Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

If you’re looking for the perfect cozy treat to enjoy this fall, look no further than Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies. These delightful cookies combine the warm spices and flavors of classic apple pie with the convenience of a cookie. They are filled with a tender apple filling, topped with a crunchy brown sugar crumble, and drizzled with luscious salted caramel sauce. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll feel like you’re wrapped in a warm blanket on a crisp autumn day!

These cookies are not just for special occasions; they are perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Whether you’re bringing them to a potluck or just enjoying them at home, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves cookies! These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps and ingredients, you’ll have these delightful treats ready in no time.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough or filling ahead of time, making it easy to bake whenever the craving hits.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spiced apples and salted caramel is simply irresistible. These cookies taste like little bites of heaven!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients! This recipe uses simple, wholesome items that you might already have in your pantry. Gather these up, and get ready to bake some amazing cookies.

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 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
• 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! Feel free to experiment with different flavors that suit your taste.

• Add Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a nice crunch to your cookies.
• Use Different Fruits: Try swapping out apples for pears or peaches for a unique twist.
• Change Up the Spices: If you love spice, consider adding ginger or cardamom for an extra kick.
• Make Them Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to accommodate dietary needs.

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. Then add in both sugars and mix until everything is well combined—this will take about one minute. Adding the eggs and vanilla next brings moisture into your dough. Finally, mix in your dry ingredients until a smooth dough forms. Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes makes it easier to roll into balls later.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

While your dough chills, let’s prepare that delicious apple filling! Start by peeling and dicing your apples into bite-sized chunks. Combine these with cubed butter, cider (or lemon juice), brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a medium pan over medium-high heat. Cook this mixture while stirring occasionally until the apples reach your desired tenderness—about 15-18 minutes should do it! Once done, transfer this sweet mixture to a bowl so it can cool.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Now for that heavenly salted caramel sauce! Follow my easy recipe linked here (just imagine it’s there) to whip up this indulgent topping in about ten minutes. After cooking it over medium heat until thickened, let it cool at room temperature for around 20 minutes before using.

Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough

Grab that chilled dough from step one! Use a large cookie scoop to portion out balls weighing about 65 grams each. Place them in an airtight container in your fridge for at least four hours—this helps them keep their shape when baked.

Step 5: Make the Crumble Topping

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt some butter in a mixing bowl and stir in all remaining crumble ingredients until you achieve a crumbly texture. Spread this mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 12-14 minutes until golden brown. Once cooled, break into smaller pieces as desired.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Time to bake those cookies! Preheat your oven again—this time to 365°F (185°C). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Roll each chilled dough ball in cinnamon-sugar blend before placing six on each baking sheet with enough space between them. Bake for about 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain slightly underdone—they’ll finish setting as they cool!

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

Once cooled slightly on baking sheets, press an indent into each cookie center using the back of a tablespoon. Spoon in that luscious apple filling generously before sprinkling on some crumble topping followed by drizzling over warm salted caramel sauce.

Step 8: Serve & Store

Enjoy those Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies right away—they’re best fresh! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in your fridge where they’ll stay yummy for about four or five days.

Now go ahead—bake yourself some joy with these delightful cookies!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Creating these delightful cookies is a joyous experience, and with a few handy tips, you can make them even more scrumptious!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your butter and eggs are at room temperature helps create a smoother dough, leading to cookies that are light and fluffy.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough not only makes it easier to handle but also enhances the flavors by allowing the ingredients to meld together beautifully.

• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; pulling them out when they’re slightly underdone ensures they remain soft and chewy once cooled.

• Customize the Filling: Feel free to mix in other fruits or spices to the apple filling if you’re feeling adventurous! This gives you room to experiment with flavors that suit your taste.

• Make Extra Caramel Sauce: Having some extra salted caramel sauce on hand can elevate any dessert. Drizzle it over ice cream or pancakes for an indulgent treat!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are perfect for sharing, whether at a family gathering or a cozy night in. Here’s how to make them shine even brighter!

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light and creamy touch that complements the richness of the caramel.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and flavor contrast.
• Cinnamon Dusting: A light dusting of cinnamon just before serving enhances aroma and presentation, inviting everyone to indulge.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing of warm cookies with cold vanilla ice cream is unbeatable, creating a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
• Hot Apple Cider: Serve with a cup of warm apple cider for a cozy fall experience; its spiced notes complement the flavors of the cookies perfectly.
• Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses like brie or gouda can balance out the sweetness of the cookies, making for an intriguing flavor combination.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits will lighten up your dessert table and provide a palate-cleansing contrast.

Enjoy your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies with these serving suggestions, and watch as they become a favorite among friends and family!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make components ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy fresh cookies anytime.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.
• Avoid leaving them at room temperature overnight due to the fresh apple filling.

Freezing

• Freeze cookie dough balls before baking for up to 1 month.
• To freeze assembled cookies, allow them to cool completely, then layer them between parchment paper in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For warm cookies, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
• Alternatively, use a microwave on low power for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through.

FAQs

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

Can I use different types of apples for the filling?

Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work wonderfully, feel free to mix in your favorites such as Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter taste.

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

You can substitute each egg with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens before adding it to your dough.

What is the best way to serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

These cookies are best enjoyed warm and freshly assembled. Drizzle with salted caramel right before serving for that extra touch of sweetness!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies! They bring together the comforting flavors of fall in a delightful cookie form that everyone will love. Whether you’re sharing with friends or indulging yourself, these treats are sure to brighten your day. Happy baking!