Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

If you’re looking for the ultimate fall treat, let me introduce you to my Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies! These delightful cookies capture all the cozy flavors of traditional apple pie but come in a fun and portable form. Perfect for gatherings with friends or a sweet indulgence on a busy weeknight, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household.

What makes these cookies so special? It’s the combination of spiced cookie dough, tender apple filling, and that luscious salted caramel drizzle that takes them over the top. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll feel like you’re wrapped in a warm hug of autumn goodness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, baking these cookies is a breeze!
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves cookies, especially when they’re filled with sweet apple goodness.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time, making it easy to enjoy fresh cookies whenever you want.
• Deliciously satisfying: The blend of spices and caramel creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone coming back for more.
• Perfect for sharing: Whether it’s a potluck or just because, these cookies are great to share with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create our Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies. Don’t worry if you’re not an expert baker; these ingredients are pretty standard and easy to find!

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)
• 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 quite flexible! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients to make it your own.

• Swap the apples: Try different varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for unique flavors.
• Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can add crunch and depth to the filling.
• Change up the spices: Experiment with other spices like ginger or cardamom for a twist on flavor.
• Go gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend if needed; just ensure it’s suitable for baking.

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 set on medium-high speed. Once creamy, add both sugars and mix until well combined—this step ensures your cookies have that perfect soft texture. Next, incorporate the vanilla extract and eggs until just mixed. Finally, add in your dry ingredients carefully. Chilling this dough for about 30 minutes makes it easier to handle later!

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

Rinse and peel your apples before dicing them into bite-sized pieces. In a medium pan over medium-high heat, toss in all your apple filling ingredients. Cook while stirring lazily for about 15-18 minutes until they reach your desired tenderness. This step is key as it helps infuse those lovely spices into the apples! Let this mixture cool before using.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Follow my simple recipe for creating salted caramel sauce—it only takes about 10 minutes! Allow it to cool at room temperature until slightly thickened; this makes drizzling easier later on.

Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough

Using a large cookie scoop, scoop out balls of dough weighing around 65 grams each. Place them in an airtight container in your fridge for at least four hours (or two hours in the freezer). Scooping first keeps things neat when you’re ready to bake!

Step 5: Make the Crumble

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt some butter in a medium bowl before mixing in all remaining crumble ingredients. You want a crumbly consistency here! Spread this mixture onto a parchment-lined pan and bake until deep golden brown—about 12-14 minutes—then set aside to cool.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Now preheat your oven again—this time to 365°F (185°C). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Mix up some sugar with spices for coating your cookie dough balls. Roll each ball in this mixture before placing them onto baking sheets with enough space between each cookie for spreading during baking. Bake those beauties for about 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers look slightly underdone.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

Once cooled slightly, create an indent in each cookie’s center using the back of a tablespoon—a little pocket just waiting for that delicious apple filling! Spoon in your prepared apple mixture generously before topping off with crumble pieces and drizzling over that rich salted caramel sauce.

Step 8: Serve & Store

Enjoy these delightful treats right away while they’re still warm! If you have any leftovers (which I doubt!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Just remember not to leave them out overnight due to fresh fruit inside.

Happy baking! I can’t wait for you to try these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies—they’re simply irresistible!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Making these delightful cookies is a breeze with a few simple tips to ensure your baking experience is as sweet as the treats themselves!

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the cookie dough to chill not only makes it easier to handle but also improves the texture of the cookies, resulting in a chewier bite.

• Use Fresh Apples: Opt for crisp, fresh apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Their natural tartness balances the sweetness perfectly and adds a delightful crunch.

• Perfect Salted Caramel: When making your salted caramel sauce, keep an eye on it and stir frequently to prevent burning. A well-made sauce enhances the overall flavor of your cookies.

• Customize Your Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels to suit your taste! If you love cinnamon, don’t hesitate to add a pinch more for an extra cozy flavor.

• Don’t Skip the Crumble: The crumble topping adds a satisfying crunch that complements the soft apple filling beautifully. Make sure it’s golden brown for maximum flavor!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

These cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a cozy treat at home.

Presentation Ideas

Serve these cookies on a beautiful platter lined with parchment paper for an inviting display. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla non-dairy ice cream for a delightful treat that feels indulgent yet comforting!

Garnishes

• Flaky Sea Salt: A light sprinkle on top enhances the salted caramel flavor and adds a gourmet touch.
• Cinnamon Dusting: A dusting of ground cinnamon just before serving brightens up the presentation and elevates the aroma.
• Fresh Apple Slices: Serve with thin slices of fresh apple alongside the cookies for added freshness and color.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Non-Dairy Ice Cream: Scoop this creamy delight next to your warm cookies for a classic dessert pairing that everyone loves.
• Pumpkin Spice Latte: The warm spices in this cozy drink complement the flavors of your cookies wonderfully, making it perfect for fall.
• Chai Tea: This spiced tea offers warmth and comfort, balancing the sweetness of your cookies with its aromatic profile.
• Mixed Berry Salad: A light fruit salad with fresh berries adds brightness and acidity, creating a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies.

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are sure to be a hit wherever you serve them! Enjoy every delicious bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are perfect for meal prep, making them a delightful treat to enjoy throughout the week. With easy storage options, you can whip up a batch and savor the flavors of fall anytime you crave something sweet.

Storing Leftovers

• Place assembled cookies in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate to keep fresh for up to 4-5 days.
• Avoid leaving them at room temperature overnight due to the fresh apple filling.

Freezing

• Freeze cookie dough balls before baking for up to 1 month.
• Store baked cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Reheating

• Warm cookies in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• For a crispier texture, place cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about these delicious cookies!

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

You can substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent for best results.

Can I use other fruits instead of apples in these cookies?

Absolutely! While this recipe highlights apples, feel free to experiment with pears or even berries. Just adjust the spices to complement the fruit you choose.

What is the best way to drizzle salted caramel on my cookies?

To achieve a beautiful drizzle, use a piping bag or squeeze bottle filled with salted caramel. If you don’t have those on hand, simply use a spoon to drizzle it over the top!

How long do Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies last?

When properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these cookies will stay fresh for about 4-5 days. Just be mindful of their perishable ingredients!

Can I prepare the apple filling ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the apple filling up to two days in advance and store it in a jar in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble your cookies.

Final Thoughts

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are truly special, bringing together all the comforting flavors of fall into one delightful bite-sized treat. I hope you find joy in making them as much as I did, and that they fill your home with warmth and sweetness. Enjoy every moment of baking and savoring these little treasures!