Apple Pie Cookies

Introduction:

Apple Pie Cookies are a delightful bite-sized version of the classic apple pie. These cookies capture all the comforting flavors of apple pie—sweet, spiced apples, buttery crust, and a hint of cinnamon—in a convenient, hand-held form. With a flaky, golden pastry dough encasing a gooey apple filling, each cookie is like a mini pie, perfect for parties, snacks, or anytime you want a quick taste of fall’s favorite dessert.

The History of Apple Pie:

Apple pie has been an iconic American dessert for centuries, though its origins trace back to medieval England. The combination of tender apples with sugar, cinnamon, and buttery pastry has become a symbol of comfort food. Apple Pie Cookies take this classic dish and miniaturize it, making it easy to enjoy without needing a fork or plate.

Ingredients Breakdown:

• For the Dough (Crust):
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cookie dough.
  • ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough.
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the dough.
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Ensures a flaky, buttery texture.
  • 4-5 tablespoons ice water: Brings the dough together without making it too wet.
• For the Apple Filling:
  • 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): These apples give the filling its sweetness and tartness.
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the apple filling.
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice to the apples.
  • 1 tablespoon butter: For sautéing the apples and adding richness.
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Enhances the flavor of the apples and prevents browning.
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional): Thickens the filling for a less runny consistency.
• For Assembling the Cookies:
  • 1 large egg (for egg wash): Adds shine and helps the cookies brown.
  • 2 tablespoons coarse sugar (optional): Sprinkled on top for extra crunch and sweetness.
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon (for sprinkling): Enhances the flavor of the pastry.

Step-by-Step Recipe:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
   • Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.
   • Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
   • In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
   • Cook the apples for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft but not mushy. If needed, add cornstarch to thicken the mixture.
   • Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely.
3. Roll Out the Dough:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   • On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ⅛-inch thick.
   • Use a round cookie cutter (about 2-3 inches in diameter) to cut out circles of dough. You’ll need two circles for each cookie (top and bottom).
4. Assemble the Cookies:
   • Place one round of dough on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cooled apple filling into the center of the dough round.
   • Place a second dough round on top of the apple filling. Use a fork to press the edges together, sealing the cookie. Cut small slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
   • Brush the top of each cookie with the egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar and a pinch of cinnamon.
5. Bake the Cookies:
   • Bake the cookies for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
   • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Once cooled, enjoy these apple pie cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Tips for the Perfect Apple Pie Cookies:

1. Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough ensures that the cookies hold their shape during baking and helps create a flakier texture.
2. Thinly Dice the Apples: The smaller the apple pieces, the better they fit inside the cookies, ensuring each bite has the perfect balance of filling and crust.
3. Don’t Overfill: Overfilling the cookies can cause the filling to leak out during baking. Stick to about 1 teaspoon of filling per cookie.

Variations and Customizations:

1. Caramel Apple Cookies: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce to the apple filling for an extra sweet twist.
2. Spiced Apple Cookies: Mix in additional spices like nutmeg or cloves for a more complex flavor profile.
3. Cranberry Apple Cookies: Add dried cranberries to the filling for a tart contrast to the sweet apples.
4. Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free pie crust or cookie dough recipe to make these cookies gluten-free.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value:

Apple Pie Cookies are a treat high in sugar and fat due to the butter and sugar content. For a lighter version:

• Reduce Sugar: You can cut back on the sugar in both the dough and filling.
• Use Whole Wheat Flour: Swap out half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a healthier crust.
• Healthier Sweeteners: Consider using coconut sugar or honey as an alternative sweetener in the filling.

FAQ:

1. Can I use store-bought pie dough?
   Yes, you can use store-bought pie crust to save time. Simply roll it out and cut the circles as instructed.
2. How long do these cookies stay fresh?
   Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months.
3. Can I make the filling ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can prepare the apple filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the cookies.

Apple Pie Cookies

Apple Pie Cookies are a mini version of the classic apple pie, offering all the flavors of a comforting apple pie in bite-sized, hand-held treats. Perfect for fall or anytime, these cookies are deliciously sweet, spiced, and buttery!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 16 Cookies

Ingredients

  

For Apple Pie Filling :

• 3 apples about 1 lbs.-peeled and sliced into 8 slices each
• 1 –2 Tablespoon lemon juice
• 3 Tablespoons white sugar
• 3 Tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 Tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• A dash of nutmeg
• 3/4 cup water

For Pie Crust :

• 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter cut into cubes-chilled
• 2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 cup ice water
• or you can use 1 package of refrigerated pie crust (2 crusts)

Filling and Topping:

• 1 and 3/4 cups apple pie filling-chopped into small pieces
• 1 cup caramel sauce
• 1 egg -lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup sugar

Instructions

 

To make Apple Pie Filling:

• Toss sliced apples with lemon juice and set aside.
• In a saucepan or a pot combine cornstarch, sugar, browned sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and water. Stir well and bring to a boil over medium-high heat whisking constantly. Let it boil for 2 minutes until thick, then stir in apple slices.
• Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Apples should be soft but not mushy (cooking time depends on the sort of apples). Remove apples from heat and leave them covered to soften and cool.
• When it’s cooled, set aside the apples from the sauce and chop them into small pieces.

To make Pie Crust:

• In a large mixing bowl place flour, salt, and sugar, and mix to combine.
• Using a pastry blender incorporate chilled butter cubes into the flour mixture(the mixture should resemble a coarse meal)
• Drizzle 2 tablespoons of ice water over the mixture and blend, repeat with another 2 tablespoons of water. When you squeeze the dough it should hold together (you may have to add more water if the dough crumbles, add 1 tablespoon at a time)
• Divide the dough into two equal pieces, flatten and form two discs, pack each disc with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
• Lightly dust the working surface with flour, place chilled dough, and dust the dough and the rolling pin, too. Turn the dough as you roll to prevent it from sticking. Roll it out 1/8-inch thick.
• Repeat the process with the other disc.

Assembling the Apple Pie Cookies:

• Preheat the oven to 350 F, line the cookie sheet with parchment paper, spray with non-stick spray, and set aside.
• Spread the caramel sauce onto one pie crust.
• Spread chopped apple pie filling over caramel and gently tap the filling with your palms.
• Cut the second pie crust into 1/2-inch strips and create a lattice top over the filling.
• Using a round cookie cutter (about 2.5 inches) cut out the cookies and place them onto a baking sheet.
• Beat the egg with a fork and brush the top of the cookies.
• Combine cinnamon and sugar and sprinkle the cookies generously.
• Bake 20-30 minutes (until golden brown).