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 a delightful spin on classic apple pie, bringing all the warm, comforting flavors of autumn into a sweet little package. Each bite features spiced cookie dough filled with tender apples, topped with a crunchy crumble and finished off with a heavenly drizzle of salted caramel sauce. Perfect for those busy weeknights or family gatherings, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household!

What makes this recipe truly special is its ability to evoke memories of crisp autumn days spent baking with loved ones. There’s something magical about the smell of cinnamon and caramel wafting through your kitchen. So grab your apron, and let’s make some delicious memories together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously nostalgic: These cookies taste like apple pie but in a fun, portable form!
• Family-friendly: Kids will love helping out in the kitchen and indulging in these sweet treats.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare components ahead of time, making assembly a breeze.
• Versatile flavors: Perfect for fall gatherings or any day you crave something sweet!
• Impressive yet easy: They look fancy enough for special occasions but are simple enough for everyday baking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies use simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely have on hand. Let’s gather everything we need to bring this delightful recipe to life!

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 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
• pinch of flaky sea salt (like Maldon brand)

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 wonderfully flexible! You can easily customize it to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch to your cookies.
• Try different fruits: Swap out apples for pears or even berries for a fresh twist.
• Change up the spices: Experiment with ginger or cardamom for an extra layer of flavor.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for regular flour.

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 it’s fluffy. This step is important because it helps incorporate air into the dough, resulting in soft cookies. Next, add both sugars and mix until well combined—about one minute should do it! Then stir in the vanilla and eggs until just mixed. Finally, fold in all the dry ingredients until they come together into a dough. Chill this mixture for about 30 minutes; chilling makes it easier to roll into balls later.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

While your dough chills, rinse and peel your apples before dicing them into bite-sized chunks. In a medium pan over medium-high heat, cook the diced apples along with their filling ingredients for about 15 to 18 minutes. Stir occasionally until they reach your desired tenderness—taste testing is encouraged here! Once they’re ready, transfer them to a bowl to cool down.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Now onto that luscious salted caramel sauce! Follow my quick and easy recipe linked above—this takes only about ten minutes! Once it’s done cooking, let it cool at room temperature until it thickens slightly. This will elevate those cookies from good to absolutely mouthwatering!

Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough

Once your dough has chilled sufficiently, scoop it into balls weighing about 65 grams each using a large cookie scoop. Place these balls into an airtight container and chill again—in the fridge for at least four hours or in the freezer for two hours. Chilling again helps maintain their shape while baking.

Step 5: Make the Crumble

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare your crumble topping. Melt some butter in a mixing bowl, then mix in all other crumble ingredients until crumbly. Spread this mixture onto a parchment-lined pan and bake for about 12–14 minutes until golden brown. Allow it to cool before breaking it up further as needed.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Increase your oven temperature slightly to 365°F (185°C). Line several cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats while preparing your cinnamon-sugar coating by mixing sugar with spices in a small bowl. Roll each chilled dough ball in this mixture before placing them on your baking sheets—be sure to leave space between each cookie as they spread while baking! Bake them for approximately 10–12 minutes; they’ll look puffy but will settle as they cool.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

Once cooled slightly, use the back of a tablespoon to create an indent in each cookie center—this is where we’ll spoon that delicious apple filling! Top each one with some apple pie filling followed by sprinkles of crumble topping and finish off with drizzles of salted caramel sauce.

Step 8: Serve & Store

Enjoy these delightful cookies right away after assembling—they’re best fresh! If there are any leftovers (which I doubt!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are sure to fill your home with warmth and joy—perfect for sharing with friends or savoring by yourself! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Making these cookies is a delightful adventure, and with a few pro tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential for easier handling and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking. This results in thicker, chewier cookies that hold their shape better.
• Use Fresh Apples: Fresh apples not only enhance the flavor but also provide the right texture for the filling. Opt for firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to tweak the spice amounts to suit your taste! If you love cinnamon, add a bit more; if nutmeg isn’t your favorite, reduce it slightly. Personalizing these flavors makes the cookies truly yours.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake! They should be puffy and just a little underdone in the center when you take them out. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
• Store Properly: To maintain freshness, store your assembled cookies in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps them moist and delicious for several days.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

These delightful cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Here are some ideas on how to present them beautifully at your next gathering or cozy night in.

Garnishes

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light, airy texture that complements the richness of the cookie and caramel.
• Cinnamon Dusting: A sprinkle of ground cinnamon over the top creates a warm and inviting look while enhancing that classic apple pie flavor.
• Chopped Nuts: Adding some chopped pecans or walnuts can bring a nice crunch and additional flavor contrast to each bite.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with these warm cookies, creating a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
• Apple Cider: Warm apple cider served alongside brings out the flavors of apple in the cookies while adding a cozy fall vibe to your dessert spread.
• Caramel Sauce Dip: Serve extra caramel sauce on the side for those who want an additional drizzle over their cookie or ice cream!
• Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses like brie or gouda can offer a savory counterpoint to your sweet cookies, making for an interesting flavor combination that guests will enjoy.

Enjoy crafting these scrumptious Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies, and don’t forget to share them with family and friends for cozy gatherings!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can make components ahead of time to save yourself some stress, allowing you to enjoy these delightful treats whenever the craving strikes.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
• Keep the salted caramel sauce in a separate jar; it can last in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
• Avoid leaving cookies at room temperature overnight due to the fresh apple filling.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 1 month.
• For baked cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Thaw frozen cookies in the fridge overnight before enjoying.

Reheating

• Reheat baked cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
• If you prefer them warm with gooey caramel, drizzle some freshly made salted caramel sauce on top before serving.

FAQs

If you’re curious about making these delightful cookies, here are some common questions:

Can I make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies without eggs?

Absolutely! You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water).

How do I store Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

Store your assembled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days for best freshness.

Can I use different types of apples for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with your favorite apple varieties. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work beautifully.

Can I prepare the salted caramel sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The salted caramel sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

What other toppings can I add to my Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

Besides the crumble topping, you could sprinkle toasted nuts or even mini chocolate chips for an extra twist!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies as much as I do. They truly encapsulate the essence of fall with their warm spices and sweet apple filling. Whether you share them with friends and family or keep them all to yourself, they are sure to bring smiles all around! Enjoy every bite and happy baking!