Welcome to Cookingalso.com, where we bring you the irresistible recipe for Apple Pie Cookies. These mouthwatering treats capture the essence of fall with their cinnamon-spiced flavor, gooey center, and crispy edges. Topped with a delightful combination of cinnamon apples and salted caramel, these cookies are a must-try for any dessert lover. The best part? You only need a hand whisk and a spatula to whip up this easy and delicious recipe.
Why This Recipe Works
The Apple Pie Cookies recipe is a favorite amongst our readers for several reasons. Let’s explore why this recipe works and keep your taste buds longing for more!
- Cinnamon Cookies:
The foundation of these cookies is a cinnamon-infused dough. The aromatic spice adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile, creating a perfect balance with the sweetness of the apples and caramel. - Crispy Edges and Soft Center:
Achieving the perfect texture is essential in any cookie, and these Apple Pie Cookies deliver just that! The outer edges provide a delicate crispness, while the center remains delightfully soft and chewy. Every bite is a satisfying combination of textures. - Apples and Caramel:
In this recipe, tart and juicy red gala apples take center stage. They are peeled, cored, and thinly sliced, adding a burst of fruity freshness to each cookie. Complementing the apples is a drizzle of homemade salted caramel, providing a touch of richness and enhancing the overall flavor.
Ingredients – Apple Pie Cookies:
To create these delectable Apple Pie Cookies at home, gather the following high-quality ingredients:
- Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), melted and cooled
- Dark brown sugar: 1 cup, packed
- Apples: 2 large red gala apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- Cinnamon: 2 teaspoons, ground
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup, plus extra for coating
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
- Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- All-purpose flour: 2 and 1/2 cups
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
- Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon
- Heavy cream: 1/4 cup
- Water: 1/4 cup
- Parchment paper
Step-by-Step Instructions – Apples and Caramel:
- In a large pan, combine the thinly sliced apples, melted butter, ground cinnamon, dark brown sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the liquid reduces to a thick sugar coating. This process will take approximately 10-15 minutes. Transfer the apple filling to a bowl and allow it to cool to room temperature.
- In a small saucepan, combine granulated sugar and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves. Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking without stirring until the mixture turns a golden brown color. Carefully stir in the butter until melted, then gradually add the heavy cream while stirring continuously. Let the caramel simmer for 1 minute, then remove from heat and add a pinch of salt. Transfer the caramel to a bowl and allow it to cool to room temperature.
Step-by-Step Instructions – Apple Pie Cookies:
- Melt the butter and allow it to cool in the refrigerator.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cooled melted butter, dark brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in a tough cookie texture.
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough. Roll each portion into a ball using your hands. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them for spreading. Coat each ball generously with granulated sugar by rolling them in a shallow dish of sugar.
- Once all the dough balls are coated with sugar, cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the cookies retain their shape and prevents them from spreading excessively.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (355°F) while the dough chills. Once the cookies have chilled, remove them from the refrigerator. Arrange them on the baking sheet, allowing space for spreading.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-11 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the centers appear just set. Overbaking will result in a harder cookie, so keep a close eye on them.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately use a measuring cup or the back of a spoon to create indentations in the center of each cookie. Press gently, ensuring the edges remain intact.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cookies have cooled, fill the indentations with the previously prepared cinnamon apples. Top each cookie with a drizzle of salted caramel, ensuring each cookie is adorned with a generous amount.
Expert Baking Tips:
To ensure your Apple Pie Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these expert tips:
- Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements. Weighing ingredients can greatly impact the consistency and accuracy of your recipe.
- Avoid overmixing the batter. Overmixing can lead to gluten development, resulting in tougher cookies.
- Use light-colored baking pans for a softer cookie texture. Dark pans tend to absorb more heat, leading to a faster browning process.
Discover also our Gluten Free Cake Recipes: The Ultimate Guide
FAQ about Apple Pie Cookies:
- Can I make the cookies bigger or smaller?
Yes, you can adjust the size of the cookies to your preference. For larger cookies, use a larger cookie scoop or portion more dough for each cookie. For smaller cookies, use a smaller scoop or portionless dough. - Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. After shaping the dough into balls, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bake the cookies as needed. - Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Store the dough balls in an airtight container or freezer bag, making sure to place parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, remove the desired number of dough balls, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and bake as directed.
Storage of the Apple Pie Cookies
To maintain optimal freshness, store the Apple Pie Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They should remain delicious for up to 4-5 days.
Conclusion:
We invite you to experience the ultimate fall flavors with our irresistible Apple Pie Cookies recipe. The heavenly combination of cinnamon-infused cookies, tangy apples, and luscious salted caramel will transport you to a cozy autumn wonderland. These cookies are perfect for indulging in a warm treat on a cool day, sharing with loved ones, or showcasing at an autumn gathering. Visit Cookingalso.com for more mouthwatering dessert ideas, and don’t forget to tag us on Instagram with your creations. Happy baking!