Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall, look no further than these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies. They are everything you love about classic apple pie but wrapped up in a cookie! With warm spices, tender apple filling, and a drizzle of salted caramel, these cookies are perfect for cozy family gatherings or just as a sweet pick-me-up on a busy weeknight. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll quickly become a favorite!

These cookies are not just delicious; they also bring back memories of baking with loved ones. The aroma of cinnamon and apples wafting through the kitchen is enough to make anyone feel at home. Plus, they’re easy to whip up and even better to share!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Unique: These cookies taste just like mini apple pies, making them a fun twist on a classic dessert.
• Perfect for Sharing: Great for gatherings or potlucks; everyone will want to try one!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough and apple filling in advance, saving you time on the day you plan to bake.
• Flexible Ingredients: Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts or swap out spices based on what you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to create our Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies. Most of these items are likely already 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)
• 1/4 cup salted butter, cubed (4 tbsp)
• 2 tbsp apple cider (or 1 tsp lemon juice if needed)
• 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 a few ideas if you want to switch things up:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
• Change the Apples: Experiment with different apple varieties to find your favorite flavor profile.
• Mix in Other Spices: Try adding ginger or cardamom for an extra layer of warmth.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

Start by creaming the softened butter with an electric mixer until it’s light and fluffy. Add in both sugars and mix until combined. This process is key because it incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in soft cookies. Then, mix in the vanilla and eggs until just combined. Finally, add in your dry ingredients—this creates a cohesive dough that’s easy to work with. Chill it for about 30 minutes; this helps it firm up, making it easier to scoop.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

While your dough chills, rinse and peel your apples before dicing them into bite-sized pieces. Combine all filling ingredients in a medium pan over medium-high heat. Cook while stirring gently for about 15-18 minutes until the apples are tender. This step enhances their sweetness while infusing them with spices! Once done, transfer them to a bowl to cool.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Prepare your luscious salted caramel sauce using my easy recipe (linked above). Let it cool at room temperature until thickened—this will help it maintain its shape when drizzled over your cookies later.

Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough

Scoop your chilled dough into balls sized at about 65 grams each using a large cookie scoop. Place them in an airtight container to chill again—this time for at least four hours or overnight if possible. Chilling helps prevent spreading while baking.

Step 5: Make the Crumble Topping

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt butter in a medium bowl, then stir in remaining crumble ingredients until crumbly. Spread this mixture on a parchment-lined pan and bake until golden brown—about 12-14 minutes—then let it cool.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Now we can bake those beautiful cookie balls! Preheat your oven again, this time at 365°F (185°C). Roll each ball in cinnamon-sugar before placing them on lined cookie sheets about six per sheet. Bake for roughly 10-12 minutes until edges set but centers remain soft—they will continue cooking as they cool.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

Once cooled slightly, use a tablespoon’s back to press an indent into each cookie center. Spoon warm apple pie filling into each indentation before sprinkling with crumble topping and drizzling generously with salted caramel sauce.

Step 8: Serve & Store

Enjoy these treats right away while they’re still warm! If you have leftovers (though I doubt that!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days—but remember not to leave them out at room temperature due to fresh fruit content.

Now that you’ve got this delicious recipe under your belt, get ready for some happy bellies around you! Enjoy baking these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Baking these delightful cookies can be a breeze with a few handy tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough not only makes it easier to roll into balls but also helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking, resulting in sturdier cookies that aren’t overly puffy.

• Use Fresh Apples: Opt for crisp, fresh apples for the filling. Varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp offer a great balance of sweetness and tartness that enhances the overall flavor.

• Don’t Skip the Sea Salt: A pinch of flaky sea salt on top of your salted caramel adds a wonderful contrast to the sweet flavors, making each bite irresistibly delicious.

• Make Ahead: Prep your apple filling and crumble in advance. This will not only save you time on baking day but also allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to tweak the spices according to your taste. If you love cinnamon, add a bit more! This personal touch can make these cookies feel uniquely yours.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

These cookies are not only tasty but also beautiful when presented well! Here are some ideas on how to serve them and impress your guests.

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a creamy texture that complements the warm flavors of apple pie.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts over the cookies for an added crunch and nutty flavor.
• Extra Salted Caramel Drizzle: A light drizzle of additional salted caramel sauce over the assembled cookies can enhance their visual appeal and flavor profile.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with these warm cookies, creating a classic dessert combination that everyone loves.
• Cinnamon-Spiced Hot Apple Cider: This warm beverage echoes the flavors in your cookies, making for a cozy pairing that’s perfect for fall gatherings.
• Cheese Plate: A selection of mild cheeses, such as brie or gouda, can provide a savory contrast to the sweetness of the cookies, creating a balanced dessert spread.
• Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits can offer freshness and balance after indulging in these rich cookies.

With these serving suggestions, you’ll be well on your way to hosting an unforgettable treat experience with your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are not only a delightful treat but also perfect for meal prep! You can make components in advance to save time and enjoy fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes.

Storing Leftovers

• Store your assembled cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.
• Avoid leaving them at room temperature overnight due to the fresh apple filling.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before baking.
• The baked cookies can also be frozen, but it’s best to do this before adding the apple filling and crumble.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen baked cookies, let them thaw at room temperature.
• Warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.
• For added indulgence, drizzle with more salted caramel sauce before serving!

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might come up while making these delicious cookies.

Can I make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies without cider?

Absolutely! If you don’t have apple cider on hand, you can substitute it with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. This will provide a nice tang without altering the flavor too much.

How do I store Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

Store your cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. This will help keep the apple filling fresh and delicious!

Can I freeze Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

Yes! You can freeze both unbaked cookie dough balls and baked cookies. Just make sure to store them properly to maintain freshness.

How long do Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies last?

When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, these cookies will last about 4-5 days. However, they are best enjoyed fresh!

What makes Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies special?

These cookies combine the classic flavors of apple pie with a soft cookie texture, topped with crunchy crumble and sweet salted caramel. They’re perfect for any fall gathering!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies as much as I do! They capture all the warm flavors of fall and are such a fun twist on traditional apple pie. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or indulging yourself, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with wonderful aromas!