Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat to share with family and friends, look no further than these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies. They encapsulate everything we love about fall—warm spices, sweet apples, and that irresistible salted caramel drizzle. This recipe is a favorite in my house because it brings the comforting flavors of apple pie into an easy-to-eat cookie form. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around!

The best part? They’re not just delicious; they’re fun to make! You can even get the kids involved in assembling the cookies. The joy of baking together creates lasting memories, and these cookies will become a cherished tradition in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip up these cookies without any fuss.
• Family-friendly: Everyone from kids to grandparents will enjoy the delightful combination of flavors.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the dough and fillings ahead of time, making it easier to bake on your schedule.
• Irresistible flavor: The mix of cinnamon-spiced apples, buttery cookie dough, and rich salted caramel creates a taste sensation that’s hard to resist!
• Great for sharing: These cookies are perfect for potlucks or cookie exchanges—everyone will want your recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies is a breeze with just a few wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious treat:

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

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, allowing you to put your unique spin on it! Here are some ideas to try:

• Swap in different fruits: Use pears or berries instead of apples for a fresh twist on flavor.
• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch to both the cookie dough and filling.
• Try different spices: Experiment with cardamom or ginger for added warmth and depth.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a delicious alternative.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until it’s fluffy. Add both sugars and mix until they’re well combined with the butter—this should take about one minute. Then, mix in the vanilla extract and eggs until just combined. Finally, add in your dry ingredients—trust me, this step is crucial as it helps form that perfect dough! Chill this mixture for about 30 minutes so it’s easier to handle later.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

Start by rinsing and peeling your apples before dicing them into bite-sized chunks. In a medium pan over medium-high heat, combine all filling ingredients: those lovely apple chunks along with cubed butter, cider (or lemon juice), brown sugar, and spices. Cook everything together for about 15-18 minutes while stirring lazily. The goal here is tender apples that are still holding their shape. Once they reach your desired tenderness, transfer them to a bowl to cool.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Follow my easy recipe for making salted caramel sauce—it takes just about ten minutes! Let it cool at room temperature until thickened; this helps achieve that luscious drizzle later on. If you’d like, you can make this sauce ahead of time—it keeps well in the fridge!

Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough

Now it’s time to scoop your chilled dough into balls weighing around 65 grams each using a large cookie scoop. Place them in an airtight container for chilling; aim for at least four hours in the fridge. Chilling lets them hold their shape while baking—don’t skip this step!

Step 5: Make the Crumble

While your dough chills, let’s prepare that mouthwatering crumble topping! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt some butter in a medium mixing bowl and stir in remaining streusel ingredients until crumbly. Spread this mixture onto a parchment-lined pan and bake until golden brown—around 12-14 minutes should do it!

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Increase your oven temperature slightly to 365°F (185°C) while lining some cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Mix together sugar and spices for coating then roll those chilled dough balls in this mixture before placing them on prepared sheets—give them some room! Bake for about 10-12 minutes until edges feel set but centers remain puffy.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

Once cooled slightly, carefully spoon that delectable apple pie filling into each cookie center before sprinkling on crumbles generously followed by drizzling over our homemade salted caramel sauce.

Step 8: Serve & Store

Enjoy these delightful cookies right away once assembled! If there are leftovers (though I doubt there will be!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge where they’ll stay fresh for up to five days. Just remember not to leave them at room temperature overnight thanks to that lovely fresh fruit.

Happy baking! I can’t wait for you to experience these amazing Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies—you’re going to love every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Baking these delightful cookies can be a breeze with a few helpful tips to ensure your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies turn out perfectly every time.

• Chill Your Dough: Chilling the dough is essential for easier handling and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also enhances the flavors as they meld together.

• Use Fresh Apples: For the best taste and texture, opt for fresh apples. Varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp offer the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness that complements the cookie’s flavors beautifully.

• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, so be precise when measuring your ingredients. Use a kitchen scale if possible, especially for flour, to ensure consistent results in every batch.

• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. They should look slightly underdone in the center when you take them out; they’ll continue cooking on the baking sheet as they cool to achieve that perfect chewy texture.

• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to customize your spices or add extras like chopped nuts or dried cranberries to the apple filling. This allows you to make these cookies uniquely yours!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Presenting your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies can elevate not just their appearance but also the overall dining experience. Here are some delicious ideas to consider!

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light and fluffy contrast that complements the rich flavors of the cookies.
• Cinnamon Dusting: A light sprinkle of cinnamon over the assembled cookies can enhance their visual appeal while adding an extra hint of spice.
• Chopped Nuts: A few chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top can introduce a delightful crunch and additional flavor texture.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with these warm cookies, creating a classic dessert combination that’s hard to resist.
• Spiced Chai Latte: The warm spices in a homemade spiced chai latte mirror those in the cookies, making for a cozy beverage pairing that enhances their autumnal flavors.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits offers a light contrast to the richness of the cookies, balancing out your dessert table nicely.
• Hot Apple Cider: Serve alongside hot apple cider for an extra touch of fall! The warm spices in both will create an inviting atmosphere perfect for any gathering.

Enjoy these unique serving suggestions as you share your amazing Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies with family and friends!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can enjoy the delightful flavors any time by planning ahead. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat them for maximum enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
• Keep the filling and salted caramel sauce stored separately to maintain freshness.
• Avoid leaving cookies at room temperature overnight due to the fresh fruit.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 1 month.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
• Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months, ensuring they are fully cooled before placing them in an airtight container.

Reheating

• Reheat baked cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• If you prefer, microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to overheat them.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies that might help you:

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

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are a popular choice due to their tartness, feel free to mix it up with Honeycrisp, Fuji, or any apples you enjoy. Just ensure they’re firm enough to hold their shape during cooking.

How do I make the salted caramel sauce for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

You can make it easily at home! Simply melt sugar until it turns golden brown, then add butter and cream while stirring continuously. Finish with a pinch of salt. Check out my quick recipe linked above!

How long does it take to prepare Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

The total time is roughly 60 minutes plus chilling time. However, with make-ahead options available for both the dough and filling, you can spread the preparation over several days if needed.

Can I replace heavy cream in the salted caramel sauce?

Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or non-dairy milk alternatives like almond milk; however, this may slightly alter the flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies as much as I do! They bring all the cozy flavors of fall into delightful little bites that are perfect for sharing or enjoying all on your own. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings or fillings—these cookies are truly customizable. Happy baking, and may every bite remind you of warm family gatherings and sweet memories!