Name: Apple Pie Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 cups fresh apples, finely chopped (preferably tart varieties like Granny Smith); 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; Chopped walnuts or pecans (to taste); Caramel sauce for drizzling; Gluten-free flour blend (substitute for all-purpose flour); Nutmeg or ground cloves (to taste); Coconut oil (vegan substitute for butter); Flaxseed meal (vegan substitute for egg)

Jump to Recipe

Delight in warm, spiced Apple Pie Cookies—perfectly cozy fall treats that are quick to bake and bursting with classic apple flavors. These cookies bring together the nostalgic taste of apple pie with the convenience of a handheld snack, creating a deliciously inviting dessert everyone will love. Whether you’re craving something sweet on a chilly afternoon or need a simple recipe to impress guests, these Apple Pie Cookies deliver that comforting autumn vibe effortlessly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic comfort: Enjoy the familiar flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples wrapped in soft, buttery cookie dough.
Quick and easy: This recipe is straightforward and perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Perfect portion size: Individually sized to satisfy your sweet tooth without overindulging.
Great for gatherings: These cookies are crowd-pleasers at parties, potlucks, or cozy family nights.
Customizable: Easily adapted with nuts, caramel drizzles, or gluten-free flour to suit your taste and dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind these Apple Pie Cookies lies in simple, wholesome ingredients that work in harmony to create that perfect fall flavor and delightful texture. Each element plays a role from the tender cookie base to the spiced apple filling that melts in your mouth.

All-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy yet tender structure for the cookie dough.
Butter: Adds richness and tenderness to every bite.
Brown sugar: Gives a deep sweetness with a hint of molasses, enhancing the fall flavors.
Ground cinnamon: The signature spice that brings warmth and that classic apple pie aroma.
Fresh apples: Chopped into small pieces, they deliver authentic apple flavor and a juicy texture inside each cookie.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with subtle sweetness and depth.
Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and achieve a light, soft texture.
Egg: Binds the dough while adding moisture and richness.
Lemon juice: Brightens the apple filling and balances the sweetness.

Variations for Apple Pie Cookies

These Apple Pie Cookies are incredibly versatile, so feel free to experiment and tailor them to your preferences or dietary needs. Whether you want to add texture, try new flavors, or switch up ingredients for a special occasion, it’s easy to make these cookies uniquely yours.

Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch and a nutty twist.
Caramel drizzle: Finish with a drizzle of caramel sauce to elevate the dessert experience.
Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to keep the cookies soft and delicious.
Spice mix: Incorporate nutmeg or ground cloves for an extra layer of warm autumn spices.
Vegan adaptation: Substitute butter for coconut oil and egg for flaxseed to make a plant-based version.

Easy Apple Pie Cookies for Cozy Fall Treats

How to Make Apple Pie Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the apple filling

Start by finely chopping fresh apples and tossing them with lemon juice, cinnamon, and a bit of brown sugar. This mixture creates a tender, flavorful filling that simmers gently on the stove until soft and fragrant.

Step 2: Make the cookie dough

In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar, then add the egg and vanilla extract. Gradually incorporate the flour and baking powder, mixing until the dough is smooth and holds together without being sticky.

Step 3: Assemble the cookies

Roll the dough into small balls, flatten them slightly, and add a spoonful of the cooled apple filling in the center. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges to seal, shaping each into a neat cookie.

Step 4: Bake to perfection

Place the filled cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes until golden brown around the edges.

Step 5: Cool and enjoy

Allow the Apple Pie Cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature for the best flavor experience.

Pro Tips for Making Apple Pie Cookies

Use tart apples: Varieties like Granny Smith bring a bright flavor that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Chop apples finely: This ensures the filling melts into the cookie for even moisture and texture.
Don’t overfill: Too much filling can cause leaking during baking—small spoonfuls work best.
Chill the dough: Letting the dough rest in the fridge before shaping helps maintain cookie structure.
Watch baking time: Cookies should be lightly golden but remain soft inside—overbaking dries them out.

How to Serve Apple Pie Cookies

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce can add extra sweetness and visual appeal, making your Apple Pie Cookies look as delightful as they taste.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot apple cider to amplify the cozy fall flavors and create a comforting snack or dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Apple Pie Cookies on a rustic wooden platter with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks for a charming fall-themed spread that’s perfect for gatherings or gift boxes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Apple Pie Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain their soft texture.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully: place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Warm frozen or refrigerated Apple Pie Cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes or microwave briefly on low power to revive their fresh-baked softness.

FAQs

Can I use canned apples instead of fresh for Apple Pie Cookies?

Fresh apples work best for texture and flavor, but you can use drained canned apples if fresh ones aren’t available—just be sure to reduce added sugar in the filling accordingly.

Are Apple Pie Cookies gluten-free?

They can be! Simply swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and adjust liquid slightly to achieve the right dough consistency.

How long do Apple Pie Cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, they stay fresh for about 3 days at room temperature and up to a week in the refrigerator.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days before assembling and baking, which makes this recipe great for meal prep.

What’s the best apple variety for these cookies?

Tart and firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up well during baking and add a nice balance of sweet and tart flavors to the cookies.

Final Thoughts

These Apple Pie Cookies capture the heartwarming essence of fall with every bite. They’re simple to make, irresistibly tasty, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether you’re cozying up on a crisp afternoon or looking for a sweet treat to brighten your day, this recipe is sure to become a beloved seasonal favorite.