Description
These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies combine the comforting flavors of apple pie with the convenience of a cookie. Soft, chewy cookies are filled with a spiced apple filling, topped with a buttery crumble, and drizzled with homemade salted caramel sauce. These cookies are perfect for fall gatherings or a sweet treat any time of year.
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup salted butter, softened at room temperature (226 grams)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled (390 grams)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 large apples, peeled and diced (775 grams or 27 ounces of diced apple)
- 1/4 cup salted butter, cubed (4 tbsp)
- 2 tbsp apple cider (you can use 1 tsp of lemon juice if you don’t have any cider – note that this is NOT apple cider vinegar!)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar (206 grams)
- 6 tbsp salted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp heavy cream
- Pinch of flaky sea salt (I love Maldon brand!)
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 3/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp allspice
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
For the Crumble:
- 1/4 cup salted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 1/2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Preparation:
Make the Cookie Dough:
- Step 1: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium-high speed.
- Step 2: Add the sugars and mix until creamed together with the butter, about 1 minute.
- Step 3: Add the vanilla and eggs, and mix until just combined.
- Step 4: Add the dry ingredients last, and mix until a dough forms.
- Step 5: Chill for 30 minutes to make it easier to roll the dough into balls.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Dough can be balled and frozen for 1 month or so before using. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Make the Apple Filling:
- Step 1: Rinse & peel your apples. Dice into bite-size chunks.
- Step 2: Add all the apple filling ingredients to a medium pan over medium-high heat.
- Step 3: Cook for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring lazily the whole time.
- Step 4: Taste around 15 minutes and finish cooking once desired tenderness is reached.
- Step 5: Transfer apple mixture to a medium bowl to cool (this can be done at room temp or in the fridge).
- Make-Ahead Tip: This can be done up to 2 days ahead. Store in a jar in the fridge.
Make the Salted Caramel Sauce:
- Step 1: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce. Let cool at room temp for 20 minutes or so, until thickened.
- Make-Ahead Tip: This can be cooled at room temperature and stored in a jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Scoop & Chill the Dough:
- Step 1: Scoop the dough into balls 65 grams in size, with a large cookie scoop, and place in an airtight container to chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, in the freezer for 2 hours, or in the fridge for up to 48 hours.
- Note: You must scoop the dough into balls before any of these chill times. If you chill the dough solid and then scoop, it’ll be very difficult, and the dough will re-warm in the process. You can chill the dough for 20 mins or so to make it a little easier to roll into balls, but then start your chill time over once the dough is balled and returned to the fridge.
Make the Crumble:
- Step 1: Make the crumble while your dough chills. Preheat the oven to 350° F.
- Step 2: Melt the butter in a medium mixing bowl. Stir in the remaining streusel ingredients. You should have a crumbly mixture.
- Step 3: Crumble into small pieces on a parchment-lined pan and bake for 12-14 minutes, until deep golden brown. Set aside to cool. Break up the pieces further, as desired, while it cools, with a metal spatula.
- Make-Ahead Tip: This can be made 1-2 days ahead. Store in a container at room temp, or in the freezer for 1-2 months.
Bake the Cookies:
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 365° F. Line a few cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, stir together the sugar and spices for coating. Roll the dough balls in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Step 3: Place about 6 cookies on each sheet, with room for them to spread.
- Step 4: Bake for 10-12 minutes. The edges should look and feel set when tapped with a fingertip, and the centers will be puffy and look just the tiniest bit underdone. They will set up as they cool.
- Step 5: Let rest on the cookie sheet for 1-2 minutes, then press an indent into the centers with the back of a tablespoon. Let cool a few more minutes on the cookie sheet, then, once they feel sturdy enough, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Assemble Cookies:
- Step 1: Spoon apple pie filling into the cooled cookies, sprinkle on the crumble, and drizzle over the salted caramel sauce.
Serve & Store:
- Step 1: Enjoy immediately once assembled! Store cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. I don’t recommend leaving them at room temp overnight because of the fresh fruit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies offer a delightful twist on the classic apple pie. The combination of warm spices, sweet apples, and salty caramel creates a truly irresistible flavor profile. The make-ahead tips make this recipe manageable, even for busy bakers. Plus, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Pair with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee.
- Arrange on a platter for a festive dessert at parties and gatherings.
Tips:
- Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
- Don’t overbake the cookies; they should be slightly soft in the center.
- Adjust the amount of cinnamon and spices to your personal preference.
- For a deeper caramel flavor, use dark brown sugar in the caramel sauce.
- If you don’t have apple cider, lemon juice works well as a substitute.
Preparation Time:
- Prep time: 1 hour
- Chill Time: 4 hours (minimum)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 per cookie
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
Conclusion
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are a delicious and creative dessert that combines the best of both worlds. The blend of textures and flavors, from the soft cookie to the crunchy crumble and gooey caramel, makes each bite a delightful experience. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to impress.
Questions and Answers
Q1: Can I use a different type of apple for the filling?
- A: Yes, you can use any type of apple that you enjoy in pies. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Gala apples are all great choices.
Q2: Can I make the salted caramel sauce ahead of time?
- A: Absolutely! The salted caramel sauce can be made up to 2 weeks in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Q3: Can I freeze the baked cookies?
- A: Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies, but it’s best to freeze them without the apple filling and caramel sauce. Add those elements after thawing for the best texture.
Q4: What is the best way to store the cookies?
- A: Store the assembled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days due to the fresh fruit filling.
Q5: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making my own?
- A: Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce, but homemade caramel sauce will provide a richer and more complex flavor. If using store-bought, sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt on top to mimic the salted caramel effect.
