Apple Pie Cookies

Oh my gosh, the smell of cinnamon apples hit me as soon as these came out of the oven. They looked like tiny pies in cookie form. I couldn’t wait to grab one.

I made these on a weekend, and it was so fun to spoon the filling onto the dough. The little lattice tops baked up golden and cute. They looked just like mini apple pies.

The first bite was sweet, soft, and full of warm apple flavor. It felt cozy, like eating pie but easier. I knew they’d be perfect for sharing.

So let’s bake them together. Grab some apples and pie crust. These Apple Pie Cookies will be your new favorite fall treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Reader Favorite: A classic twist on a beloved fall dessert, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• Apple Pie in Cookie Form: Enjoy all the flavors of a traditional apple pie, but in an easy-to-eat, portable form.
• Perfect for Fall: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and apples will fill your home with the warm aroma of fall.
• Versatile: Ideal for any occasion – whether it’s a holiday gathering, weekend treat, or a cozy snack with coffee.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dough ahead of time and bake when ready, making it perfect for busy days.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make these Apple Pie Cookies, here’s a list of essential tools that will help you create the perfect batch:

• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need several sizes for mixing the cookie dough, apple filling, streusel, and glaze.
• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: To mix the dough and buttercream frosting smoothly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the right texture and flavor.
• Baking Sheets: Line them with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
• Cooling Rack: Let your cookies cool completely to maintain their texture.
• Pastry Brush: To apply the glaze to the cookies for a smooth, even finish.

Ingredients

Let’s break down the ingredients for each part of these delicious cookies: the filling, cookie dough, streusel, buttercream “ice cream,” and glaze.

Apple Pie Filling

• Apples (3 cups, 350 g, cored, peeled, diced): Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best balance of sweetness and acidity.
• Light Brown Sugar (¼ cup, 50 g, firmly packed): This adds richness and depth to the apple filling.
• Butter (2 tablespoons, 28 g): Adds a creamy, buttery flavor to the filling.
• Cornstarch (2 teaspoons): Thickens the filling so it’s not runny inside the cookies.
• Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds the signature spice that makes the apple filling taste like pie.

Cookie Dough

• Unsalted Butter (1 cup, 226 g, softened): Butter provides flavor and richness to the cookie dough.
• Light Brown Sugar (1 cup, 200 g, firmly packed): Brown sugar enhances the flavor and makes the cookies chewy.
• Granulated Sugar (½ cup, 100 g): Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
• Eggs (2 large, room temperature preferred): Eggs act as binders and help provide structure to the dough.
• Vanilla Extract (½ teaspoon): Vanilla enhances the flavor of the dough.
• All-Purpose Flour (4 cups, 500 g, unsifted): The base of the cookie dough, giving it structure and texture.
• Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Improves the texture of the cookies, making them soft and chewy.
• Baking Powder (2 teaspoons): Provides the lift needed for the cookies to bake up light and fluffy.
• Baking Soda (¼ teaspoon): Helps with spreading and browning of the cookies.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances out the sweetness and enhances the flavor.

Streusel Topping

• Unsalted Butter (6 tablespoons, 85 g, melted): Adds a rich, buttery flavor to the streusel.
• All-Purpose Flour (1 ¼ cups, 155 g): The base of the streusel, creating a crumbly topping.
• Light Brown Sugar (½ cup, 100 g, firmly packed): Adds sweetness and helps the streusel crisp up as it bakes.
• Granulated Sugar (⅓ cup, 65 g): Sweetens the streusel.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances the flavor of the streusel.
• Ground Cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Adds spice and warmth to the streusel, just like the apple pie filling.

Buttercream “Ice Cream”

• Unsalted Butter (½ cup, 113 g, softened to room temperature): Butter provides richness and smoothness to the buttercream.
• Salt (⅛ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness of the buttercream.
• Powdered Sugar (3 cups, 375 g): Gives the buttercream its sweet flavor and creamy texture.
• Vanilla Bean Paste (2 teaspoons): Adds a luxurious vanilla flavor to the buttercream.

Glaze

• Powdered Sugar (1 cup, 125 g): Sweetens the glaze.
• Whole Milk (1-2 tablespoons): Helps thin the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.
• Vanilla Bean Paste (½ teaspoon): Adds a touch of vanilla flavor to the glaze.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Apple Pie Filling

Start by making the apple pie filling to let it cool while you prepare the other components.

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the diced apples and cook for about 5 minutes until they soften slightly.
3. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely.

2. Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a stand mixer or large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Chill the dough for about 15-20 minutes to make it easier to work with.

3. Make the Streusel Topping

1. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
2. Stir the ingredients together until they form a crumbly texture. Set aside.

4. Assemble the Cookies

1. Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each ball.
2. Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, gently press down the center of each cookie dough ball to create a well for the apple filling.
3. Spoon a generous amount of the cooled apple pie filling into the center of each cookie.
4. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the apple filling, ensuring each cookie is covered with a generous amount of crumbs.
5. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the streusel is browned and crispy.
6. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Make the Buttercream “Ice Cream”

1. In a stand mixer, beat the softened butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, until fully incorporated. Continue to beat until the buttercream is light and fluffy.
3. Stir in the vanilla bean paste and salt.
4. Transfer the buttercream to a piping bag or use a spoon to carefully place a small amount of the buttercream on top of each cooled cookie. Alternatively, you can pipe a swirl or simply spread it with a butter knife.

6. Drizzle the Glaze

1. In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla bean paste to make the glaze.
2. Whisk until smooth, adding more milk if necessary to reach the desired consistency.
3. Drizzle the glaze over the buttercream or directly on the cookies for a finishing touch.

How to Serve Apple Pie Cookies

These cookies are delightful on their own, but there are several ways to elevate the experience:

• With Ice Cream: Pair your apple pie cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that truly tastes like an apple pie à la mode.
• With a Cup of Coffee or Tea: Enjoy these cookies as an afternoon treat with a warm beverage, especially during fall.
• For Holiday Gatherings: Serve these cookies at your next holiday dinner or fall celebration to impress your guests.

Storing Apple Pie Cookies

• Unfrosted Cookies: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Frosted Cookies: If you’ve already added the buttercream and glaze, store the cookies in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep the frosting fresh.
• Freezing: To freeze the cookies, bake them as usual, then let them cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	270 kcal
Total Fat	14 g
Saturated Fat	8 g
Cholesterol	30 mg
Sodium	85 mg
Total Carbohydrates	36 g
Dietary Fiber	1 g
Sugars	22 g
Protein	2 g

Conclusion

Apple Pie Cookies are a fun and flavorful twist on the traditional apple pie, offering the same delicious taste but in a bite-sized, easy-to-make form. With a cinnamon-spiced cookie dough, a rich apple filling, a buttery streusel topping, and sweet buttercream frosting, these cookies are sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want a cozy treat to enjoy at home, these cookies are the perfect way to bring the flavors of fall to your kitchen.