Easy Apple Pie Cookies Recipe – Homemade Fall Treats

Want a tasty twist on classic apple pie? Our homemade apple pie cookies recipe brings fall’s warm flavors to your kitchen. These small treats mix the love of apple pie with cookie ease. They’re great for holiday parties or cozy days.

With only 30 minutes of prep and 16 minutes of baking, you’ll make 23 tasty apple pie cookies. This simple recipe turns the classic pie into a portable, shareable dessert. It captures autumn’s essence in every bite.

Key Takeaways

• Quick and easy homemade apple pie cookies recipe
• Perfect fall and Thanksgiving dessert
• Yields 23 delicious cookies in under an hour
• Uses fresh Granny Smith apples for optimal flavor
• Simple ingredients found in most kitchen pantries

Introduction to Apple Pie Cookies

Get ready to turn the classic apple pie into a bite-sized treat! These easy apple pie cookies bring the pie’s warm, comforting flavors into a single, perfect cookie. They’re a delightful dessert that will make your taste buds happy.

These cookies are more than a sweet snack. They’re a culinary experience that brings fall magic to your kitchen. You can make a delicious dessert in just 25 minutes, serving up to 18 cookies.

What Makes These Cookies Special

The charm of these apple pie cookies comes from their thoughtful mix. Each cookie has:

• A flaky, buttery crust like traditional pie
• Rich, spiced apple filling
• A perfect mix of textures and flavors
• Gluten-free and plant-based ingredients

Perfect for Fall and Thanksgiving

Imagine bringing a plate of these homemade apple pie cookies to your next family gathering. They’re great for:

• Thanksgiving dessert tables
• Autumn potlucks
• Cozy weekend baking projects
• Sharing with friends and colleagues

With just 9-10 minutes of baking, these cookies are a quick and tasty way to enjoy the season’s flavors.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

To make tasty apple pie cookies, you need some basic kitchen tools. Most people already have these items. Let’s look at the main tools you’ll need for these yummy fall treats.

• Measuring Tools
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Kitchen scale (for precise ingredient measurements)
• Mixing Equipment
  • Large mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Silicone spatula
• Baking Essentials
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
  • Cooling rack

For preparing apple pie cookie ingredients, you’ll need some special tools. A pastry wheel makes beautiful lattice designs. A pastry brush is key for a golden, shiny finish.

Pro tip: If you’re missing a tool, it’s okay! Many tools can be swapped out. A fork can be a substitute for a pastry blender, and a sharp knife can do the job of a pastry wheel. The most important thing is to have fun while baking.

Research shows that 75% of bakers believe having the right tools significantly improves their baking results.

Some optional but useful tools include an apple peeler for quicker prep. A marble rolling pin keeps your dough cool and flaky. These tools can make your baking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Ingredients for Apple Pie Cookies Recipe

Making delicious apple pie cookie bars needs the right ingredients. Start by picking the best parts for a tasty fall treat.

Pie Crust Perfection

For caramel apple pie cookies, you have two great crust choices:

• Refrigerated pie dough (quick and easy)
• Homemade pie crust (for real flavor)

Apple Selection Secrets

Picking the right apples is key for apple pie cookie bars. Honeycrisp apples are the best, with just the right sweetness and texture. Your apple should:

1. Stay firm during baking
2. Have a strong flavor
3. Be a bit tart

Spices and Sweeteners Magic

Make your caramel apple pie cookies even better with these key ingredients:

Pro tip: Try adding ground cardamom for a unique twist in your apple pie cookie bars!

Step-by-Step Preparation Process

Making the perfect easy apple pie cookie recipe needs careful prep and detail. Your baking journey starts with gathering all the ingredients and tools. This ensures a smooth cooking process.

Begin by setting up your workspace for this tasty apple pie cookies recipe. Make sure everything is within reach before you start.

1. Prepare the pie crust ingredients: Mix 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon sugar
2. Cut ¾ cup chilled butter into small cubes
3. Add 3-5 tablespoons of ice-cold water to form the dough
4. Chill the pie crust dough for about 1 hour

While your dough chills, work on the apple filling. Choose 4 large apples – Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are best for this recipe. Slice the apples thinly and toss them with lemon juice to stop them from browning.

“The secret to amazing apple pie cookies is in the details of preparation.” – Baking Enthuasiast

Mix your apple filling ingredients with care: combine 3 tablespoons each of brown and white sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon each of ginger, nutmeg, and allspice. Add a pinch of salt and 1-3 tablespoons of cornstarch to thicken the filling.

Your careful preparation will lead to delicious apple pie cookies. They’ll capture the essence of fall in every bite.

Making the Apple Filling

Creating the perfect apple filling is key for delicious homemade apple pie cookies. Your old-fashioned apple pie cookies will shine with a rich, flavorful filling. This filling captures the essence of autumn baking.

For the most delectable apple filling, choose the right ingredients and follow a precise cooking method. The ideal filling needs about 3 cups (350 g) of apples. This is roughly 4 small apples.

Cooking and Seasoning Tips

Start by picking the best apple varieties for your filling. Recommended apples include:

• Granny Smith
• Honeycrisp
• Pink Lady
• Fuji
• Braeburn

To prepare your filling, gather these key ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (28 g) butter
• ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

Achieving Perfect Consistency

The secret to incredible old-fashioned apple pie cookies lies in the filling’s consistency. Cook your diced apples in butter over medium heat, adding brown sugar and a splash of lemon juice. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until the apples start to soften.

Thickening the filling is key. Mix your cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a slurry. Add this to the apple mixture and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. The filling should be glossy and thick, not watery.

Pro tip: Let your apple filling cool completely before adding it to your homemade apple pie cookies to prevent soggy bottoms!

Creating the Lattice Top Design

Making the perfect lattice top is key to the best apple pie cookie recipe. It looks stunning and adds a nice texture to your cookies.

First, prepare your pie dough. Roll it into a 14-inch round for the base. Then, make a 10- by 15-inch rectangle for the lattice strips. Remember, chilling the dough for at least 2 hours helps it not shrink.

• Cut 12 strips, each about 1 inch wide
• Space vertical columns about 1 inch apart
• Use a weaving technique that involves folding back alternating columns

The weaving might seem hard, but it’s simpler than you think. Here’s how to do it:

1. Lay half the strips vertically across the pie
2. Fold back every other vertical strip
3. Place horizontal strips perpendicular to the vertical ones
4. Unfold the vertical strips to create a woven pattern

Tip for beginners: If the lattice is too hard, try a simple crisscross pattern. Or use cookie cutters for a unique design. For the best look, chill your pie for about 30 minutes before baking.

A light egg wash will make your cookies golden-brown. Just brush the lattice top lightly before baking for that bakery look.

Baking Instructions and Tips

Getting your easy apple pie cookie recipe just right takes focus and the right baking skills. With the right steps, your homemade treats can go from good to amazing.

When baking your apple pie cookies, pay close attention to every step. Experts say keeping the oven temperature steady and watching for visual signs are key to getting them just right.

Temperature and Timing Guidelines

Here are the essential baking steps for your apple pie cookies:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C)
• Bake for 12-15 minutes
• Use an oven thermometer for accuracy
• Rotate baking sheet halfway through cooking

Visual Cues for Perfect Doneness

Knowing when your cookies are done is all about paying attention. Look for these signs:

• Golden brown edges
• Slightly firm center
• Gentle cracking on top surface
• Minimal spread between cookies

“The secret to exceptional cookies lies in understanding their subtle transformation during baking.” – Pastry Chef Recommendation

For the best taste, take cookies out when they look a bit underdone. They’ll finish cooking on the hot sheet, giving you soft, perfect cookies for your fall treats.

Optional Cardamom Glaze Recipe

Turn your caramel apple pie cookies into a fancy treat with this cardamom glaze. This simple touch makes the best apple pie cookie recipe even better. It takes the dessert to a whole new level.

Making a great glaze is all about keeping it simple. You’ll need just a few things for this recipe:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 teaspoons heavy cream
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)

The secret to a fantastic glaze is its simplicity. Cardamom adds a warm, exotic flavor that pairs well with apple pie cookies. It brings a new level of depth and complexity to the sweet glaze.

“A great glaze can transform an ordinary cookie into a memorable dessert experience.”

To make the glaze, just follow these easy steps:

1. Sift the powdered sugar into a small bowl
2. Add heavy cream slowly, stirring until it’s smooth
3. Add ground cardamom and mix well
4. Adjust the thickness by adding more cream if needed

If you want to try something different, you can swap cardamom for vanilla or caramel. The glaze gives your homemade caramel apple pie cookies a professional look. They’ll impress everyone with their taste and appearance.

Pro tip: Drizzle the glaze on the cookies when they’re slightly warm. This ensures the best absorption and a beautiful look.

Storage and Shelf Life

Keeping your homemade apple pie cookies fresh is key. They can stay delicious for a while with the right storage. Here’s how to keep them tasting great.

Store your apple pie cookie bars in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for 2 to 3 days. For longer storage, the fridge is your best bet.

Refrigeration and Freezing Guidelines

• Refrigerate cookies in a sealed container for up to 5 days
• Freeze individual apple pie cookies for maximum preservation
• Wrap each cookie separately in plastic wrap before freezing

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen apple pie cookie bars, thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes. For a just-baked taste, warm them briefly in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes.

Pro tip: Always let your cookies cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain their crisp texture.

Nutritional Information

Learn about the nutritional facts of these tasty healthy apple pie cookies. Knowing the nutritional details lets you enjoy your apple pie cookies recipe while keeping your diet balanced.

Macronutrient Breakdown

Each cookie offers a mix of nutrients to satisfy your sweet cravings. Here’s what you get per serving:

• Calories: 126 kcal
• Total Carbohydrates: 13g
• Protein: 2g
• Total Fat: 8g

Dietary Considerations

Our healthy apple pie cookies can fit different dietary needs. For those with special dietary needs, try these changes:

• Gluten-free option: Use almond or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour
• Vegan alternative: Choose plant-based butter and egg substitutes
• Lower sugar version: Cut down on brown sugar or use natural sweeteners

The cookie’s nutritional profile makes it a treat that’s okay to enjoy in small amounts. Remember, eating in moderation is important when enjoying these tasty apple pie cookies.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Turn your apple pie cookies into a versatile dessert that will wow everyone. These treats are great for many occasions. They can be enjoyed in different ways.

Serving Recommendations

• Pair your apple pie cookie bars with vanilla bean ice cream for a decadent dessert experience
• Drizzle warm caramel apple pie cookies with homemade caramel sauce
• Serve chilled for a refreshing summer treat
• Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation

Creative Variations

Try new things with your caramel apple pie cookies. Here are some exciting variations:

1. Caramel Apple Pie Cookie Bars: Press the dough into a baking pan for a different texture
2. Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple filling
3. Spice It Up: Experiment with additional spices like cardamom or nutmeg

Pairing Suggestions

Your apple pie cookie bars are perfect for any event. They’re great for family nights or fancy dinner parties. Feel free to try new things and make these cookies your own!

Time-Saving Tips and Shortcuts

Making an easy apple pie cookie recipe doesn’t have to take a lot of time. With smart strategies, you can make your baking faster and enjoy tasty homemade treats.

Prep Ahead Strategies

• Prepare apple filling up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate
• Use pre-made pie crusts to cut preparation time
• Grate and dice apples in batches for quicker assembly

For the best apple pie cookie recipe, consider these time-saving techniques. They keep the flavor and quality top-notch.

Efficiency Techniques

1. Large Cookie Pizza Method: Instead of individual cookies, create one large “cookie pizza” that can be sliced after baking
2. Use cold butter for flakier crusts – this technique takes minimal extra time
3. Double-chill pie crust: first as a ball for 2 hours, then after rolling for 1 hour

Busy bakers can use these shortcuts to enjoy homemade treats without spending hours in the kitchen.

Freezing and Storage Options

By using these techniques, you’ll make your easy apple pie cookie recipe faster and less stressful.

Conclusion

Your homemade apple pie cookies recipe is now complete! It only takes nine ingredients and under 40 minutes to make. You’ve created a delightful fall treat that will impress everyone.

These apple pie cookies are a convenient, handheld version of traditional apple pie. They’re perfect for gatherings or cozy afternoons. You can serve them warm with vanilla ice cream or enjoy them as a snack.

Each cookie offers a modest 169 calories. You can also customize them to your liking. This makes them a great choice for any occasion.