Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful way to embrace the flavors of fall, you’ve found it! These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are truly a treat. With every bite, you’ll experience the warm spices, tender apples, and that irresistible salted caramel drizzle. They’re perfect for cozy family gatherings, after-school snacks, or just because you deserve something sweet today!

What makes this recipe even more special is how simple and comforting it feels to make. It’s like getting all your favorite parts of apple pie in a fun and easy cookie form! Trust me; once you try these, you’ll be dreaming of them long after they’re gone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavors: The combination of spiced apple filling and salted caramel creates a flavor explosion that will leave everyone wanting more.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore these cookies, making them perfect for any gathering or just a lazy afternoon at home.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time, making it easy to bake fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes.
• Versatile Treat: These cookies are great on their own but can also be dressed up for special occasions with extra toppings or served warm with ice cream.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Get ready to gather some wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully! These items are simple yet packed with flavor, ensuring your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are a hit every time.

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
• 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

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable! You can play around with different ingredients to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

• Try Different Fruits: Swap out apples for pears or berries for a unique twist on flavor.
• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and richness.
• Change Up the Spice Blend: Experiment with different spices like ginger or cardamom to create your signature blend.
• Make Them Mini: Use a mini cookie scoop to create bite-sized versions perfect for parties or gifts!

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter using an electric mixer on medium-high speed. This step is key because it helps incorporate air into the mixture, resulting in fluffy cookies. Add both sugars and mix until well combined—this should take about one minute. Then stir in the vanilla extract and eggs until just combined. Finally, add the dry ingredients last, mixing until a dough forms. Chill this dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes; this makes it easier to roll into balls later.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

Start by rinsing and peeling your apples before dicing them into bite-sized chunks. In a medium pan over medium-high heat, combine all your apple filling ingredients. Cook while stirring lazily for about 15 to 18 minutes until they reach your desired tenderness. Transferring this mixture to a bowl to cool is important as it prevents overcooking while you prepare other components!

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

This sauce is where magic happens! Prepare your salted caramel sauce following my easy recipe (linked in blue text). Let it cool at room temperature until thickened—this usually takes about 20 minutes. Don’t forget: you can store this sauce in a jar in your fridge for up to two weeks if you want to plan ahead!

Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough

Using a large cookie scoop, measure out dough balls weighing around 65 grams each. Place them in an airtight container to chill—this is essential for achieving perfectly shaped cookies that don’t spread too much during baking. You can chill them in the fridge for at least four hours or freeze them if you’re preparing well in advance.

Step 5: Make the Crumble

While your dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt some butter in a mixing bowl and add all remaining crumble ingredients. Stir until crumbly; this adds such a delicious texture when baked! Spread small pieces onto a parchment-lined pan and bake until golden brown—around 12-14 minutes should do it!

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Raise the oven temperature slightly to 365°F (185°C) now. 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 in this mixture. Place them on your cookie sheets with enough space between each one so they have room to spread as they bake (about six cookies per sheet). Bake for approximately 10-12 minutes until they’re puffy but barely underdone—don’t worry; they’ll firm up as they cool!

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

Once cooled slightly on their sheets, use a tablespoon’s back to press an indent into each cookie center gently. Now comes the fun part! Spoon that delicious apple pie filling into each cookie’s center generously before sprinkling on your crumble topping followed by drizzling salted caramel sauce on top.

Step 8: Serve & Store

Dive right into those heavenly bites once assembled! If by chance you have leftovers (which I doubt), store any uneaten cookies in an airtight container in your fridge for around four to five days—though I bet they’ll disappear quickly!

Enjoy making these delightful Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies! They’re not just treats; they are little bites of love that evoke warmth and comfort during any occasion.

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Baking these delightful cookies can be a breeze with a few handy tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Chill the Dough: Giving your cookie dough some chill time not only makes it easier to handle but also helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies.

• Use Fresh Apples: Opt for crisp, fresh apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape well during baking and provide a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness in your filling.

• Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the tender texture we’re aiming for.

• Keep an Eye on the Oven: Ovens can vary in temperature; start checking your cookies a minute or two before the suggested baking time. You want them set around the edges but still slightly puffy in the center.

• Store Wisely: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This helps maintain their softness and flavor, especially since they contain fresh fruit.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

These cookies are not just delicious; they’re also visually appealing! Presenting them nicely can make all the difference at gatherings or cozy family dinners.

Garnishes

• A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar: Dust a little cinnamon sugar on top right before serving for an extra touch of sweetness and spice.
• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a lovely creaminess that complements the warm flavors of apple and caramel perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm cookies, making it a classic pairing.
• Caramel Sauce: Serve additional salted caramel sauce on the side for drizzling over each cookie, enhancing that irresistible flavor even more.
• Hot Apple Cider: A warm cup of spiced apple cider complements these cookies beautifully and brings out their comforting fall flavors.
• Cheese Platter: A small cheese platter with sharp cheddar or brie can offer a nice savory contrast to the sweetness of the cookies, creating an interesting taste experience.

With these tips and serving ideas, your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies will surely impress everyone around you! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the dough, filling, and crumble ahead of time, making it easy to whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes.

Storing Leftovers

• Store assembled cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.
• If you have leftover dough or components, keep them stored separately to maintain freshness.
• Avoid leaving cookies at room temperature overnight due to the fresh fruit.

Freezing

• You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 1 month.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag.
• The apple filling and crumble can also be frozen for later use; just ensure they are well-sealed.

Reheating

• To enjoy your cookies warm, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
• If you’re reheating from frozen, allow them to thaw in the fridge overnight before warming.

FAQs

You might have some questions about these delicious cookies. Here are a few common inquiries:

Can I make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies without eggs?

Yes! For an egg substitute, you can use unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) or a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).

How do I store Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the unbaked dough or assembled cookies.

What type of apples should I use for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

Varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work great as they hold their shape and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.

Can I make the salted caramel sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The salted caramel sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in a jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Just reheat gently before using.

Final Thoughts

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are not just delicious; they bring together all the flavors of fall into one delightful treat! Whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying them on your own, I hope you find joy in making these little bites of happiness. Happy baking, and don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite flavors!