Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that brings the flavors of fall right into your kitchen, then these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are just what you need! Imagine soft, spiced cookies filled with tender apple filling, all topped off with a delightful brown sugar crumble and a drizzle of luscious salted caramel. These little bites of joy are perfect for family gatherings, cozy nights in, or even as a special surprise for your loved ones. I promise, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why this recipe has become one of my favorites!

These cookies not only taste amazing but also fill your home with the warm aroma of cinnamon and apples. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself to something sweet after a long day, Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: The step-by-step instructions make it simple for anyone to bake these delicious cookies.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves cookies, especially when they taste like apple pie!
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the dough and filling in advance, making it easy to whip up fresh cookies whenever you want.
• Irresistibly delicious: The combination of spiced apples and salted caramel is simply out of this world!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to get started! You might already have many of these in your pantry.

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 if you don’t have any cider)
• 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! Here are some fun variations you can try:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
• Change up the fruit: Mix in other fruits like pears or berries for a different flavor twist.
• Use different spices: Experiment with pumpkin pie spice instead of the individual spices for a unique flavor.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

To start off, cream together the softened butter with an electric mixer until fluffy. This step is essential as it introduces air into the butter, leading to soft cookies. Once combined with sugars, vanilla, and eggs, be sure not to overmix—just until everything is blended nicely. Then add in your dry ingredients until a dough forms. Chilling the dough helps make it easier to handle later on!

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

While your dough chills, let’s work on that scrumptious apple filling! Peel and dice your apples into bite-sized pieces. Cook them gently with butter and spices over medium heat until they’re tender. This will bring out their natural sweetness! The cooling step is important too—warm filling could melt your cookie dough when assembling.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Now onto that heavenly salted caramel sauce! Follow my simple recipe—trust me; it’s super easy! After cooking, allow it to cool so it thickens up nicely before using. This sauce adds an irresistible touch to your cookies.

Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough

Scoop your chilled dough into balls about 65 grams each. This ensures uniform baking. Letting them chill again is key—it helps maintain their shape while baking so they don’t spread too much.

Step 5: Make the Crumble

While waiting for your cookie dough to chill again, whip up a quick crumble topping by mixing melted butter with sugars and spices until crumbly. Bake this mixture until golden brown; it will add a delightful texture on top of those cookies!

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven while rolling those chilled dough balls in cinnamon-sugar mixture before placing them on lined cookie sheets. Bake until golden edges form but remember—they’ll firm up as they cool!

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

Once cooled slightly, create an indent in each cookie using a tablespoon’s back—this is where that lovely apple filling will go! Spoon in the filling, sprinkle with crumble topping, and finish off with drizzles of that velvety salted caramel.

Step 8: Serve & Store

Time to dig in! Enjoy these treats warm from the oven or store them in an airtight container in the fridge for several days—if they last that long!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Making these delightful cookies is a breeze when you follow a few simple tips to ensure they turn out perfect every time!

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in perfectly shaped cookies that maintain their structure.

• Use Fresh Apples: Opt for crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Their firm texture holds up well during cooking and adds a nice balance to the sweetness of the cookie.

• Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. They should look slightly underdone in the center; they will continue to cook while cooling, resulting in a soft and chewy texture.

• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to tweak the spices according to your taste preferences. If you love cinnamon, increase its amount for more warmth, or try adding ginger for a zesty kick.

• Make Extra Caramel Sauce: Why not whip up an extra batch of salted caramel sauce? It’s perfect for drizzling over desserts or even just enjoying with apple slices!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Here are some thoughtful presentation ideas to impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Whipped Topping: A dollop of dairy-free whipped cream on top adds a lightness and creaminess that contrasts nicely with the warm flavors of the cookies.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts over the cookies for added crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the caramel and apple filling.
• Fresh Mint Leaves: A few sprigs of mint can brighten up your presentation, offering a pop of color and freshness that makes these cookies even more inviting.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream served alongside these cookies makes for a delightful contrast in temperatures and textures.
• Apple Cider: Warm apple cider is a classic fall beverage that pairs wonderfully with these cookies, enhancing their apple flavor while adding cozy vibes.
• Caramel Drizzle Cake: This moist cake drizzled with caramel sauce echoes the flavors in your cookies, creating a harmonious dessert spread.
• Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits offers a refreshing balance to the richness of the cookies—plus, it’s an easy way to add more color to your table!

With these serving suggestions and tips, your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies will shine at any gathering! Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make the dough, filling, and crumble ahead of time, making it easier to whip up a batch any day of the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.
• If you have leftover salted caramel sauce, keep it in a jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked dough balls by scooping them onto a baking sheet and placing them in the freezer until solid.
• Transfer frozen dough balls to a zip-top bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month.
• You can also freeze baked cookies; just layer them between parchment paper in an airtight container.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat baked cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
• If using the microwave, heat for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some answers to common questions about making these delicious cookies!

Can I make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute eggs with unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg). This will help bind the ingredients while keeping your cookies moist.

What should I do if my Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies spread too much while baking?

If your cookies spread too much, it might be due to the dough being too warm. Be sure to chill the dough before baking. If they still spread excessively, consider adding a bit more flour next time.

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

Absolutely! While apples give these cookies their signature taste, you can experiment with other fruits like pears or even berries. Just adjust the spices accordingly!

How do I store Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies if I have leftovers?

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them!

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

These cookies are best enjoyed fresh after assembling! Pair them with vanilla ice cream or warm them slightly before serving for an extra treat.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find as much joy in making these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies as I did! They bring together all the cozy flavors of fall while being perfectly portable and shareable. Whether you’re enjoying them at home or gifting them to friends, I’m sure they’ll be a hit! Happy baking, and don’t forget to savor every bite!