Apple Pie Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic dessert, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, celebrating a holiday, or simply craving a sweet treat, these cookies offer the comforting flavors of apple pie in an easy-to-eat form. With a buttery crust and spiced apple filling, they’re sure to impress friends and family alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet apples creates a mouthwatering taste reminiscent of traditional apple pie.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you can whip up these cookies without any hassle, making them suitable for bakers of all skill levels.
- Versatile Treat: These cookies are great for various occasions—serve them at parties, during holiday gatherings, or just as an everyday snack.
- Perfectly Portable: Unlike traditional pies, these cookies are easy to transport and enjoy on the go.
- Deliciously Customizable: Feel free to add nuts or raisins to the filling for a personal touch!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather some essential tools that will make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Cookie cutter
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients effectively. A set of various sizes allows for better organization during preparation.
- Cookie cutter: Helps achieve uniform cookie shapes, ensuring even baking and an appealing presentation.
Ingredients
Get ready to savor a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of apple pie with the convenience of cookies! These Apple Pie Cookies are filled with spiced apple filling and a buttery crust, then finished with a sweet glaze for the perfect dessert experience.
For the Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Apple Filling
- 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Glaze
- 1 tablespoon milk (for glaze)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
How to Make Apple Pie Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In another large mixing bowl:
1. Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
3. Gradually add the flour mixture until fully combined.
4. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
In a medium saucepan:
1. Combine diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
2. Cook over medium heat until apples are tender (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and let cool.
Step 3: Assemble the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface:
1. Roll out chilled dough to about ¼ inch thickness.
2. Cut into circles using your cookie cutter.
3. Place half of the circles on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Spoon a small amount of apple filling onto each circle’s center.
5. Top with another dough circle and press edges to seal.
Step 4: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until lightly golden. Once baked:
1. Remove from oven.
2. Let cool on a wire rack.
Step 5: Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl:
1. Whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth.
2. Drizzle over cooled cookies.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the glaze has set completely, serve your Apple Pie Cookies warm or at room temperature. Enjoy this delicious fusion of flavors!
How to Serve Apple Pie Cookies
Apple Pie Cookies are a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging at home, these cookies can be served to enhance your dessert experience.
With Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances the spices in the cookies.
- Cinnamon Ice Cream: For an extra touch of warmth, this flavor complements the apple filling beautifully.
As a Snack
- With Coffee: Enjoy these cookies alongside a warm cup of coffee for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.
- With Tea: Pair them with herbal or black tea for a cozy snack time.
At Parties
- Dessert Platter: Arrange the cookies on a platter with other desserts for a stunning visual appeal.
- Gift Bags: Pack them in cute bags as party favors for guests to take home.
How to Perfect Apple Pie Cookies
To ensure your Apple Pie Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these tips for success.
- Boldly chill the dough: Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, keeping them thick and chewy.
- Boldly use fresh apples: Fresh apples provide better flavor and texture than canned ones, enhancing the overall taste.
- Boldly measure ingredients accurately: Use proper measuring techniques to ensure the right balance of flavors and textures.
- Boldly experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust cinnamon and nutmeg levels to suit your taste preferences.
Best Side Dishes for Apple Pie Cookies
While these cookies are delightful on their own, they can be even more enjoyable with complementary side dishes. Consider serving them alongside these tasty options.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds lightness and sweetness.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel over the cookies for an indulgent treat.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can balance the sweetness of the cookies.
- Cheese Plate: A selection of cheeses can provide a savory contrast to the sweet cookies.
- Hot Chocolate: Serve with a warm mug of hot chocolate for a cozy dessert experience.
- Chai Latte: The spiced flavors of chai complement apple pie brilliantly, making it an ideal pairing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making these cookies can be a joy, but a few common mistakes can lead to disappointing results. Avoiding these will help ensure your Apple Pie Cookies turn out perfectly.
- Using cold butter: Cold butter makes it difficult to cream with sugar properly. Always use softened butter for a light and fluffy dough.
- Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a tender texture.
- Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough is essential for easier handling and better texture. Don’t skip this step if you want perfect cookies.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Inaccurate measurements can change the dough’s consistency. Use kitchen scales or measuring cups for precision.
- Neglecting to taste the filling: The apple filling should be flavorful and balanced. Taste and adjust sugar or spices before assembling.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your Apple Pie Cookies in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
- Keep them separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing Apple Pie Cookies
- Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating Apple Pie Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat for about 10-15 seconds, but avoid overheating to prevent sogginess.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Apple Pie Cookies?
Apple Pie Cookies are delightful treats that combine the flavors of traditional apple pie with the convenience of cookies, featuring spiced apple filling encased in buttery dough.
Can I use different types of apples for Apple Pie Cookies?
Yes, you can use various apple types, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, depending on your sweetness preference and desired tartness.
How do I make Apple Pie Cookies vegan?
To make vegan Apple Pie Cookies, substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil or dairy-free butter and replace the egg with flaxseed meal or applesauce.
Are Apple Pie Cookies suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! These cookies freeze well, making them perfect for prepping ahead of time or saving leftovers for later enjoyment.
How long does it take to prepare Apple Pie Cookies?
The total time from start to finish is about 38 minutes, including preparation and baking time.
Final Thoughts
Apple Pie Cookies offer a wonderful combination of flavors reminiscent of fall gatherings and cozy evenings. This versatile recipe allows you to customize fillings or glazes as per your taste preferences. Give it a try today!
Apple Pie Cookies
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 cookies 1x
Description
Apple Pie Cookies bring the warmth and comfort of classic apple pie into a convenient, bite-sized treat. These delightful cookies feature a buttery, flaky crust filled with spiced apples, offering a taste reminiscent of family gatherings and holiday celebrations. Finished with a sweet glaze, they are perfect for any occasion—whether as a dessert, snack, or delightful gift. Easy to make and customizable, these cookies are sure to impress friends and family alike.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon milk (for glaze)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients. Chill dough for 30 minutes.
- Cook diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch over medium heat until tender; let cool.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough and cut into circles. Fill half with apple mixture, top with another circle, and seal edges.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden. Cool on a wire rack.
- Prepare glaze by whisking powdered sugar with milk; drizzle over cooled cookies.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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