Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting treat that captures the essence of fall, then these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are just what you need! Each bite is like a warm hug from Grandma, filled with a tender apple filling and topped with a delightful brown sugar crumble. The best part? You get all the beloved flavors of apple pie in an easy-to-eat cookie form. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, these cookies will surely become a cherished favorite!

What makes this recipe even more special is how adaptable it is. Whether you’re baking for a holiday feast or simply want something sweet to enjoy at home, Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps and ingredients, you’ll whip these up in no time!
• Family-friendly appeal: Everyone loves cookies, and the apple pie flavor is sure to please both kids and adults.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time for stress-free baking.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of fresh apples, warm spices, and salted caramel creates a taste sensation that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies use simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Gather them up, and let’s get started!

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 – not 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
• A pinch of flaky sea salt (I love Maldon brand!)

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
• A pinch of salt

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences.

• Add nuts: Chop some walnuts or pecans for extra crunch in the filling or topping.
• Switch up the spice: Experiment with different spices like cardamom or ginger for a unique twist.
• Use different fruits: Try pears or berries instead of apples for a fun change!

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

Start by creaming together your softened butter with an electric mixer until it’s fluffy. This step is key because it creates air pockets in your dough, leading to soft cookies. Add in both sugars and mix until combined. Then stir in vanilla and eggs before adding your dry ingredients. Give it a good mix until everything comes together into a dough. Chilling it for 30 minutes makes rolling it into balls so much easier.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

While your cookie dough chills, wash, peel, and dice your apples into bite-sized pieces. Combine them with butter, apple cider (or lemon juice), brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a pan over medium-high heat. Cooking this mixture not only softens the apples but also allows those delicious spices to infuse every bite. Let it simmer while stirring occasionally until they reach your desired tenderness—this usually takes about 15 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Whip up the salted caramel sauce using my easy recipe! It’s quick—taking only about ten minutes—and adds a rich sweetness that pairs perfectly with your cookies. After cooking it down, let it cool at room temperature until it thickens nicely.

Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough

Next comes scooping! Use a large cookie scoop to portion out balls of dough weighing about 65 grams each. Place them in an airtight container in the fridge to chill for at least four hours (or two hours in the freezer). Chilling helps prevent spreading during baking—keeping those lovely thick cookies intact!

Step 5: Make the Crumble

Preheat your oven to 350°F while you prepare the crumble topping. Melt some butter in a bowl, then mix in remaining streusel ingredients until crumbly. Spread this mixture onto a parchment-lined pan and bake until golden brown—about 12-14 minutes should do! Once cooled, break it into smaller pieces as desired.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Now preheat your oven again—this time to 365°F! Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Roll each chilled dough ball in cinnamon-sugar before placing them on the sheets with enough space between them. Bake for about 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers look slightly underdone; they’ll firm up as they cool.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

Once cooled slightly on wire racks, use a spoon to fill each cookie with that heavenly apple pie filling before sprinkling on your crumble topping generously. Finally, drizzle over that luscious salted caramel sauce—it’s okay if it drips down!

Step 8: Serve & Store

Enjoy these delightful cookies right away—they’re best fresh! If you have leftovers (which I doubt!), store them in an airtight container in your fridge for about four to five days.

There you have it! Treat yourself to these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies any day—you deserve every sweet bite!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Making these cookies is a delightful experience, and with a few pro tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough not only makes it easier to handle but also helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking, resulting in perfectly round cookies.
• Use Fresh Apples: Fresh apples will provide the best flavor and texture. Opt for a mix of sweet and tart varieties for a more complex taste in your apple filling.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking; they should look slightly underdone in the center when you pull them out. They will continue to cook as they cool on the baking sheet.
• Make Extra Caramel Sauce: If you love salted caramel (who doesn’t?), consider making a double batch! It’s perfect for drizzling over ice cream or pancakes later.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste! If you prefer more warmth, add a pinch more cinnamon or nutmeg—the beauty of baking is personalizing it to your liking.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Presenting them well can enhance the overall experience.

Garnishes

• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and flavor.
• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a creamy element that complements the cookies’ sweetness beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the warm cookies, providing a delightful contrast in temperature and flavor.
• Spiced Hot Cider: Serve these cookies alongside spiced hot cider for a cozy autumn vibe—perfect for chilly evenings!
• Caramel Dip: Create a fun dessert platter by adding some caramel dip. It gives everyone an opportunity to enjoy extra caramel goodness!
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad balances out the richness of the cookies and adds a burst of freshness to your dessert table.

Enjoy your baking adventure with these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies, and don’t forget to share them with friends and family—they’re sure to delight everyone!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can make them in advance, ensuring you have a tasty treat ready whenever a sweet craving strikes.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days to maintain freshness.
• Avoid leaving them at room temperature overnight due to the fresh apple filling.

Freezing

• For longer storage, freeze the assembled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer cookies to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
• Thaw in the fridge before enjoying!

Reheating

• To reheat, place the cookies on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can microwave each cookie for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through.

FAQs

Here’s some helpful information if you’re wondering about these delightful treats!

How can I make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies ahead of time?

You can prepare both the cookie dough and apple filling ahead of time. The dough can be chilled or frozen, while the filling can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days.

Can I freeze Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

Yes! These cookies freeze beautifully. After assembling them, freeze individually on a baking sheet, then store them in an airtight container for up to two months.

What type of apples work best for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

Any firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work wonderfully. They hold their shape well and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much while baking?

Chilling your dough is key! Make sure to chill the scooped dough balls before baking to help them maintain their shape.

Final Thoughts

I hope these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies bring warmth and joy into your kitchen! They’re a delightful twist on classic flavors that everyone will love. Enjoy making these sweet treats with your friends and family – they’re perfect for sharing during those cozy fall gatherings. Happy baking!