Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that combines the comforting flavors of fall with the fun of cookies, you’ve come to the right place! These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are truly special. They taste just like a warm slice of apple pie, wrapped up in a soft, chewy cookie. Perfect for cozy gatherings or quiet evenings at home, they bring a sweet touch to any occasion. Trust me; once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked!

Baking these cookies fills your kitchen with that irresistible aroma of cinnamon and apples. Plus, they are easy to make, and your family will love them. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive get-together, these cookies are sure to impress everyone!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spiced apple filling and rich salted caramel makes these cookies a treat for your taste buds.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone from little ones to grandparents will enjoy this sweet twist on classic apple pie!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough or filling in advance, making it easy to bake fresh cookies anytime.
• Versatile Treat: Great for holidays, parties, or just because—these cookies fit any occasion perfectly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients! You probably have many of these in your pantry already. Here’s what you’ll need for these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies:

• 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 (you can use 1 tsp of lemon juice if you don’t have any cider – note that 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
• 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

Variations

This recipe is flexible, making it easy to customize based on what you have on hand or your mood! Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch.
• Use Different Fruits: Swap out apples for pears or peaches for a new flavor twist.
• Experiment with Spices: Try adding ginger or cardamom for an aromatic spin.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

Start by creaming together the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until it’s fluffy. Then add both sugars and mix until well combined—this should only take about a minute. Adding vanilla extract and eggs comes next; mix until just combined. Finally, incorporate the dry ingredients until a dough forms. Chilling it for about half an hour makes rolling into balls much easier later on.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

While your dough chills, prep the apples! Rinse, peel, and dice them into bite-sized chunks. In a medium pan over medium-high heat, combine all the filling ingredients. Cook while stirring lazily for about fifteen minutes until tender. Transfer this delightful mixture to a bowl to cool—it can be done at room temperature or in the fridge.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Now let’s whip up that luscious salted caramel sauce! Follow my easy recipe linked here (it’s quick!). Once made, let it cool at room temperature until thickened—about twenty minutes should do the trick.

Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough

Scoop out dough balls weighing around sixty-five grams using a large cookie scoop. Place them in an airtight container to chill in the fridge for at least four hours—or two hours in the freezer if you’re in a hurry!

Step 5: Make the Crumble

While waiting for your dough to chill, preheat your oven to350° F. Melt some butter in a mixing bowl and stir in all remaining streusel ingredients until crumbly. Spread this mixture onto lined baking sheets and bake until golden brown—about twelve to fourteen minutes.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Time to bake! Preheat your oven again but this time set it to365° F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Roll those chilled dough balls in cinnamon sugar before placing six per sheet—leave enough space for them to spread! Bake each batch for ten to twelve minutes until edges are set but centers remain slightly underdone.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

Once cooled slightly, create an indent in each cookie before spooning in that delicious apple filling. Sprinkle on your crumble topping generously then finish it off with that beautiful salted caramel drizzle.

Step 8: Serve & Store

Enjoy these delightful cookies immediately after assembling! If there are any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for four to five days.

I hope you enjoy making these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies as much as I do! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Baking can be a little tricky, but with these pro tips, you’ll be sure to impress everyone with your delicious Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies!

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough not only makes it easier to handle but also helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in a thicker and chewier cookie.

• Use Fresh Apples: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh apples rather than canned. Varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp add a nice balance of tartness and sweetness that shines through.

• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake! They should appear slightly underbaked in the center when you take them out. They will continue to cook as they cool on the baking sheet.

• Customize Your Spice Mix: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. If you love cinnamon, add a bit more! This personal touch enhances the flavor profile and makes each batch unique.

• Experiment with Toppings: The beauty of these cookies is in their assembly. Try different toppings such as crushed nuts or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an added crunch and sweetness.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Presenting your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies can turn a simple treat into a delightful experience! Here are some fun ideas on how to serve them up.

Garnishes

• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped pecans or walnuts over the salted caramel drizzle for extra crunch and flavor.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of dairy-free whipped cream on top can add creaminess that complements the flavors beautifully.
• Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar before serving can enhance the aromatic spices, making each bite even more delightful.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with warm cookies, adding a creamy contrast that everyone loves.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad offers a light side option that balances out the richness of the cookies, perfect for those who want something fruity.
• Hot Apple Cider: Serve warm apple cider on the side to evoke those cozy fall vibes—it’s like drinking autumn!
• Cheese Platter: A small cheese platter featuring mild cheeses can create an interesting flavor combination, making these cookies feel fancy at gatherings.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are bound to be a hit! Enjoy sharing them with friends and family this season.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the dough, filling, and even the caramel ahead of time, making it easy to whip up fresh cookies whenever you crave them.

Storing Leftovers

• Store your assembled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
• If you wish to keep them longer, consider separating the apple filling from the cookies to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 1 month. Just scoop them out and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• You can also freeze baked cookies (without filling) for up to 2 months. Just ensure they’re fully cooled before freezing.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen baked cookies, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm them briefly in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
• If you’re reheating freshly baked cookies, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warm.

FAQs

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

Can I use different types of apples for the filling?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are popular for their tartness, feel free to mix and match with sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for a different flavor profile.

How do I make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies without eggs?

You can replace each egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) to keep these cookies delicious and egg-free!

What’s the best way to store Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, freeze unbaked dough or baked cookies separately.

Can I make the salted caramel sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The salted caramel sauce can be made ahead and stored in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Just reheat gently before drizzling over your cookies.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find as much joy in making these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies as I do! They embody all the comforting flavors of fall while being fun and easy to assemble. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!