Last updated on June 22, 2025
If you’re a fan of warm, comforting desserts, you’ll absolutely adore these Apple Pie Cookies. Combining the classic flavors of traditional apple pie with the convenience of cookies, this delightful treat is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or just a simple evening snack, Apple Pie Cookies are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Easy to make and even easier to love, these cookies are a wonderful way to celebrate the tastes of fall at any time of year.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Apple Pie Cookie
Imagine biting into a warm cookie filled with sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples and a buttery crust that melts in your mouth. Apple Pie Cookies capture all the wonderful flavors of a traditional apple pie but in a handheld, cookie format. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also quick to prepare, making them ideal for both novice and experienced bakers. You can customize them with your favorite add-ons and serve them up in a variety of ways, making each batch unique. What’s not to love about these sweet little treats?
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Apple Pie Cookies
- Total Time: 47 minutes
- Yield: 12–14 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Apple Pie Cookies combine the cozy flavors of classic apple pie with the convenience of handheld treats. With a buttery pie crust, spiced apple filling, and a cinnamon-sugar topping, these cookies are perfect for holidays, gatherings, or simply satisfying your apple pie cravings without baking a full pie.
Ingredients
Essential Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 apples (cored, peeled, and diced – Granny Smith or Fuji recommended)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for filling)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for topping)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 4 store-bought refrigerated pie crusts
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Optional Add-Ons:
- Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- Raisins or dried cranberries
- Drizzle of caramel sauce (after baking)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Filling: In a pan over medium-low heat, melt butter. Add apples, lemon juice, 1/3 cup sugar, 2 tsp cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Stir well and cook until boiling (6–7 minutes). Cover and simmer for 7 more minutes until apples soften.
- Thicken: Add cornstarch to apple mixture. Stir and cook 2 more minutes until thickened. Let cool slightly.
- Cut the Crusts: Roll out 2 pie crusts and cut 24 circles using a cookie cutter. Set aside.
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Space pie crust circles about 1 inch apart.
- Fill Cookies: Spoon 1 tbsp of apple filling onto each circle, leaving a border. Brush edges with beaten egg.
- Create Lattice: Cut remaining crusts into thin strips. Weave into lattice tops and press edges to seal.
- Egg Wash & Topping: Brush tops with beaten egg. Mix 1/4 cup sugar and 2 tsp cinnamon, then sprinkle over cookies.
- Bake: Bake for 20–22 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool: Cool cookies on baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can refrigerate or freeze leftover cookies; warm them slightly before serving.
- Try using mini pie molds for a more uniform shape.
- Drizzle with caramel or powdered sugar glaze for extra flair.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: apple pie cookies, mini apple pies, handheld apple dessert, cinnamon apple cookies, pie crust cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need for Apple Pie Cookies
To create these delightful cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter: Provides a rich, buttery flavor.
- 3 apples (cored, peeled, and cut into small cubes): Choose your favorite variety, such as Granny Smith or Fuji, for the best taste.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice: Adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the apples.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the apple filling.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping): For a sweet finish on the cookies.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Infuses the filling with warm spice.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for topping): To sprinkle on top for extra flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookie.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a lovely warmth to the filling.
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the apple filling.
- 4 store-bought refrigerated pie crusts: Saves time and effort.
- 1 large egg, beaten: For brushing on the cookies to give them a beautiful golden color.
Optional Add-Ons:
You can enhance your Apple Pie Cookies by adding ingredients like:
- Chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) for added crunch.
- Raisins or dried cranberries for a chewy texture.
- A drizzle of caramel sauce on top for extra sweetness.
How to Make Apple Pie Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making Apple Pie Cookies is a fun and straightforward process. Follow these detailed steps to create your batch of delicious cookies.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
Melt the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a medium pan over medium-low heat. Once the butter is melted, add in the 3 prepared apples, 1 1/2 teaspoons of lemon juice, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 3: Cook the Apple Mixture
Heat the apple mixture, stirring frequently, until it begins to boil. This should take about 6 to 7 minutes. Once boiling, cover the pan and allow the mixture to simmer for another 7 minutes or until the apples have softened nicely.
Step 4: Thicken the Filling
After the apples are tender, add the 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the mixture. Continue to cook and stir for about 2 more minutes until the filling thickens. Once done, remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
Step 5: Prepare the Pie Crusts
Unroll two of the refrigerated pie crusts onto a large piece of parchment paper. Using a cookie cutter, cut out 24 circles from the crust. Set these aside for later.
Step 6: Line the Baking Sheets
Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone mats. Arrange the pie crust circles on the baking sheets, ensuring there is about an inch of space between each one.
Step 7: Fill the Cookies
Scoop 1 tablespoon of the apple filling and place it in the center of each pie crust circle, leaving a small border around the edges. Next, brush the edges with the beaten egg to help seal the cookies.
Step 8: Create the Lattice Topping
With the remaining two pie crusts, slice them into thin strips. Use these strips to create a lattice pattern over the cookies by weaving them over the filling. Gently press the lattice into the edges of each cookie to ensure they stick together.
Step 9: Brush and Sprinkle
After placing the lattice on top, brush more of the beaten egg over each pie cookie. Then, in a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar with the 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of each cookie for added flavor and sweetness.
Step 10: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to avoid over-browning.
Step 11: Cool and Serve
Once they are beautifully baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. You can serve these cookies either cooled or slightly warm, depending on your preference.
Serving Suggestions for Apple Pie Cookies
Apple Pie Cookies are delicious on their own, but they can become even more delightful with a few serving suggestions:
A Scoop of Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold creaminess complements the warm spices perfectly.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a luxurious touch to your cookies for a special occasion.
Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle some warm caramel sauce over the top for an extra layer of sweetness and a beautiful presentation.
Coffee or Tea: Pair these cookies with a cup of coffee or a hot cup of herbal tea for a relaxing afternoon treat.
Plate Them Pretty: Arrange the cookies on a fun platter and sprinkle some extra cinnamon and sugar around for a beautiful presentation at a gathering.
Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Apple Pie Cookies
Choose the Right Apples: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for added flavor depth.
Chill the Dough: If the pie crusts feel too warm to work with, place them in the fridge for a few minutes to make them easier to handle.
Don’t Overfill: Make sure to use just enough apple filling so the cookies can seal properly without bursting during baking.
Egg Wash: Be generous with the egg wash—it not only helps the crust to stick together but also gives the cookies a beautiful golden color.
Experiment: Don’t hesitate to try different spices or add-ins to the apple filling. A pinch of ginger or some vanilla extract can elevate the flavors further.
Easy Variations for Apple Pie Cookies
While the classic Apple Pie Cookie is delightful as is, you can easily customize your recipe with some fun variations:
Spiced Apple Filling: Add ginger, cloves, or allspice to the apple filling for a different spice profile.
Sweet Potato or Pumpkin: For a seasonal twist, mix in some mashed sweet potato or pumpkin puree with the apple filling.
Chocolate Chip Variation: Toss in some chocolate chips for a delightful mix of sweet flavors that pair surprisingly well with apple.
Crispy Edges: Brush the cookies with melted butter instead of an egg wash for a crispier texture.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the pie crust with a gluten-free brand to create a gluten-free version for those with dietary restrictions.
Storage Tips to Store Apple Pie Cookies
To keep your Apple Pie Cookies fresh and delicious, store them properly:
Room Temperature: Place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: If you prefer a longer shelf life, store the cookies in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 30 minutes until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
Conclusion
Apple Pie Cookies bring together the delightful taste of traditional apple pie and the convenience of bite-sized cookies. They are easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any event or just a cozy night at home. With their sweet, spiced filling and flaky crust, these cookies are sure to become a favorite among friends and family. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy an afternoon of baking delicious treats that are just as fun to make as they are to eat.
FAQs About Apple Pie Cookies
Can I use different types of apples for the filling?
Yes! Mix and match your favorite apple varieties for a unique flavor profile. Sweet and tart apples work well together.
How can I make the cookies more visually appealing?
You can sprinkle coarse sugar on top for added sparkle or create unique lattice patterns for decorative flair.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and store it in the fridge, or make the cookies and freeze them until you’re ready to bake.
Is it possible to use homemade pie crust instead of store-bought?
Yes! If you prefer to make your crust from scratch, feel free to use your favorite pie dough recipe.
Are there any nut allergies to consider?
Make sure to ask your guests about allergies before adding nuts or including them in your apple pie cookies.
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