Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place! These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are like little bites of heaven, bringing together the warm flavors of apple pie with the delightful texture of cookies. Each cookie is filled with a tender apple filling, topped with a crunchy brown sugar crumble, and finished off with a drizzle of rich salted caramel sauce. Perfect for family gatherings or a special dessert on busy weeknights, these cookies will make your heart (and taste buds) sing!

Baking these cookies is not only fun but also super rewarding. Your kitchen will smell incredible, and you’ll have a delicious batch of treats to share—or keep all to yourself!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip these up without stress.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves cookies! These will be a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the dough and filling in advance to enjoy fresh-baked cookies whenever you want.
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of spiced apples, brown sugar crumble, and salted caramel creates an unforgettable taste experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need anything fancy for this recipe—just simple and wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies:

• 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
• 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 replace with 1 tsp of lemon juice if needed)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 and 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1 cup granulated sugar (206 grams)
• 6 tbsp salted butter, cubed
• 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp heavy cream
• pinch of flaky sea salt (Maldon brand is great!)
• Additional:
• 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
• pinch of salt

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ways to mix things up:

• Change Up the Fruit: Swap in peaches or pears for a different fruity twist!
• Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans mixed into the filling add crunch and flavor.
• Try Different Spices: Experiment with cardamom or ginger for an added kick.
• Go Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

Start by creaming the softened butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium-high speed. Adding sugars at this stage helps create that light texture we love in cookies. After about a minute, mix in your vanilla extract and eggs until just combined. Finally, add the dry ingredients and mix until your dough forms. Chilling it for about thirty minutes makes it easier to scoop later!

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

Rinse, peel, and dice your apples into bite-sized chunks. Cook them with all the filling ingredients over medium-high heat for about fifteen to eighteen minutes. Stir gently while they cook; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Once they reach your desired tenderness, transfer them to a bowl to cool. Remember, you can prepare this filling up to two days ahead!

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Follow my easy recipe for salted caramel sauce—it takes just ten minutes! Let it cool at room temperature until it thickens slightly. Feel free to make this ahead too; it keeps well in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough

Using a large cookie scoop, portion out your dough into balls weighing about sixty-five grams each. Place them in an airtight container in the fridge for at least four hours (or freeze them for two). Chilling helps maintain their shape while baking.

Step 5: Make the Crumble

Preheat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit. Melt some butter in a bowl and mix in your streusel ingredients until crumbly. Spread it on a parchment-lined pan and bake until golden brown—about twelve to fourteen minutes should do.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Now preheat your oven again—this time to three hundred sixty-five degrees Fahrenheit. Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Roll each dough ball in a cinnamon-sugar mixture before placing them on sheets with enough space for spreading. Bake for ten to twelve minutes; they should look slightly underdone but will set as they cool.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

Once cooled slightly, use a spoon to fill each cookie center with apple pie filling, sprinkle that delicious crumble on top, and finish off with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce.

Step 8: Serve & Store

Enjoy these delightful cookies immediately after assembling! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in your fridge for four to five days—but trust me; they won’t last long!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Baking these delightful cookies can be a breeze with a few handy tips to ensure perfect results every time!

• Chill Your Dough: Allowing your cookie dough to chill not only makes it easier to handle, but it also helps the flavors meld together and prevents spreading during baking, resulting in thicker cookies.

• Use Fresh Apples: Opt for tart and crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape well during cooking and provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the caramel and cookie.

• Check Oven Temperature: Ovens can vary widely in temperature accuracy. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your cookies bake evenly and achieve that golden-brown color without burning.

• Don’t Overbake: Cookies will continue to cook after being removed from the oven due to residual heat. Aim for slightly underdone centers for a chewy texture that pairs perfectly with the apple filling.

• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Adding a bit more cinnamon or even a dash of cardamom can elevate the flavor profile and make these cookies uniquely yours!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Presenting these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies can make them even more enticing for family and friends. Whether it’s a cozy gathering or a festive dinner, here are some ideas on how to showcase this delicious treat.

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light, airy texture that complements the richness of the cookies.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts on top for an added crunch and nutty flavor that enhances each bite.
• Extra Caramel Drizzle: A little extra drizzle of salted caramel sauce over the plated cookies not only looks stunning but also intensifies that caramel goodness.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing that provides a creamy contrast to the warm cookies, enhancing their comfort food appeal.
• Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn: This sweet and salty snack brings a fun twist to your dessert table, making it an entertaining side that everyone will love.
• Hot Chocolate: A rich cup of hot chocolate can create a cozy atmosphere and works perfectly alongside these flavorful cookies for those chilly evenings.
• Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad with seasonal fruits offers a refreshing palate cleanser that balances out the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll have everything you need to make your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies an unforgettable treat for any occasion! Enjoy baking, sharing, and savoring every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make the dough or filling ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes.

Storing Leftovers

• Store assembled cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
• If you want to keep them fresher longer, consider storing the filling and cookies separately and assemble just before serving.

Freezing

• Freeze cookie dough balls by scooping them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month.
• You can also freeze baked cookies without filling; wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen dough, thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as directed.
• For baked cookies, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until heated 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 Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

Absolutely! While I recommend using a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, feel free to choose your favorites. Just ensure they’re good for baking!

How do I store Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

Store these delightful cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. For best freshness, it’s ideal to keep the apple filling separate until you’re ready to enjoy!

Can I make the salted caramel sauce ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the salted caramel sauce in advance. Store it in a jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks—just let it cool down before sealing.

Final Thoughts

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are truly a special treat that brings all the warmth of fall into every bite! I hope you find joy in making these delicious mini apple pies that are perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!). Enjoy every moment of baking and savoring these cookies, and don’t forget to share your experiences with me—I’d love to hear how they turn out!