Apple Pie Cookies are little bites of all the warm, cozy flavors you love in a classic apple pie. These cookies have tender dough, sweet cinnamon-spiced apple filling, and just the right amount of crumbly crust. They’re like holding a slice of apple pie in cookie form—perfectly comforting and satisfying.
I always enjoy making these when the weather starts to get cooler because they fill the house with the smell of cinnamon and baked apples. One thing I love is using fresh apples for the filling—it gives the cookies a nice texture that feels homemade. Plus, they’re so easy to share with friends and family, and everyone always asks for the recipe!
My favorite way to enjoy Apple Pie Cookies is with a hot cup of tea or a glass of cold milk. They’re great for afternoon snacks, packed lunches, or even as a sweet little treat after dinner. These cookies really bring back memories of family gatherings and holiday baking in the kitchen, and I hope they bring you as much joy as they bring me.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Fresh apples give these cookies their sweet and tangy bite. I like using Granny Smith for a nice tart touch, but Fuji or Honeycrisp work great too. If fresh aren’t handy, canned apple pie filling can be a quick swap.
Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt levels. Make sure it’s softened to cream well with sugar for a tender cookie. You can substitute with margarine, but the flavor might be a bit different.
Cinnamon & Spices: Cinnamon is the star here, giving that warm apple pie flavor. Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra depth. Ground spices should be fresh for the best aroma.
Sugar: Granulated sugar makes the dough sweet and helps with browning. You can substitute with coconut sugar for a slight caramel note or reduce slightly to lower sweetness.
How Do You Seal Apple Pie Cookies Without the Filling Leaking?
Sealing the cookies properly is key so the apple filling stays inside when baking. Here’s how I do it:
- Flatten the dough evenly before adding filling—this helps create a good base.
- Don’t overfill; about a tablespoon of filling works best to avoid spilling.
- Place another flattened dough piece on top and gently press edges together.
- Pinch the edges firmly, and if you want, use a fork to crimp the seal for added security.
- Chill the assembled cookies briefly before baking to help the dough hold shape.
This little extra care keeps the filling nicely inside and the cookies looking neat and tasty.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheets – flat and roomy so cookies bake evenly without spreading into each other.
- Parchment paper – makes cleanup easy and stops cookies from sticking to the pan.
- Mixing bowls – one for dry ingredients and one for wet; helps keep things organized.
- Electric mixer or hand mixer – makes creaming butter and sugar quick and smooth.
- Spoon or small ice cream scoop – for evenly portioning dough and apple filling.
- Cooling rack – lets cookies cool completely without getting soggy underneath.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap diced apple for diced pear for a softer, sweeter filling twist.
- Add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to the filling for crunch and a nutty note.
- Mix in a teaspoon of ground ginger or cardamom with the cinnamon to spice things up.
- Top cookies after baking with a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra sweetness and gooeyness.
Apple Pie Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 medium apples, peeled and finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (to thicken)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Topping (Optional):
- Whipped cream or cream cheese frosting dollop
- Ground cinnamon for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake. Allow a few extra minutes for cooling before serving, making the total time around 35 minutes. Quick and worth every bite!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix the diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), flour, and lemon juice. Stir well and set aside so the flavors blend while you prepare the cookie dough.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Then add the egg and vanilla, mixing well. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mix and stir just until combined.
3. Assemble and Bake the Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the cookie dough and flatten it slightly on the baking sheet. Add about 1 tablespoon of the apple filling on top. Flatten another 2 tablespoons of dough and gently place it over the filling, pinching the edges to seal the cookie. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling, placing cookies about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cookies turn golden around the edges. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Add Toppings and Serve:
If you like, add a small dollop of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting to the top of each cooled cookie and sprinkle lightly with cinnamon.
Enjoy your cozy, delicious apple pie cookies with a glass of milk or hot tea!
Can I Use Frozen Apples for the Filling?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw frozen apples completely and drain any excess liquid before mixing them with the other filling ingredients. This helps prevent soggy cookies.
How Should I Store Leftover Apple Pie Cookies?
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. To refresh after freezing, thaw at room temperature and warm slightly in the oven if desired.
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results. You might need to adjust the flour amount slightly to get the right dough consistency.
What Can I Use Instead of Butter?
You can use margarine or a dairy-free butter substitute to make these cookies dairy-free. Be sure to use one with a similar fat content for best texture and flavor.
