Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that warms your heart and fills your kitchen with the sweet smell of fall, then these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are just what you need! Imagine sinking your teeth into a cookie that perfectly captures the essence of apple pie—soft, spiced dough filled with tender apples and topped with a crunchy crumble, all drizzled in luscious salted caramel. It’s like holding a mini apple pie in your hand!

These delightful cookies are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a busy weeknight dessert, a gathering with friends, or simply a sweet pick-me-up on a chilly day. They bring comfort and joy, making them an instant favorite among family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spiced apples and salted caramel makes every bite unforgettable.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love these cookies, making them great for gatherings!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the dough or filling in advance for quick baking on busy days.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for any season or occasion, these cookies are sure to impress!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make these scrumptious Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies! You probably have most of these goodies in your pantry already.

For the Cookie Dough

• 1 cup salted butter, softened at room temperature (226 grams)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled (390 grams)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 and 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp allspice
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves

For the Apple Filling

• 4 large apples, peeled and diced (775 grams or 27 ounces of diced apple)
• 1/4 cup salted butter, cubed (4 tbsp)
• 2 tbsp apple cider (or 1 tsp of lemon juice)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 and 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves

For the Salted Caramel Sauce

• 1 cup granulated sugar (206 grams)
• 6 tbsp salted butter, cubed
• 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp heavy cream
• pinch of flaky sea salt

For the Crumble Topping

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 and 3/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp allspice
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 cup salted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 and 1/2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3/4 tsp cinnamon
• pinch of salt

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to mix things up:

• Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can add delightful crunch to both the cookies and filling.
• Mix in dried fruit: Dried cranberries or raisins can complement the flavor profile beautifully.
• Swap the spices: Experiment with different spices like cardamom or ginger for a unique twist.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

Start by creaming together the softened butter and sugars in a large bowl using an electric mixer. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the mixture, creating a light texture. Once well combined, add in the vanilla extract and eggs until just mixed. Finally, stir in your dry ingredients until a dough forms. Chilling this dough for about 30 minutes makes it easier to work with later!

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

While your dough chills, let’s prepare that delicious apple filling! Peel and dice your apples into bite-sized pieces. Combine them with butter, apple cider (or lemon juice), brown sugar, and spices in a medium pan over medium-high heat. Cook while stirring gently for about 15-18 minutes until they reach your desired tenderness. This step really brings out their natural sweetness! Allow this mixture to cool before we assemble our cookies.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

You can’t have salted caramel cookies without some rich sauce! Follow my easy recipe to make this luscious sauce in about ten minutes. Let it cool at room temperature until it thickens slightly—this is key for easy drizzling later!

Step 4: Scoop & Chill the Dough

Once chilled, scoop your dough into balls—aim for about 65 grams each—with a large cookie scoop. Place them in an airtight container to chill again; this time for at least four hours (or up to two days). Chilling helps maintain their shape during baking!

Step 5: Make the Crumble

While waiting on that dough to chill again, let’s make our crumble topping! Preheat your oven to 350°F. Melt some butter in a mixing bowl, then mix in all other crumble ingredients until crumbly. Spread this mixture onto a parchment-lined pan and bake until golden brown—a wonderful aroma will fill your kitchen!

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven again but this time at 365°F. Prepare cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Roll each dough ball in cinnamon-sugar before placing them on sheets with enough space for spreading. Bake for about 10-12 minutes until edges look set but centers remain puffy. Press indents into each one once they’ve cooled slightly.

Step 7: Assemble Cookies

Now comes the fun part! Spoon that warm apple filling into each cooled cookie center, sprinkle on your crumble topping generously, then drizzle those beautiful salted caramel ribbons over everything.

Step 8: Serve & Store

Enjoy these heavenly cookies immediately after assembling! If you have leftovers (which I doubt!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for about four to five days.

Enjoy making memories as you share these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies with loved ones—they’re sure to become a cherished favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Baking these delightful cookies can be a breeze with the right tips! Here are some pro suggestions to ensure your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies turn out perfectly every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allowing your butter and eggs to reach room temperature helps create a smoother dough, resulting in cookies that are light and fluffy.
• Chill the dough properly: Chilling the cookie dough not only makes it easier to handle, but it also helps prevent spreading during baking, giving you thicker, more bakery-style cookies.
• Don’t skip the cooling time for caramel: Letting your salted caramel sauce cool down before drizzling on the cookies ensures it thickens slightly and sticks better, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
• Watch the crumble closely while baking: Since oven temperatures can vary, keeping an eye on your crumble mixture ensures it doesn’t over-bake or burn, providing a perfect crunchy topping.
• Experiment with apple varieties: Mixing different types of apples can add depth to your filling. Consider using Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness—it’s a delicious combination!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Presenting your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies beautifully can make the experience even more enjoyable! Here are some ideas to elevate your serving style.

Garnishes

• Whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds creaminess and complements the flavors of apple and caramel wonderfully.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and nuttiness that pairs beautifully with caramel.
• Cinnamon dust: A light dusting of cinnamon over the assembled cookies gives them an extra touch of warmth and spice.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The classic pairing of warm cookies with cold vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast that’s hard to resist!
• Spiced chai tea: Enjoying your cookies with a comforting cup of spiced chai tea enhances the warm flavors of apple pie and adds an aromatic touch.
• Caramel popcorn: For a fun twist, serve these cookies alongside sweet caramel popcorn. The crunchy texture complements the chewy cookie perfectly!
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad can balance the richness of the cookies. Choose seasonal fruits like pears, berries, or citrus for a vibrant addition.

With these serving suggestions, you’ll turn your cookie experience into a delightful occasion that friends and family will remember! Enjoy every bite of your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are not only a delightful treat but also an excellent option for meal prep! You can easily prepare components ahead of time, making the baking process smoother when you’re ready to indulge in these delicious cookies.

Storing Leftovers

• Store assembled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Enjoy them within 4-5 days for the best taste and texture.
• If the cookies start to dry out, consider adding a slice of bread to the container to maintain moisture.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls: Scoop dough into balls, place on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag.
• You can freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Just ensure they are completely cooled before freezing.
• Thaw frozen cookie dough overnight in the fridge before baking, or bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

• To reheat baked cookies, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• If you want to enjoy that freshly-baked texture, consider microwaving for 10-15 seconds—just be careful not to overdo it!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies:

Can I make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies without apple cider?

Absolutely! If you don’t have apple cider on hand, you can substitute it with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Just remember it’s not apple cider vinegar!

How should I store Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

Store your cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Keeping them chilled will help preserve their freshness!

Can I freeze Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

Yes! You can freeze both unbaked dough and baked cookies. Just ensure they’re well-wrapped or stored in an airtight container.

What is the best way to reheat Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

For the best results, reheat your cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This brings back their fresh-baked texture!

Are there any substitutes for butter in this recipe?

If you’re looking for dairy-free options, you can use plant-based butter substitutes that work well in baking.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating these delightful Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies! They truly combine all the comforting flavors of fall into one sweet treat that’s perfect for sharing—or savoring all by yourself! Enjoy every bite and feel free to get creative with your own twists on this recipe. Happy baking!