Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Apple Pie Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the beloved flavors of apple pie into a convenient cookie format. With their spiced apple filling, a crunchy brown sugar crumble topping, and a drizzle of salted caramel sauce, these cookies are perfect for fall festivities or any occasion where you want to impress your guests. Their unique taste and texture make them stand out, offering a comforting dessert that feels like a mini apple pie in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: These cookies come together with simple steps, making them perfect even for novice bakers.
• Flavor Explosion: The blend of spices and sweet apples creates a warm, inviting flavor profile that everyone will love.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy these cookies as an afternoon snack, dessert for dinner parties, or a sweet surprise in lunchboxes.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Many components can be prepared in advance, saving you time on busy days.
• Impressive Presentation: Topped with salted caramel and crumble, these cookies look as good as they taste!

Tools and Preparation

To make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies efficiently, having the right tools is essential. Below are the key items you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Cookie scoop
• Medium pan
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric Mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugars together for the dough.
• Cookie Scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking and consistent results.
• Baking Sheets: Provides ample space for baking multiple cookies at once while allowing for proper air circulation.

Ingredients

For these delicious Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies, gather the following ingredients:

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)
• 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

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium-high speed. Add the sugars and mix until well combined with the butter, which should take about 1 minute. Then add the vanilla extract and eggs; mix until just combined. Finally, add the dry ingredients to form a dough. Chill for 30 minutes to make it easier to roll into balls.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

Rinse and peel your apples before dicing them into bite-sized chunks. In a medium pan over medium-high heat, combine all apple filling ingredients. Cook for about 15 to 18 minutes while stirring occasionally until they reach your desired tenderness. Transfer this mixture to a bowl to cool.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Follow an easy recipe for making salted caramel sauce (typically taking around 10 minutes). Allow it to cool at room temperature until thickened before storing it in a jar in your refrigerator.

Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough

With a large cookie scoop, scoop out dough balls weighing about 65 grams each. Place these balls in an airtight container in either your fridge or freezer for chilling.

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 stirring in other streusel ingredients until crumbly. Spread this mixture onto a parchment-lined pan and bake for about 12–14 minutes until golden brown.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven again now to 365°F (185°C) while lining several cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Prepare a sugar and spice coating mixture in a small bowl. Roll each chilled dough ball in this mixture before placing them on your sheets. Bake for about 10–12 minutes until they appear set around edges but slightly puffy in centers.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

Once cooled slightly, spoon apple filling into each cookie center before sprinkling crumble on top followed by drizzling with salted caramel sauce.

Step 8: Serve & Store

Enjoy your delicious cookies right away! If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in your fridge where they’ll stay fresh for up to five days.

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are sure to bring warmth and joy to any gathering!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying them at home, these cookies offer flexibility in serving. Here are some suggestions to make your experience even sweeter.

With Vanilla Ice Cream

• A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm cookies, creating a delightful contrast in temperature.

Drizzled with Extra Salted Caramel Sauce

• Enhance the flavor by adding an extra drizzle of salted caramel sauce on top for an indulgent touch.

Accompanied by Whipped Cream

• A dollop of fluffy whipped cream complements the cookie’s texture and adds a light touch to each bite.

Served on a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a beautiful platter to make them an eye-catching centerpiece at your next party or gathering.

Paired with Hot Beverages

• Enjoy these cookies with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy experience that warms the soul.

How to Perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Creating the perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your baking game.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Chill your dough: Chilling helps the dough hold its shape while baking, preventing overly spread cookies.
• Don’t overbake: Remove cookies when they look slightly underdone; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
• Adjust spices to taste: Feel free to modify spice quantities based on your preference for warmth and flavor.
• Use fresh apples: Fresh, firm apples provide the best flavor and texture for the filling.
• Store properly: Keep assembled cookies in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

To complement your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies perfectly, consider these delicious side dishes. They enhance your dessert experience while bringing balance to the sweetness of the cookies.

1. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can balance out the sweetness of the cookies, offering a savory contrast.
2. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits adds freshness and brightness that pairs well with rich desserts.
3. Nuts & Dried Fruits: A mix of nuts and dried fruits provides crunch and chewiness, enhancing texture alongside the soft cookies.
4. Yogurt Parfait: Layering yogurt with granola and berries offers a refreshing option that complements the flavors of apple pie.
5. Chocolate Fondue: Dip fresh fruit pieces or cookie halves into warm chocolate for an indulgent pairing that’s fun and interactive.
6. Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup serves as a cozy starter before indulging in sweet treats like these cookies.
7. Caramelized Pears: This warm side dish echoes the flavors of your cookies, providing a harmonious dessert experience.
8. Tea Cakes: Light tea cakes add a subtle sweetness and can serve as a delightful accompaniment without overwhelming flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies, it’s easy to overlook certain details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Not chilling the dough: Failing to chill the cookie dough can lead to overly flat cookies. Always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• Overcooking the apples: Cooking apples too long can make them mushy. Keep an eye on them and cook just until they are tender.
• Skipping the salt: Salt enhances flavors, especially in sweet recipes. Don’t forget to add a pinch of flaky sea salt for that perfect balance!
• Using cold butter: Cold butter makes it hard to cream properly with sugars. Ensure your butter is softened at room temperature for a smooth dough.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Each oven is different; always check your cookies a minute or two before the recommended baking time. Adjust as needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for about 4-5 days.

Freezing Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies that may help you while preparing this delightful recipe.

What makes Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies special?

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies combine the classic flavors of apple pie with the rich sweetness of salted caramel, making them a unique and delicious treat.

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Yes! You can experiment with fruits like pears or peaches, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on fruit tenderness.

How do I store leftover salted caramel sauce?

Store any leftover salted caramel sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It’s great drizzled over ice cream or pancakes!

Can these cookies be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare both the cookie dough and apple filling ahead of time and assemble just before serving.

Final Thoughts

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts, using different spices, or even varying the types of apples. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try; your friends and family will surely love these tasty treats!