Get Ready for a Delicious Treat!
Let’s be real: if you’re looking for a cookie that embraces the cozy essence of fall, look no further than Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies! Think of all your favorite aspects of an apple pie but in cookie form, plus that delightful salted caramel to top it off. Perfect for chilly evenings or gatherings with friends, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why Make This Recipe
Why not, right? Here’s why you should dive into this recipe:
- Ultimate Flavor Fusion: You get the sweetness of caramel, the spicy warmth of cinnamon, and the tartness of apples, all rolled into one scrumptious cookie.
- Versatile and Fun: A great way to flex your baking skills while impressing your friends and family.
- Make Ahead: You can prep parts of this recipe ahead of time, making it as easy as pie…or cookies, in this case!
How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
Making these cookies isn’t rocket science! Here’s how you do it:
- Make the Cookie Dough: Start by creaming some softened butter with sugars until fluffy, then add vanilla and eggs. Next, mix in your dry ingredients. Chill the dough—it makes it easier to roll into balls.
- Make the Apple Filling: Peel and dice the apples, then cook them with some buttery goodness and spices until soft. Let it cool!
- Make the Salted Caramel Sauce: Follow an easy caramel recipe, let it thicken, and ta-da—you have your sauce!
- Scoop & Chill the Dough: Roll dough into balls and chill in the fridge (this might take some patience, but good things come to those who wait, right?).
- Make the Crumble: Mix up the crumble while the dough chills, bake it until golden, and set it aside.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven and roll those chilled dough balls in a cinnamon-sugar mix before baking.
- Assemble Cookies: Once cooled, fill the cookies with apple pie filling, sprinkle with crumble, and drizzle that decadent salted caramel sauce on top.
- Serve & Enjoy: You deserve it—these cookies will not last long!
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 (390 grams), spooned & leveled
- 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)
- 1/4 cup salted butter, cubed (4 tbsp)
- 2 tbsp apple cider (or lemon juice)
- 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 awesome!)
- 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
- 3/4 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Directions
- Make the Cookie Dough: Cream the softened butter, then mix in the sugars until combined. Add vanilla and eggs; mix until just combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients until a dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Make the Apple Filling: Rinse, peel, and dice the apples. Mix apple filling ingredients in a pan over medium heat for 15-18 minutes. Let it cool.
- Make the Salted Caramel Sauce: Follow a simple recipe to make salted caramel and cool it for around 20 minutes.
- Scoop & Chill the Dough: Scoop out 65-gram balls, chill them (they need room!), ideally for 4 hours in the fridge.
- Make the Crumble: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Melt butter, mix in remaining crumble ingredients, bake for 12-14 minutes.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat to 365°F. Roll the dough balls in the sugar mix and bake for 10-12 minutes. Create an indent once cooled slightly.
- Assemble Cookies: Spoon in the apple filling, top with crumble and drizzle salted caramel.
- Serve & Store: Get ready to devour—enjoy immediately but store extras in an airtight container for 4-5 days (yup, if they last that long!)
How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
Serve these cookies warm, fresh out of the oven, or let them cool down a bit. They’re great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side because, honestly, what’s better than warm cookies and ice cream? A little cup of hot cider or coffee pairs perfectly too. 😋
How to Store Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
Store these cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. If you’re feeling generous, you could even share with friends, but no promises they’ll make it!
Tips to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
- Chill the Dough: Like we mentioned, chilling dough makes it a breeze to scoop. Skip this step, and you’re in for a sticky situation.
- Apple Options: Choose firm apples for the filling—Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well!
- Salted Caramel: Use a good quality salted caramel sauce for the best flavor. Okay, maybe it’s not that important but you know your taste buds deserve it!
Variation
Feeling adventurous? You could throw in some nuts for a crunchy texture or swap in different fruits like pears—hello, fancy upgrades!
FAQs
Q1: Can I use pre-made caramel sauce instead of making my own?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s a good quality sauce. You want those rich flavors to shine through.
Q2: How can I know if my cookies are done baking?
Look for slightly puffy centers and set edges. You’ll know they’re ready when they feel just firm to the touch.
Q3: Can these cookies be frozen?
You bet! Freeze the dough balls before baking and thaw them before baking for fresh cookies anytime. Just label them clearly—don’t lose your cookie stash! 🍪
Dive in and enjoy making your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies! You won’t regret it.
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Cream the softened butter and mix in the sugars until combined.
- Add vanilla and eggs; mix until just combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
- Chill for 30 minutes.
- Rinse, peel, and dice the apples.
- Mix apple filling ingredients in a pan over medium heat for 15-18 minutes.
- Let it cool.
- Follow a simple recipe to make salted caramel and cool it for around 20 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Melt butter, mix in remaining crumble ingredients, and bake for 12-14 minutes.
- Roll the dough balls in the sugar mix and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Create an indent once cooled slightly.
- Spoon in the apple filling, top with crumble and drizzle salted caramel.
- Enjoy warm or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.