Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Apple Pie Cookies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of classic apple pie in a convenient cookie form. With spiced cookie dough filled with tender apple filling, topped with a brown sugar crumble, and drizzled with Salted Caramel, these cookies are perfect for gatherings, cozy evenings, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Their unique combination of flavors and textures makes them a standout dessert for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: Each bite is bursting with warm cinnamon and sweet apple goodness.
• Easy to Make: This recipe simplifies traditional pie-making into manageable cookie steps.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 14 servings, these cookies are ideal for parties or family gatherings.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them warm or cold, as a dessert or snack, anytime you crave something sweet.
• Fall Favorite: The cozy flavors make them an instant hit during autumn festivities.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies, you’ll need a few essential tools to streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or electric hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Cookie scoop
• Medium saucepan

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or electric hand mixer: This tool saves time when creaming butter and sugars together.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without mess.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: These prevent cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.
• Cookie scoop: Helps in portioning uniform cookie dough balls for consistent baking.

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Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 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
– 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 use 1 tsp of lemon juice if cider is unavailable)
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1 and 1/2 tsp cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp ground cloves
– 1 cup granulated sugar (206 grams)
– 6 tbsp salted butter, cubed
– 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp heavy cream
– Pinch of flaky sea salt (Maldon brand is recommended!)
– Additional ingredients for crumble:
– 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
– Pinch of salt

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter using an electric mixer on medium-high speed. Add the sugars and mix until creamy, about one minute. Incorporate the vanilla extract and eggs until just combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Chill the dough for about thirty minutes to make it easier to roll into balls.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

Rinse, peel, and dice your apples into bite-sized chunks. In a medium pan over medium-high heat, combine all apple filling ingredients. Cook for approximately fifteen to eighteen minutes while stirring occasionally. Taste at fifteen minutes; continue cooking until reaching your desired tenderness. Transfer the mixture to a bowl to cool.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Prepare your salted caramel sauce according to your preferred recipe. Allow it to cool at room temperature for about twenty minutes until it thickens.

Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough

Scoop the dough into balls weighing around sixty-five grams each using a large cookie scoop. Place them in an airtight container to chill in the refrigerator for at least four hours or freeze for two hours. Note that you must scoop before chilling; otherwise, rolling will be difficult later.

Step 5: Make the Crumble

While your dough chills, preheat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit. Melt butter in a medium mixing bowl, then stir in remaining crumble ingredients until crumbly. Spread small pieces on a parchment-lined pan and bake for twelve to fourteen minutes until golden brown.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven again to three hundred sixty-five degrees Fahrenheit. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. In a small bowl, combine sugar and spices for coating. Roll chilled dough balls in this mixture before placing six on each sheet with enough space between them. Bake for ten to twelve minutes; they should look slightly underdone but will set as they cool.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

Once cookies have cooled slightly on the sheet, press an indent into their centers using a tablespoon’s back. Spoon apple pie filling into each indent, sprinkle crumble on top, then drizzle with salted caramel sauce.

Step 8: Serve & Store

Enjoy your assembled cookies immediately! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for four to five days; it’s best not left at room temperature due to fresh fruit content.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to create a cozy dessert spread or serve them at a gathering, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With Vanilla Ice Cream

• A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the warm cookies beautifully, adding a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.

Drizzled with Extra Caramel Sauce

• For an indulgent touch, drizzle additional salted caramel sauce over the cookies just before serving for extra sweetness.

Paired with Hot Apple Cider

• Serve these cookies alongside steaming hot apple cider for a perfect autumn pairing that enhances the apple flavors.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Arrange these cookies on a dessert platter with other fall treats, like pumpkin spice muffins and pecan tarts, for a festive display.

Dusted with Powdered Sugar

• Lightly dusting the cookies with powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and enhances their visual appeal when serving.

How to Perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Perfecting Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies come out delicious every time.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking, leading to a better texture.
• Use Fresh Apples: Opt for firm, fresh apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for optimal flavor and texture in the filling.
• Don’t Overbake: Remove the cookies from the oven while they are still slightly underdone; they will continue to firm up as they cool.
• Mix Ingredients Well: Ensure that butter and sugars are creamed thoroughly before adding other ingredients for consistent texture.
• Adjust Spices to Taste: Feel free to tweak the spices according to your preference for a more personalized flavor profile.
• Store Properly: Keep assembled cookies in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess from the apple filling.

Best Side Dishes for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

When serving Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies, consider these delicious side dishes that pair well and create a delightful meal experience.

1. Cinnamon-Spiced Hot Chocolate: A warm mug of rich hot chocolate sprinkled with cinnamon enhances the cozy atmosphere.
2. Pumpkin Soup: This creamy soup offers a savory balance to the sweetness of the cookies and is perfect for fall gatherings.
3. Cheese Board: Include sharp cheeses like cheddar or brie, which contrast nicely against the sweet flavors of the cookies.
4. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Seasoned roasted sweet potatoes provide a hearty side that complements dessert without overwhelming it.
5. Walnut Salad: A fresh salad with walnuts, cranberries, and mixed greens adds crunch and balances out sweetness.
6. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits can refresh your palate after enjoying the cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially with recipes like Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of for the best results.

• Bold phrase: Skipping the chilling step. Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading, ensuring your cookies hold their shape.
• Bold phrase: Overmixing the dough. Mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Bold phrase: Not measuring ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar.
• Bold phrase: Ignoring baking times. Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake; they should be lightly golden around the edges while still soft in the center.
• Bold phrase: Forgetting to prepare your baking sheets. Always line your sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy removal and cleanup.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 4-5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds on medium power for softening.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid; warm for a few minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies:

How do I ensure my Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies turn out chewy?

To achieve a chewy texture, avoid overbaking them. Remove them from the oven when they’re slightly underdone.

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with pears or peaches for a different flavor profile in your cookies.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is sticky, chill it longer in the refrigerator. You can also add a little more flour, but do so gradually.

How do I customize the salted caramel sauce?

You can add flavors like vanilla or sea salt to enhance the salted caramel sauce according to your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies combine all the delightful flavors of apple pie into a convenient cookie format. Their versatility makes them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy fall gathering or just a treat at home. Feel free to explore different fillings or toppings to make these cookies truly your own!