Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful twist on a classic dessert, you’ve come to the right place! These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are a warm hug in cookie form. With every bite, you’ll experience the comforting flavors of apple pie, beautifully wrapped in a soft cookie that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just need a cozy treat for yourself during the fall, these cookies are sure to impress.

What makes these cookies truly special is how simple they are to make while still being incredibly delicious. The combination of tender apples, sweet spices, and that luscious salted caramel drizzle creates an unforgettable treat. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying all by yourself!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you’ll be enjoying these cookies in no time!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the taste of apple pie in every bite.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the dough or apple filling ahead of time for stress-free baking.
• Delicious Flavor: The blend of spices and salted caramel brings out the best in each cookie.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for fall gatherings, holiday parties, or just because!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This recipe uses simple, wholesome items that you likely already have in your kitchen. Get ready to create something wonderful!

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 as a substitute)
• 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! Here are some ideas to customize your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies:

• Change Up the Apples: Use your favorite variety of apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for different flavor profiles.
• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture that complements the softness of the cookie.
• Switch the Spices: Feel free to experiment with other spices like ginger or cardamom to give it your own twist.
• Try Different Sauces: Instead of salted caramel, drizzle with chocolate sauce or serve with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until it’s nice and fluffy. Add both sugars and mix until well combined—this step helps create a light texture in your cookies. Follow up by adding vanilla and eggs; mix until just incorporated. Finally, add in your dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes makes it easier to roll into balls later on.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

While your dough chills, let’s prepare that delicious apple filling! Rinse and peel your apples before dicing them into bite-sized chunks. Combine all filling ingredients in a medium pan over medium-high heat. Cook while stirring occasionally for about 15-18 minutes. The goal is to achieve tender apples without turning them into mush! Once it’s done cooking, transfer this mixture into a bowl to cool down.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

For this rich addition, prepare my easy salted caramel sauce according to my linked recipe (you’ll find it in blue text). Allow it to cool at room temperature until it thickens nicely—about 20 minutes should do it! Remember, this sauce can be made ahead of time too; just store it in a jar in your fridge.

Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough

Now it’s time to scoop out our dough! Using a large cookie scoop (about 65 grams), place cookie balls into an airtight container. Chill them either in the fridge for at least four hours or freeze them if you want to bake later on. Chilling helps keep their shape while baking.

Step 5: Make the Crumble

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you whip up that irresistible crumble topping. Melt some butter in a mixing bowl and stir in all remaining streusel ingredients until crumbly. Spread this onto parchment-lined pans and bake until golden brown—12-14 minutes should do it! Let cool before breaking into smaller pieces.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Next up is baking our lovely cookies! Preheat your oven again but this time set it slightly higher at 365°F (185°C). Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Roll each chilled dough ball into cinnamon-sugar mixture before placing them onto sheets leaving space between each one as they will spread while baking. Bake for about 10-12 minutes—edges should look set while centers remain puffy.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

Once cooled slightly, use the back of a tablespoon to make gentle indents in each cookie center. Spoon that luscious apple filling right inside each one! Top with crumbles and don’t forget that beautiful drizzle of salted caramel sauce—it’s what makes these cookies truly shine!

Step 8: Serve & Store

Enjoy immediately after assembling those tasty bites! If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge where they’ll stay fresh for about four days. Just be mindful not to leave them out overnight since we used fresh fruit.

Now you’re ready to bring joy through these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Baking these delicious cookies is a delightful experience, and with a few handy tips, you can elevate your cookie game to the next level!

• Use cold butter for the crumble: Starting with cold butter helps create a flaky, crumbly texture. It allows the fat to remain solid until it bakes, resulting in a delightful crispness.

• Let the dough chill properly: Chilling the dough not only makes it easier to scoop but also helps prevent spreading during baking. This keeps your cookies thick and chewy!

• Don’t skip the indent: Pressing an indent into the center of each cookie after baking creates a perfect spot for the apple pie filling. This ensures each bite is filled with that luscious apple goodness.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust or add spices according to your taste preference! More cinnamon or even a pinch of ginger can add an extra layer of warmth and flavor that complements the apples beautifully.

• Serve warm for maximum impact: For a cozy treat, serve these cookies warm right after assembling them. The gooey salted caramel and warm apple filling will be irresistible!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Presenting your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies can turn an everyday treat into something truly special! Here are some fun ideas for serving them up.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkling some finely chopped walnuts or pecans on top adds a delightful crunch and enhances the nutty flavors.
• Whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top offers a creamy contrast that balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
• Cinnamon dust: A light dusting of ground cinnamon over the assembled cookies can give them an appealing look and amplify that warm spice aroma.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with these cookies, creating a delicious contrast between hot and cold.
• Hot spiced cider: Serve with a warm mug of spiced cider for a cozy autumn vibe that enhances all the flavors in your cookies.
• Caramel-flavored coffee: A cup of caramel coffee complements the salted caramel drizzle while providing that perfect caffeine kick.
• Fruit salad: A fresh fruit salad can add brightness and balance out the richness of these cookies, making for a well-rounded dessert experience.

Enjoy your baking adventure and get ready to share these delectable treats with friends and family!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are perfect for meal prep, making them a delightful treat that you can enjoy throughout the week. With a little planning, you can whip up a batch ahead of time and have delicious cookies ready when cravings hit!

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
• To maintain freshness, avoid leaving them at room temperature overnight due to the fresh fruit filling.

Freezing

• Unbaked cookie dough balls can be frozen for up to 1 month. Just scoop and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container.
• Baked cookies can also be frozen! Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat cookies in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• You can also microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds if you’re in a hurry.

FAQs

If you have any questions about making these delicious cookies, I’ve got you covered!

Can I make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or unsweetened applesauce. For each egg, use 1 tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water or 1/4 cup of applesauce.

How do I prevent my Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies from spreading too much?

To prevent spreading, ensure your dough is well-chilled before baking. Additionally, don’t skip the chilling step after scooping the dough into balls.

Can I use different fruits in these cookies?

Absolutely! While apples give this recipe its signature flavor, feel free to experiment with other fruits like pears or peaches for a delightful twist.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies! They bring together comforting flavors that remind us of home and family gatherings. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or sharing them with loved ones, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!