Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the cozy essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place! These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are like little bites of heaven, blending the warm spices and tender apples of classic apple pie into a soft, chewy cookie. They are perfect for family gatherings, busy weeknights when you need a pick-me-up, or simply an afternoon snack while curled up with your favorite book. Sharing these cookies with friends and family is sure to bring smiles all around!

The best part? You can easily whip them up in your own kitchen! With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll find this recipe quickly becomes a beloved staple.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a handful of simple steps, you’ll have delicious cookies ready to enjoy!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids love cookies, and these ones are packed with flavors they’ll adore.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough or filling days in advance to save time.
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of spiced apples and salted caramel is simply divine!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies, you’ll need some wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need for this delightful treat!

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 (you can use 1 tsp of lemon juice if you don’t have any cider – note that this is NOT apple cider vinegar!)
• 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 wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to customize your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies:

• Switch Up the Fruit: Use pears or peaches instead of apples for a different flavor profile!
• Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a lovely crunch to both the filling and topping.
• Try Different Spices: Experiment with cardamom or ginger for an extra kick in flavor.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, cream together your softened butter using an electric mixer on medium-high speed. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the butter, making your cookies light and fluffy! Next, add both sugars and mix until they’re fully combined with the butter—about one minute should do it. Don’t forget to add in your vanilla extract and eggs; they add moisture and richness to our dough. Finally, incorporate all dry ingredients until just combined. Chilling your dough for about 30 minutes will make it easier to scoop later.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

While your dough chills, let’s whip up that delicious 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 your diced apples with butter, cider (or lemon juice), brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Cook for about 15-18 minutes while stirring occasionally until they reach your desired tenderness. Once done, transfer this mixture into a bowl to cool.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Creating homemade salted caramel sauce might sound intimidating but trust me—it’s super easy! Follow my quick recipe (linked in blue text) for a simple process that takes only about ten minutes. Once it’s made, let it cool at room temperature until thickened—this will help create that gooey drizzle over your cookies later!

Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough

Now it’s time to scoop out those cookie dough balls! Using a large cookie scoop, portion out about 65 grams per ball. Place them into an airtight container to chill in either the fridge or freezer—this step helps prevent spreading while baking.

Step 5: Make the Crumble

As your dough chills, let’s prepare a delightful crumble topping! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while melting some butter in a mixing bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients until crumbly. Spread this mixture onto parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for about 12-14 minutes until golden brown.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

With everything prepped, it’s time for baking magic! Preheat your oven to 365°F (185°C). Roll each chilled cookie ball in a mixture of sugar and spices before placing them on lined baking sheets—remember to give them space since they’ll spread out! Bake for about 10-12 minutes until their edges appear set but centers look slightly underbaked. Allow them to rest briefly on sheets before transferring them onto wire racks.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

Now comes my favorite part—assembling these beauties! Spoon generous amounts of cooled apple pie filling into each cookie’s center. Sprinkle on that crunchy crumble topping we made earlier then drizzle over luscious salted caramel sauce.

Step 8: Serve & Store

Enjoy these delectable cookies immediately after assembling; they’re best fresh! If you have leftovers—or if you’re planning ahead—store them in an airtight container in the fridge where they’ll stay fresh for about four days. Just be cautious not to leave them at room temperature overnight due to fresh fruit.

And there you have it—a cozy recipe perfect for any occasion! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Making these delightful cookies can be a breeze with just a few handy tips! Follow these suggestions to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Starting with softened butter and eggs at room temperature helps create a smooth dough and ensures even mixing, leading to a better texture in your cookies.

• Chill the dough: Chilling the cookie dough not only makes it easier to handle but also helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, resulting in thick and chewy treats.

• Don’t skip the apple filling prep: Taking the time to cook your apples with the spices enhances their flavor, making them tender and deliciously aromatic, which is essential for that classic apple pie taste.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Adding a pinch of ginger or cardamom can give your cookies a unique twist and elevate their flavor profile.

• Make it a family affair: Involve kids or friends in assembling the cookies. It’s a fun activity that can create lasting memories while you enjoy some quality time together!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are not only delicious but also an impressive treat to serve at gatherings or special occasions. Here are some creative ways to present them!

Garnishes

• Whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top adds an airy texture that complements the richness of the cookies.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkling some toasted pecans or walnuts on top gives added crunch and nuttiness, enhancing both flavor and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream beside your warm cookie creates a delightful contrast in temperature and texture, making every bite irresistible.
• Caramel sauce drizzle: Serve with extra salted caramel sauce on the side for those who want an indulgent touch; it’s perfect for drizzling over their cookie.
• Spiced chai: Pairing these cookies with a warm cup of spiced chai tea creates a cozy atmosphere, making it feel like autumn no matter what season it is.
• Fresh fruit salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad balances the sweetness of the cookies while adding bright colors to your dessert table.

With these serving suggestions, your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies will shine as the star of any gathering! Enjoy this sweet treat as you celebrate life’s moments, big and small.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are a fantastic option for meal prep! With a bit of planning, you can whip up these delightful treats ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
• Keep the salted caramel sauce in a separate jar in the fridge to maintain its consistency.
• Avoid leaving cookies at room temperature overnight due to the fresh fruit filling.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 1 month. Just scoop them first and then place them in an airtight container.
• For baked cookies, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last for about 2 months.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen baked cookies, let them thaw at room temperature before warming them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
• If using unbaked cookie dough from the freezer, bake straight from frozen; just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies:

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Yes! While this recipe is focused on apples, you can experiment with other fruits like pears or peaches for a delicious twist.

How do I store Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

Store your cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for optimal freshness.

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

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time, as well as freeze the assembled cookies for later enjoyment.

What should I do if my salted caramel sauce is too thin?

If your salted caramel sauce is too thin, return it to low heat and let it simmer gently until it thickens to your desired consistency.

How long do these cookies last?

When stored properly, these cookies will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 4-5 days!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies! They truly capture the essence of fall with their warm spices and delightful flavors. Whether it’s a cozy evening at home or a gathering with friends, these mini pies in cookie form are sure to bring smiles all around. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your experience with me!