Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the best of fall flavors in a bite-sized cookie, then you’ll absolutely love these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies! Imagine taking a warm bite into a cookie that tastes just like your favorite apple pie, complete with tender apple filling and topped with a crunchy crumble. It’s all finished off with a drizzle of luscious salted caramel sauce. These cookies are perfect for cozy family gatherings or just to enjoy on a busy weeknight when you need a little sweetness in your life!

What makes this recipe so special is not only its incredible flavor but also how easy it is to whip up. Each step is straightforward, making them accessible for bakers of all levels. Plus, they are an absolute crowd-pleaser, sure to impress friends and family alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps and common ingredients, baking these cookies is a breeze!
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves the comforting taste of apple pie; these cookies are no exception!
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or just an afternoon treat, these cookies fit right in.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare the dough and fillings in advance for stress-free baking later.
• Incredible flavors: The combination of spiced apples and rich salted caramel is simply irresistible!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that the ingredients for these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are simple and wholesome. From fresh apples to warm spices, each element adds to the delightful flavor profile of this recipe.

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 an alternative)
• 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
• A 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
• A pinch of salt

Variations

The beauty of these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies is how flexible the recipe can be. Feel free to experiment with different flavors or ingredients!

• Use different fruits: Swap out apples for pears or peaches for a unique twist!
• Switch up the spices: Experiment with spices like ginger or cardamom to change up the flavor profile.
• Try different toppings: Instead of salted caramel, drizzle some chocolate or honey on top.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute regular flour with your favorite gluten-free blend for a delicious alternative.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

Start by creaming together your softened butter using an electric mixer on medium-high speed. Adding both sugars will help create that delightful sweetness we associate with cookies! Mix until it’s fluffy—this takes about one minute. Then add in your vanilla extract and eggs; mix until just combined. Finally, incorporate your dry ingredients until you have a lovely dough. Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes will make rolling it into balls much easier.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

While your dough chills, let’s prepare that fabulous apple filling! Rinse and peel your apples before dicing them into bite-sized chunks. In a medium pan over medium-high heat, combine those beautiful apples with the remaining filling ingredients. Cook for about 15-18 minutes—give them a stir every now and then. We want those apples soft but not mushy! Once cooked to your liking, let them cool in a bowl.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Now it’s time for that glorious salted caramel sauce! Follow my easy 10-minute recipe (linked) to create this delicious topping. Once you’ve made it, let it cool at room temperature until it thickens up nicely—about 20 minutes should do.

Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough

After chilling your dough, scoop out balls weighing around 65 grams each using a large cookie scoop. Place them in an airtight container to chill again—in either the fridge or freezer—to ensure they’re firm enough to bake beautifully.

Step 5: Make the Crumble

As your dough chills once more, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt some butter in a mixing bowl before stirring in your crumble ingredients until crumbly. Spread this mixture onto lined baking sheets and bake until golden brown—around 12-14 minutes should be perfect! Let cool before breaking into smaller pieces.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven again but this time to 365°F (185°C). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper while stirring together some sugar with spices for coating. Roll each dough ball in this mixture before placing them on sheets—remembering they need space to spread! Bake for about 10-12 minutes; they should look set around the edges while still soft in the center.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

Once cooled slightly on their sheets, use a tablespoon’s back end to make indents in each cookie’s center. Fill these indents generously with your cooled apple pie filling, sprinkle on that delicious crumble topping, and finish off with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce.

Step 8: Serve & Store

These cookies are best enjoyed fresh after assembling! If you have leftovers (which I doubt!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for about four to five days—just avoid leaving them out overnight due to those fresh apples.

Enjoy every bite of these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies—they’re sure to become a new favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Making these delightful cookies can be a breeze with a few handy tips! Here are some pro suggestions to ensure your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies turn out perfectly every time.

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill not only makes it easier to handle but also helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, resulting in a thicker cookie with a lovely texture.

• Use Fresh Apples: Opt for crisp, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Fresh apples maintain their shape and provide that classic apple pie flavor, enhancing the overall taste of your cookies.

• Adjust the Spice Levels: Feel free to tweak the spices according to your preference! A little extra cinnamon or nutmeg can really elevate the autumn flavors, making each bite taste like a cozy fall day.

• Don’t Skip the Salted Caramel: The salted caramel sauce adds a rich, buttery contrast to the sweetness of the cookies and apple filling. Drizzling it generously will take your cookies to another level!

• Store Properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This helps maintain their texture and prevents them from becoming soggy due to the apple filling.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Presenting your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies beautifully can make all the difference when serving them at gatherings or enjoying them at home. Here are a few ideas on how to showcase these delicious treats.

Garnishes

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top adds a creamy touch that complements the flavors beautifully.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts for added crunch and texture that contrasts with the softness of the cookie.
• Cinnamon Dusting: A light dusting of cinnamon over the top enhances visual appeal while intensifying that warm, spicy flavor profile.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool creaminess of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with warm cookies, creating a delicious contrast that’s hard to resist.
• Apple Crisp: Serve alongside a warm apple crisp for an apple-filled dessert experience that guests will adore.
• Hot Chocolate: A cup of rich hot chocolate is perfect for dipping these cookies, offering a cozy companion for any chilly evening.
• Spiced Tea: Pairing your cookies with spiced tea adds warmth and aromatic notes that enhance the overall autumn experience.

Now you’re ready to bake these indulgent Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies and wow everyone around you! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make the components ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
• Keep the salted caramel sauce in a separate jar; it can last in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• If you’re concerned about sogginess, consider storing the apple filling separately from the cookies.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month.
• Baked cookies can also be frozen. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then store in a freezer-safe container.

Reheating

• For baked cookies, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.
• If you thaw unbaked dough, bake them directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about these delicious cookies!

Can I use other fruits instead of apples in Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

Absolutely! While apples give these cookies their signature flavor, feel free to experiment with pears or even berries. Just adjust spices accordingly!

How do I store Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

Store your cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. Keep the salted caramel sauce separate for best results!

Can I freeze Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

Yes! You can freeze both unbaked dough balls and baked cookies. Just be sure to store them properly to maintain their texture!

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

Enjoy these delightful cookies fresh out of the oven! Assemble them with apple filling and salted caramel just before serving for that warm pie experience.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings warmth and sweetness into your home as much as it does mine! These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re perfect for sharing with loved ones during cozy fall gatherings. Enjoy making these delightful mini pies, and don’t hesitate to let your creativity shine — add your own twist if you like! Happy baking!