Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of fall, look no further than these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies! Imagine biting into a warm cookie that tastes just like your favorite apple pie, with tender apple filling and a delightful sprinkle of brown sugar crumble on top. They are perfect for family gatherings, cozy movie nights, or just because you deserve something sweet!

What makes these cookies truly special is their charm and versatility. They’re not just cookies; they’re little pockets of happiness! Plus, with their delicious flavor and unique presentation, they can impress at any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously comforting: These cookies combine all the classic flavors of apple pie in a fun and portable form.
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will love these sweet treats, making them perfect for sharing.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the dough and filling in advance, making it easy to whip up fresh cookies anytime!
• Perfect for gatherings: Whether it’s a holiday party or a casual get-together, these cookies will be a hit.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies use simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything you need to create these delightful treats!

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 you don’t have cider—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! Feel free to mix things up based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add nuts: Throw in some chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch!
• Try different fruits: Swap apples for pears or even peaches if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Change the spices: Tailor the spices to your liking—add more cinnamon or even some ginger for a spicy kick.

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. This step is crucial as it helps aerate the butter, giving your cookies that lovely soft texture. Add in the sugars and mix until they’re well combined with the butter—about one minute should do it! Then add the vanilla and eggs, mixing until just combined. Finally, incorporate your dry ingredients. Chilling the dough afterward helps make rolling easier later on!

Step 2: Make the 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 all your filling ingredients. Cooking them down will soften the apples while allowing their natural sweetness to emerge. Stir lazily for about 15-18 minutes until they reach your desired tenderness. Once done, transfer this aromatic mixture to a bowl to cool.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Now let’s whip up that luscious salted caramel sauce! Following my quick recipe should take about ten minutes. This sauce adds an irresistible touch when drizzled over your assembled cookies. Let it cool until thickened at room temperature—it’s worth the wait!

Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough

Scoop out dough balls weighing about 65 grams each using a large cookie scoop. Place them into an airtight container to chill in either the fridge or freezer. Chilling is essential here as it firms up the dough for easier handling later.

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 crumble ingredients until you achieve that crumbly texture. Spread this mixture onto a parchment-lined pan and bake until golden brown—this adds that delicious crunch we all love!

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Once chilled, preheat your oven again—this time to 365°F (185°C). Prepare your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Roll those dough balls in cinnamon-sugar before placing them on sheets with enough space to spread out during baking. Bake for about ten to twelve minutes until they’re set but still slightly puffy.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

Once cooled slightly, make an indent in each cookie center using a tablespoon’s back—this is where you’ll spoon in that delightful apple pie filling! Sprinkle generously with crumble topping before finishing off with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce.

Step 8: Serve & Store

Enjoy those freshly assembled cookies immediately! If you have leftovers (which I doubt!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.

I hope these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies bring joy to your kitchen as they do mine! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Baking these delightful cookies is a journey, and with a few pro tips, you’ll create an unforgettable dessert that everyone will love!

• Use Fresh Apples: Opt for crisp, fresh apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They provide the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, enhancing the overall flavor of your cookies.

• Chill Your Dough: Allowing the cookie dough to chill not only makes it easier to handle but also helps develop a richer flavor. This step ensures that your cookies are perfectly textured when baked.

• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; they should look slightly underdone in the center. They will continue to firm up while cooling on the baking sheet, resulting in a soft and chewy cookie.

• Customize Your Crumble: Feel free to add nuts or oats to your crumble mixture for extra texture and flavor. This personal touch can make your cookies uniquely yours!

• Serve Warm: For the ultimate experience, serve these cookies warm with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce. The warmth enhances the flavors and creates a gooey, delicious treat.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Presenting these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies is just as fun as making them! Here are some ideas for serving that will impress your guests and elevate this cozy dessert.

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream offers a light, creamy contrast to the rich cookies.
• Chopped Pecans or Walnuts: Sprinkling some chopped nuts adds a delightful crunch and complements the apple pie flavors beautifully.
• Extra Salted Caramel Drizzle: Just when you think there’s enough caramel, a little extra drizzle on top can make all the difference!

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream next to your warm cookie creates a classic pairing that’s hard to resist.
• Spiced Hot Cider: Serve a warm mug of spiced apple cider alongside for an autumn-inspired combination that warms both heart and soul.
• Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can balance out the rich flavors of the cookies. Think fresh berries or citrus fruits for brightness.
• Coffee or Tea: Offering coffee or herbal tea can enhance the experience, providing comforting warmth that complements these sweet treats.

Enjoy every bite of your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies, whether shared at a gathering or savored solo with a cup of tea!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make the dough, filling, and even the caramel sauce ahead of time, making it easy to whip up a batch whenever you crave a delicious treat.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
• Avoid leaving them at room temperature overnight due to the fresh fruit filling.

Freezing

• If you want to freeze these cookies, scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored for up to 1 month.
• For baked cookies, let them cool completely before freezing. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• If you prefer a crispier texture, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies.

Can I use different apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite apple varieties. Tart apples like Granny Smith or sweeter ones like Honeycrisp work wonderfully too!

How do I prevent my Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your cookie dough is adequately chilled before baking. This helps maintain their shape and gives you that perfect chewy texture!

Can I make the salted caramel sauce ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the salted caramel sauce ahead of time and store it in a jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Just reheat it gently before drizzling over your cookies.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies! They capture all the comforting flavors of fall in each delightful bite. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or shared with loved ones, they are truly special. Enjoy every moment of baking—and don’t forget to savor those delicious bites! Happy baking!