Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings the essence of fall right to your kitchen, you’ve found it with these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies! Imagine biting into a soft cookie that echoes the flavors of classic apple pie, with tender apple filling and a sweet drizzle of salted caramel. It’s like autumn in every bite! These cookies are perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, making them a versatile addition to your baking repertoire.

What makes these cookies truly special is their ability to satisfy both your cookie cravings and your love for apple pie. The wonderful blend of spices, the gooey apple filling, and that luscious caramel topping will have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds!). So grab your apron, and let’s get started on these delicious Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With straightforward steps, you can whip up these cookies without any fuss.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves cookies, and the apple pie flavor adds a nostalgic touch that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
• Make-ahead option: Both the dough and the filling can be prepared in advance, saving you time on busy days.
• Perfectly spiced: The warm spices bring out the best of the apples, making every bite feel like a comforting hug.
• Showstopper dessert: These cookies are not only delicious but also impressive enough to serve at gatherings or holiday parties.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make our Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies! Most of these items you might already have in your pantry. The combination of buttery cookies, sweet apples, and rich caramel will create an irresistible 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 (or 1 tsp of lemon juice if you don’t have any cider)
• 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 quite flexible, allowing you to customize it based on what you have at home or your personal taste preferences. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add nuts: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch in both the cookie dough or crumble.
• Change up the fruit: Swap apples for pears or even peaches if you’re looking to try something different.
• Go gluten-free: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend for a tasty alternative that everyone can enjoy.
• Switch the spices: Experiment with pumpkin spice or add ginger for an exciting twist on flavor!

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

Start by creaming together your softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar in a large bowl using an electric mixer on medium-high speed. This step is key because it aerates the butter, giving your cookies a nice texture. Once combined, add in vanilla extract and eggs—mix until just combined. Finally, incorporate all your dry ingredients until a dough forms. Chilling this dough for about 30 minutes helps it firm up, making it easier to roll into balls later.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

While your dough chills, rinse and peel those lovely apples before dicing them into bite-sized chunks. In a medium pan over medium-high heat, combine all the apple filling ingredients. Cook while stirring gently for about 15-18 minutes until they reach your desired tenderness. Transferring this mixture to a bowl allows it to cool down—this can be done either at room temperature or in the fridge!

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Now comes one of my favorite parts—the salted caramel sauce! Follow my easy 10-minute recipe linked here (you’ll find it highlighted in blue). Allow this sauce to cool at room temperature for about 20 minutes until it thickens up nicely; this step ensures it’s perfect for drizzling later.

Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough

Once chilled enough, scoop out portions of dough—aiming for around 65 grams each—and place them into an airtight container. Let them chill further: at least four hours in the fridge or two hours in the freezer works best. Remember not to skip this step; chilling before baking helps prevent spreading during baking!

Step 5: Make the Crumble

Preheat your oven to 350° F as we prepare our crumble topping! Melt some butter in a medium mixing bowl before stirring in all remaining streusel ingredients until crumbly. Spread this mixture onto a parchment-lined pan and bake for about 12-14 minutes until golden brown. Set aside to cool; once cooled down slightly break them into smaller pieces if you’d like.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Raise your oven temperature slightly to 365° F now! Line some cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. In a small bowl mix together sugar with spices—this will be our coating! Roll each chilled dough ball into this mixture before placing around six per sheet—giving them space will help them spread perfectly while baking! Bake them for around 10-12 minutes; they should look puffy yet slightly underdone when done—don’t worry; they’ll firm up beautifully as they cool.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

When they’re cooled just enough to handle, use a spoonful of that delicious apple pie filling into each cookie’s center. Then sprinkle on some crumble topping followed by drizzling over generous amounts of that heavenly salted caramel sauce!

Step 8: Serve & Store

Enjoy these scrumptious cookies immediately after assembling! They’re best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in your fridge for about four-five days—which might seem impossible since they’ll likely vanish quickly anyway!

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

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Baking these delightful cookies is a joyful experience, and with a few pro tips, you’ll be on your way to creating the perfect batch!

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough before baking helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much. This keeps them thick and chewy, just like mini apple pies!

• Use Fresh Apples: Fresh apples not only enhance the flavor but also provide a lovely texture. Opt for a mix of sweet and tart apples for a balanced filling.

• Monitor Baking Time: Every oven is different! Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; you want them to be slightly underbaked in the center for that soft, gooey finish.

• Make Extra Caramel Sauce: You can never have too much salted caramel! Consider making a bit more than you’ll need; it’s perfect for drizzling over ice cream or pancakes later.

• Store Properly: To maintain freshness, store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep them soft and delicious for several days.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. Here are some fun ways to present this delightful treat!

Garnishes

• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the caramel drizzle for added crunch and flavor.
• Cinnamon Dust: A light dusting of ground cinnamon over the assembled cookies adds warmth and enhances that classic apple pie aroma.
• Fresh Mint Leaves: A few fresh mint leaves can add a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with warm cookies, creating a delightful contrast that enhances every bite.
• Whipped Coconut Cream: For a dairy-free option, serve with whipped coconut cream. Its lightness complements the richness of the cookies wonderfully.
• Hot Apple Cider: A warm cup of spiced apple cider makes for a cozy drink pairing—perfect for fall evenings when enjoying these treats!
• Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits can balance out the sweetness and provide a refreshing side to your cookie indulgence.

With these serving ideas and tips, you’re all set to impress friends and family with your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies! Enjoy every scrumptious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are not just delicious; they are also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make the cookie dough, apple filling, and salted caramel sauce ahead of time, making your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
• Ensure the cookies are completely cooled before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Avoid leaving them at room temperature overnight due to the fresh fruit filling.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 1 month.
• Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag.
• For baked cookies, allow them to cool completely before freezing. Layer with parchment paper in an airtight container.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen cookies, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
• For fresh cookies stored in the fridge, you can warm them slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that just-baked taste!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about these delightful cookies!

How do I make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

Making these cookies involves creating a spiced cookie dough, preparing a tender apple filling, and drizzling with homemade salted caramel. Follow the detailed instructions above for best results!

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

While this recipe is designed for apples, you could experiment with other fruits like pears or even berries. Just adjust the spices accordingly!

How long do Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, these cookies can last for about 4-5 days. They make a great treat to have on hand!

Can I freeze Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

Absolutely! Both unbaked cookie dough and baked cookies freeze well. Just remember to store them properly to maintain their flavor!

What makes these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies special?

These cookies combine the flavors of classic apple pie with the fun of bite-sized treats. The addition of salted caramel takes it over the top, making each bite irresistible!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies as much as I do! They blend comforting fall flavors into delightful little bites that are perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself! Enjoy every moment of your baking adventure, and don’t forget to savor those sweet bites when they come out of the oven! Happy baking!