Imagine your favorite traditional apple pie, transformed into a chewy, buttery cookie! These Apple Pie Cookies are the perfect balance of crisp edges, soft centers, and a spiced apple filling that brings all the fall vibes to life. Scroll down to the recipe card to learn how to make these little bites of comfort!
These Apple Pie Cookies are quite literally made for sweater weather—perfect for when it’s chilly during the fall season, and you’re craving something warm and cozy! They're like mini apple pies! Without a doubt, one of my fav apple recipes!
If you LOVE cookie recipes, you are also going to love my Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cookie, Easy Matcha Cookies & my Blueberry Cheesecake Cookie!
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Ingredients for these Delicious Apple Pie Cookies
- Salted Butter (Browned)
- Granulated Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla Extract
- All-Purpose Flour
- Corn starch
- Baking Soda
- Baking Powder
- Apple Pie Filling, store-bought & diced
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Melt & brown the butter!
Add the dry ingredients to the wet & mix to form the dough!
Chill & bake the dough. Form little wells in the cookie & add the apple pie filling.
Serve with some milk & enjoy!
- Brown the Butter:
In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the salted butter, stirring continuously. Watch as it foams, turns amber, and brown bits form at the bottom—these are where the flavor lives! Once the butter reaches a golden hue and smells nutty, transfer it to a large mixing bowl to cool for 20 minutes. Tip: If the butter is still warm after cooling, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes so your cookies don’t spread too much! - Prep the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside. - Mix Wet Ingredients:
In the bowl with the cooled brown butter, add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, mixing until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, stirring well after each, then mix in the vanilla extract. - Combine Dough:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your cookies nice and tender. - Chill the Dough:
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling is essential to help the flavors meld and keep the cookies thick and chewy. - Make Cookie Dough Balls & Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop 3 oz dough balls and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Bake for 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden, and the centers are still soft. - Create & Fill the Wells:
Let the cookies cool just slightly, then press the center of each cookie with a small glass or shot glass to create a well. Fill each well with about a tablespoon of the tender apple filling, Cool on a wire rack. - Serve & Enjoy:
These Apple Pie Cookies are best served warm, letting you enjoy that buttery, spiced apple filling. Grab little milk or a cozy cup of tea, and enjoy each bite of these mini pies!
Substitutions
- Salted Butter (Browned): Use unsalted butter with a pinch of salt (brown it the same way), or try vegan butter for a dairy-free option, though it won't brown like real butter.
- Granulated Sugar: Swap with coconut sugar or raw cane sugar for a deeper flavor, or maple syrup (use a bit less to adjust for liquid).
- Brown Sugar: Try coconut sugar or maple sugar; you could also use granulated sugar mixed with a bit of molasses.
- Eggs: Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoon water) per egg, or applesauce (¼ cup per egg) for a vegan option.
- Vanilla Extract: Substitute with maple syrup for a hint of sweetness or try vanilla powder if you have it.
- All-Purpose Flour: Use whole wheat flour for a bit more texture, or gluten-free all-purpose blend to make it gluten-free.
- Apple Pie Filling (Diced): you can make your own homemade apple pie filling or even a spiced applesauce for a smoother filling. If you're making homemade I recommend Granny Smith apples!
Variations for these delicious cookies
- Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
- Add a little extra indulgence by swirling salted caramel sauce into the center of each cookie along with the apple pie filling. I have an amazing recipe on my blog! Just add a caramel drizzle after they've come out of the oven! It adds a rich, buttery sweetness that pairs perfectly with the spiced apple filling—like a caramel apple in cookie form!
- Blueberry Cheesecake Cookies
- are another good recipe variation, you can try out HERE! Happy Baking!
Equipment
- Cookie Sheet
- Medium SaucePan
- Sheet Pan
- 1 small bowl & 1 large bowl
- Measuring Cup & Spoons
- Air Fryer or Oven
Storage
Store the Apple Pie Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months. Just let them come to room temperature before enjoying—or warm them slightly for that fresh-baked flavor! These are the most perfect cookies!
Here are 3 tips to make these Apple Pie Cookies perfect:
- Cool the Brown Butter: Make sure the browned butter is completely cool before mixing to prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling for at least an hour helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances flavor.
- Press Gently for Filling Wells: After baking, gently press the center to make wells without cracking the cookie edges—perfect for filling!
FAQs
Absolutely! Using store-bought apple pie filling is a great time-saver and ensures consistent flavor. Just make sure to choose a high-quality filling for the best results.
To prevent spreading, make sure your browned butter has cooled completely before mixing it into the dough. Chilling the dough for at least an hour before baking also helps maintain the cookie shape.
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough balls and bake them directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Related
Looking for other dessert recipes like this? Try these:
How to Make Salted Apple Pie Cookies (Easy Cookie Recipe)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the salted butter, stirring continuously. Watch as it foams, turns amber, and brown bits form at the bottom—these are where the flavor lives! Once the butter reaches a golden hue and smells nutty, transfer it to a large mixing bowl to cool for 20 minutes. Tip: If the butter is still warm after cooling, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes so your cookies don’t spread too much!
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
- In the bowl with the cooled brown butter, add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, mixing until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, stirring well after each, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your cookies nice and tender.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling is essential to help the flavors meld and keep the cookies thick and chewy.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop 3 oz dough balls and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Bake for 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden, and the centers are still soft.
- Let the cookies cool just slightly, then press the center of each cookie with a small glass or shot glass to create a well. Fill each well with about a tablespoon of the tender apple filling, Cool on a wire rack.
- These Apple Pie Cookies are best served warm, letting you enjoy that buttery, spiced apple filling. Grab little milk or a cozy cup of tea, and enjoy each bite of these mini pies!
Food safety
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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