Description
Warm, spiced Apple Pie Cookies that combine the nostalgic flavors of cinnamon and fresh apples wrapped in soft, buttery cookie dough. These cozy fall treats are quick to make, individually portioned, and perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a comforting snack on a chilly day.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cookie Dough
- 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
For the Apple Filling
- 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
Optional Variations & Add-ins
- 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)
Instructions
- Prepare the apple filling: Finely chop fresh apples and toss them with lemon juice, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Simmer the mixture gently on the stove until the apples are soft and fragrant.
- Make the cookie dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then gradually incorporate the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Mix until the dough is smooth and holds together without being sticky.
- 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.
- 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 12-15 minutes until golden brown around the edges.
- Cool and enjoy: Allow the Apple Pie Cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of sweet and tart flavors.
- Chop apples finely to ensure the filling melts into the cookie for consistent moisture and texture.
- Avoid overfilling cookies to prevent leaking during baking; small spoonfuls work best.
- Chill the dough before shaping to help the cookies maintain their structure during baking.
- Watch baking time carefully; cookies should be lightly golden but remain soft inside to avoid dryness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg