Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies combine the best of two worlds with a soft cinnamon vanilla sugar cookie base, filled with a warm, spiced homemade apple pie filling. Drizzled with an easy homemade salted caramel, each cookie is a perfect bite-sized version of the classic apple pie, making them ideal for fall gatherings or a cozy dessert at home.
If you try out this recipe, I’d love to see it! Leave a comment with a star rating below and tag @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and hashtag it #wellmadebykiley
Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below. Read through this section for all the ingredients substitution and baking tips!
Apples of choice (I used Granny Smith, Gala would also work great)
Brown sugar
Salted butter
Maple syrup
Cornstarch
Cinnamon
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Powdered sugar
Egg
Avocado oil (or another neutral oil of choice)
Vanilla extract
Granulated sugar
Coconut oil
Almond butter
Why You’ll Love Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies:
Perfect Bite-Sized Treat: These apple pie cookies offer all the comforting flavors of a traditional apple pie in a convenient, bite-sized form, making them easy to share or enjoy on the go.
Soft and Flavorful Cookie Base: The cinnamon vanilla sugar cookie base is soft, sweet, and spiced just right, pairing perfectly with the apple pie filling.
Homemade Apple Pie Filling: Made with fresh apples, the homemade filling adds a touch of warmth and nostalgia, with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
Drizzled with Salted Caramel: The drizzle of homemade salted caramel takes these cookies to the next level, adding a sweet-salty contrast that complements the spiced apple filling.
Great for Fall Baking: With cinnamon, apples, and caramel, these cookies are a quintessential fall treat, perfect for cozy gatherings, holiday parties, or as a seasonal snack.
Easy to Make: Despite their gourmet flavor, these apple pie cookies are simple to prepare and bake, making them accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether for a holiday dessert platter, a family gathering, or an afternoon treat, these cookies are versatile enough to fit any occasion.
Crowd-Pleaser: Combining the flavors of apple pie with the ease of a cookie, these treats are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Customizable Toppings: While the salted caramel drizzle is a standout, you can also customize these cookies with powdered sugar or a cinnamon glaze to suit your taste.
Perfect Make-Ahead Dessert: These cookies store well, making them an ideal make-ahead dessert for busy days or special occasions.
Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies:
Bake the Cookies First, Then Fill: Since the cookies are filled after baking, focus on baking the cinnamon vanilla sugar cookie base until they’re golden and slightly firm. This ensures they hold up well when filled with the apple pie filling.
No Need to Chill the Dough: This cookie dough doesn’t require chilling, making the process quicker and more convenient. Simply mix, shape, and bake for a streamlined process.
Shape a Slight Indent in the Cookies Before Baking: Before baking, gently press the center of each cookie with your thumb or the back of a spoon to create a small well. This helps hold the apple pie filling in place after baking.
Use Firm Apples for the Filling: Choose firm apple varieties like Granny Smith, Gala, or Honeycrisp for the filling. They maintain their shape and texture well during cooking, providing a perfect balance of tart and sweet.
Prepare the Apple Pie Filling Ahead: Cook the apple pie filling in advance and let it cool completely before filling the cookies. This ensures that the filling stays inside the cookie and doesn’t soften the base.
Fill the Cookies While They’re Still Slightly Warm: Filling the cookies while they’re slightly warm helps the filling settle in nicely. However, don’t fill them while they’re too hot, or the filling might become too runny.
Drizzle Salted Caramel After Filling: Once the cookies are filled with the apple pie filling, drizzle them with salted caramel while the cookies are still slightly warm to allow the caramel to set beautifully.
Don’t Overfill the Cookies: Be careful not to overfill the cookies with the apple pie filling. A small spoonful is enough to balance the flavors without overwhelming the cookie base.
Customize the Filling: Feel free to add extras like chopped pecans or a dusting of cinnamon sugar on top of the apple pie filling to add texture and extra flavor.
Store Properly for Freshness: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If making ahead, store the cookie base and apple pie filling separately and assemble before serving for the best texture.
How to Store Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies:
Room Temperature (Up to 2 Days): Store the apple pie cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Make sure the cookies are completely cool before sealing to prevent moisture buildup, which can cause the cookies to become soggy.
Refrigeration (Up to 5 Days): For longer storage, keep the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The homemade apple pie filling and salted caramel will stay fresh, and refrigerating helps maintain the texture of the filling. Allow the cookies to come to room temperature or reheat slightly before serving for the best flavor.
Freezing the Cookie Base: If you’d like to prepare ahead, bake and freeze the cinnamon vanilla sugar cookie base separately. Wrap the cooled cookies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature, then add the apple pie filling and salted caramel drizzle.
Freezing Unbaked Dough: If you prefer to freeze the cookie dough, portion the dough into balls, flatten slightly, and freeze them on a baking sheet until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake the cookies straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Store Filling and Cookies Separately for Best Results: If you’re making these cookies ahead of time, store the baked cookies and the apple pie filling separately. Fill the cookies just before serving to keep the cookie base crisp and prevent them from getting soggy.
Reheating the Cookies: To refresh stored cookies, warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes. This will slightly soften the cookies and bring out the flavors of the apple pie filling and salted caramel.
Preventing Sogginess: If storing the cookies after assembly, ensure they are stored in a cool, dry place. Storing them in an airtight container helps keep them from absorbing excess moisture and becoming soggy.
Best Served Fresh: For the ultimate flavor and texture, these cookies are best enjoyed fresh, soon after filling. If storing for later, adding the filling and salted caramel just before serving will preserve the perfect balance of crisp and gooey.
Freezing Assembled Cookies: If you need to freeze the fully assembled cookies, freeze them individually on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently in the oven for best results.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the cinnamon vanilla sugar cookie dough ahead of time and either bake it immediately or freeze it. If freezing, shape the dough into cookie-sized portions and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw slightly and bake as usual.
Q: Do I need to chill the cookie dough before baking?
A: No, this cookie dough doesn’t require chilling. You can bake the cookies right after mixing, making this recipe quicker and more convenient.
Q: Can I use store-bought apple pie filling instead of homemade?
A: Yes, store-bought apple pie filling can be used if you’re short on time. However, homemade apple pie filling provides a fresher, more authentic flavor and allows you to control the sweetness and spices.
Q: How do I keep the cookies from becoming soggy?
A: To keep the cookies crisp, ensure they are completely cool before adding the apple pie filling. If making ahead, store the cookies and filling separately, then fill just before serving to maintain texture.
Q: Can I freeze the baked cookies?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked cookie bases without the filling. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature and add the apple pie filling and salted caramel drizzle.
Q: How long can I store the assembled cookies?
A: The assembled cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. However, for the best texture, it’s recommended to store the cookie bases and filling separately and assemble them right before serving.
Q: How do I drizzle the salted caramel neatly?
A: For a neat drizzle, use a spoon or a small piping bag to control the amount of salted caramel. Drizzle over the cooled cookies in a zigzag motion to create an even, beautiful presentation.
Q: Can I use a different caramel instead of salted caramel?
A: Yes! You can use regular caramel if you prefer a sweeter flavor or experiment with other toppings like a cinnamon glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the cookies gluten-free. Be sure to use a 1:1 replacement flour blend for best results.
Q: How should I store any leftover apple pie filling?
A: Leftover apple pie filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months and thaw it in the fridge when ready to use.
Check out my other fall recipes on Instagram:
Make sure to tag me @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and leave a review or comment if you make these salted caramel apple pie cookies. Happy baking!
