Apple Pie Cookies: The Cozy Fall Dessert You Need
These apple pie cookies are the perfectly baked treat for your autumn cravings! They look just like mini pies are so delicious.
Tiny things make me SO happy. Whether it’s small versions of recipes, tiny sized decor, or animals that are bred to be minis . . . I love it. Smallness makes me squeal.
The thing is – there’s actually psychology behind cuteness. I wanted to know more so I did a little research and found this great post on why we love tiny stuff.
“The mind finds the tiny object appealing—cute and adorable—as it evokes a sense of normalcy and oddity at the same time.”
-Carla Marie Manly, PhD
How do I respond to this professionally . . . Yassssss Carla! It’s so true for me. Tiny things are odd but normal at the same time.
With fall desserts right around the corner, it was time to make a small apple recipe just for the season. SO, I’d love to introduce you to this apple pie cookies recipe!
Which, as you can see, are basically mini homemade pies. They are perfect for fall, Halloween, all the way through Thanksgiving.
The crust of these cookies is buttery and will melt into your mouth, and you’re going to love the apple filling. These are delicious!
Have fun and enjoy the process of creating these delicious baked goods! Here’s what you’re going to need for these apple pie cookies.
Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups cold butter
- 6 Tablespoons cold water
- 1 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1.6 lb golden apples peeled and in small squares
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons lime juice
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 3 1/2 Tablespoons apple juice
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Soft caramel (6 teaspoons) – try our salted caramel sauce
Topping
- 1 egg for egg wash
- 2 Tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Tools
- Pizza or dough cutter
- Ruler (makes it way easier to cut the lattice)
Notes About This Recipe
- Yes, you can substitute pre packaged pie crust for the homemade if you would like to shortcut.
- You don’t have to make lattice work tops. You can make them look like regular pies with pinched edges, or do any designs you like!
- Just like regular apple pie, these are delicious with vanilla ice cream.
Store these in an airtight container on the counter for up to three days. You can freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months.
Get the delicious recipe for these cookies below.
Apple Pie Cookies
Equipment
- 1 Silicone mat
- 1 Skillet
- 1 Circle cookie cutter 3" circle
Ingredients
Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups cold butter cut into small chunks
- 6 Tablespoons cold water
- 1 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1.6 lb golden apples peeled and cut into small squares
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 3 1/2 Tablespoons apple juice
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 6 teaspoons soft caramel
Topping
- 1 egg(s) for egg wash
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
Make the Dough
- In a bowl combine the flour, butter, and salt. Manually mix until you still have a few chunks. Little by little add in the water to moisten, and continue kneading the dough manually until it's all perfectly combined.
- Place your dough on your counter and divide into two even balls. Be sure to add some flour to your counter beforehand so it doesn't stick.
- Roll the dough out to about 1/4" or a bit thinner. Transfer it onto a silicone or any tray and place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Repeat for the other ball of dough.
Make the Apple Pie Filling
- In a large bowl combine the apples with the sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, cornstarch, flour, apple juice, and lime juice.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Once melted, add in the apple mixture and cook for about 8 – 10 minutes until the apples have softened. Once they are ready, remove from the heat and set aside.
Form the Cookies
- Once the dough is ready, cut one of the dough trays into 11-12 circles using a 3-inch cutter. Transfer to baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing each about two inches apart.
- With your other tray, cut the dough into thin lattice tops, about .2 inches thick and 4 inches long for each lattice. You will need 6 per pie.
- Once you have your circles and lattice, preheat your oven to 375 F. Begin your pies by spreading a bit of caramel onto the center of each of the circles. You'll cover about the size of a quarter in the middle.
- Add 1 1/2 Tablespoons of the apple mixture on top of the caramel. Try to keep it in the center.
- Arrange the lattice tops over each dough circle; three from top to bottom and three going across. Press the edges a little bit so they stick to the bottom dough.
- Place an egg into a bowl and beat. Brush the lattice tops with egg wash.
- Mix the sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle on top of each of the pies.
- Place in the oven and bake for 25 – 30 minutes, or until your dough looks golden brown. Remove from oven and serve warm.
Nutrition
If you enjoyed this cookie recipe, I’d love for you to let me know in the comments!
