Apple Pie Cookies are your new go-to treat for Christmas desserts and Thanksgiving treats.
Imagine all the flavors of a classic apple pie packed into a bite-sized wonder.
These mini desserts are not only adorable but also irresistibly delicious.
Perfect for make-ahead treats, these bite-sized pies will steal the show at any holiday dinner.
Whether you’re looking for a unique desserts to impress your guests or simply want to indulge in a mini pastry, these mini pie cookies have you covered!
Apple Pie Cookies Ingredients
Each ingredient in this recipe brings its own magic, making these cookies an unforgettable treat.
- Apples: The star of the show, providing that classic, juicy apple pie flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a zesty freshness and prevents the apples from browning.
- Sugar & Brown Sugar: A perfect blend of sweetness, with brown sugar adding a hint of caramel.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the filling, ensuring it stays inside the cookies.
- Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These spices give that warm, cozy, apple-pie spice.
- Water: Helps create the filling’s perfect consistency.
- Butter: The key to a flaky, tender pie crust.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Ice Water: Ensures the dough stays cold, which is essential for a perfect crust.
- Pre-made Refrigerated Pie Crust: For those short on time, this is a quick and easy alternative.
- Caramel Sauce: Adds a rich, gooey layer that pairs perfectly with the apple filling.
- Egg: Gives the cookies a beautiful golden finish.
- Cinnamon-Sugar: A final touch of sweetness and spice on top.
Tips and Notes
- Chill Your Dough: Cold dough is easier to work with and results in a flakier crust. Don’t skip this step!
- Get Creative with Shapes: While a cookie cutter works great, feel free to use different shapes for a unique touch.
- Don’t Overfill: A little filling goes a long way. Overfilling can make the cookies difficult to seal.
- Double Up: Make a double batch of the apple pie filling and store it in the fridge. It’s perfect for a quick dessert fix or to top your morning oatmeal.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies. Depending on their size, they might bake faster than you think!
How to Make Apple Pie Cookies
Apple Pie Filling: Start by tossing your apples in lemon juice to keep them fresh and vibrant. Combine sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and water in a saucepan. Stir until it thickens into a gooey, aromatic mixture. Add the apples, simmer until tender, and then cool. Chop them finely for that perfect bite-sized filling.
Pie Crust Extravaganza: Mix the dry ingredients, then cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water gradually, mixing until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into two, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least an hour. Roll out the dough into thin sheets once chilled.
Assembling the Cookie Masterpiece: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lay one sheet of pie crust on a floured surface, and spread a thin layer of caramel sauce over it. Evenly distribute the chopped apple filling. Roll out the second crust and cut it into thin strips for a lattice. Place the lattice over the filling. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out your mini pies. Arrange the cookies on a lined baking sheet, brush with egg wash, sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar, and bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. A quick pop in the microwave brings back their warm, cozy flavor.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked cookies on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the dough and filling a day in advance. Store separately in the fridge and assemble just before baking.
These Apple Pie Cookies are sure to become a holiday favorite, delivering all the flavors of a traditional apple pie in a fun, mini format!
Apple Pie Cookies Recipe
Apple Pie Cookies combine the classic flavors of apple pie into a bite-sized treat that's perfect for any occasion. With a buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and a touch of caramel, these cookies are a delightful twist on traditional holiday desserts.
Ingredients
Apple Pie Filling Components
- 3 apples approximately 1 lb, peeled and segmented into eight slices each
- 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- A hint of nutmeg
- 3/4 cup of water
Pie Crust Components
- 1 cup equivalent to 2 sticks of unsalted butter, segmented into cubes and chilled
- 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1/4 cup of ice water
- Alternatively one may utilize 1 package of pre-made refrigerated pie crust (consisting of 2 crusts)
Filling and Garnish Components
- 1 3/4 cups of apple pie filling finely diced
- 1 cup of caramel sauce
- 1 egg beaten lightly
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
Instructions
Apple Pie Filling
- Prep the Apples: Toss the chopped apples in lemon juice to keep them fresh and vibrant.
- Make the Filling: In a saucepan, combine sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and water. Stir until the mixture thickens.
- Cook the Apples: Add the apples to the saucepan and let them simmer until tender. Once cool, chop into bite-sized pieces.
Pie Crust
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
- Cut in Butter: Add cold butter, cutting it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually mix in ice water until the dough comes together.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Roll Out: Once chilled, roll out both discs into thin, even sheets.
Assembling the Cookies
- Preheat: Set your oven to 375°F.
- Base Layer: Lay out one rolled pie crust on a floured surface. Spread a thin layer of caramel sauce over it.
- Add Filling: Evenly distribute the chopped apple filling on top.
- Create Lattice: Roll out the second crust and cut it into thin strips. Lay the strips over the filling to create a lattice.
- Cut the Cookies: Use a cookie cutter or glass to cut out mini pies.
- Bake: Place the cookies on a lined baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Yield
16Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 372Total Fat 15gSaturated Fat 8gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 42mgSodium 266mgCarbohydrates 59gFiber 3gSugar 33gProtein 4g
