Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings the comforting flavors of fall right into your kitchen, then these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are just what you need! Imagine biting into a warm cookie, only to discover tender apple filling and a sweet, salty caramel drizzle. They’re like little mini apple pies in cookie form, perfect for cozy gatherings or even a quiet evening at home with a cup of tea. I promise, once you try this recipe, it will become a cherished favorite!

These cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to whip up something sweet for your family after dinner, these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies fit the bill. You can even make them ahead of time, which makes them great for busy weeknights or holiday baking marathons!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, baking these cookies is a breeze!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will adore the flavors of apple pie combined with the sweetness of cookies.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough or filling in advance, saving time on the day you plan to serve them.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These cookies are suitable for everything from casual get-togethers to festive celebrations.
• Delicious Flavor Combo: The blend of warm spices, sweet apples, and salted caramel creates an irresistible treat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies come together with simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

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 you don’t have any cider)
• 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

This recipe is flexible, allowing you to get creative! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch.
• Mix in chocolate chips: If you’re feeling indulgent, add semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough for a twist.
• Use different spices: Experiment with pumpkin spice instead of traditional spices for a seasonal twist.
• Swap in other fruits: Pears work beautifully as an alternative to apples in this recipe.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until it’s nice and fluffy. This step is crucial because it helps incorporate air into the dough, giving your cookies that lovely texture we all adore! Once creamed together, mix in both sugars until well combined—about one minute should do it. Then add vanilla and eggs; mix until just combined. Finally, add your dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes so it’s easier to roll into balls later.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

While your dough chills, let’s prepare that delicious apple filling! Start by rinsing and peeling your apples before dicing them into bite-sized chunks. Combine all your filling ingredients in a medium pan over medium-high heat. Cook for about 15 to 18 minutes while stirring gently—this ensures everything cooks evenly. Once your apples reach the desired tenderness (give them a taste around 15 minutes!), transfer them to a bowl and let cool.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Next up is our luscious salted caramel sauce! Follow my super easy recipe (linked in blue text) which takes about ten minutes. Let it cool at room temperature until thickened—about 20 minutes should do it! This sauce adds such an amazing depth of flavor that really makes these cookies sing.

Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough

Now that everything is ready, scoop out your chilled cookie dough into balls about 65 grams each using a large cookie scoop. Place them into an airtight container in either the fridge for at least four hours or freeze them if you’re prepping ahead. Chilling is key here—it helps keep those beautiful shapes when they bake!

Step 5: Make the Crumble

While your cookie dough is chilling away happily, preheat your oven to 350°F. Melt some butter in another bowl and stir in the remaining crumble ingredients until crumbly. Spread this mixture onto a parchment-lined pan and bake for about 12-14 minutes until golden brown—this will add wonderful texture on top of our cookies! Let it cool before breaking it up further.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

When you’re ready to bake, increase your oven temperature slightly to 365°F. Line several cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats; this helps prevent sticking. Roll those chilled dough balls in a mixture of sugar and spices before placing them on sheets (about six per sheet). Bake for roughly 10-12 minutes; look for edges that feel set while centers remain puffy—this means they’re just right! After baking, let them rest on sheets briefly before transferring them onto wire racks.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

Once cooled completely, it’s time for assembly! Spoon generous amounts of that delicious apple pie filling directly into each cookie’s center. Top with crumble goodness before finishing off with that dreamy salted caramel drizzle.

Step 8: Serve & Store

Enjoy these delightful treats immediately after assembling! If there are any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in your fridge where they’ll stay fresh for about four to five days. Just be mindful not to leave them out overnight due to those fresh apples!

Happy baking! I can’t wait for you to share how much you loved these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies!

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!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother dough and better texture in your cookies.

• Chill the dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in thick, chewy cookies.

• Monitor your baking time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies. They should look puffy and slightly underdone in the center when you take them out; they’ll firm up as they cool.

• Experiment with apple varieties: Different apples will give you varying flavors and textures. For a well-rounded taste, consider using a mix of tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp apples.

• Make extra salted caramel: You can never have too much caramel! If you have leftover sauce, drizzle it over ice cream or pancakes for a delicious treat later.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are not just delicious; they’re also visually stunning! Present them with flair to impress family and friends.

Garnishes

• Whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies.
• Cinnamon sprinkle: A light dusting of cinnamon on top provides an aromatic touch that enhances the fall flavors.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped pecans or walnuts on top for an added crunch that complements the softness of the cookie.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the warm spices in these cookies, creating a comforting dessert experience.
• Hot apple cider: A steaming mug of spiced apple cider is perfect alongside these cookies, enhancing their apple flavor with cozy warmth.
• Cheese platter: A selection of mild cheeses like brie or gouda provides a savory contrast that balances the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad can lighten up your dessert table. Use seasonal fruits like pears and berries for an added burst of flavor!

With these serving suggestions, you’ll create an inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for enjoying your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are perfect for meal prep, making them an excellent choice for gatherings or just to have on hand for a sweet treat throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
• To maintain the best texture, avoid leaving them at room temperature overnight due to the fresh apple filling.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
• You can also freeze fully baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For warm cookies, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
• If reheating from frozen, increase the time slightly until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about these delightful treats!

Can I use a different type of apple for the Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness, you can use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or any other apple variety you enjoy. Just remember that sweetness levels may vary depending on the apple used.

How do I make the salted caramel sauce for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

Making salted caramel sauce is simple! Cook granulated sugar until it melts and turns amber in color, then add cream and butter. Finally, sprinkle with sea salt and let it cool to thicken before drizzling over your cookies.

Can I substitute a different flour type in Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

Yes! You could try using gluten-free all-purpose flour or almond flour as alternatives. Just be mindful that this may change the texture slightly.

How should I store my Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for optimal freshness and flavor. They’ll stay delicious for about 4-5 days!

Can I make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies ahead of time?

Definitely! Both the cookie dough and filling can be prepared ahead of time. Just follow the storage instructions above and assemble when ready to serve!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to bake these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies as I was! With their warm flavors reminiscent of fall and that irresistible salted caramel drizzle, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy making these delightful treats, and don’t hesitate to share your creations with friends and loved ones. Happy baking!