There’s something so heartwarming about biting into a little handheld treat that captures all the cozy vibes of fall. These Apple Pie Cookies are exactly that: a fun twist on a classic dessert that feels like a hug from the inside out. Tender, flaky crust meets a spiced apple filling that’s lightly sweetened and perfectly balanced with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Every cookie delivers that satisfying pop of juicy apple and warm spices, with just the right amount of crunch from a sprinkle of raw sugar on top. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic taste of grandma’s kitchen or looking for a new favorite to share at your next gathering, these treats will not disappoint.
What I love most is how approachable this recipe is—even if you’ve never rolled out dough or handled fruit fillings before, you’ll breeze through the steps. With roughly 20 minutes of prep, 15–20 minutes in the oven, and about 10 minutes to cool, you’ll have these beauties on the table in under an hour. They’re beginner-friendly, and yet they look like something you’d pay gourmet prices for at a fancy bakery. And hey, if you want to get a little fancy, try drizzling a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cooled cookies or serving them warm alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to savor the sweetness of fall in every bite!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN APPLE PIE COOKIES
Before we roll up our sleeves, let’s talk about the stars of the show. Each ingredient plays its part in building layers of flavor, texture, and that irresistible aroma you’ll fall head over heels for.
- Pie Crust
A sturdy yet tender base that becomes golden and flaky in the oven. You can use a store-bought crust for speed or whip up your own homemade version for extra satisfaction.
- Apple
Peeled and finely diced, this fruit brings juicy sweetness and a slight tartness. Use a crisp variety like Granny Smith for tang or Honeycrisp for a sweeter bite.
- Granulated Sugar
Adds pure sweetness and helps draw out the apple’s juices, creating a glistening, syrupy filling.
- Brown Sugar
Brings a deep, caramel-like richness that complements the apples and spices, adding complexity to every bite.
- Ground Cinnamon
The quintessential spice of apple desserts—warm, sweet, and woody—tying all the flavors together.
- Ground Nutmeg
A hint of nutty warmth that enhances the cinnamon without overpowering it, giving the filling extra depth.
- Allspice
A blend of peppery, clove-like notes that rounds out the spice profile and makes your kitchen smell amazing.
- Lemon Juice
A touch of acidity to brighten the filling, balance the sweetness, and prevent the apples from browning.
- Cornstarch
A simple thickener that ensures the juices don’t make the crust soggy, giving you a clean, firm filling.
- Unsalted Butter
Small dots of butter melt into the filling, creating richness and a silky mouthfeel.
- Egg (for Egg Wash)
Brushed on top, it promotes a glossy, golden finish and helps the raw sugar adhere perfectly.
- Raw Sugar
Sprinkled on top for an extra crackle and sparkly look that adds a touch of rustic charm.
- Flour
Used for dusting your work surface so the dough rolls out smoothly without sticking.
HOW TO MAKE APPLE PIE COOKIES
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of turning simple ingredients into these delightful little parcels of fall goodness. Follow each direction closely, and don’t forget to have fun!
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking and to ensure even browning.
2. Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the diced apple, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Mix well so every apple piece is coated in that spiced-sugar blend.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie crust until it’s about 1/8 inch thick, maintaining an even thickness for uniform baking.
4. Use a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out as many circles as possible from the rolled dough.
5. Place half of the dough circles onto the prepared baking sheet. Add a small spoonful of the apple mixture to the center of each circle, keeping the filling neatly contained.
6. With the remaining dough circles, cut small slits or decorative shapes to create vents that allow steam to escape during baking.
7. Gently place the vented dough circles over the filled ones, and press the edges with a fork to seal, making sure no filling leaks out.
8. Brush the tops of the sealed cookies with the beaten egg and sprinkle a little raw sugar on each for added crunch and sparkle.
9. Dot each cookie with a tiny amount of unsalted butter, which will melt and enrich the filling as the cookies bake.
10. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and you see bubbles peeking through the vents.
11. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before serving so the filling sets slightly.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR APPLE PIE COOKIES
Once your kitchen is filled with the inviting scent of baked apples and spices, it’s time to decide how to present these gems. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or simply treating yourself, here are some delightful serving ideas to highlight the flavors and textures of these cookies.
- Warm with Vanilla Ice Cream
Plate two or three cookies and top them with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm, spiced filling and the cold, smooth ice cream is pure bliss.
- Drizzled with a Simple Glaze
Whip together powdered sugar and a splash of milk until smooth. Drizzle this over cooled cookies for extra sweetness and a pretty finish.
- Paired with Hot Beverages
Serve alongside a steaming mug of spiced chai tea, pumpkin latte, or a robust coffee. The spices in the cookies complement the flavors in your drink.
- Pack for On-the-Go Snacking
Place cookies in a small box lined with parchment. They make a perfect portable treat for picnics, school lunches, or afternoon coffee breaks.
HOW TO STORE APPLE PIE COOKIES
Keeping your Apple Pie Cookies fresh and flavorful ensures you can enjoy these treats throughout the week. Let’s talk about the best ways to store them so every bite is as good as the first.
Whether you have a few leftovers or want to bake ahead for a gathering, proper storage prevents sogginess and keeps the spices sharp. These cookies stay delightful at room temperature for a couple of days, but if you want to extend their life or keep them crisp, you have a few simple options.
- Airtight Container at Room Temperature
Store cooled cookies in a single layer or separated by parchment in an airtight container. They’ll maintain their texture and flavor for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration for Extended Freshness
If your kitchen is warm, pop the cookies in the fridge in an airtight container. They’ll last around 5 days, though you may want to reheat them slightly to revive the crisp crust.
- Freezing for Longer Storage
Place cooled cookies on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once firm, transfer to a freezer-safe bag with layers of parchment. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in a low oven.
- Reheating to Refresh
Warm cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 15–20 seconds. This restores crispness and warms the filling.
CONCLUSION
We’ve journeyed through the aroma-filled world of Apple Pie Cookies, discovered how a handful of simple ingredients can transform into golden, spiced parcels of fall joy, and explored creative serving and storage tips to savor these treats anytime. From rolling out the crust to sealing in that fragrant apple filling, each step elevates what might seem like humble ingredients into something truly special. With just 20 minutes of prep, 15–20 minutes of baking, and a short 10-minute rest, you have a batch of cookies that look and taste like they came straight from a professional baker’s oven. Remember, this recipe is designed for beginners—so go ahead, print it out, save it for later, and bookmark this page. You’ll also find a helpful FAQ section below for any extra pointers you might need.
I can’t wait to hear how these cookies turn out for you! Did you try adding a drizzle of glaze or serving them alongside ice cream? Do you have a favorite apple variety that works best in your kitchen? Drop your comments, questions, or feedback below—whether you need a hand with a tricky step or simply want to share a success story, I’m here to chat. Your experiences and tweaks make this recipe even more personal, so let’s keep the conversation going!
Apple Pie Cookies
Description
These delightful little treats bring the classic flavors of apple pie in a portable cookie form. With tender crust, spiced apple filling, and a sprinkle of sugar, they're perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the diced apple, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Mix well to ensure all the apple pieces are coated.
-
Roll out the pie crust on a lightly floured surface until it is about 1/8 inch thick.
-
Using a cookie cutter or a glass, cut out as many circles as possible from the dough.
-
Place half of the dough circles onto the prepared baking sheet. Add a small spoonful of the apple mixture onto the center of each circle.
-
Cut small slits or decorative shapes into the remaining dough circles to allow steam to escape during baking.
-
Place the vented dough circles over the filled ones, pressing the edges with a fork to seal.
-
Brush the tops of the cookies with the beaten egg and sprinkle a little raw sugar on top for added crunch and sweetness.
-
Dot each cookie with a tiny amount of butter before transferring the baking sheet to the oven.
-
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.
-
Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack before serving.
Note
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For an extra touch, drizzle a glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cookies.
- Try using different apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for varied flavor profiles.
- Serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.
