Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that captures the essence of fall, then you’ve landed on the perfect recipe! These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are not just cookies; they’re little pockets of joy, bursting with warm apple filling, spices, and a drizzle of salted caramel. Every bite takes me back to cozy gatherings where the scent of freshly baked goods fills the air. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive family gathering, these cookies are sure to be a hit!

I love how these cookies combine the classic flavors of apple pie in a fun and easy-to-eat format. They’re perfect for sharing but trust me, you might want to keep a few for yourself!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spiced apples and salted caramel creates an irresistible taste that everyone will adore.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these cookies; they make dessert time feel special!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: With some steps prepared in advance, these cookies can fit into your busy schedule.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday celebration or an afternoon snack, these cookies are versatile enough for any moment.
• Fun to Assemble: Filling and topping each cookie is a delightful activity that can bring everyone together.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies is easy! You’ll find that they consist of simple, wholesome items that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll 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 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 adaptable! Feel free to get creative with your own twists. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Swap the Apples: Use your favorite variety of apples or even try pears for a different flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to cater to dietary needs.
• Flavor Boost: Add a splash of maple syrup to the cookie dough for added sweetness.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

Start by creaming the softened butter in a large bowl using an electric mixer on medium-high speed. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the butter, giving your cookies that lovely light texture. Once creamy, add in both sugars. Mix until everything is well combined—about one minute should do! Then add in the vanilla extract and eggs, mixing until just combined. Finally, toss in your dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Chill this dough for about 30 minutes; it makes rolling into balls much easier!

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

Time for the stars of our cookies—apples! Rinse them off, peel, and dice them into bite-sized chunks. In a medium pan over medium-high heat, cook those apple pieces along with cubed butter, cider (or lemon juice), brown sugar, and spices. Stir occasionally for about 15-18 minutes until they reach your desired tenderness. Once done, let this mixture cool down—it can be stored in advance too if needed!

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Creating homemade salted caramel sauce is easier than you think! Follow my quick recipe linked above or simply melt sugar over medium-low heat until golden brown. Add in cubed butter and heavy cream while stirring constantly. Once everything is combined smoothly, sprinkle in that pinch of flaky sea salt. Let it cool at room temperature until thickened.

Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough

Now comes the fun part—scooping! Use a large cookie scoop to portion out the dough into balls weighing about 65 grams each. Place them in an airtight container and chill either in your fridge for at least four hours or freeze them if you’re planning ahead.

Step 5: Make the Crumble

While waiting on your dough to chill, let’s prepare that crunchy crumble topping! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt some butter in a mixing bowl then stir in all remaining streusel ingredients until crumbly. Spread this mixture onto a parchment-lined pan and bake it until golden brown—about 12-14 minutes should do!

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Once you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 365°F (185°C). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Roll each chilled dough ball in cinnamon sugar before placing them on your baking sheets—make sure they’re spaced out! Bake them for about 10-12 minutes until edges look set but centers remain puffy.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

After cooling slightly on sheets, press an indent into each cookie before spooning that delicious apple filling right inside! Top with crumble pieces then drizzle generously with salted caramel sauce.

Step 8: Serve & Store

These delightful treats are best enjoyed immediately after assembling but can be stored in an airtight container in your fridge for up to five days—if they last that long!

Happy baking! I hope you enjoy making and sharing these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies as much as I do!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Baking these delightful cookies is a joy, and with a few handy tips, you can elevate them even further!

• Chill the Dough Well: Allowing the dough to chill properly helps maintain its shape while baking. This prevents your cookies from spreading too much and ensures they come out perfectly puffy and chewy.

• Use Fresh Apples: Opt for crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the filling. Fresh apples not only provide great flavor but also retain their texture during baking, giving that authentic apple pie experience.

• Customize Your Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preferences! If you love cinnamon, add a touch more, or experiment with other spices like ginger for an extra kick.

• Don’t Skip the Salted Caramel: The salted caramel drizzle is what takes these cookies over the top! It adds a rich sweetness that balances beautifully with the spiced apple filling—truly irresistible!

• Store Properly: To keep your cookies fresh longer, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This will prevent them from getting soggy due to the apple filling.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

These cookies are not just a treat; they also make a lovely presentation for gatherings or cozy family nights. Here are some ideas on how to serve them!

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with the warm flavors of the cookies.
• Crushed Nuts: Sprinkle some crushed pecans or walnuts on top before serving for added crunch and flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the warm cookies perfectly, creating a classic dessert combination.
• Spiced Hot Cider: Serve alongside warm spiced cider to enhance the autumnal feel of your dessert table.
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes makes for a delightful contrast against the sugary cookies, rounding out your meal.
• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the cookies, making for a well-rounded dining experience.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies will surely impress family and friends alike! Enjoy every bite of this delicious fall treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are a fantastic option for meal prep! You can easily make them in advance and enjoy the delightful flavors throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
• For best freshness, keep the salted caramel sauce separate until you’re ready to serve.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag for up to 1 month.
• Baked cookies can also be frozen. Place them in an airtight container with layers of parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking. They can be stored for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen cookie dough, simply bake from frozen for an additional 2-3 minutes.
• For baked cookies, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have while making these delicious cookies!

Can I use a different type of apple for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness, feel free to experiment with Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples for a sweeter flavor profile.

How do I make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies without heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or any plant-based cream alternative. This will still give you that rich texture without using heavy cream.

Can I make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies vegan?

Yes! Substitute the butter with vegan butter and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) instead of regular eggs.

What is the best way to store Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps maintain their moisture and flavor!

Final Thoughts

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a warm hug on a chilly day! With their delightful mix of flavors and textures, they’re sure to become a favorite in your home. I hope you enjoy making these as much as I do; there’s something truly special about sharing homemade goodies with loved ones. Happy baking!