If you love the warm, cozy flavors of a classic dessert but want something fun and bite-sized, the Apple Pie Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These delightful cookies capture all the comforting spices and tender apple filling of your favorite apple pie, wrapped in a tender, buttery dough that melts in your mouth. Imagine the nostalgic aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg filling your kitchen as you bake, followed by the satisfying joy of biting into a soft cookie bursting with luscious apple goodness. Whether for an afternoon treat or a festive gathering, this Apple Pie Cookies Recipe brings pie vibes to cookie form with easy steps and irresistible flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of several small white bowls and a stick of butter on white parchment paper, all arranged on a white marbled surface. The bowls contain various ingredients: one has white cubed pieces, another holds a light brown powder, a third has white powder, a fourth has coarse white granules, an empty bowl, and two bowls contain light and dark brown sugars. A halved lemon is placed near the bottom left, and a single white egg is near the top right. There is also a small glass bowl with a translucent amber liquid near the center. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the key to making the perfect Apple Pie Cookies Recipe. Each ingredient plays its role, from the fresh apple that brings juicy sweetness to the warming spices that make every bite feel like a fall hug. The cold butter creates a tender dough texture, while the combination of sugars balances sweetness and caramel notes.

1 medium apple (peeled and finely diced): The star ingredient, providing fresh, natural sweetness and a slightly crisp texture.
1 tsp lemon juice: Adds brightness and prevents the apples from browning during preparation.
¼ cup water: Helps the filling ingredients blend and thicken beautifully.
¼ cup light brown sugar: Brings a mild molasses flavor that deepens the apple filling.
1 tsp cornstarch (or tapioca flour): A thickening agent to ensure the filling isn’t runny.
½ tsp cinnamon: Infuses classic apple pie spice and warmth.
Pinch nutmeg: Adds subtle earthiness to the spice blend for complexity.
Pinch ground cloves: A little goes a long way in adding aromatic depth.
½ cup cold butter (cut into cubes): Crucial for creating a tender, flaky cookie dough.
¼ cup granulated sugar: Balances moisture and helps create delicate crisp edges.
½ cup light brown sugar (tightly packed): Keeps cookies soft and adds richness.
1 egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture for soft texture.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor with sweet, fragrant notes.
1 ¾ cup flour (all purpose or gluten free 1 to 1 flour): Forms the sturdy but tender base of the cookie dough.
1 tsp cornstarch (or tapioca flour): Helps keep cookies tender and light.
½ tsp baking soda: Leavens the cookies for gentle rise and softness.
½ tsp cinnamon: Woven throughout the dough to echo the pie spice warmth.
Pinch nutmeg: Further layers the warm spice profile.
Pinch ground cloves: Gives a fragrant, autumnal lift to the dough.
Pinch sea salt (optional): Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.

How to Make Apple Pie Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a baking pan with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the pan easily without sticking or breaking apart.

Step 2: Make the Apple Pie Filling

Place the finely diced apple in a bowl and drizzle with lemon juice to keep the apples fresh and vibrant. Then, transfer them to a skillet along with water, light brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Cook this mixture gently over low medium heat for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently until it becomes bubbly, thick, and overflowing with cozy pie filling aroma. Once thickened, remove from the heat and let it cool slightly while you prepare the dough.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cookie Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the cold butter cubes, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar on high speed for a couple of minutes until the mixture is smooth without any visible butter lumps. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is beautifully combined for a silky texture. Gradually add the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and sea salt into the wet ingredients, stirring just until a thick dough forms — no overmixing to keep your cookies tender and soft.

Step 4: Shape and Fill Your Cookies

Use an ice cream scooper or large cookie scoop to portion the dough into balls, spacing them at least three inches apart on the lined baking pan. Now here comes the fun part — take your thumb to gently press a shallow indentation right into the center of each dough ball. Spoon a bit of your luscious apple pie filling into that little well, making each cookie a perfect pocket of warm spices and juicy apple.

Step 5: Bake and Cool to Perfection

Pop the cookies into the oven and bake for 10 to 11 minutes. Keep an eye out for the edges turning a light golden color and the cookies spreading slightly — that’s your cue that they’re perfectly baked. Once out of the oven, let them cool on the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring them to a cooling rack to finish cooling. This little pause ensures the filling sets nicely and your cookies come out flawlessly soft and flavorful.

How to Serve Apple Pie Cookies Recipe

The image shows seven soft, round cookies with a light golden-brown base layer. Each cookie has a hollow center filled with small, pale yellow diced apple pieces sitting in a glossy, caramel-colored syrup. The cookies have a slightly raised, thick edge surrounding the sticky apple layer in the middle. The cookies are placed on a white marbled surface, with a small white cup containing brown powder near the top right. The overall look is warm with contrasting textures of soft cookie and juicy apple topping. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkling a pinch of powdered sugar over these cookies just before serving adds a pretty snowy effect that enhances their homemade charm. For an extra touch, you can drizzle a light glaze made from powdered sugar and a hint of vanilla extract — it’s like adding a little extra love on top.

Side Dishes

Apple Pie Cookies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to echo the creamy notes of a traditional apple pie à la mode. For warm beverages, a cup of hot cider or chai tea complements the spicy complexity, creating a perfect cozy indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

Present your Apple Pie Cookies Recipe on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of fresh cinnamon sticks and apple slices for a charming fall-themed platter. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a smear of cream cheese frosting for an elegant twist that’s sure to impress friends or family at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your Apple Pie Cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and fresh for up to 3 days, making them perfect for busy weeks or unexpected visitors craving a quick treat.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container once fully frozen. This way, they keep their shape and texture perfectly for up to 2 months. To enjoy later, just thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

When you want to enjoy your Apple Pie Cookies fresh and warm, simply heat them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes or microwave them for about 15 seconds. The apple filling will be luxuriously soft and the cookie tender, just like fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for this Apple Pie Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! Crisp and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith are great for balance, but sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji also work wonderfully, giving you a slightly sweeter filling.

Is it okay to substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative?

Yes, you can use vegan butter or coconut oil as a substitute to make these cookies dairy-free. Just keep in mind that the texture might be a bit different but still delicious!

Can I make the apple pie filling ahead of time?

Definitely, the apple filling can be made a day in advance and refrigerated. Just make sure it cools completely before filling your cookies to prevent dough from becoming soggy.

How do I make sure the filling doesn’t leak out while baking?

Be sure to make a shallow indentation, not too deep, and don’t overfill with the apple mixture. This prevents spillage and keeps each cookie looking neat and appetizing.

Can I freeze the unbaked cookie dough?

Yes! Scoop the dough balls onto a tray and freeze until solid before transferring to a storage container. When ready to bake, thaw slightly and proceed with filling and baking as directed.

Final Thoughts

Trying the Apple Pie Cookies Recipe is like having a slice of your favorite dessert in a perfectly portable form that’s great for sharing or enjoying any time. The blend of tender dough and spiced apple filling brings a welcome comfort with each bite, making this recipe a new favorite you’ll want to bake again and again. So go ahead, gather those ingredients and bake up some warm smiles — these cookies are waiting to become a beloved tradition in your kitchen.

Apple Pie Cookies Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need