Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that combines the best of fall flavors, then these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are just what you need! Imagine biting into a soft, spiced cookie filled with tender apples, topped with a crunchy crumble, and drizzled with rich salted caramel. It’s like enjoying a slice of apple pie but in an adorable cookie form! These cookies are perfect for family gatherings, cozy evenings at home, or any occasion where you want to spread some joy with deliciousness.

I love making these cookies during the cooler months when fresh apples are abundant. They bring back fond memories of baking with loved ones and sharing sweet treats around the kitchen table. Plus, they’re easy to whip up ahead of time, so you can enjoy them freshly baked whenever the craving strikes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of warm spices and sweet apples makes each bite comforting and satisfying.
• Family Friendly: These cookies are a hit with both kids and adults alike—everyone loves a good cookie!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the dough or filling in advance to save time on busy days.
• Versatile Treat: Great for holidays, potlucks, or just because—you can never go wrong with cookies!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies is simple and requires wholesome ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need for this delightful treat!

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 (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

For the Salted Caramel Sauce

• 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! Here are some fun ideas to customize your cookies:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
• Try Different Fruits: Substitute pears or peaches for apples to switch things up.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
• Experiment with Spices: Swap out the spices for your favorites—ginger or cardamom could add a lovely twist!

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter using an electric mixer on medium-high speed until it’s fluffy. This step is essential as it incorporates air into the dough, giving your cookies that perfect texture. Add in both sugars and mix until they are well combined. Then blend in vanilla extract and eggs until just combined. Finally, add your dry ingredients gradually; this will help form your cookie dough without overmixing.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

Rinse and peel your apples before dicing them into bite-sized chunks. Combine them with all filling ingredients in a medium pan over medium-high heat. Cooking them down allows their natural sweetness to shine through! Stir occasionally for about 15-18 minutes until they reach your desired tenderness. Once done, transfer to a bowl to cool—this filling can be made ahead too!

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Using my easy method for homemade salted caramel sauce (it’s quick and oh-so-rewarding!), let it cool at room temperature until it thickens slightly—this ensures it has that beautiful drizzle effect when you pour it on later.

Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough

Scoop your cookie dough into balls about 65 grams each using a large cookie scoop. Place them in an airtight container to chill in the fridge for at least four hours or even overnight if you’re planning ahead! Chilling is key here as it firms up the dough, making it easier to handle when baking.

Step 5: Make the Crumble Topping

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt some butter in a mixing bowl, then stir in all remaining crumble ingredients until crumbly. Spread out on a parchment-lined pan and bake until golden brown—this adds such delightful texture on top of your cookies!

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Now we’re ready to bake! Preheat your oven again, this time to 365°F (185°C). Roll those chilled dough balls in a cinnamon sugar mixture before placing them onto lined baking sheets—leave enough room as they will spread! Bake until edges are set but centers still look slightly underdone; they’ll continue cooking while cooling on the sheet.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

Once cooled slightly, make an indent in each cookie center using a tablespoon’s back. Spoon generous amounts of apple filling into each cookie before sprinkling with crumble topping. Finally, drizzle over that luscious salted caramel sauce!

Step 8: Serve & Store

Enjoy these delightful creations immediately after assembling! If you have leftovers (which I doubt!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Just remember—they’re best enjoyed fresh due to the fruit filling!

Happy baking! I can’t wait for you to experience these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies; they’re sure to become a favorite in your home too!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Baking these cookies can be a delightful experience, and a few handy tips can make it even better!

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the cookie dough not only makes it easier to handle but also helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking, resulting in perfectly thick and chewy cookies.

• Use Fresh Apples: Opt for tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, as they provide a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the caramel and cookie. Fresh apples also enhance the flavor and texture of your filling.

• Don’t Skip the Flaky Sea Salt: A pinch of flaky sea salt on top of your finished cookies balances out the sweetness of the caramel sauce. This small detail makes a big difference in flavor!

• Make Ahead: Preparing components like the apple filling and salted caramel sauce ahead of time can save you stress on baking day. These can be stored in the fridge and used whenever you’re ready to whip up your cookies.

• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels to suit your taste! Adding extra cinnamon or trying out other spices like ginger can give your cookies a unique twist.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

These delightful cookies are perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying on cozy evenings at home. Here’s how to present them beautifully and enhance their flavors.

Garnishes

• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the caramel drizzle for added crunch and nutty flavor.
• Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: Before serving, lightly dust the cookies with cinnamon sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and warmth.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with warm cookies, creating a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
• Caramel Sauce Dip: Serve extra salted caramel sauce on the side for those who want an indulgent dipping experience!
• Hot Apple Cider: A warm cup of apple cider complements these cookies perfectly, enhancing their fall flavors.
• Whipped Coconut Cream: For a light, dairy-free option, whipped coconut cream drizzled over the top adds a deliciously creamy element that balances out sweetness.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll be ready to impress family and friends with your homemade Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies! Enjoy every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious treat throughout the week without much fuss. You can easily prepare components ahead of time and store them for a quick assembly when you’re ready to indulge!

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Freeze uncooked cookie dough balls in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 1 month. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before baking.
• Alternatively, freeze baked cookies (without the filling) for up to 2 months. Thaw and add the filling when ready to serve.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
• If using a microwave, heat on low power for about 10-15 seconds, but be cautious as it may alter the texture.

FAQs

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

Can I make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies without eggs?

Yes! You can use flaxseed meal or applesauce as an egg substitute. For each egg, substitute with 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water or 1/4 cup of applesauce.

How do I store leftover Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. It’s best not to leave them out overnight due to the fresh fruit.

Can I use other fruits in these cookies?

Absolutely! While the recipe focuses on apples, feel free to experiment with other fruits like pears or peaches. Just adjust the spices accordingly!

How do I make the salted caramel sauce thicker?

If your salted caramel sauce is too thin, let it cool longer at room temperature; it will thicken as it cools. Alternatively, simmer it slightly longer while cooking on low heat.

What makes Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies special?

These cookies combine warm autumn spices with sweet apple filling and rich salted caramel for a delightful twist on traditional apple pie. They’re perfect for sharing during gatherings or enjoying as a cozy snack!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies! They encapsulate all the warm flavors of fall while providing that comforting nostalgia of homemade treats. Whether it’s a special occasion or just because you want something delicious, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. Enjoy every bite and happy baking!