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! Imagine biting into a warm, spiced cookie that tastes just like apple pie. The combination of tender apple filling, a crumbly topping, and a drizzle of salted caramel makes these cookies simply irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying them on a cozy weeknight or sharing them at a family gathering, they are sure to bring smiles all around.

This recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can make them ahead of time to surprise your friends at a potluck or enjoy them fresh out of the oven with loved ones during the holidays. Trust me; once you try these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies, they’ll become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of warm spices and sweet apples creates a flavor explosion that feels like a hug in cookie form.
• Family-Friendly Fun: These cookies are perfect for baking with kids! Everyone can get involved in the mixing, scooping, and decorating.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time, making it easy to whip up fresh cookies whenever you want.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From chilly autumn evenings to festive gatherings, these cookies fit right in wherever you serve them.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is part of the fun! Here’s everything you need to create these delicious Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies:

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 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

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add Nuts: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch and flavor.
• Use Different Fruits: Swap out apples for pears or peaches based on what’s in season.
• Change Up the Spices: Experiment with spices like cardamom or ginger for a unique twist.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, cream together your softened butter using an electric mixer on medium-high speed. This step is crucial because it helps incorporate air into the mixture, resulting in fluffy cookies. Add both sugars and mix until they are fully combined. Next, incorporate your vanilla extract and eggs until just blended. Finally, add your dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes will make it easier to handle later!

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

Start by rinsing and peeling your apples before dicing them into bite-sized pieces. Combine all apple filling ingredients in a medium pan over medium-high heat. Cooking these apples will bring out their natural sweetness while softening them up—this should take about 15-18 minutes. Once cooked to your liking, transfer this mixture to a bowl to cool down.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Prepare my easy salted caramel sauce following my quick recipe linked above. Let it cool at room temperature for about 20 minutes until it thickens slightly. This sauce adds an irresistible touch to your cookies!

Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough

Using a large cookie scoop, portion out balls of dough weighing about 65 grams each. Place these dough balls in an airtight container and chill them in the fridge for at least four hours—this helps them hold their shape while baking.

Step 5: Make the Crumble Topping

While waiting on your dough, preheat your oven to 350° F. Melt some butter in a medium bowl before mixing in the remaining crumble ingredients until crumbly. Spread this mixture onto a parchment-lined pan and bake until golden brown—about 12-14 minutes.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Now it’s time to bake! Preheat your oven again but this time to 365° F. Line several cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. In a small bowl, mix together sugar and spices for coating before rolling each chilled dough ball into this mixture. Place about six cookies per sheet and bake for around 10-12 minutes.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

Once cooled slightly, make an indent in each cookie center using the back of a tablespoon tool. Then spoon generous amounts of apple pie filling into each cookie center before sprinkling on that lovely crumble topping we made earlier! Finish off by drizzling with your homemade salted caramel sauce.

Step 8: Serve & Store

Enjoy your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies immediately after assembling! If there are any leftovers (though I doubt there will be!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge where they’ll stay good for about four to five days. Just remember not to leave them at room temperature overnight due to fresh fruit content.

With this recipe by your side, you’re all set to bake up some love-filled treats that everyone will cherish!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Making these delicious cookies can be a breeze with a few helpful tips to ensure they turn out perfect every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Letting your butter and eggs come to room temperature helps create a dreamy, smooth dough that combines better and bakes evenly.

• Chill the dough: Don’t skip on chilling! It solidifies the fats in the dough, preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking, resulting in perfectly shaped cookies.

• Taste as you go: When making the apple filling, don’t hesitate to taste it while cooking. Adjusting spices or sweetness according to your preference can elevate the flavor significantly.

• Customize your crumble: Feel free to add nuts like walnuts or pecans to your crumble for an extra crunch and delightful nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the cookies.

• Keep an eye on baking time: Every oven is different, so start checking your cookies a couple of minutes before the recommended baking time. They should look set around the edges but still slightly puffy in the center for that perfect texture.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Presenting these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies can be just as delightful as making them! Here are some ideas to wow your guests or family when serving this scrumptious treat.

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream on top adds a luscious touch and complements the flavors beautifully without any dairy.
• Extra Drizzle of Salted Caramel: A light drizzle of homemade salted caramel sauce over each cookie enhances their appeal and flavor, making them even more irresistible.
• Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar just before serving gives a lovely aromatic finish and adds a bit more sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Almond Milk: This refreshing drink pairs perfectly with the cookies and adds a creamy element without overpowering their flavors.
• Spiced Chai Latte: A cozy spiced chai latte complements the warm spices in the cookies, creating a comforting dessert experience.
• Apple Cider: A warm mug of apple cider brings out the fruitiness of the cookies while enhancing that autumn vibe.
• Fruit Salad: A light side of fresh fruit salad can balance out the richness of the cookies, providing a refreshing contrast with its bright flavors.

Enjoy these delightful treats with loved ones, and happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are perfect for meal prep, making them an excellent choice for busy days or when you’re hosting friends and family. With a little planning, you can enjoy fresh cookies anytime!

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
• To maintain freshness, place parchment paper between layers if stacking.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
• Baked cookies can also be frozen. Place in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Reheating

• For warm cookies, reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, place cookies on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies.

Can I make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies without cider?

Absolutely! If you don’t have apple cider, just use 1 teaspoon of lemon juice instead. It works perfectly as a substitute!

How do I store Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

Store your delicious cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days to keep them fresh and tasty.

Can I freeze the Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

Yes! You can freeze both the unbaked cookie dough and the baked cookies. Just make sure they are stored properly to avoid freezer burn.

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

For the best taste, reheat your cookies in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them up in an oven set to 350°F (175°C).

Final Thoughts

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are not only delightful but also bring that cozy fall flavor into every bite. I hope you find joy in making these treats for yourself and your loved ones! They’re perfect for sharing during gatherings or indulging on a quiet evening. Enjoy every moment of creating these little bites of happiness!