Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall, look no further than these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies! Imagine biting into a soft, spiced cookie filled with tender apples and topped with a crunchy brown sugar crumble. Then, as if that weren’t enough, it’s drizzled with luscious salted caramel sauce. These cookies are truly the perfect blend of flavors and textures, making them a favorite in my home.

These cookies are not just for special occasions; they make busy weeknights a little sweeter or can be served at family gatherings and cozy get-togethers. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are sure to bring smiles all around.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With straightforward steps, you can whip these up in no time!
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves cookies—and these are perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare the dough or filling in advance to save time on busy days.
• Irresistible flavor: The combination of spices, apples, and salted caramel creates a delicious taste sensation.
• Versatile serving options: Enjoy them warm from the oven or chilled; they’re delightful either way!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe features simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need to create these mouthwatering Salted Caramel Apple Pie 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 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

• 1 cup granulated sugar (206 grams)
• 6 tbsp salted butter, cubed
• 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp heavy cream
• 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
• 3/4 tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to customize your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Use different fruits: Try substituting pears or peaches for a fruity twist.
• Change the spices: Experiment with different spice blends like pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal flair.
• Make them mini: Use a smaller scoop to create bite-sized versions of these delicious treats.

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. This helps incorporate air into the butter, ensuring your cookies will be light and fluffy. Once combined, add the sugars and mix until it’s nice and creamy—this should take about a minute. Then add in your vanilla extract and eggs; mix until just combined. Finally, fold in the dry ingredients until a dough forms. Chilling it for about 30 minutes helps make rolling easier later on!

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

Rinse, peel, and dice your apples into bite-sized chunks. In a medium pan over medium-high heat, combine them with all the filling ingredients. Cooking them down releases their juices while infusing them with spices—stir lazily but consistently for about 15-18 minutes until they reach your desired tenderness. Once finished, transfer this warm mixture to a bowl to cool completely before assembling your cookies.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

For this step, follow my easy salted caramel sauce recipe (linked in blue text). Allow it to cool at room temperature until thickened; this usually takes about 20 minutes. The sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks if you want to make it ahead of time.

Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough

Now it’s time to shape those cookies! Scoop your dough into balls weighing about 65 grams each using a large cookie scoop. Place them in an airtight container and chill them in your fridge for at least four hours—this step is key for preventing spreading during baking.

Step 5: Make the Crumble

While your dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt some butter in a medium mixing bowl and stir in remaining crumble ingredients until crumbly. Spread this mixture onto a parchment-lined pan and bake for about 12-14 minutes until deep golden brown—this adds delightful texture on top of your cookies!

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven again but this time to 365°F (185°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Mix up some cinnamon-sugar coating in a small bowl. Roll those chilled dough balls around until they’re coated well before placing six per sheet with enough space between them. Bake for about 10-12 minutes; they should look set around the edges while still slightly puffy in the center.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

Once cooled slightly, use a tablespoon’s back to make an indent in each cookie’s center—this will hold our delicious filling! Spoon generous amounts of apple pie filling into each one then sprinkle over that glorious crumble topping before drizzling with salted caramel sauce.

Step 8: Serve & Store

Enjoy these treats immediately after assembly—they’re best when fresh! If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days; avoid leaving at room temp due to fresh fruit.

So there you have it! Your very own batch of Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies awaits—get ready for lots of compliments!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Baking is all about having fun and experimenting, so here are some handy tips to ensure your cookies come out perfectly every time!

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill not only makes it easier to work with but also helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking, resulting in perfectly puffy centers and crisp edges.

• Use Fresh Apples: Opting for fresh, firm apples ensures a delightful texture and flavor in your filling. Varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp offer a lovely sweet-tart balance that complements the sweetness of the cookies.

• Don’t Skip the Salted Caramel: The drizzle of salted caramel adds a creamy richness and an irresistible contrast to the spiced apple filling. Make sure to let it cool slightly before drizzling for the best consistency!

• Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Since ovens vary, keep a close watch on your cookies as they bake. They should be set at the edges and slightly soft in the center; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste! Adding more cinnamon or even a pinch of ginger can create unique flavor profiles that will make these cookies your own.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Serving these delightful cookies is all about creating an inviting atmosphere that showcases their deliciousness! Here are some fun ideas to present them beautifully:

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: A light dollop of whipped coconut cream not only adds a creamy element but also enhances the overall presentation.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and an elegant touch.
• Extra Cinnamon Sugar: Dusting a bit of extra cinnamon sugar over the assembled cookies gives them a beautiful finish.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with these warm cookies, providing a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
• Hot Apple Cider: Serve these cookies alongside a warm mug of apple cider for a comforting autumn experience that’s hard to beat.
• Roasted Pecans: Sweet and crunchy roasted pecans make for a perfect munching companion, adding depth and richness to your dessert table.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits can balance out the sweetness of the cookies and add color to your serving platter.

With these presentation ideas and tips in hand, you’re ready to impress friends and family with your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make various components ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy these delicious treats whenever the craving strikes.

Storing Leftovers

• Store assembled cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days to maintain freshness.
• If you prefer to keep them longer, consider storing the cookie dough and filling separately.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag.
• For baked cookies, let them cool completely before freezing in a single layer. Once frozen, store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen cookies, bake them directly from the freezer at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until warmed through.
• If you’ve thawed cookies, simply microwave them for about 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies!

Can I make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies without cider?

Absolutely! You can substitute apple cider with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice if you don’t have any on hand. Just remember it’s not apple cider vinegar!

How do I store leftover Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. They taste best when enjoyed soon after assembly!

Can I freeze Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

Yes! You can freeze both unbaked dough and baked cookies. Just ensure they’re well-wrapped or stored in airtight containers to preserve their flavor and texture.

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

For best results, reheat your cookies by baking them at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes if frozen. Microwave thawed cookies for a quick warm-up!

Final Thoughts

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are truly special – they combine the warm flavors of apple pie with the delightful texture of a cookie. I hope you enjoy making these as much as I do! They’re perfect for sharing with friends or savoring on your own. Happy baking, and may every bite transport you into fall bliss!