Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place! These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are like little bites of apple pie, but in cookie form. With warm spices, a tender apple filling, and a drizzle of luscious salted caramel on top, these cookies are perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home. They’re also incredibly easy to whip up, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you need a sweet pick-me-up.

What makes these cookies truly special is the combination of flavors and textures. The spiced cookie base is soft and chewy, while the apple filling brings freshness and warmth. And let’s not forget about that crumbly topping! Whether you’re sharing with friends or keeping them all to yourself (no judgment here!), these cookies are sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you can have these cookies ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves cookies, and with the taste of apple pie wrapped in a fun shape, kids will enjoy helping out in the kitchen.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough and filling in advance. Freeze or store them for later—perfect for unexpected guests or cravings!
• Delicious Flavor Combo: The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and caramel creates a warm and inviting flavor that screams comfort food.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday celebration or just an afternoon snack, these cookies are versatile enough for every occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies requires just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. Most of them you might already have in your pantry! Let’s gather everything you 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 cider isn’t available)
• 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! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal tastes.

• Swap the Apples: Use your favorite variety of apples like Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness.
• Add Nuts: Toss in chopped pecans or walnuts into the apple filling for added crunch.
• Try Different Spices: Experiment with spices like cardamom or ginger to give your cookies a unique twist.
• Make It Vegan: Substitute butter with plant-based alternatives and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs.

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. Once it’s fluffy, add both sugars and mix until well combined—this should take about a minute. Now it’s time to add vanilla extract and eggs; mix just until they come together. Finally, incorporate your dry ingredients slowly until a dough forms. Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes helps make it easier to roll into balls later!

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

Peel and dice your apples into bite-sized chunks—this ensures they cook evenly! In a medium pan over medium-high heat, combine all filling ingredients. Cook while stirring occasionally for about 15-18 minutes until they reach your desired tenderness. Once finished, transfer this mixture into a bowl to cool down; you can even pop it in the fridge if you’re short on time!

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Follow my easy recipe for Salted Caramel Sauce—it really only takes about ten minutes! Allow it to cool at room temperature until it thickens up nicely; this will help it drizzle perfectly over your cookies later.

Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough

Using a large cookie scoop, scoop out balls of dough weighing around 65 grams each. Place them in an airtight container to chill in either the fridge (for at least four hours) or freezer (for two hours). Chilling helps keep their shape when baking!

Step 5: Make the Crumble

While your dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt some butter in a mixing bowl before adding in remaining crumble ingredients. Your mixture should be crumbly; spread it onto a parchment-lined pan and bake until golden brown—about 12-14 minutes. Let cool completely before breaking into smaller pieces.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Raise your oven temperature slightly to 365°F (185°C) now! Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. In a small bowl, mix together sugar with spices meant for coating. Roll each chilled dough ball in this mixture before placing them on your prepared sheets—leave space for spreading! Bake those beauties for about 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain slightly puffy.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

Once cooled slightly on wire racks after baking, gently press an indent into each cookie’s center using the back of a tablespoon. Spoon generous amounts of your cooled apple pie filling inside each one; top off with crumble pieces followed by drizzling that heavenly salted caramel sauce over everything.

Step 8: Serve & Store

Enjoy these cookies immediately after assembling—they’re best fresh! If there’s any left (which I doubt), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Just remember not to leave them at room temperature overnight due to fresh fruit content!

Now that you have this delicious recipe at your fingertips, get ready to impress family and friends with your culinary skills! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Baking these delightful cookies is fun and rewarding, and with a few pro tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use cold butter for the crumble: Starting with cold butter helps create a crumbly texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft cookie. It prevents the crumble from becoming too greasy.

• Don’t skip chilling the dough: Chilling the cookie dough allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to handle. This step also helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies.

• Taste your apple filling: Every apple variety has a different level of sweetness and tartness. Tasting your filling while cooking allows you to adjust the sugar and spices, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors.

• Watch the baking time closely: Ovens can vary in temperature, so keep an eye on your cookies. They should be puffy and slightly underdone in the center when you take them out; they will continue to cook as they cool.

• Store properly: To maintain freshness, store assembled cookies in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps them moist and prevents the crumble from getting soggy.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are not just delicious but also visually appealing! Here are some creative ideas for presenting them to make any gathering even sweeter.

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of light whipped coconut cream adds a delightful creaminess that pairs wonderfully with the caramel and apples.

• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the warm cookies perfectly, creating a classic dessert experience.

• Spiced Tea or Coffee: Serve with a warm spiced tea or coffee for a cozy pairing that enhances the fall flavors of the cookies.

• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a light contrast to the rich cookies, making for a balanced dessert spread.

• Pumpkin Soup: For those who enjoy savory alongside sweet, a warm bowl of pumpkin soup can serve as a delightful appetizer before diving into dessert.

With these serving suggestions and tips, you’re all set to impress your friends and family with your delicious Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make the dough, filling, and caramel ahead of time, making it a breeze to assemble and bake them when you’re ready.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
• If you have leftover apple filling or salted caramel sauce, keep them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 1 month. Just scoop them into balls, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and thaw them in the fridge overnight before baking.
• You can also freeze baked cookies. Let them cool completely, then layer between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen baked cookies, let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.
• Warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes for that fresh-baked taste.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about these delightful cookies.

Can I make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies without apples?

While apples are key to this recipe, you could try substituting with other fruits like pears or peaches for a different flavor profile!

How do I store Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

Store your cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for optimal freshness. They’ll stay delicious for up to 4-5 days!

Can I freeze Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

Absolutely! You can freeze both the cookie dough and the baked cookies. Just remember to store them properly to maintain their flavor.

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

For a fresh-out-of-the-oven experience, reheat your cookies in an oven set to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes after thawing.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings warmth and joy to your kitchen as it does mine! These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are truly special with their delightful flavors and comforting textures. Whether you’re sharing with family or treating yourself, I’m sure you’ll enjoy every bite. Happy baking!