Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place! These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are not just cookies; they are a warm hug in dessert form. Imagine biting into a soft cookie, only to discover a luscious apple pie filling inside, topped with a crumbly brown sugar topping and drizzled with rich salted caramel. They’re perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, and they’ll make your kitchen smell like autumn!

This recipe has quickly become a favorite in my household. Not only do these cookies taste amazing, but they’re also fun to make together with loved ones. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion, Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are sure to bring joy to any table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, these cookies are beginner-friendly!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves cookies, especially when they taste like apple pie!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough and fillings in advance, making them perfect for busy days.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of apples, spices, and salted caramel creates an irresistible flavor profile.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 14 cookies in one batch, there’s plenty to share with friends and family!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies use simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need!

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 (you can substitute with 1 tsp of lemon juice if necessary)
• 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 variations you might enjoy:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans to give your cookies an extra crunch.
• Use different fruits: Feel free to swap out apples for pears or even peaches during their season.
• Go gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for delicious gluten-free cookies.
• Change the spices: Experiment with other spices like ginger or cardamom for a unique flavor twist.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

Start by creaming together the softened butter using an electric mixer. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, giving your cookies that lovely softness. Once you’ve mixed in the sugars until smooth, add vanilla and eggs until just combined. Finally, mix in your dry ingredients until a dough forms. Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes makes it easier to scoop later!

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

While your dough chills, let’s prepare that scrumptious apple filling! After rinsing and peeling your apples, chop them into bite-sized pieces. Cook them gently with butter and spices over medium-high heat until tender. This step allows those flavors to meld beautifully! Once cooked to your liking, set aside this fragrant mixture to cool.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Now onto everyone’s favorite part—the salted caramel sauce! Follow my easy recipe (linked above) to whip up this sweet goodness in just about ten minutes. Let it cool until thickened; this will make it easier to drizzle later.

Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough

Scoop out your dough into balls about 65 grams each—this ensures even baking! Chill these balls either in the fridge or freezer before baking so they hold their shape while cooking.

Step 5: Make the Crumble

Preheat your oven for this next step! Melt some butter then mix it with flour and sugars until crumbly. Spread it on a parchment-lined pan and bake until golden brown—your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper and roll those chilled dough balls in a mixture of sugar and spices before placing them on the sheets. Bake until just set—remember that they will continue cooking as they cool.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

Once cooled slightly, use a spoon to fill each cookie with that delicious apple mixture. Top generously with crumble before drizzling over warm salted caramel sauce.

Step 8: Serve & Store

Enjoy these delightful treats immediately after assembly! If you have leftovers (which I doubt!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.

Happy baking! I can’t wait for you to experience how wonderful these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are—perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Baking should be fun and rewarding, so here are some handy tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allowing your butter and eggs to come to room temperature helps create a smoother dough, resulting in cookies that are tender and chewy.

• Chill the dough: Chilling the dough is key for achieving a thicker cookie that doesn’t spread too much while baking. This step also enhances the flavors, making each bite more delicious.

• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be slightly underdone in the center when you remove them from the oven; they will continue to cook on the baking sheet.

• Experiment with apple varieties: Different apples bring different flavors! Mixing tart Granny Smith with sweet Fuji or Honeycrisp can add depth to the apple filling.

• Drizzle generously with salted caramel: The salted caramel is a star player in this recipe—don’t skimp on it! A generous drizzle adds not just flavor but also an appealing visual element.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

These delightful cookies can shine in many ways when served. Here are some ideas to make them even more special!

Garnishes

• Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: A light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top adds a lovely touch of sweetness and warmth.
• Chopped Nuts: Consider adding crushed pecans or walnuts for an added crunch and nutty flavor that complements the apple filling beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream next to these warm cookies creates a delightful contrast in temperature, making for a comforting dessert.
• Caramel Sauce: Serve extra salted caramel sauce on the side for those who want to indulge even more. It’s perfect for dipping!
• Spiced Tea or Cider: A warm drink like spiced tea or apple cider pairs wonderfully with these cookies, enhancing their fall flavors.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can balance out the richness of the cookies. Use seasonal fruits like pears and berries for a colorful presentation!

Enjoy serving these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies at gatherings or cozy nights in; they’re bound to bring smiles all around!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the dough, filling, and crumble ahead of time, making it easy to whip up a batch whenever you crave something sweet.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover cookies in an airtight container.
• Store them in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
• For best texture, avoid leaving them at room temperature overnight due to the fresh apple filling.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer frozen cookies to an airtight freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave them for about 15-20 seconds if you’re in a hurry!

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might pop into your mind while making these delicious cookies!

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought caramel sauce can save you effort. Just be sure to add a pinch of flaky sea salt on top for that salted caramel twist!

What’s the best way to enjoy Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

These cookies are best enjoyed warm with the apple filling fresh and gooey. Try them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat!

How long do Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies stay fresh?

When stored properly in the fridge, these cookies will stay fresh for about 4-5 days. Remember that the fresher they are, the more delightful they’ll taste!

Can I make the dough ahead of time for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

Yes! You can prepare and scoop the cookie dough balls ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer. Just thaw before baking when you’re ready!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies as much as I do! They capture all the comforting flavors of fall in each delightful bite. Whether you’re sharing them with family or enjoying them all on your own (no judgment here!), these cookies are sure to warm your heart. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with sweet aromas and joyful moments!