Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of fall, these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are your answer! Imagine biting into a warm cookie that tastes just like a slice of apple pie, with tender apples nestled in the center, all topped with a crunchy crumble and a drizzle of salted caramel. It’s pure bliss! These cookies are perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or just when you need a little comfort food in your life.

I adore this recipe not just because it’s delicious but also because it brings back fond memories of baking with loved ones. The smell of cinnamon and apples wafting through the house is truly special. Plus, they’re super fun to make and even better to share!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: Each bite is filled with the classic taste of apple pie, complemented by rich caramel.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will absolutely love these cookies!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the dough or filling in advance for an easy baking experience.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy night in, these cookies fit right in.
• Fun to Assemble: Drizzling caramel and adding the crumble is a delightful way to personalize each cookie.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies use simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Gather these goodies and let’s get baking!

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)
• 1/4 cup salted butter, cubed (4 tbsp)
• 2 tbsp apple cider (or 1 tsp lemon juice)
• 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 cup granulated sugar (206 grams)
• 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp heavy cream
• A 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
• A pinch of salt

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some variations you can try to make it your own:

• Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a delightful crunch to both the filling and the crumble.
• Use different fruits: Swap out some of the apples for pears or berries for a unique twist.
• Experiment with spices: Try adding ginger or cardamom to give your cookies an extra kick of flavor.
• Make them gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter using an electric mixer on medium-high speed until smooth. Add in both sugars and mix until well combined—this takes about one minute. Then, add in your vanilla extract and eggs, mixing until just combined. Finally, add your dry ingredients gradually until a soft dough forms. Chilling it for about 30 minutes makes rolling easier later on!

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

Start by rinsing and peeling your apples before dicing them into bite-sized chunks. In a medium pan over medium-high heat, combine all your apple filling ingredients. Cook this mixture while stirring lazily for about 15 to 18 minutes until your apples reach desired tenderness. Once done, transfer this fragrant mixture to a bowl to cool.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Follow my easy method to whip up some luscious salted caramel sauce! Allow it to cool at room temperature for around 20 minutes until it thickens slightly. This sauce can be stored in an airtight jar in your fridge for up to two weeks.

Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough

Using a large cookie scoop, portion out dough balls weighing about 65 grams each. Place them into an airtight container. Chill them either in the fridge for at least four hours or pop them into the freezer for two hours. Remember, scooping before chilling helps keep everything manageable!

Step 5: Make the Crumble

While waiting on your dough to chill, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt some butter in a bowl and stir together with other crumble ingredients until crumbly. Spread this mixture onto a parchment-lined pan and bake for about 12-14 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool so you can break it into smaller pieces later.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Now preheat your oven again—this time to 365°F (185°C). Line several cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Mix together sugar and spices for coating in a small bowl. Roll those chilled dough balls in this mixture before placing six per sheet with some space between them. Bake them for about 10-12 minutes; they should look set around the edges but still slightly underdone in the centers.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

Once cooled slightly, carefully spoon some apple pie filling into each cookie’s center before sprinkling on that delicious crumble topping you made earlier! Finally, drizzle over your homemade salted caramel sauce.

Step 8: Serve & Store

These cookies are best enjoyed immediately after assembling! However, if there are leftovers (which I doubt!), store them in an airtight container in your fridge for up to five days. Just avoid leaving them out overnight due to that fresh apple filling!

Enjoy every gooey bite of these delightful Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Baking these delightful cookies is a labor of love, and with a few helpful tips, you can make them even more scrumptious!

• Chill the dough: Chilling the dough helps solidify the butter, resulting in thicker and chewier cookies. This step also makes it easier to handle the dough when scooping.

• Use fresh apples: Opt for crisp, fresh apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. Their flavor and texture will enhance your filling and give that classic apple pie taste.

• Don’t skip the cooling time: Allowing the cookies to cool slightly before adding the filling prevents the warm apple mixture from making them soggy. It also helps the cookies maintain their shape.

• Make extra salted caramel sauce: Who can resist drizzling a bit more of that luscious sauce on top? Having extra on hand allows for fun customization when serving!

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spice amounts in both the cookie dough and apple filling according to your preference. A little more cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate those cozy fall flavors!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Presenting these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies is all about making them look as good as they taste! Here are some ideas to help you serve them up beautifully.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped walnuts or pecans on top of your cookies for an added crunch and nutty flavor.
• Whipped cream: A dollop of dairy-free whipped cream or coconut cream on the side elevates these cookies to a whole new level of deliciousness.
• Fresh mint leaves: A sprig of fresh mint can add a lovely pop of color and freshness, making your presentation even more appealing.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of non-dairy vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the warm cookies, creating a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
• Spiced chai tea: Serve your cookies alongside a warm cup of spiced chai tea. The cozy flavors will complement each other perfectly.
• Apple cider: Hot or cold apple cider is a classic pairing for fall desserts, enhancing the apple flavors in your cookies while adding seasonal charm.
• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits provides a refreshing balance to the richness of the cookies and caramel sauce.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re all set to impress family and friends with your delicious 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 the deliciousness of apple pie in cookie form whenever you want. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat them properly.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
• Ensure they are completely cooled before sealing to maintain freshness.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked dough balls by scooping them onto a baking sheet and placing them in the freezer until solid.
• Transfer frozen dough balls to a resealable plastic bag or airtight container, where they can be stored for up to 1 month.
• When ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

• To reheat cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes until they’re just heated through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 15-20 seconds for a soft treat.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies that might help you as you prepare this delightful recipe!

Can I make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute each egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) or use unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) for a similar texture in your cookies.

How do I ensure my Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies don’t spread too much?

Chilling the dough is key! Make sure to chill the dough balls for at least 4 hours before baking. This helps maintain their shape and prevents excessive spreading.

What can I use instead of heavy cream in the salted caramel sauce?

You can use coconut cream or non-dairy milk alternatives like almond milk or oat milk, but keep in mind this may slightly alter the flavor and texture of your salted caramel.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies! They bring together all the comforting flavors of fall in a delightful cookie format, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying during cozy nights in. Remember, baking is all about experimentation and having fun, so don’t hesitate to add your personal twist. Enjoy every bite!