Apple Pie Cookies
These delightful apple pie cookies combine the warmth of apple pie filling with the texture of a soft cookie, making them perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the apple filling
- 2 cups Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced Use your favorite apple variety.
- 1/4 cup water To create a syrupy filling.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice Enhances flavor.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch Thickens the filling.
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar Adds a rich caramel flavor.
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice For warm spice flavor.
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce For drizzle and flavor.
- 2 tablespoons salted butter Enhances richness.
For the cookie dough
- 2 1/2 cups bread flour Gives cookies a sturdy structure.
- 1 packets instant vanilla pudding mix Ensures a moist texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder Helps cookies rise.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Provides warm flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt Balances flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened For cookie texture.
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar For sweetness.
- 2 large eggs Binds the ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances flavor.
For the cinnamon coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar Adds sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon Provides warm flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined; set aside.
Cook the filling
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together water, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
- Add the diced apples, light brown sugar, and apple pie spice; cook over medium-low heat for 5 to 7 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in caramel sauce and salted butter, then allow the mixture to cool.
Make the dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together bread flour, pudding mix, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and apple pie spice.
- Cream together unsalted butter and light brown sugar until smooth; add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
- Mix in vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet until the dough has a non-sticky texture.
Assemble and Bake
- Measure the dough into 2-ounce portions, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, and space them generously on the baking sheets.
- Using your thumb, press the center of each dough ball to make a small well. Fill each well with a tablespoon of the cooled apple mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes until lightly golden.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Drizzle with extra caramel sauce or icing and serve with vanilla ice cream for added decadence.
Notes
For best results, use cold butter for the dough. Don't rush the apple filling cooking time, let it simmer longer for deeper flavors. Chill the dough for about 30 minutes for better texture, and drizzle caramel sauce just before serving for maximum appeal.