Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the warm, comforting flavors of fall with the joy of cookies, then these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are just what you need! Imagine biting into a soft, spiced cookie filled with tender apple goodness and topped with a crunchy brown sugar crumble. Drizzled with luscious salted caramel sauce, these cookies will have you reminiscing about cozy family gatherings and crisp autumn days. They’re not just perfect for dessert; they also make a wonderful addition to any gathering or as an afternoon snack!

What makes this recipe even more special is how easy it is to whip up! Whether you’re baking for a busy weeknight or preparing a sweet surprise for friends, these cookies can fit right into your plans.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can enjoy making these delicious cookies.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves cookies, especially when they taste like apple pie! Kids and adults alike will be reaching for seconds.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough and filling in advance, making it simple to bake fresh cookies whenever you want.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spiced apples, buttery cookie dough, and salted caramel creates a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies call for simple, wholesome ingredients that you might 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 (or 1 tsp lemon juice if needed)
• 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 quite flexible! Feel free to make it your own with some fun variations.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
• Change the Fruit: Try using pears instead of apples for a different fruity twist.
• Spice It Up: Add a dash of ginger or cardamom to elevate the spice profile even more.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter using an electric mixer on medium-high speed. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the butter, giving your cookies that light texture we love. Add in both sugars and beat until they’re well combined—about one minute should do it! Then mix in vanilla and eggs until just combined. Finally, add your dry ingredients last. Mixing them in last helps avoid over-mixing, which can toughen your cookies. Chill this dough for about 30 minutes; this makes it easier to handle later!

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

While your cookie dough chills, let’s prepare that delicious apple filling! Start by rinsing and peeling your apples before dicing them into bite-sized chunks. Combine all apple filling ingredients in a medium pan over medium-high heat. Cook for about 15-18 minutes while stirring occasionally until they reach your desired tenderness. This step brings out all those lovely flavors! Once ready, transfer everything to a bowl to cool.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Now it’s time for something truly decadent! Follow my easy recipe for salted caramel sauce—it takes about ten minutes. Let it cool down at room temperature until thickened; this step is important so that it doesn’t run off your cookies later on. If you make extra (which I highly recommend), store it in a jar in the fridge!

Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough

Once your dough has chilled enough to handle easily, scoop out portions weighing about 65 grams each using a large cookie scoop. Place them in an airtight container in the fridge again—this time for at least four hours or up to two days if planned ahead! Chilling helps develop flavor and ensures they keep their shape while baking.

Step 5: Make the Crumble

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you whip up that crumble topping! Melt some butter in a medium mixing bowl and stir in remaining streusel ingredients until crumbly. Spread this mixture on a parchment-lined pan and bake until golden brown—about 12-14 minutes works well here. Let it cool before breaking it into smaller pieces; this adds great texture!

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Now comes the exciting part—baking those beautiful cookies! Preheat your oven again, this time to 365°F (185°C). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Roll each chilled dough ball in cinnamon-sugar mixture before placing them on prepared sheets—don’t forget space between them as they will spread! Bake for about 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers look slightly underdone—they’ll firm up as they cool.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

Once cooled slightly on racks, use a spoon to fill each cookie center with that delightful apple filling we made earlier. Sprinkle generously with crumble topping before drizzling over that rich salted caramel sauce.

Step 8: Serve & Store

Enjoy these heavenly treats immediately after assembling—they’re best fresh! If you need to store leftovers (if there are any!), place them in an airtight container in the fridge where they’ll stay good for about four or five days.

And there you have it—your very own batch of Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies! Perfectly sweet with just enough spice; these are sure to become a favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Making these delightful cookies can be a breeze with just a few helpful tips! Here are some suggestions to ensure your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies turn out perfectly every time.

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill not only makes it easier to handle but also helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking, resulting in a perfectly puffy and chewy texture.

• Use Fresh Apples: For the best flavor, opt for fresh apples rather than pre-packaged ones. Varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp will add a wonderful sweetness and tartness that complements the spices beautifully.

• Don’t Skip the Salted Caramel: The salted caramel sauce is what elevates these cookies from delicious to extraordinary. Make sure to drizzle it generously on top for that perfect sweet-salty balance!

• Watch Baking Time Closely: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Pull them out when the edges look set but the centers are still slightly underdone; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels to suit your taste. Adding a pinch more cinnamon or nutmeg can give your cookies a personalized touch that makes them uniquely yours!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are not just tasty; they’re visually appealing too! Present them in a charming way to impress family and friends during gatherings or cozy nights in.

Garnishes

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a creamy texture that complements the sweet and spiced flavors of the cookies.
• Cinnamon Dusting: A light sprinkle of cinnamon on top enhances the autumnal feel and provides an extra pop of flavor.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped pecans or walnuts over the caramel drizzle for added crunch and nuttiness.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream served alongside these cookies creates an indulgent dessert experience that’s hard to resist.
• Caramel Sauce Dipping Bowl: Serve some extra salted caramel sauce in a small bowl for dipping—this lets everyone enjoy even more of that delicious flavor!
• Apple Cider: Warm apple cider makes for a cozy drink pairing, enhancing the fall vibe and complementing the apple flavors in the cookies.
• Cheese Plate: Pair these cookies with slices of sharp cheddar cheese for an unexpected savory contrast that balances out their sweetness beautifully.

Enjoy creating your own version of Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies, and don’t forget to share them with loved ones! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are not only delightful but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make components ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy freshly baked cookies whenever the craving strikes.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
• Avoid leaving them at room temperature overnight due to the fresh fruit filling.

Freezing

• Freeze cookie dough balls for up to 1 month.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
• You can also freeze assembled cookies, but it’s best to store the caramel sauce separately to maintain texture.

Reheating

• For warm cookies, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
• Drizzle with additional salted caramel sauce after reheating for extra gooeyness!

FAQs

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

Can I make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies without apple cider?

Absolutely! If you don’t have apple cider, simply substitute with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. This will still give you that lovely tang without altering the flavor too much.

How do I keep my Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies from getting soggy?

To prevent sogginess, make sure to store your cookies in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated. Enjoy them soon after assembling with the apple filling and salted caramel sauce.

What can I use instead of heavy cream for the caramel sauce?

If you’re looking for a non-dairy option, coconut cream works wonderfully as a substitute for heavy cream in the salted caramel sauce!

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

Your cookies should look set around the edges and slightly puffy in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies! With their delightful combination of flavors and textures, they’re sure to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your kitchen. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or simply indulging in a sweet treat after dinner, these cookies are bound to be a hit. Happy baking!