Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that captures the essence of fall, you’ve stumbled upon the right recipe! These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavors of apple pie with the convenience of cookies. Imagine biting into a warm cookie filled with tender apples, sweet spices, and a drizzle of rich salted caramel. It’s like having mini apple pies at your fingertips!

These cookies are perfect for family gatherings, cozy nights in, or even as a special after-school snack. Everyone will love them, and they’re so much fun to make together! Let’s dive into why this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Delicious: The combination of spiced apple filling and salted caramel creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and wholesome ingredients, this recipe is approachable for bakers of all skill levels.
• Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are great for parties or potlucks, making it easy to share joy with friends and family.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough and filling in advance, making busy days easier without sacrificing dessert!
• Fall Comfort Food: They embody all the warm flavors of fall, making every bite feel like a hug.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to create these delicious cookies. You might already have many of these in your pantry!

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 as an alternative)
• 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 can try:

• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch to your cookies.
• Change the fruit: Feel free to mix in other fruits like pears or berries for different flavor profiles.
• Spice it up: Experiment with additional spices like ginger or cardamom for extra warmth.
• Try different toppings: Instead of crumble, you could use crushed graham crackers or even chocolate chips!

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, cream together your softened butter with an electric mixer on medium-high speed. Once it’s fluffy, add in both sugars until they’re well combined. This step is important because it helps create that lovely texture we want in our cookies! Add vanilla and eggs next, mixing until just combined. Finally, incorporate your dry ingredients until a dough forms. Chill this mixture for about 30 minutes; it makes rolling into balls so much easier later on.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

While your dough chills, rinse and peel those beautiful apples. Dice them into bite-sized chunks so they fit perfectly inside our cookies. In a medium pan over medium-high heat, combine your apple filling ingredients. Cook this mixture while stirring lazily for about 15-18 minutes until everything is tender and aromatic. It’s heavenly! Let this cool in a bowl—this can even be done ahead of time.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Now it’s time for some decadent salted caramel sauce! Use my quick recipe (linked in blue) to whip up this treat in just 10 minutes. Let it cool at room temperature until thickened; this will take about 20 minutes. And guess what? You can make this ahead too—it stores well in the fridge!

Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough

Scoop out dough balls weighing about 65 grams each using a large cookie scoop. Place them in an airtight container to chill—this helps them hold their shape while baking! You can chill them for several hours or even overnight if you’d like.

Step 5: Make the Crumble

While waiting on that dough to chill, let’s get started on our crumble topping! Preheat your oven to 350°F. Melt some butter in a bowl; then stir in the remaining ingredients until crumbly. Spread these crumbs onto a parchment-lined pan and bake them for about 12-14 minutes until golden brown.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

When you’re ready to bake your cookies, increase your oven temperature slightly to 365°F. Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Mix together sugar and spices for coating; roll each chilled dough ball in this mixture before placing them on sheets with enough space between each one (they spread!). Bake them until edges set but centers remain puffy.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

Once cooled slightly, create little indents in each cookie center using the back of a tablespoon. Spoon that luscious apple filling into each one before sprinkling on crumble topping generously—don’t forget that beautiful drizzle of salted caramel sauce!

Step 8: Serve & Store

Enjoy these treats immediately once assembled—they’re simply irresistible warm! 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 these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies—they truly bring joy with every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

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

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough not only helps it firm up for easier handling but also enhances the flavors as they meld together, leading to a more delicious cookie.

• Use a Cookie Scoop: Using a cookie scoop ensures uniformity in size, which leads to even baking. Plus, it’s a quick way to get those perfect rounds!

• Bake in Batches: Baking cookies in smaller batches allows for better heat circulation in the oven. This ensures that every cookie bakes evenly and has that perfect crisp edge.

• Don’t Skip the Indent: Pressing an indent into the center of each cookie before cooling creates a lovely well for your apple filling. It also helps them bake evenly by allowing heat to circulate.

• Experiment with Apples: Different apple varieties can give your cookies unique flavors. Try mixing sweet and tart apples for an exciting taste experience!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

These cookies are not just treats; they’re an experience! Present them beautifully for your family or guests, making every bite feel special.

Garnishes

• Drizzle of Salted Caramel Sauce: A light drizzle over the top adds an extra layer of sweetness and enhances the presentation.
• Dusting of Powdered Sugar: A sprinkle of powdered sugar can make these cookies look like they came straight from a bakery!
• Fresh Mint Leaves: Adding a fresh mint leaf on top provides a pop of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors of the cookies.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with warm cookies and balances their sweetness.
• Spiced Chai Tea: A warm cup of spiced chai tea offers comforting spices that match perfectly with the cinnamon and nutmeg in the cookies.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can cut through the richness of the cookies and add a refreshing contrast.
• Pumpkin Spice Latte: For those chilly fall days, serving these cookies alongside a pumpkin spice latte elevates your dessert experience to cozy perfection!

Now you have everything you need to create, serve, and enjoy these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies! They’re sure to be a hit at any gathering or simply as a delightful treat for yourself. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the dough, filling, and even the caramel sauce ahead of time, simplifying your baking process when you’re ready to enjoy these delightful treats.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
• For optimal freshness, place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• You can freeze the cookie dough balls for up to 1 month. Just scoop them into balls and place them in a freezer-safe container.
• The assembled cookies can also be frozen! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy your cookies warm, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• If reheating from frozen, thaw at room temperature before placing them in the oven.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies.

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

Absolutely! Any type of apple that holds its shape well when baked works great. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples are excellent choices for that perfect balance of sweet and tart flavor.

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

You can easily make salted caramel using sugar, butter, and cream. Cooking sugar until it melts and turns amber before adding butter and cream creates a luscious sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over your cookies.

Can I prepare Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to bake!

What makes these cookies special compared to regular apple pie?

These cookies embody all the delicious flavors of apple pie but in a convenient cookie form! With a tender apple filling topped with crumble and salted caramel, they bring comfort food vibes in every bite.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to whip up a batch of these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies! They embody everything we love about fall—warm spices, sweet apples, and that irresistible drizzle of caramel. Enjoy every moment spent making (and eating!) these delightful treats. Happy baking!