Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall, look no further than these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies. Imagine the warm, comforting flavors of classic apple pie, but in a cozy, handheld cookie form. These cookies are filled to the brim with tender apple filling, topped with a crunchy brown sugar crumble, and finished with a drizzle of rich salted caramel sauce. They’re just as delicious for a busy weeknight dessert as they are for festive family gatherings.

Every bite is like a little hug from the kitchen! What makes this recipe extra special is how easy it is to prepare ahead of time. You can whip up the dough or apple filling days in advance, making baking day a breeze. Trust me, once you share these cookies with friends and family, they’ll be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: These cookies come together quickly and don’t require any complicated techniques.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore these sweet treats filled with spiced apples.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare dough and filling ahead of time, and bake them fresh when ready!
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of cinnamon-spiced apples and salted caramel is simply divine.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or just a cozy weekend at home, these cookies fit right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Gather them up and get ready to create something truly delicious!

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 of 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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to experiment with different flavors or ingredients based on what you have on hand.

• Try Different Fruits: Swap out apples for pears or even peaches for a twist on flavor.
• Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch to your cookies.
• Use Spices: Feel free to adjust spices according to your taste; ginger could be a lovely addition!
• Make It 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

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter using an electric mixer on medium-high speed. Add in both sugars and mix until everything is well combined — about one minute should do it! Next, incorporate the vanilla extract and eggs until just mixed. Finally, add your dry ingredients into the bowl. Mixing until a dough forms is crucial because this will set the stage for your delicious cookies. Once done, chill your dough for about 30 minutes; this makes it much easier to roll into balls later.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

Start by rinsing and peeling your apples before cutting them into bite-sized chunks. Combine all apple filling ingredients in a medium pan over medium-high heat. Cook for about 15 to 18 minutes while stirring occasionally. This step is important because cooking releases juices from the apples and allows them to soften beautifully. Once they reach your desired tenderness, transfer them to a bowl to cool.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

For an indulgent touch, prepare your salted caramel sauce using my easy method (linked!). Allow it to cool at room temperature for around 20 minutes until it thickens slightly. This step adds richness that pairs perfectly with your cookies!

Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough

Using a large cookie scoop, scoop out dough balls weighing about 65 grams each. Place them in an airtight container to chill either in the fridge for at least four hours or freeze them for two hours if you’re short on time. Chilling helps solidify the dough so it holds its shape better during baking.

Step 5: Make the Crumble

While waiting for your dough to chill, let’s make that irresistible crumble! 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 a parchment-lined pan and bake for about 12-14 minutes until golden brown — this adds an amazing texture contrast!

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Now comes the fun part! Preheat your oven again — this time to 365° F — and line cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Mix together sugars with spices in a small bowl for coating your cookies later on. Roll those chilled dough balls in this mixture before placing them on your sheets (give them space!). Bake for about 10-12 minutes; you’ll know they’re ready when they’re set at the edges but slightly puffy in the middle.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

Once cooled slightly, make an indent in each cookie using a tablespoon’s back before spooning generous amounts of apple pie filling into each one! Sprinkle on that crumbled topping we made earlier followed by drizzling over some luscious salted caramel sauce.

Step 8: Serve & Store

These gems are best enjoyed fresh after assembling! But if you have leftovers (which I doubt!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days—just avoid leaving them out at room temperature overnight due to fresh fruit content.

Now you’re all set! Enjoy every bite of these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies—they’re sure to become a beloved treat in your home!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Baking these delightful cookies can be a fun and rewarding experience, and with a few pro tips, you’ll ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Chill the Dough: Chilling your dough helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. It’s an essential step that prevents them from spreading too much in the oven.
• Use Fresh Apples: Freshly diced apples not only add great flavor but also provide the best texture in your filling. Avoid using pre-packaged apple slices as they may contain preservatives that alter the taste.
• Adjust Spice to Taste: The spices in this recipe can be adjusted according to your taste preferences. If you love cinnamon, feel free to add a little more! Customizing flavors makes these cookies even more personal and enjoyable.
• Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Ovens vary, so it’s crucial to monitor your cookies closely as they bake. They should be puffy with slightly undercooked centers, which will set as they cool.
• Store Correctly: To keep your cookies fresh for longer, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This prevents them from drying out and keeps the apples crisp.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies make for a stunning dessert display, perfect for gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Here are some delightful ways to present them.

Garnishes

• Drizzle of Extra Caramel Sauce: A little extra drizzle of salted caramel on top adds visual appeal and enhances that rich flavor.
• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream serves as a light and creamy contrast to the cookies’ sweetness.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkling some chopped pecans or walnuts on top not only adds crunch but also complements the apple pie flavor nicely.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream provides a creamy balance to the warm cookies, creating a classic dessert combination that everyone loves.
• Hot Apple Cider: Serving warm apple cider alongside these cookies enhances their fall flavors, making for a comforting beverage pairing.
• Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses like brie or gouda can create an interesting contrast with the sweet cookies, offering a savory touch.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can lighten up your dessert table and complement the rich flavors of the cookies perfectly.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies will surely become a favorite among family and friends! Enjoy baking these delicious treats and savor every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are perfect for meal prep! They can be made ahead of time, stored, and enjoyed over several days. Plus, they taste just as delicious after being stored or frozen.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.
• Keep them away from direct sunlight and moisture to maintain freshness.
• Avoid leaving them at room temperature overnight due to the fresh apple filling.

Freezing

• Allow baked cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially for a couple of hours.
• Once frozen, transfer cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container and label with the date. They’ll last up to 2 months!

Reheating

• For best results, thaw cookies in the fridge overnight if frozen.
• Warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
• Add a drizzle of freshly made salted caramel before serving for that warm, gooey goodness!

FAQs

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

Can I use other fruits for these cookies?

Absolutely! While apples are traditional, you can substitute with pears or peaches for a delightful twist. Just ensure they’re diced similarly for even cooking.

How do I make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies vegan?

To make these cookies vegan, substitute the butter with plant-based alternatives and use aquafaba or flaxseed meal mixed with water instead of eggs.

Are Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour to make these cookies gluten-free.

What makes these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies special?

The combination of spiced cookie dough, tender apple filling, crunchy crumble topping, and rich salted caramel creates an irresistible dessert that captures the essence of fall!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies as much as I do! They’re truly special – combining the flavors of classic apple pie with the sweetness of caramel in a delightful cookie format. Gather your loved ones and share these treats; they’re perfect for cozy gatherings or just a sweet indulgence at home. Happy baking!