Irresistible Apple Pie Cookies – Soft, Spiced & Straight‑Up Cozy
Introduction
Imagine the comfort of a warm slice of apple pie wrapped up in a soft, chewy cookie. These Apple Pie Cookies deliver all the cozy fall flavors you love—sweet cinnamon apples, buttery dough, and a drizzle of glaze—without the fuss of making a full pie. They’re perfect for autumn gatherings, holiday cookie trays, or simply enjoying with a mug of coffee on a crisp morning.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Apple pie meets cookie: The best of both worlds.
Warm spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg bring cozy fall vibes.
Easy to make: No rolling pins or pie crust required.
Crowd‑pleaser: Great for parties, bake sales, or gifting.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling
1½ cups finely diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
2 tbsp brown sugar
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp cornstarch
For the Cookie Dough
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1¾ cups all‑purpose flour
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
Optional Glaze
½ cup powdered sugar
1–2 tbsp milk
¼ tsp vanilla extract
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Apples
In a small saucepan over medium heat, cook apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch for 4–5 minutes until soft and thick. Let cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Mix in flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until just combined.
Step 3: Fold in Apples
Gently fold cooled apple mixture into the dough.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop dough onto lined baking sheets. Bake 10–12 minutes until set but soft in the center.
Step 5: Cool & Glaze
Cool completely. Whisk glaze ingredients and drizzle over cookies if desired.
Tips & Tricks
Dice apples very small so cookies hold together.
Chill dough 20 minutes if it feels too soft.
Add chopped walnuts for crunch.
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Variations
Caramel Apple Cookies: Drizzle with caramel sauce instead of glaze.
Apple Cranberry Twist: Add dried cranberries for tartness.
Nutty Apple Pie Cookies: Fold in pecans or walnuts.
Spiced Upgrade: Add a pinch of ginger or cloves for deeper flavor.
Serving Ideas
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Pair with hot apple cider or chai tea.
Add to holiday cookie platters for a seasonal touch.
Gift in decorative tins for cozy homemade presents.
FAQs
Q: Can I use canned apple pie filling?
Yes, but dice it finely and reduce excess liquid.
Q: Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, freeze baked cookies up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely—refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: ~35 minutes
Servings: 18–20 cookies
Final Thoughts
These Apple Pie Cookies are soft, spiced, and straight‑up cozy. They’re the perfect way to enjoy apple pie flavors in cookie form—easy to bake, fun to share, and impossible to resist.