Lu-Ann Simon October 10, 2025

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Apple Pie Cookies Recipe

Name: Apple Pie Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon grated fresh nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon ground ginger; ⅛ teaspoon ground allspice; ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves; 2 granny smith apples (peeled and finely diced, about 4 cups); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; ½ cup light brown sugar; 1 lemon, zested and juiced; kosher salt, to taste; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 premade pie crust (from a 14-ounce package); ¾ cup all-purpose flour; ⅓ cup light brown sugar; 3 tablespoons granulated sugar; 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)

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There’s something utterly comforting about the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the kitchen, especially when they’re filled with sweet, spiced apples. Apple Pie Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic favorite—a perfect treat for cozy gatherings, family brunches, or simply to enjoy with a warm cup of tea or coffee. These cookies are not just easy to make, but they also capture the essence of autumn with every bite, bringing warmth and nostalgia to your home.

Reasons to Love This Apple Pie Cookies Recipe

This Apple Pie Cookies Recipe transforms the classic flavors of apple pie into convenient, bite-sized treats. They have a soft and buttery exterior, with a luscious apple filling that’s both sweet and slightly tart. Whether for a party or as a delightful snack, these cookies are sure to impress everyone.

You’ll appreciate:

The combination of warm spices bringing a depth of flavor
The sweetness of ripe apples balanced by a hint of lemon
The easy, manageable cookie size perfect for sharing
The delightful aroma that fills your home while baking
The chance to savor classic apple pie flavors in a new format

What You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is essential for achieving the best results with your Apple Pie Cookies Recipe. This recipe calls for a mix of spices and fresh ingredients, giving it a robust flavor. If you want to make swaps, feel free to substitute your favorite apples or use gluten-free options for the flour.

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon grated fresh nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
⅛ teaspoon ground allspice
⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
2 granny smith apples (peeled and finely diced, about 4 cups)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
1 lemon, zested and juiced
kosher salt, to taste
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 premade pie crust (from a 14-ounce package, such as Pillsbury)
¾ cup (90g) all-purpose flour
⅓ cup (55g) light brown sugar
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
5 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)

How to Prepare Apple Pie Cookies Recipe

Making these cookies is an enjoyable journey through flavors and textures. Follow these steps carefully for delightful results.

Prepare the apple filling: Start by melting 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the peeled and finely diced granny smith apples, and then sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon of ginger, ⅛ teaspoon of allspice, and ⅛ teaspoon of cloves. Stir everything together until the apples are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Sweeten and thicken: Once the apples are soft, add in ½ cup of light brown sugar, the zest and juice of 1 lemon, a pinch of kosher salt, and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Cook for an additional minute to combine, and then set the filling aside to cool.
Make the dough: In a mixing bowl, combine ¾ cup of all-purpose flour, ⅓ cup of light brown sugar, 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and a pinch of kosher salt. Mix these dry ingredients together. Next, cut in 5 tablespoons of room temperature unsalted butter until the mixture is crumbly but holds together when squeezed.
Roll out the pie crusts: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the premade pie crust to about 1/8 inch thick. Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out circles—about 3 inches in diameter.
Assemble the cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On half of the dough circles, place about 1 tablespoon of the cooled apple filling. Carefully place another dough circle over each filled circle, pressing the edges with a fork to seal them completely.
Bake the cookies: Transfer the cookies to a lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15–20 minutes, or until they are golden brown. The enticing scent of apples and spices will fill your kitchen during this time.

Prep ~ 30 minutes, Cook ~ 20 minutes, Total ~ 50 minutes, Servings ~ 18 cookies, Kcal ~ 150 each.

Plan Ahead

For a smoother baking day, consider prepping your ingredients ahead of time. You can make the apple filling the day before and store it in the refrigerator. The dough can also be rolled and cut into shapes in advance, layered with parchment paper, and then stored in an airtight container.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have any Apple Pie Cookies left—which is rare but possible—storing them is easy! Place your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for the best flavor and texture. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature and reheat gently in the oven to restore their fresh-baked aroma. A great tip is to place a slice of bread in the container; it helps keep cookies moist.

Perfect Pairings

These Apple Pie Cookies are delightful on their own but can be even more fun when paired with:

A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combo
A drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness
Warm spiced tea, which will complement the flavors beautifully
A dollop of whipped cream for a light, airy contrast
Fresh berries to add a pop of color and tartness

Flavor Twists and Substitutions

Get creative with your Apple Pie Cookies by trying out some fun variations:

Substitute different apples like honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter filling.
Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
Incorporate raisins or cranberries into the apple filling for added sweetness and texture.
Experiment with different spices, like cardamom or vanilla extract, for unique flavor profiles.
Create a glaze using powdered sugar and lemon juice to drizzle over the baked cookies.

Cook’s Notes and Secrets

For the best results with your Apple Pie Cookies, keep these tips in mind:

Ensure your butter is at room temperature for a softer dough.
Roll out the cookies gently to avoid cracking.
Allow the filling to cool before adding it to the dough to prevent sogginess.
Leave sufficient space between cookies on the baking sheet for them to expand slightly while baking.
Keep an eye on baking times, as ovens may vary—the cookies should be golden brown on the bottom and clued at the edges.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?
Yes, frozen apples can be used, but thaw and drain them well before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring it’s appropriate for baking.
How can I keep my cookies from getting soggy?
Ensure your apple filling is cooled completely before assembly, and do not overfill the cookies.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
What to do if the cookie edges crack while baking?
Make sure not to roll the dough too thin and handle it gently to avoid cracking.

Final Thoughts

The Apple Pie Cookies Recipe brings together the warmth and nostalgia of classic apple pie in a fun and easy-to-eat format. These delightful treats are perfect for sharing with loved ones or simply enjoying yourself. Whether you bake them for a special occasion or as an everyday delight, they never disappoint. Give them a try soon, and experience the comforting embrace of apple pie goodness in every bite. Enjoy your baking journey!

Apple Pie Cookies

Author: lu-ann
Total Time: 50
Yield: 18 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delightful bite-sized cookies filled with spiced apples, perfect for cozy gatherings and family brunches.

Instructions

Prepare the apple filling: Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced apples and sprinkle in the spices. Stir and cook until apples are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Sweeten and thicken: Add light brown sugar, lemon zest and juice, kosher salt, and cornstarch to the apple mixture. Cook for an additional minute and set aside to cool.
Make the dough: In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in room temperature unsalted butter until crumbly.
Roll out the pie crust: Roll the premade pie crust to 1/8 inch thick and cut out 3-inch circles.
Assemble the cookies: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). On half of the dough circles, place 1 tablespoon of apple filling. Top with another circle of dough and press edges to seal.
Bake the cookies: Transfer to a lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.