Name: Apple Pie Cookies Recipe - Easy u0026amp; Yummy Fall Treats
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup brown sugar; ¼ cup white sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon white sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon nutmeg; 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for thickening); 1 tablespoon water; 1 tablespoon milk or cream (for brushing); 2 tablespoons coarse sugar or cinnamon sugar for sprinkling

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Yummy Apple Pie Cookies

Apple pie cookies bring together the best of two worlds: the nostalgic warmth of classic apple pie and the bite-sized charm of soft, buttery cookies. Imagine the flavor of spiced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon tucked into golden, flaky cookie shells that melt in your mouth. These cookies have the same comforting aroma that fills your kitchen when baking a homemade apple pie, but they’re quicker, easier, and perfect for sharing.

More Hearty Desserts

What makes these cookies so special is their perfect balance of texture and flavor. Each bite delivers tender bits of apple filling surrounded by a crisp-edged, buttery cookie base. The cinnamon-spiced apples taste cozy and familiar, while the vanilla and brown sugar add depth and caramel-like richness. Unlike full pies, apple pie cookies don’t require hours of chilling or rolling large crusts, yet they still deliver that signature pie flavor.

People love them because they’re versatile. You can make them as warm fall treats, holiday desserts, or comforting snacks with coffee. Their size makes them ideal for gatherings, bake sales, or gifting. For anyone who loves apple pie but prefers something less fussy, these cookies are the perfect solution. They’re easy to bake, store well, and taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

All the flavor of apple pie in a smaller form: These apple pie cookies capture the same warm, buttery, and spiced flavors of a traditional pie but in a perfectly portioned, easy-to-eat cookie. Every bite gives you that nostalgic apple-cinnamon comfort without the need for a pie dish or long prep time.
Simple, approachable, and foolproof: You don’t need to be an expert baker to master this recipe. The dough comes together quickly, the filling is cooked in minutes, and the steps are straightforward. It’s the kind of bake that looks impressive but feels effortless.
Perfect texture balance: The cookies have a crisp golden edge, a soft buttery center, and a gooey spiced apple filling that melts on your tongue. This combination of crunch and tenderness makes them irresistibly satisfying.
Filled with cozy fall flavors: The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and caramelized apples creates that signature “fall bakery” aroma that fills your home. It’s the kind of scent that instantly feels comforting and seasonal.
Adaptable for any occasion: These cookies aren’t just for fall. They fit beautifully on holiday dessert tables, bake sales, or even as a sweet treat for afternoon tea. You can also decorate them for festive events with glazes or sugar dusting.
Easy to customize: You can easily experiment by adding caramel drizzle, chopped nuts, or even a hint of citrus zest to make the flavor your own. The base recipe is flexible enough to invite creativity without compromising quality.
Make-ahead convenience: Both the dough and filling can be prepared in advance, which makes baking day smoother. You can even freeze shaped cookies and bake them straight from the freezer when needed.
Perfect for gifting: Apple pie cookies look elegant and taste homemade, making them an excellent edible gift. Pack them in small boxes or jars, and they’ll make anyone’s day brighter.
Balanced sweetness: Unlike overly sugary desserts, these cookies let the natural flavor of apples shine through. The subtle sweetness from brown sugar and cinnamon gives a depth that feels indulgent yet well-balanced.

Preparation and Cooking Time, Also Serving

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cooling Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 18 to 20 cookies (depending on size)

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup white sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Apple Filling

2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon cornstarch (for thickening)
1 tablespoon water

For Topping

1 tablespoon milk or cream (for brushing)
2 tablespoons coarse sugar or cinnamon sugar for sprinkling

Substitution Notes

You can use gluten-free flour if needed.
Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work best for flavor balance.
Replace butter with margarine for a dairy-free version.
You can substitute cornstarch with flour as a thickener.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir occasionally until the apples soften and the mixture becomes syrupy, about 5 minutes. Dissolve cornstarch in water and stir it into the apple mixture. Cook for another minute until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool completely before using.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. In another large bowl, beat softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and creamy. Add egg and vanilla extract, then beat again until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should be pliable but not sticky.

Step 3: Roll and Shape the Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll out one portion on a lightly floured surface to about ⅛ inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter to cut circles for the base. Place them on the baking sheet, spacing slightly apart.

Step 4: Add the Apple Filling

Spoon a small amount of cooled apple filling about one teaspoon onto the center of each cookie base. Be careful not to overfill or the filling may leak during baking.

Step 5: Add the Top Layer

Roll out the remaining dough and cut matching circles for the tops. You can also use a lattice cutter or slice small slits to create a pie-like pattern. Place the tops over the apple-filled bases and gently press the edges with a fork to seal.

Step 6: Brush and Bake

Brush the tops with milk or cream, then sprinkle coarse sugar or cinnamon sugar for extra crunch and color. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the cookies rest on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely before serving or storing. The texture becomes even better once they settle.

How to Serve

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert-like twist.
Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a bakery-style finish.
Pair with coffee, chai, or hot apple cider for a cozy afternoon treat.
Drizzle with caramel or a light glaze for extra sweetness.
Present them on a modern white platter for gatherings or festive occasions.

Additional Tips

Always cool the apple filling before adding it to the dough to prevent sogginess.
Chill the shaped cookies for 10 minutes before baking to maintain their shape.
Don’t overwork the dough or it will become tough.
For an extra apple aroma, add a splash of apple juice or extract to the filling.
If making ahead, refrigerate dough for up to 2 days or freeze for later use.
Store leftover filling separately to use in pancakes or oatmeal.

Recipe Variations

Caramel Apple Pie Cookies: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the baked cookies or mix a spoonful of caramel into the apple filling before baking. It adds a luscious sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spiced apples.
Maple Cinnamon Apple Cookies: Replace some of the sugar in the dough with pure maple syrup for a deep, earthy sweetness. The subtle maple flavor enhances the cinnamon and makes the cookies feel even cozier.
Nutty Apple Pie Cookies: Add finely chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds into the cookie dough or sprinkle them over the filling before baking. The nuts add crunch and a toasty richness that complements the soft apples.
Cream Cheese Apple Pie Cookies: Spread a thin layer of sweetened cream cheese on the dough before adding the apple filling. It creates a cheesecake-like layer that’s creamy and tangy, balancing the warmth of the spices.
Cranberry Apple Cookies: Mix in dried cranberries with the apple filling for a burst of tart flavor. The cranberries add color and a festive touch, perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas treats.
Apple Crumble Cookies: Top each cookie with a quick streusel made from butter, flour, and brown sugar before baking. The crumble bakes into a crisp, golden topping that adds texture and extra sweetness.
Glazed Apple Pie Cookies: Once cooled, brush the tops with a simple vanilla or cinnamon glaze. It gives the cookies a glossy finish and adds a subtle layer of sweetness that makes them look bakery-perfect.

Freezing and Storage

To Store: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
To Refrigerate: Store in the fridge for up to a week; reheat for a few seconds before serving.
To Freeze: Freeze baked cookies in layers separated by parchment paper for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature.
To Reheat: Warm in the oven for 3–4 minutes at 300°F to refresh texture and flavor.

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie Approximation)

Calories: 150
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fat: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 60mg

Final Words

Baking apple pie cookies at home combines comfort and creativity in one rewarding experience. These cookies capture everything you love about a classic apple pie but make it simpler and more enjoyable to prepare. Their golden crusts, spiced apple centers, and warm cinnamon aroma fill your kitchen with the scent of home-baked perfection.

As a chef, I love how these cookies blend rustic flavor with modern convenience. You don’t need to fuss with pie crusts or fillings that take hours just a few simple steps, and you’ll have bakery-quality treats ready in less than an hour. They’re proof that good baking doesn’t need to be complicated, just thoughtful and precise.

Whether you make them for holidays, a cozy fall evening, or as part of your weekly baking rotation, apple pie cookies will always impress. Each bite delivers sweetness, spice, and that nostalgic apple flavor we all crave. So roll up your sleeves, warm up the oven, and enjoy baking a batch of cookies that will remind everyone of home.

FAQ’s

Yes, you can. Just make sure it’s not too watery. Spoon out the solid parts of the filling for best results.

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples are ideal because they hold their shape and balance sweetness with a touch of tartness.

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to a month. Thaw before rolling.

If your dough is too cold, let it rest at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling again.

Don’t overfill and ensure the edges are sealed tightly with a fork. You can also chill them before baking to firm up the dough.

Absolutely. A simple vanilla or caramel glaze pairs beautifully with the warm apple flavor.

At room temperature, about 3 days; refrigerated, up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them.

Yes. Substitute gluten-free flour for all-purpose, vegan butter for regular butter, and flax egg for the egg.

Yes, they make an excellent edible gift. Pack them in decorative boxes or jars lined with parchment paper for a homemade touch.

They’re delicious with milk, hot chocolate, apple cider, or even a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream.