Craving the comforting flavors of apple pie but in a fun, portable form? These Perfect Apple Pie Cookies are the answer! Combining the warm, spiced apple filling of a traditional pie with a buttery, flaky cookie dough, these cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in a few bites. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they are an ideal treat for fall gatherings, holiday parties, or any time you want a taste of homemade apple pie without the fuss.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Assembly:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Make the Apple Filling:
- Cook the Apples: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg (if using). Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes.
- Thicken the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the lemon juice to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the apple mixture and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the filling thickens.
Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Incorporate the Butter: Combine the chilled, diced butter with the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles a rough, crumbly texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Combine the wet ingredients with the flour mixture and stir until a dough comes together. Avoid overmixing. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Assemble the Apple Pie Cookies:
- Get the Oven Ready: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out circles from the dough using a round cookie cutter, approximately 2-3 inches in diameter. Re-roll scraps as necessary.
- Fill the Cookies: Place half of the dough circles on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon a small amount of the cooled apple filling onto the center of each circle, leaving a small border around the edges. Top each filled circle with another dough circle, pressing the edges gently to seal.
- Egg Wash and Sprinkle: Brush the tops of the cookies with the beaten egg. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Dust the tops of the cookies with this cinnamon-sugar blend.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Take the cookies out of the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve: These Perfect Apple Pie Cookies are best enjoyed warm, fresh from the oven. Enjoy them by themselves, or elevate the experience with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful indulgence.
Conclusion
These Perfect Apple Pie Cookies bring all the flavors of a traditional apple pie into a convenient, bite-sized format. With a tender, flaky crust and a warm, spiced apple filling, they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who loves apple pie. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet craving, these cookies offer the perfect blend of comfort and flavor in every bite. Enjoy the classic taste of apple pie in a whole new way with these delightful treats!