Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of fall, look no further than these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies! They bring together the warm spices and tender apples of classic apple pie, all wrapped up in a delightful cookie form. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, these cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone. The combination of the soft cookie, sweet apple filling, crunchy crumble, and the rich salted caramel sauce makes them irresistible.

These cookies are not just delicious; they also make your kitchen smell heavenly while baking. You can whip them up ahead of time for a school bake sale or as a sweet surprise for your loved ones! Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a beloved favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spiced apples and salted caramel is pure bliss!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves cookies, especially when they taste like dessert pies!
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll feel like a pro baker in no time.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough and filling in advance, making it easy to bake fresh cookies whenever you want.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or just a cozy night in, these cookies fit right in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies, gather some simple and wholesome ingredients. Don’t worry; you might already have many of them at home!

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)
• 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 some chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
• Use Different Apples: Experiment with various apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for unique flavors.
• Change Up the Spices: Swap out spices based on your preference; cardamom can add an interesting twist!
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

Start by creaming the softened butter in a large bowl using an electric mixer. This helps incorporate air into the mixture, creating light and fluffy cookies. Add both sugars until well combined—about one minute should do! Then mix in the vanilla and eggs until just combined. Finally, incorporate the dry ingredients; don’t overmix here—just until a dough forms. Remember to chill it for about 30 minutes; this makes it easier to scoop later!

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

While your dough chills, let’s prepare that delicious apple filling! Peel and dice your apples into bite-sized pieces. Combine them with butter and your other filling ingredients in a medium pan over medium-high heat. Cook while stirring gently for about 15 to 18 minutes until they reach your desired tenderness. Once ready, let this mixture cool down before using it.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Next up is that luscious salted caramel sauce! Follow my easy method to whip this up in about ten minutes. Let it cool down at room temperature until thickened—this will make it perfect for drizzling later on!

Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough

Once chilled, scoop out portions of cookie dough using a large cookie scoop—around 65 grams each works best! Place these dough balls in an airtight container to chill again. This step is crucial as it keeps them from spreading too much while baking.

Step 5: Make the Crumble

While your dough chills one last time, let’s get that delightful crumble ready! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and melt some butter in a mixing bowl. Combine it with remaining streusel ingredients until crumbly. Spread this mixture onto a parchment-lined pan and bake until golden brown—about 12-14 minutes will do!

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven again—this time to 365°F (185°C). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Roll those chilled dough balls in a mix of sugar and spices before placing them on sheets with enough space between each cookie. Bake for about 10-12 minutes until edges feel set but centers are still slightly puffy.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

Once cooled slightly, use a tablespoon to press an indent into each cookie’s center. Now it’s time for assembly! Spoon generous amounts of apple pie filling into each cookie center, sprinkle on that crumble topping, then finish with a drizzle of warm salted caramel sauce.

Step 8: Serve & Store

Enjoy these treats immediately after assembling—the combination is simply divine! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. I recommend keeping them chilled because of the fresh fruit goodness inside.

Now go ahead—bake up some joy with these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Baking these delicious cookies can be a breeze if you keep a few handy tips in mind!

• Chill the Dough: After scooping the dough into balls, chilling it helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking, resulting in perfectly puffy cookies.

• Use Fresh Apples: Opt for crisp, fresh apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the filling. Their natural tartness balances the sweetness of the caramel and sugar.

• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies! They should have slightly underdone centers when you take them out of the oven. They’ll continue to set as they cool.

• Make Extra Caramel Sauce: You can never have too much salted caramel sauce! Make a little extra to drizzle over ice cream or pancakes later. It’s a delicious treat!

• Customize Your Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels to suit your taste. Adding more cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance those cozy autumn flavors.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

These cookies not only look gorgeous but also taste heavenly, making them a delightful centerpiece for any gathering or cozy evening at home.

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: Top each cookie with a dollop of whipped coconut cream for a light, airy complement to the rich flavors.
• Chopped Pecans or Walnuts: Sprinkling some chopped nuts adds a lovely crunch and enhances the nutty notes from the spices.
• Flaky Sea Salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the warm caramel adds an elegant touch and enhances all the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with these warm cookies, creating a delightful contrast.
• Hot Apple Cider: Serve alongside a steaming cup of apple cider for that ultimate fall experience – it’s like a hug in a mug!
• Caramel-Pecan Brownies: These fudgy brownies bring another layer of dessert goodness and complement the cookie’s flavors beautifully.
• Spiced Tea: A warm spiced tea (like chai) can balance out the sweetness and add comforting warmth to your dessert spread.

Enjoy crafting these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies and delighting your friends and family with this seasonal treat! The combination of flavors will surely make this recipe a favorite in your home.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare components in advance, making it easy to whip up a batch whenever you crave something sweet.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
• Keep them separated using parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Avoid room temperature storage overnight due to the fresh fruit in the filling.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 1 month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
• You can also freeze assembled cookies without the caramel sauce. Drizzle with salted caramel after thawing.

Reheating

• Reheat cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• If they feel too dry, cover with foil during reheating to retain moisture.
• Serve warm for that freshly baked taste!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about these delicious cookies!

Can I make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. Use 1 tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg, or replace each egg with 1/4 cup of applesauce.

How long do Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies will last about 4-5 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, consider freezing them!

Can I use different fruits for these cookies?

Absolutely! While apples provide that classic flavor, feel free to experiment with pears or berries for a twist on this recipe.

What’s the best way to store the salted caramel sauce?

Store any leftover salted caramel sauce in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to two weeks. Just reheat gently before using it again!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited about these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies as I am! They’re not just delightful treats; they encapsulate the cozy essence of fall in every bite. Enjoy making them and sharing with friends and family—there’s nothing quite like a homemade dessert to bring everyone together. Happy baking!