Introduction
Apple Pie Cookies are a classic dessert or snack, perfect for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or cozy occasions. These bite-sized treats, featuring a buttery, flaky crust filled with a spiced apple filling, deliver the comforting flavors of apple pie in a portable, cookie-sized package. Presented on a white ceramic platter, optionally garnished with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel, this Apple Pie Cookies recipe offers a warm, appetizing aesthetic that elevates any table. This recipe provides a traditional version, adaptable for dietary preferences, ideal for home cooks seeking a charming, crowd-pleasing dessert that brings homestyle, autumnal flair to any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup ice-cold water
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 cups peeled, finely diced apples (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, about 2 medium apples)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Assembly and Finishing:
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
- Optional: Powdered sugar, caramel sauce
Serving:
- Suggested Accompaniments: Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream
- Suggested Pairings: Hot tea, spiced cider
- Suggested Aesthetic: Serve on a white ceramic platter
- Suggested Equipment: Food processor or pastry cutter, rolling pin, 2.5-inch round cookie cutter, small saucepan, baking sheets, parchment paper, peeler, knife, cutting board, measuring cups/spoons
Step-by-Step Process
- Make the Crust: In a food processor or large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add cold butter and pulse (or cut in with a pastry cutter) until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice-cold water, 1 tbsp at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Divide into two discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Prepare Apple Filling: In a small saucepan, combine diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are soft and the mixture thickens. Taste a small bit of filling and adjust with a pinch of sugar or cinnamon for balanced flavor. Let cool completely.
- Roll Out Dough: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll out one dough disc to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out 24 rounds using a 2.5-inch cookie cutter. Repeat with the second disc for 24 more rounds (48 total).
- Assemble Cookies: Place 24 rounds on parchment-lined baking sheets. Spoon 1 tsp apple filling onto the center of each round. Brush edges with egg wash. Top with remaining rounds, pressing edges to seal. Crimp edges with a fork. Cut small slits on top for steam. Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 18–22 minutes, until golden brown. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Arrange Apple Pie Cookies on a white ceramic platter. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel sauce. Serve with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, hot tea, or spiced cider.
Tips for Better Apple Pie Cookies
- Use cold butter and water for a flaky crust; avoid overworking the dough.
- Taste the apple filling before assembling to balance sweet, tart, and spiced flavors; adjust cautiously.
- Dice apples finely (1/8-inch pieces) for even filling distribution.
- Chill the dough thoroughly to make rolling and cutting easier.
- Present on a white ceramic platter to highlight the golden crust and garnishes.
- Make ahead: Prepare dough and filling up to 1 day in advance; store separately in the fridge, assemble, and bake fresh.
- For a shinier finish, brush with additional egg wash halfway through baking.
- Enhance aesthetic: Garnish with powdered sugar or caramel drizzle on a white ceramic platter for a warm, festive look.
Variations and Customization
- Gluten-Free Apple Pie Cookies: Replace flour with a gluten-free flour blend; ensure cornstarch is gluten-free.
- Vegan Apple Pie Cookies: Use vegan butter, replace egg wash with 1 tbsp plant-based milk mixed with 1 tsp maple syrup, and use vegan-friendly sugar.
- Low-Sugar Apple Pie Cookies: Reduce brown sugar to 2 tbsp and use unsweetened apples; omit topping sugar.
- Spiced Apple Pie Cookies: Add 1/4 tsp ground ginger or cloves to the filling for extra warmth.
- Apple Pecan Pie Cookies: Mix 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans into the filling for added crunch.
- Caramel Apple Pie Cookies: Add 2 tbsp caramel sauce to the filling for a richer flavor.
- Mini Apple Pie Cookies: Use a 2-inch cutter for smaller cookies; reduce baking time to 15–18 minutes.
- Mixed Fruit Pie Cookies: Replace 1 cup of apples with pears or dried cranberries for a varied filling.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freeze baked cookies (ungarnished) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature and garnish before serving.
- Serve at room temperature or slightly warm for the best flavor and texture.
- Use as a dessert or snack for festive or casual occasions.
- Pair with hot tea or spiced cider to complement the spiced, apple flavors.
- Present on a white ceramic platter with garnishes for an appetizing, homestyle charm.
Nutritional Information
Based on 12 servings (2 cookies each):
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 3g
- Vitamin A: 8% Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 4% Daily Value
- Calcium: 4% Daily Value
- Iron: 6% Daily Value
Note: Values vary by ingredient brands and substitutions (low-sugar options reduce sugars to ~8g). Moderate in sugars; enjoy with tea or fruit for balance.
Conclusion
This Apple Pie Cookies recipe delivers a bite-sized, spiced dessert, perfect for any occasion, transforming classic apple pie into a portable treat. Its straightforward preparation and charming presentation make it a favorite. The flaky crust and spiced apple filling delight with every bite. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its crowd-pleasing appeal.
Apple Pie Cookies Recipe: Bite-Sized and Spiced
Classic Apple Pie Cookies with spiced, flaky flavor.
Ingredients
- Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter cold, cubed
- ¼ cup ice-cold water
- Apple Filling:
- 2 cups peeled finely diced apples
- ¼ cup brown sugar packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- Assembly and Finishing:
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- Optional: Powdered sugar caramel sauce
- Suggested Pairings: Hot tea vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Pulse flour, sugar, salt, butter; add water to form dough; chill 30 min.
- Cook apples, sugar, spices, lemon juice, cornstarch, water 5–7 min; taste and adjust; cool.
- Roll dough to 1/8-inch; cut 48 rounds.
- Spoon filling on 24 rounds; top with remaining rounds, seal, crimp; add slits, egg wash, sugar.
- Bake at 375°F 18–22 min.
- Serve on a white ceramic platter with powdered sugar, caramel, tea, and ice cream.
Notes
- Use tart apples for balance.
- Store at room temp for 3 days, fridge for 5 days, or freeze for 2 months.
- Try gluten-free or caramel variation.
- Pair with cider.
