cool while breaking up pieces further as desired.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven again but now to 365°F (185°C). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats beforehand. In a small bowl, stir together sugar and spices for coating. Roll chilled dough balls into this mixture before placing about six cookies on each sheet—leave enough space between each cookie as they spread during baking. Bake for approximately 10–12 minutes; edges should feel set when tapped lightly while centers appear puffy yet slightly underdone.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

Once cooled slightly on sheets (about one–two minutes), carefully press indents into centers using back of tablespoon tool; let cool further before transferring cookies onto wire rack fully until cool down completely—this step is crucial!

Once cooled completely:
Spoon apple pie filling into indents of cooled cookies; sprinkle crumble topping generously over top before finishing with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce.

Step 8: Serve & Store

Enjoy immediately after assembling! Store any leftovers inside an airtight container within refrigerator where they’ll keep fresh for four–five days max—avoid leaving them out overnight due freshness from fruit content!

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’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to impress.

With a Scoop of Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that balances the sweetness and brings a creamy texture.
• Cinnamon Ice Cream: Adds an extra layer of flavor that complements the spices in the cookies.

Drizzled with Extra Caramel

• Homemade Salted Caramel: Enhance the decadence by drizzling more salted caramel sauce over the top before serving.

Pairing with Coffee or Tea

• Hot Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee contrast beautifully with the sweetness of the cookies.
• Spiced Tea: A warm cup of spiced tea can elevate your cookie experience, adding warmth and comfort.

At a Gathering or Party

• Dessert Platter: Arrange these cookies on a platter alongside other desserts for a sweet spread.
• Cookie Bar: Set up a DIY cookie bar where guests can top their cookies with different sauces and toppings.

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 ensure they turn out delicious every time.

• Chill Your Dough: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading, ensuring thicker cookies with chewy centers.
• Use Fresh Apples: Freshly diced apples provide the best flavor and texture for your filling. Avoid overly soft apples.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time. Remove cookies when they look slightly underdone; they will continue to cook as they cool.
• Layer Flavors: Incorporate spices into both the dough and filling for a well-rounded taste that truly resembles apple pie.
• Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits to your crumble topping for added texture and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, such as brie or sharp cheddar, offers a savory contrast to sweet cookies.
2. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can refresh the palate while complementing the apple flavors in the cookies.
3. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruits for a healthy side that balances sweetness.
4. Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of fruit or even cookie bites into warm chocolate for an indulgent treat.
5. Whipped Cream: Serve alongside whipped cream for an extra creamy element that pairs beautifully with the flavors.
6. Nut Mix: A mix of roasted nuts provides crunch and adds another layer of taste that complements dessert flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Creating Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that can hinder your success.

• Not chilling the dough: If you skip chilling the dough, cookies may spread too much while baking. Always chill for at least 30 minutes to ensure the right texture.
• Overmixing the cookie dough: Mixing too long can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined to keep them soft and chewy.
• Using unripe apples: Unripe or overly firm apples can make the filling less flavorful. Choose ripe apples for a sweet and tender filling.
• Skipping the crumble: The crumble topping adds great texture and flavor. Don’t forget this step for a perfect finish!
• Ignoring baking time: Baking for too long will dry out your cookies. Keep an eye on them; they should be slightly underbaked when pulled from the oven.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
• Ensure the container is sealed well to maintain freshness.

Freezing Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

• Freeze cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
• Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.

Reheating Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes for best results.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a plate for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan over low heat and cover with a lid, warming them gently for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies.

How do I make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure it contains xanthan gum for structure.

Can I use other fruits besides apples?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with pears or berries for different flavor profiles in your cookies.

How do I adjust the sweetness of my cookies?

You can reduce the amount of sugar in both the cookie dough and apple filling if you prefer less sweetness.

What type of apples are best for this recipe?

Sweet varieties like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith work wonderfully in these cookies, providing great flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts, using different fruits, or varying spices. Enjoy making this delightful treat that captures the essence of fall!