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 that’s bursting with tender apple filling, all topped with a crunchy brown sugar crumble and a drizzle of rich salted caramel. These little gems are perfect for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to busy weeknights when you need a sweet pick-me-up. They make your home smell like an autumn wonderland!

I adore this recipe not just for its deliciousness, but also for its nostalgic vibes. It reminds me of baking with family during the holidays, sharing stories while waiting for cookies to cool on the counter. I hope these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies bring you the same joy and warmth!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: These cookies come together quickly and don’t require any fancy equipment—just a mixer and some mixing bowls!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love these cookies; they taste just like apple pie in a fun, bite-sized form.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the cookie dough and apple filling ahead of time, making this an ideal recipe for busy days.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of warm spices, sweet apples, and salted caramel creates a truly irresistible flavor that will have everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make these delightful cookies! You probably have many of them already in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cookies

• 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! Here are some fun twists to consider:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
• Change the Fruit: Try using pears instead of apples for a different flavor profile.
• Spice it Up: Experiment with adding ginger or cardamom along with the traditional spices for a unique twist.
• Make it Vegan: Substitute butter with plant-based alternatives and use flax eggs to make it vegan-friendly.

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 smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial because it aerates the butter, helping your cookies to be light and chewy! Once creamed, add both sugars and mix until well combined. Then, incorporate eggs and vanilla before gradually mixing in your dry ingredients. Chill this dough for about 30 minutes; this makes rolling it into balls much easier later on.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

Rinse your apples well, then peel and dice them into bite-sized chunks. In a medium pan over medium-high heat, combine all of your apple filling ingredients. Cooking them slowly brings out their natural sweetness while making them tender. Stir occasionally as they bubble away—this should take about 15 to 18 minutes. Once they reach your desired tenderness, let them cool in a bowl.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Prepare your salted caramel sauce using my easy method—trust me; it’s simple! Allow it to cool at room temperature until thickened; this usually takes about 20 minutes. You can store any leftovers in a jar in the fridge if you happen to have any!

Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough

Use a large cookie scoop to portion out dough balls weighing around 65 grams each. Place them in an airtight container and chill them in either the fridge or freezer; chilling ensures they maintain their shape while baking.

Step 5: Make the Crumble

Preheat your oven to 350° F. In a medium mixing bowl, melt some butter then stir in your remaining crumble ingredients until you achieve a crumbly texture. Spread this mixture onto a parchment-lined pan and bake until golden brown—about 12–14 minutes. Let it cool before breaking it into smaller pieces.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Raise your oven temperature slightly to 365° F! Line several baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Mix up some sugar with cinnamon for coating your cookie balls before rolling them in it. Place about six cookies per sheet so they have space to spread out while baking; pop them into your preheated oven for about 10–12 minutes until they’re set around the edges.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

Once cooled slightly, create an indent in each cookie’s center using the back of a tablespoon—this is where all that delicious apple filling will go! Spoon in your cooled apple filling generously.

Step 8: Serve & Store

Finally, sprinkle on that lovely crumble topping we made earlier then drizzle over some luscious salted caramel sauce! Enjoy these little bites of joy right away or store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days—though I doubt they’ll last that long!

Now you’re ready to make delicious memories with these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Making these delightful cookies can be a breeze with a few handy tips to ensure they turn out perfect every time!

• Chill the Dough Properly: Chilling the dough not only makes it easier to handle but also enhances the flavor and texture of the cookies. This resting period allows the ingredients to meld beautifully, resulting in a richer taste.

• Use Fresh Apples: Fresh apples add natural sweetness and moisture to your cookies. Opt for crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for that perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.

• Don’t Skip the Salted Caramel: The salted caramel sauce is what elevates these cookies from ordinary to extraordinary! It adds a rich, buttery flavor that perfectly complements the apple filling.

• Bake in Batches: If you’re making a big batch, consider baking them in smaller batches. This ensures even baking and prevents overcrowding in your oven, which can lead to unevenly baked cookies.

• Store Correctly: To keep your cookies fresh longer, store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. This helps maintain their texture and prevents them from becoming too soft.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are not just delicious—they’re also visually appealing! Here are some fun ways to present them for any occasion.

Garnishes

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream on top adds a touch of elegance and creamy goodness.
• Cinnamon Sprinkle: Dusting a bit of extra cinnamon on top right before serving gives a warm aroma and enhances the cozy flavors.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and nutty flavor that pairs well with the apples.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream provides a lovely contrast to the warm cookies, making each bite even more delightful.
• Caramel Sauce Dip: Serve extra salted caramel sauce on the side for those who want an added drizzle over their cookie—because you can never have too much caramel!
• Apple Slices with Cinnamon Sugar: Fresh apple slices dusted with cinnamon sugar make for a refreshing and complementary side that ties back into the main cookie flavors.
• Hot Cocoa or Spiced Cider: A warm drink like hot cocoa or spiced apple cider creates a cozy atmosphere, perfect for enjoying your cookies during fall gatherings.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress family and friends with your amazing Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

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

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
• To keep them fresh, layer parchment paper between the cookies to prevent sticking.
• Avoid leaving them at room temperature overnight due to the fresh apple filling.

Freezing

• To freeze, place unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month.
• For baked cookies, let them cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container. These can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat cookies in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• If you’re short on time, you can microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds but be careful not to overheat them, as they may become tough.

FAQs

Have questions about making these delicious cookies? Here are some common ones.

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

Absolutely! It’s great to mix and match apples based on your preference. Sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji work well, while tart apples like Granny Smith add a nice contrast.

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

You can follow my easy salted caramel sauce recipe that takes only about 10 minutes! Just be sure to let it cool before drizzling it over your cookies.

Can I prepare the apple filling ahead of time?

Yes! The apple filling can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge. This makes assembly quick and easy!

How should I store leftover Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Layer with parchment paper if stacking them!

Can I freeze Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

Yes! Both unbaked dough balls and fully baked cookies freeze well. Just remember to separate layers with parchment paper if stacking!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies! Their delightful combination of flavors and textures makes them a special treat perfect for any occasion. Enjoy baking—and more importantly—enjoy sharing these little bites of happiness with family and friends. Happy baking!