Apple Pie Cookies

Although summer is slowly but surely coming to an end, the thought of autumn treats and the aroma of cinnamon and spices wafting through the house as a pie bakes in the oven is incredibly comforting. These Apple Pie Cookies, filled with gooey caramel and rich cinnamon flavor, are the perfect comfort food for those cold and rainy autumn days ahead. Whether you have time to bake from scratch or need a quick fix with store-bought ingredients, these mini pies are a delightful treat. Simply coat one crust with caramel, spread the apple pie filling, cut the second crust into strips for a lattice top, sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar, and bake. In just half an hour, you can enjoy these homemade Apple Pie Cookies with a warm cup of milk.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Apple Pie Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic apple pie. They offer the perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors in a convenient, cookie-sized form. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, you’ll appreciate the ease of this recipe, especially with the option to use store-bought crusts. Plus, the smell of baking apples and cinnamon will make your kitchen feel cozy and inviting.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan
• Pastry blender
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutter (about 2.5 inches)
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Pastry brush

Ingredients

For Apple Pie Filling:

• 3 apples (about 1 lb), peeled and sliced into 8 slices each
• 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons white sugar
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• A dash of nutmeg
• 3/4 cup water

For Pie Crust:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cubed and chilled
• 2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 cup ice water
• Or 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)

Filling and Topping:

• 1 and 3/4 cups apple pie filling, chopped into small pieces
• 1 cup caramel sauce
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup sugar

Instructions

To make Apple Pie Filling:

1. Toss sliced apples with lemon juice and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, combine cornstarch, white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and water. Stir well and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking constantly.
3. Let it boil for 2 minutes until thick, then stir in apple slices. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 10 minutes until apples are soft but not mushy.
4. Remove from heat, leave covered to cool, then chop apples into small pieces. Set aside.

To make Pie Crust:

1. In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar. Incorporate chilled butter cubes using a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
2. Drizzle ice water over the mixture and blend. Repeat with another 2 tablespoons of water. When the dough holds together, divide into two discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
3. Lightly dust your work surface with flour, roll out each disc to 1/8-inch thick, turning to prevent sticking.

Assembling the Apple Pie Cookies:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with non-stick spray.
2. Spread caramel sauce on one pie crust, then top with chopped apple pie filling.
3. Cut the second crust into 1/2-inch strips and create a lattice top over the filling.
4. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out cookies and place them on the baking sheet.
5. Brush the tops with beaten egg, then sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture.
6. Bake for 20-30 minutes until golden brown.

Tips for Success

• Ensure your butter is very cold for a flaky crust.
• Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent shrinking during baking.
• Don’t overfill the cookies to avoid spilling.

Additional Tips and Variations

• Try adding a pinch of ginger or allspice for extra warmth.
• Use pre-made apple pie filling for a quicker version.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Each serving of Apple Pie Cookies contains approximately:

• Calories: 180
• Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Sugar: 12g
• Protein: 2g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, you can freeze them after baking. Just ensure they are completely cooled and stored in an airtight container.

How long do these cookies last?

Stored in an airtight container, they can last up to 3 days at room temperature or a week in the refrigerator.

Can I use a different fruit?

Absolutely! Pears or peaches could be a delicious alternative to apples.

Conclusion

I hope you give these delightful Apple Pie Cookies a try and experience the cozy, warm flavors of autumn in every bite. They are perfect for sharing with family and friends, or savoring with a quiet cup of tea on a chilly day. Let me know how yours turn out, and feel free to share your own variations in the comments below!