There’s nothing quite like the comfort of apple pie, but what if you could enjoy that same warm, sweet flavor in a soft, handheld cookie? These apple pie cookies are soft, sweet, and filled with tender apple pieces wrapped in buttery dough.
Perfect for fall, holidays, or any time you’re craving something that tastes like apple pie without making a whole pie. With simple ingredients and easy steps, these incredible cookies bring classic apple pie flavor to your kitchen in cookie form.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
To make these soft and sweet apple pie cookies, you’ll need simple ingredients that come together for the best flavor. You can use homemade or store bought pie crust for ease. Here’s everything you need:
For the Apple Filling:
• 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced small (baking apple for the best results)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (helps thicken the apple filling)
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon apple cider (optional but adds flavor)
For the Dough:
• 1 package store bought pie crust or homemade pie dough from scratch (about 2 crusts)
• 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
For the Topping:
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• Optional: Salted caramel sauce or powdered sugar for drizzling or dusting
These ingredients create cookies that taste like apple pie with soft centers and golden brown, flaky pie crust edges.
Instructions
Follow these simple, detailed steps to make apple pie cookies that taste like apple pie in every bite. Using store bought pie crust or homemade dough makes this recipe quick while keeping all the cozy, homemade apple flavor.
1. Make the Apple Filling
• Peel and dice your Granny Smith apples into small, even pieces. Smaller apple pieces help them cook faster and fit perfectly in the center of the cookies.
• In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the apples, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon apple cider.
• Stirring gently, cook the apple mixture for 5-7 minutes until the apples soften and the mixture thickens. The cornstarch will help thicken the apple filling so it doesn’t leak when baked in the cookies.
• Once the apples are soft but not mushy, remove from heat and let cool completely before using.
2. Prepare the Dough
• Roll out your store bought pie crust or pie dough from scratch onto a lightly floured surface.
• Use a round cookie cutter (about 3 inches) to cut out as many pie crust rounds as possible. Re-roll leftover pie dough to cut more rounds. You should have an even number since you’ll sandwich them together.
3. Assemble the Cookies
• Place half of the pie crust rounds onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Add 1 tablespoon of the apple filling to the center of the cookies, spreading it slightly but leaving a border.
• Place another crust round on top of the apple mixture. Gently press the edges to seal use a fork for a classic look.
• Brush the tops with beaten egg for that golden brown finish.
4. Add the Topping
• In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons granulated sugar with ½ teaspoon cinnamon.
• Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the tops for extra sweetness and crunch.
5. Bake the Cookies
• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Bake the cookies for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the tops look set.
• Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to allow the cookies to cool completely.
For extra indulgence, drizzle with salted caramel sauce or dust with powdered sugar once cooled.
Pro Tips and Variations
Want the best cookies with that perfect apple pie flavor? Follow these pro tips and easy variations to make these apple pie cookies even more incredible:
Pro Tips for Best Results
• Use Baking Apples: Granny Smith apples are ideal because they hold their shape and bring the right balance of sweet and tart. You can swap with Honeycrisp or Pink Lady for a sweeter filling.
• Thicken the Apple Filling: Don’t skip the cornstarch. It helps thicken the apple mixture so your cookies stay neat and don’t leak.
• Let the Filling Cool: Always let the cooked apple mixture cool before assembling. Hot filling can melt the dough and make the cookies messy.
• Seal the Edges Well: Press the edges firmly or crimp with a fork so the apple filling stays inside while baking.
Easy Variations
• Mini Apple Pie Cookies: Use a smaller cutter to make mini apple pie bites, perfect for parties or snacking.
• Caramel Apple Pie Cookies: Drizzle caramel sauce or salted caramel sauce over the cookies for rich, sweet flavor.
• Pumpkin Pie Twist: Swap the apple filling with pumpkin pie filling for a fall-inspired spin.
• Fruity Cookies: Add diced pears or berries to the apple mixture for extra fruity goodness.
• Leftover Pie Dough: Use any leftover pie dough to cut decorative shapes for the top of the cookies it makes them look like mini apple tarts or turnovers.
These easy tweaks let you make apple pie cookies your way, with all the flavor of homemade apple pie in every bite.
Serving Suggestions
These soft and sweet apple pie cookies are perfect for nearly any occasion. They bring all the cozy flavors of homemade apple pie in a handheld cookie form, making them easy to serve and share.
When to Serve:
• Holiday Gatherings: Serve them warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce for a festive dessert.
• Afternoon Treat: Pair with coffee, tea, or a mug of apple cider for a cozy snack.
• After Dinner Dessert: These cookies taste like apple pie, so they’re great when you crave a slice of pie but want something lighter.
• Picnics and Potlucks: Their flaky pie crust and sealed edges make them easy to transport without the mess of a whole pie.
How to Serve:
• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that classic apple pie pairing.
• Let the cookies cool completely and drizzle salted caramel sauce on top for extra sweetness.
• Dust with powdered sugar for a bakery-style finish.
• Store leftover cookies in an airtight container. They are best eaten the day they’re made but stay soft for up to 2 days.
Whether you’re sharing them or keeping them for yourself, these apple pie cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Conclusion
If you love apple pie but want an easier, bite-sized option, these soft and sweet apple pie cookies are the answer. With flaky pie crust, tender apple filling, and warm cinnamon sugar on top, they bring the taste of classic apple pie in every bite. Whether you’re making an easy dessert for family, using store bought pie crust, or creating homemade pie dough from scratch, these cookies deliver incredible flavor with simple steps. You’ll get the best results every time with this recipe. Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or anytime you crave a piece of pie in cookie form.
Apple Pie Cookies
Ingredients
Apple Filling Ingredients
- 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced Small pieces recommended
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch For thickening the filling
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon apple cider Optional, enhances flavor
Cookie Dough and Assembly
- 1 package store bought pie crust Or homemade pie dough from scratch
- 1 egg Beaten, for brushing
Topping Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar For cinnamon sugar topping
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salted caramel sauce or powdered sugar Optional for garnish
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, cook diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and apple cider for 5-7 minutes until the apples soften and the mixture thickens. Let cool completely.
- Roll out the pie dough and cut circles using a cookie cutter. Re-roll leftover dough as needed.
- Place half the rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Add 1 tablespoon of apple filling to each center. Top with another dough round and press edges to seal.
- Brush tops with beaten egg. Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and sprinkle over cookies.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool before drizzling with caramel sauce or dusting with powdered sugar.
Notes
- Calories: 190
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 130mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Total Sugars: 14g
- Added Sugars: 12g
FAQs
What apples are best for apple cookies?
Granny Smith apples are the best choice because they are a firm baking apple that stays crisp and adds a sweet-tart flavor. Other good options include Honeycrisp or Pink Lady if you prefer a sweeter filling.
What is the secret to a good apple pie?
The secret is a flaky pie crust, balanced sweet-tart apple filling, and proper thickening. Using cornstarch helps thicken the apple mixture, and Granny Smith apples ensure the filling holds its shape.
How to know if apple pie is baked?
Your apple pie cookies are done when the crust is golden brown and the edges look crisp. The center of the cookies should be set, and the filling will be bubbly.
What thickens apple pie cookies?
Cornstarch is the key to thicken the apple filling. It helps absorb moisture so the filling stays firm and doesn’t leak out of the cookies.
Do apples keep cookies fresh?
The cooked apple adds moisture to the cookies, keeping them soft, but they are best eaten the day they’re made. Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 2 days.
Is apple pie hot or cold?
Apple pie cookies can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Warm them slightly and drizzle with caramel on top for extra flavor, or let the cookies cool completely for a firmer bite.
