Hey there, friends! Today, I’m excited to share a delightful little treat that combines the comforting nostalgia of apple pie with the convenience of cookies: Apple Pie Cookies! Imagine biting into these mini pies with all the flavors you love from a traditional apple pie but in a cute, portable cookie form. These cookies are perfect for those moments when you’re craving pie but don’t want to commit to making a whole one. They’re ideal for holiday entertaining, or when you just need a comforting treat. For another warm and cozy dessert, you might want to check out my Classic Apple Crumble Recipe.
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Why you’ll love this recipe
What’s not to love about Apple Pie Cookies? They capture the essence of a classic apple pie in a bite-sized form. Whether you’re hosting a party or just treating yourself, these cookies are quick to make and guaranteed to impress. They deliver the cozy, cinnamony goodness of apple pie without the hassle of making a full pie. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to use up those extra apples on your counter.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. salted butter
- 2 apples, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 2 Tbsp. apple juice or cider (or use water)
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch
- 1 (14-oz.) package refrigerated pie dough (2 crusts)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 to 3 teaspoons heavy cream
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)
Step-by-step instructions
Making the apple filling
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the apples and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they start to soften. Stir in the brown sugar and lemon juice, bringing it to a simmer. Continue cooking until the apples are soft and the liquid is starting to reduce, about 3 to 4 more minutes.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the apple juice and cornstarch. Add this mixture to the pan, cooking until the mixture thickens, about 1 more minute. Remove from heat and let cool.
Preparing the dough
Preheat your oven to 350˚F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out one piece of pie dough into a 12-inch round. Using a 3-inch cutter, cut out 12 small rounds and arrange them on the baking sheet. Re-roll scraps if necessary to make 2 more rounds.
Roll out the other dough piece into a 12-inch round and cut it into 1/2-inch-wide strips, then cut these into shorter 3 1/2- to 4-inch pieces.
Assembling the cookies
Arrange the dough rounds on the baking sheet, placing about 1 tablespoon of apple mixture in the center of each. Lay two parallel strips of dough on top, followed by two perpendicular strips to create a lattice. Trim and seal the edges with a fork.
Bake until golden for about 18 to 20 minutes. Once done, move them onto a rack to cool.
Adding the glaze
In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and cardamom. Drizzle this over the cooled cookies for a finishing touch.
Recipe tips & variations
- Play around with different spices to flavor your apple filling. A pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon can really enhance the cozy flavor.
- Add some chopped walnuts to the filling for a bit of crunch.
- For a twist, try a caramel glaze by adding a bit of caramel sauce to the glaze mixture.
Storage & reheating
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you have any left by then, you can warm them in the oven at 300˚F for 5 minutes to regain that fresh-baked flavor.
FAQs
Yes, feel free to use your favorite type of apple. Just note that some apples might be sweeter or softer than others, adjusting sugar accordingly.
Ensure the dough strips are sealed well around the edges. Press the edges with a fork for a better seal.
A glass or jar lid can work in a pinch if you don’t have a cutter on hand.
Use a dairy-free butter alternative and check that your pie dough doesn’t contain any animal products.
Related recipes
If you’re one to enjoy the seasonal delights like I do, you might also love our Irresistibly Delicious Apple Pie Cookies You’ll Adore
and these Classic Apple Crumble, Pumpkin Spice Muffins, Cranberry-Orange Scones—both taste like fall in cookie form.
For more drool-worthy comfort food, follow us on Facebook here.
Apple Pie Cookies
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful treat that combines the comforting nostalgia of apple pie with the convenience of cookies: Apple Pie Cookies!
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. salted butter
- 2 apples, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 2 Tbsp. apple juice or cider
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch
- 1 (14-oz.) package refrigerated pie dough
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 to 3 teaspoons heavy cream
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the apples and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they start to soften. Stir in the brown sugar and lemon juice, bringing it to a simmer. Continue cooking until the apples are soft and the liquid is starting to reduce, about 3 to 4 more minutes.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the apple juice and cornstarch. Add this mixture to the pan, cooking until the mixture thickens, about 1 more minute. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Preheat your oven to 350˚F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out one piece of pie dough into a 12-inch round. Using a 3-inch cutter, cut out 12 small rounds and arrange them on the baking sheet. Re-roll scraps if necessary to make 2 more rounds.
- Roll out the other dough piece into a 12-inch round and cut it into 1/2-inch-wide strips, then cut these into shorter 3 1/2- to 4-inch pieces.
- Arrange the dough rounds on the baking sheet, placing about 1 tablespoon of apple mixture in the center of each. Lay two parallel strips of dough on top, followed by two perpendicular strips to create a lattice. Trim and seal the edges with a fork.
- Bake until golden for about 18 to 20 minutes. Once done, move them onto a rack to cool.
- In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and cardamom. Drizzle this over the cooled cookies for a finishing touch.
Notes
- Play around with different spices to flavor your apple filling. A pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon can really enhance the cozy flavor.
- Add some chopped walnuts to the filling for a bit of crunch.
- For a twist, try a caramel glaze by adding a bit of caramel sauce to the glaze mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg