Description
Hello, Apple Pie Cookie Lovers!Today, we’re diving into a unique twist on a classic dessert—Apple Pie Cookies! These mini caramel apple pie tarts bring together the flavors of traditional apple pie with the convenience of bite-sized treats, perfect for any occasion. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the comforting aroma of spiced apples and buttery crust. Let’s bake some unforgettable Apple Pie Cookies that will quickly become your new fall favorite!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – for a soft yet sturdy dough base.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – adds richness and binds the ingredients.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar – brings a touch of sweetness to the crust.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness.
- 3 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced – use sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for optimal flavor.
- ¼ cup brown sugar – enhances the apple filling with a caramel note.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon – adds warmth to the apple filling.
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg – a dash for depth and richness in the filling.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch – thickens the filling to prevent soggy cookies.
- 2 tablespoons water – to dissolve the cornstarch.
Optional substitutions: Use gluten-free flour for a GF-friendly version, or coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a lower glycemic index.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, softened butter, granulated sugar, and salt until a soft dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Using a round cookie cutter, cut the dough into small circles, then place each dough round onto the prepared baking sheet.
Step 2: Make the Apple Pie Filling
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir well and cook for about 5 minutes or until apples soften.
- In a small bowl, dissolve cornstarch in water, then add it to the apple mixture. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the filling thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Cookies
- Spoon a small amount of apple filling onto each dough round, leaving a slight border around the edge.
- Bake the cookies for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use Fresh Apples: Fresh, crisp apples provide the best texture and flavor for the filling. Avoid mushy apples, which won’t hold up well.
- Dough Thickness: Keep the dough thickness to around ¼ inch for the perfect balance between crust and filling.
- Avoid Overfilling: Too much filling can make the cookies hard to handle and can cause spills. A small spoonful per cookie is plenty!