Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of fall, these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are just what you need! Imagine the warm flavors of apple pie, all wrapped up in a delicious cookie. These cookies are perfect for family gatherings, weekend baking sessions, or when you need a little something sweet to brighten your day. Plus, they’re so simple to make that even beginner bakers can impress their friends and family!

Every time I whip up a batch of these cookies, the smell fills my kitchen with an irresistible aroma that brings back memories of autumn afternoons spent picking apples. What makes this recipe special is not just the delightful blend of spices and tender apple filling but also that luscious drizzle of salted caramel on top. Trust me; once you bake these cookies, they’ll become a cherished favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spiced apples and rich salted caramel creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone from kids to grandparents will love these mini apple pies in cookie form!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare dough and fillings ahead of time, making it easy to bake fresh cookies whenever you want.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual weeknight treat, these cookies fit right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies use simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need to create this heavenly treat!

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 (you can use 1 tsp of lemon juice if you don’t have any cider – note that this is NOT apple cider vinegar!)
• 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(I love Maldon brand!)

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 get creative with your ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.

• Use Different Apples: Experiment with various types of apples for different flavors; tart Granny Smith or sweet Fuji work well.
• Add Nuts: For some crunch, toss in chopped walnuts or pecans into the apple filling.
• Spice It Up: Add more spice by including ginger or cardamom for an extra layer of flavor.
• Go Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.

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 until smooth. Add both sugars and mix until creamy—this should take about one minute. Incorporate the vanilla and eggs until just combined. Finally, mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms. Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes makes it easier to roll into balls later.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

Rinse and peel your apples before dicing 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 lazily—this helps soften the apples without breaking them down too much. Once they reach your desired tenderness, transfer them to a bowl to cool.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Follow my easy ten-minute recipe for making salted caramel sauce. Allow it to cool at room temperature for around 20 minutes until thickened. This step is crucial because it prevents the sauce from being too runny when drizzled on your cookies.

Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough

Scoop out dough balls weighing about 65 grams each using a large cookie scoop. Place them in an airtight container and chill in either the fridge or freezer as directed. Chilling helps develop flavor and ensures they hold their shape while baking.

Step 5: Make the Crumble Topping

While your dough chills, preheat your oven to 350° F. Melt some butter in a mixing bowl and stir in other crumble ingredients until crumbly. Spread this mixture onto a parchment-lined pan and bake for about 12-14 minutes until deep golden brown.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven again, this time to 365° F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. In a small bowl, mix together sugar and spices for coating before rolling dough balls into this mixture. Bake for about 10-12 minutes; they should look set around the edges but slightly puffy in the center.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

Once cooled slightly, spoon apple pie filling into each cookie’s center before sprinkling crumble on top and drizzling over some luscious salted caramel sauce.

Step 8: Serve & Store

Enjoy these delightful cookies immediately after assembling! To keep them fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days—though I doubt they’ll last that long!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Baking is all about precision and a little creativity, so here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly!

• Use room temperature butter: Starting with softened butter creates a creamy texture, which helps your cookies rise and maintain a chewy consistency.

• Don’t skip the chilling time: Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in thicker, more delicious cookies.

• Taste as you go: When making the apple filling, taste it at the 15-minute mark to adjust spices or sweetness according to your preference. This ensures a personalized flavor that matches your taste buds.

• Watch the baking time closely: Since ovens can vary, start checking for doneness a minute or two before the suggested time. You want the edges set but the centers slightly underbaked for that perfect soft bite.

• Store properly: Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness and flavor. They’re best enjoyed within 4-5 days!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

These delightful cookies aren’t just tasty; they also make for an impressive presentation. Here are some fun ideas to elevate your serving game!

Garnishes

• Whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy element that complements the richness of the salted caramel.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with apples.
• Cinnamon sprinkle: A light dusting of cinnamon on top gives a warm, inviting aroma and enhances the cozy fall vibes of these cookies.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing with warm cookies, providing a lovely contrast to their chewy center.
• Hot apple cider: Serve alongside steaming cups of hot apple cider for a comforting autumn experience that will warm your heart.
• Fruit salad: A fresh fruit salad can balance the sweetness of the cookies while adding color and freshness to your dessert spread.
• Cheese platter: A selection of mild cheeses, such as brie or gouda, contrasts nicely with sweet desserts and can create an elegant touch to your cookie serving.

Now that you know how to make and serve these scrumptious Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies, gather your loved ones and indulge in this delightful fall treat! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the delightful flavors of fall throughout the week! By making them ahead of time, you can save effort without sacrificing taste.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the assembled cookies in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Enjoy them within 4-5 days for optimal freshness.
• Avoid leaving at room temperature overnight due to the fresh fruit.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container and store for up to 1 month.
• When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

Reheating

• To reheat baked cookies, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave each cookie for about 10-15 seconds until just warmed.

FAQs

If you have questions about these delicious cookies, you’re not alone!

Can I make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies without fresh apples?

Absolutely! You can substitute with canned apple pie filling if you’re short on time or fresh apples. Just be mindful that it may alter the texture slightly.

How do I prevent my Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies from getting soggy?

To keep your cookies crisp, store them only after they have fully cooled and avoid adding excessive filling until you’re ready to serve.

Can I use other fruits besides apples?

While this recipe is tailored for apples, feel free to experiment with other fruits like pears or berries. Just adjust the spices accordingly!

What’s the best way to serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

Serve them warm with an extra drizzle of salted caramel sauce on top and perhaps a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies! They are not just a dessert; they encapsulate all the cozy flavors of fall and are sure to delight everyone who tries them. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with warmth and sweetness!