Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
Sweet Autumn Bliss (Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies)
Bite-sized treasures of fall, Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies capture the essence of a warm apple pie nestled in a delightful cookie! With soft, spiced cookie dough cradling a tender apple filling, these jewels are crowned with a crunchy brown sugar crumble and finished with a drizzle of heavenly salted caramel. Each cookie is like a hug from autumn, perfect for cozying up with a cup of tea or sharing with loved ones during the chilly months ahead.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies are not just a dessert; they are an experience!
– Big, Bold Flavors: Each bite bursts with the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg, perfectly complemented by the rich sweetness of caramel.
– Crowd-Pleaser: Whether at a fall gathering or a cozy family night, these cookies are sure to be the star of the show!
– Flexible & Fast: With make-ahead options, you can whip these up whenever the craving strikes!
– Mini Apple Pies in Cookie Form: What’s not to love about bite-sized treats that deliver all the comfort of classic apple pie?
Ingredients You’ll Need
Prepare to be enchanted by the flavors and textures that come together in these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies. The combination of fresh apples and rich salted caramel truly transforms these cookies into something extraordinary.
Here’s what you’ll need:
– 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
– 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 of lemon juice if you don’t have cider)
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1 and 1/2 tsp cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp ground cloves
– 1 cup granulated sugar (206 grams)
– 6 tbsp salted butter, cubed
– 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp heavy cream
– Pinch of flaky sea salt (I love Maldon brand!)
– 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
*Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.*
Variations
The beauty of Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies lies in their versatility! Here are some delightful variations to make this recipe your own:
– Go Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a deliciously inclusive treat!
– Add Extra Protein: Toss in a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for an added crunch and nutrition boost.
– Make it Spicier: Love a kick? Add a pinch more of your favorite spices or a sprinkle of cayenne for subtle heat.
– Swap the Dressing: Experiment with different fruit fillings like pear or peach for a creative twist!
– Cheese it Up: For a rich flavor explosion, fold in some cream cheese into the cookie dough for a creamy texture.
How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
Get ready to embark on a delightful kitchen adventure! Making these cookies is easier than you think. Just follow these steps:
Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter using an electric mixer on medium-high speed. Add in the granulated sugar and brown sugar, mixing until everything is well combined and fluffy—about 1 minute. Then, beat in the vanilla and eggs until just blended. Finally, incorporate the dry ingredients until a dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes to make rolling easier!
Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
After rinsing and peeling your apples, dice them into bite-sized chunks. Toss the diced apples into a medium pan with the apple filling ingredients. Cook over medium-high heat for 15-18 minutes, stirring lazily. Taste around 15 minutes for your desired tenderness, then transfer the apple mixture to a bowl to cool.
Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce
Prepare the Salted Caramel Sauce according to my easy 10-minute recipe (linked in the blue text!). Allow it to cool at room temperature for about 20 minutes until it thickens. This can be made ahead and stored in a jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks!
Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough
Using a large cookie scoop, portion out 65 grams of dough and place it in an airtight container. Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or in the freezer for 2 hours. This step ensures the cookies hold their shape while baking.
Step 5: Make the Crumble
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Melt butter in a medium bowl and stir in the remaining crumble ingredients until you achieve a crumbly mixture. Spread the crumble on a parchment-lined pan and bake for 12-14 minutes, until it turns deep golden brown. Let it cool and break into smaller pieces.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Raise the oven temperature to 365°F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. In a small bowl, mix together sugar and spices for coating. Roll your dough balls in this delightful mixture before placing about 6 cookies on each sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set yet the centers remain puffy and slightly underdone. Cool on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 7: Assemble Cookies
Spoon the cooled apple pie filling generously into the centers of your cookies, sprinkle with crumble, and drizzle with that luscious salted caramel sauce.
Step 8: Serve & Store
Indulge immediately after assembling! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. Avoid leaving them at room temperature due to the fresh fruit.
Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
– Chill, Chill, Chill: Don’t skip chilling the dough! It helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances flavors.
– Use Fresh Apples: Fresh, crisp apples will give the best flavor and texture to your filling!
– Watch Your Bake Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; they should be just set at the edges!
– Caramel Control: For a sweeter cookie, drizzle more salted caramel on top or serve extra on the side for dipping!
How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
Garnishes
Elevate the presentation of your cookies with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance!
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadently satisfying dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve them on a rustic wooden platter for a cozy vibe or in individual cups for a fun treat! They also make great additions to lunchboxes or snack trays.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. They taste great cold and maintain their deliciousness!
Freezing
You can freeze cookie dough balls for about a month! Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before baking for fresh cookies whenever you want.
Reheating
For the best experience, enjoy cookies at room temperature. If you prefer them warm, pop them in a microwave for a few seconds or briefly in the oven.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! Sweet varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp work wonderfully, while tart options like Granny Smith add a delightful zing.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not overly! The spices are warm and comforting but not spicy. Adjust to your taste if you’d like more heat!
How do I make this gluten-free?
Simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Make sure it’s one designed for baking for the best results.
Can I prepare this in advance?
You can! The cookie dough and apple filling can be made ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, and bake when you’re ready!
Final Thoughts
Brace yourself for the sweet magic of these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies! They are sure to become your go-to fall treat, bursting with flavors that warm your heart and home. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let the delightful aroma fill your kitchen. You’ve got this, and I can’t wait for you to savor every scrumptious bite! Happy baking! 🍏🍪✨
