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 and finished with a drizzle of luscious salted caramel sauce. These cookies are the perfect fall treat – and taste just like mini apple pies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spiced apples, buttery cookies, and rich salted caramel creates an irresistible flavor profile.
• Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or cozy family nights, these cookies are sure to impress.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip these up with confidence.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them warm out of the oven or chilled; they are delightful either way!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare components in advance to save time on baking day.

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Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delightful recipe, gather your tools and prepare your kitchen. Having everything ready will streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Cookie scoop
• Medium pan
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Baking sheets

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool makes creaming butter and sugars easier and faster, ensuring a smooth dough.
• Cookie scoop: A large cookie scoop helps in portioning uniform dough balls for consistent baking results.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: These provide a non-stick surface for baking cookies and make cleanup easy.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 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
– 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 use 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
– 1 cup granulated sugar (206 grams)
– 6 tbsp salted butter, cubed
– 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp heavy cream
– pinch of flaky sea salt (Maldon brand recommended)
– another 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– another 2 and 3/4 tsp cinnamon
– another 1/4 tsp nutmeg
– another 1/8 tsp allspice
– another 1/8 tsp ground cloves
– another 1/4 cup salted butter, melted
– another 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
– another 1 and 1/2 tbsp granulated sugar
– another 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
– another 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 one minute. Add the vanilla extract and eggs, mixing until just combined. Finally, add the dry ingredients last, mixing until a dough forms. Chill for about thirty minutes to make it easier to roll into balls.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

Rinse & peel your apples, then dice them into bite-sized chunks. In a medium pan over medium-high heat, add all the apple filling ingredients. Cook for fifteen to eighteen minutes while stirring occasionally. Taste around fifteen minutes to check tenderness; finish cooking once desired consistency is reached. Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl to cool.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Follow my easy, ten-minute recipe for Salted Caramel Sauce linked in the text. Let it cool at room temperature for about twenty minutes until thickened.

Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough

Scoop dough into balls weighing sixty-five grams each using a large cookie scoop. Place them in an airtight container to chill in the fridge for at least four hours or freeze for two hours.

Step 5: Make the Crumble

While your dough chills, preheat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit. Melt butter in a medium mixing bowl and stir in remaining streusel ingredients until crumbly. Bake small pieces on a parchment-lined pan for twelve to fourteen minutes until deep golden brown.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven again to three hundred sixty-five degrees Fahrenheit. Line several cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Mix sugar and spices in a small bowl for coating. Roll dough balls in this mixture before placing six cookies per sheet with room to spread. Bake for ten to twelve minutes; edges should feel set while centers remain slightly underdone.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

Once cooled, spoon apple pie filling into each cookie center, sprinkle crumble on top, then drizzle generously with salted caramel sauce.

Step 8: Serve & Store

Enjoy immediately after assembling! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for four to five days. Avoid leaving them at room temperature overnight due to fresh fruit content.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

These delightful Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are perfect for a cozy gathering or a festive occasion. They can be served in various ways to enhance their delicious flavors and textures.

Pair with Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream complements the warm spices in the cookies, creating a classic combination.
• Caramel Swirl Ice Cream: For an extra indulgence, serve with caramel swirl ice cream to echo the salted caramel sauce drizzled on top.

Make a Dessert Platter

• Cookie Assortment: Add an assortment of cookies alongside your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies for variety and visual appeal.
• Fresh Fruit: Include slices of fresh apples or pears for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cookies.

Coffee or Tea Pairings

• Chai Tea: The spiced flavors of chai tea pair beautifully with the cinnamon and nutmeg in the cookies.
• Espresso: A shot of strong espresso will balance the sweetness, making it an ideal pairing for dessert lovers.

How to Perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Creating perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies involves attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to elevate your cookie game.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling helps solidify the fats, resulting in thicker cookies that hold their shape while baking.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined when adding dry ingredients to prevent tough cookies.
• Check Doneness Early: Start checking your cookies at 10 minutes to avoid overbaking; they will continue to firm up as they cool.
• Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to customize with nuts or additional spices in the crumble for added flavor and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

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

1. Cheese Platter: A selection of sharp cheddar or creamy brie adds savory notes that balance the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts provide a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft cookies.
3. Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup serves as a comforting starter before enjoying your cookies.
4. Cranberry Sauce: Tart cranberry sauce offers a bright flavor that cuts through the sweetness, making it a refreshing side.
5. Apple Cider: Serve warm apple cider alongside for a cozy autumn vibe that complements the apple flavors in your cookies.
6. Chocolate Fondue: Create an interactive dessert experience by dipping cookie pieces into rich chocolate fondue for added indulgence.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies can be a delightful experience, but it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to keep in mind:

• Boldly rushing the chilling process: Skipping the chilling time for the dough can lead to cookies that spread too much while baking. Always chill for at least 30 minutes to ensure they hold their shape.
• Confusing apple types: Using apples that are too soft can result in mushy filling. Opt for firmer varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture.
• Neglecting to measure ingredients accurately: Incorrect measurements can ruin your cookie dough. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Overbaking cookies: Leaving cookies in the oven too long can dry them out. Bake until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underdone.
• Forgetting the caramel drizzle: Salted caramel is what makes these cookies stand out! Don’t skip this step; it adds flavor and visual appeal.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days in the fridge.
• Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

• Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
• Baked cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.

Reheating Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds on medium power.
• Stovetop: Warm cookies in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally, until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, store-bought caramel works as a convenient alternative if you’re short on time.

How do I achieve a thicker apple filling?

To thicken your apple filling, consider adding a bit of cornstarch during cooking or allowing it to simmer longer.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking.

What kind of apples work best?

Firmer apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji provide great texture and flavor balance in these cookies.

Final Thoughts

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies capture the essence of classic apple pie while being easy to enjoy as a cookie. They offer versatility—feel free to customize with nuts or different spices! Whether you need a cozy fall treat or a delicious dessert year-round, these irresistible cookies will surely satisfy your cravings.