If you love the comforting flavors of classic apple pie but want to enjoy them in a fun, handheld treat, then you are absolutely going to adore this Apple Pie Cookies Recipe. These cookies pack tender, warm spices and a luscious apple filling right into a soft, cinnamon-sugar coated dough that melts in your mouth with every bite. It’s a delightful twist on traditional pie that’s perfect for sharing at gatherings, gifting to friends, or simply indulging yourself with an extra cozy treat. This Apple Pie Cookies Recipe blends nostalgia with creativity in the most delicious way possible.

A round cookie sits on a piece of brown parchment paper on a wooden board with a rough texture. The cookie has a soft golden-brown base with a topping of small caramelized apple pieces in the center, surrounded by crumbled light tan bits. Sweet caramel sauce is drizzled over the whole cookie in thick, shiny lines. The cookie has a bite taken from the side, showing a soft, dense inside with a warm orange tint. In the background, there is a brown wooden bowl, a red apple, a jar filled with cinnamon powder, and wrapped caramel candies on a brown cloth under soft warm light. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every single ingredient in this Apple Pie Cookies Recipe is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and that inviting aroma you want wafting through your kitchen. Simple staples like apples and cinnamon meet baking essentials and a touch of butter to create something truly magical.

2 medium Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Granny Smith, or Fuji apples (peeled, cored, and finely diced): These add natural sweetness and a pleasant tart bite with a pleasant texture when cooked.
2 Tbsp. lemon juice (fresh): Keeps the apples bright and prevents browning while enhancing the overall flavor.
1/2 cup water: Helps simmer the apple filling to perfection, ensuring it’s moist but thickened.
1/4 cup dark brown sugar (packed): Adds rich molasses undertones to the filling and dough.
1/4 cup granulated white sugar: Brings balance and sweetness throughout the recipe.
1 Tbsp. cornstarch: Acts as the thickening agent, giving the apple filling that perfect luscious texture.
1 tsp. ground cinnamon: The quintessential spice that gives the cookies their warm, inviting essence.
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg: Adds complexity and a gentle hint of sweetness.
1/4 tsp. ground cloves: Brings an earthy depth to the spice blend.
2 tsp. unsalted butter (for filling): Enriches the filling with creamy texture and a subtle buttery flavor.
1 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature): The foundation of the cookie dough’s tenderness and flavor.
1¼ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a soft, light cookie crumb.
1/4 cup dark brown sugar (packed): Adds moisture and a slight chewiness to the dough.
1 egg and 1 egg yolk (room temperature): Binds the dough and contributes to the cookies’ rich texture.
1 Tbsp. vanilla extract: Enhances all flavors with its subtle, sweet aroma.
3 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled): The structure for these soft, chewy cookies.
2 tsp. cornstarch: Keeps the cookie crumb tender, preventing toughness.
1 tsp. ground cinnamon: Infuses dough with extra spiced warmth.
1 tsp. baking powder: Helps the cookies rise to a tender, slightly fluffy texture.
1/2 tsp. baking soda: Works with the acids to promote perfect lift and softness.
3/4 tsp. fine sea salt: Balances sweetness and rounds out all flavors.
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating): Adds a sweet, crunchy surface to the cookie exterior.
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon (for coating): Gives the cookies that classic apple pie aroma at first bite.
Garnish: caramel and crushed cinnamon graham crackers: These toppings add the finishing touch of indulgence and a delightful crunch.

How to Make Apple Pie Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Pie Filling

Start by tossing your diced apples with fresh lemon juice in a bowl; this keeps their color bright and fresh. Next, in a small saucepan, combine the water, sugars, cornstarch, and your warming spices, bringing them to a gentle simmer. Add the apples and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens and the apple cubes become tender but still hold their shape lovingly. Then, stir in the butter to enrich the filling and set it aside to cool. This luscious apple filling is the heart of the cookie and the secret to the pie-like decadence!

Step 2: Preheat and Prepare

Before tackling the dough, preheat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple prep step ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the sheets cleanly every time.

Step 3: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter with both sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes 2 to 3 minutes and is absolutely worth the effort to get tender cookies. Beat in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla until the dough becomes smooth and aromatic. In a separate bowl, whisk all your dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, cornstarch, cinnamon, and salt, then gradually fold them into the wet mixture just until everything is combined. For ease of handling and better shape retention, chilling the dough briefly is a great option.

Step 4: Shape and Fill the Cookies

Mix cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl to create a perfectly spiced coating. Scoop out about three tablespoons of dough each time, roll into balls, and coat them thoroughly in the cinnamon-sugar mix. Arrange these dough balls on your prepared baking sheets at least two inches apart. Now, gently press a shallow well into the center of each ball—just enough to cradle the apple filling without compromising the dough’s soft texture. This is where you’ll spoon in about 1 tablespoon of the delicious apple mixture.

Step 5: Bake and Finish

Bake your cookies for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want the edges to be set while the centers still look slightly underbaked to keep that irresistibly soft and chewy bite. If cookies lose their round shape while baking, a little scoot on the cookie sheet right out of the oven will restore that perfect circle. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 to 10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. Once fully cooled, spoon a bit more apple filling into the center wells, then finish with a sprinkle of crushed cinnamon graham crackers and a drizzle of caramel for that extra wow factor.

How to Serve Apple Pie Cookies Recipe

The image shows several round cookies on a baking tray covered with parchment paper. Each cookie has three visible layers: a soft, light brown base cookie layer; a chunky caramel apple topping with pieces of cooked apple and cinnamon spread over the cookie center, dark golden brown in color; and final golden caramel drizzle in thin stripes over the apple topping. Around the cookies are small caramel caramel squares and crumbs scattered on the parchment paper. In the blurred background, a large red apple and brown items can be seen on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkling these cookies with crushed cinnamon graham crackers adds a delightful crunch and enhances the classic apple pie vibe. A drizzle of warm caramel sauce over the top makes every bite feel indulgent and festive, instantly elevating the presentation and taste.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, transforming them into a cozy dessert. For a warm beverage option, enjoy these treats alongside a cup of spiced chai tea or freshly brewed coffee to complement the spiced apple flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress guests, arrange the Apple Pie Cookies Recipe on a rustic wooden board garnished with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks. Alternatively, package them in a decorative tin or cellophane bags tied with twine for a charming homemade gift that anyone would love to receive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Apple Pie Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days to keep them soft and flavorful. If you live in a warmer climate, consider refrigeration to preserve freshness but bring cookies back to room temperature before enjoying for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

These cookies freeze wonderfully. Place fully cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Frozen Apple Pie Cookies Recipe will keep for up to three months and can be thawed overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

Warm your cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes or briefly in the microwave—just enough to revive their soft, chewy texture and reawaken the fragrant apple and spice aromas. Adding a quick extra drizzle of caramel after warming makes them feel freshly baked and utterly scrumptious.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples for this Apple Pie Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Granny Smith, and Fuji are recommended, feel free to use any apples you prefer. Just keep in mind that tart apples like Granny Smith hold up well when cooked and add a nice balance to the sweet spices.

What if I don’t have cornstarch on hand?

Cornstarch is vital for thickening the apple filling and keeping the cookie dough tender. If you don’t have it, you can try using arrowroot powder as a substitute for thickening, but for the dough, it’s best to stick with cornstarch for that soft texture.

Can this recipe be made vegan?

With some swaps, yes! Use vegan butter and replace the egg and yolk with flax eggs or other egg replacers. Just be aware the texture might vary slightly, but you’ll still get delicious results.

How do I prevent the cookies from becoming too thin and crispy?

Press only a shallow indentation for the filling; going too deep causes the dough to spread too much and become thin. Also, chilling the dough briefly before baking helps maintain thickness and chewiness.

Can I make the apple filling ahead of time?

Definitely! Making the filling a day ahead allows the flavors to deepen nicely. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and bring it to room temperature or warm slightly before filling your cookies.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Pie Cookies Recipe is one of those special treats that combines all the best parts of homemade apple pie in a playful, hand-held cookie form. It’s a sure way to bring smiles and warm hearts during any cozy gathering or simply whenever you need a little comfort on a plate. Don’t wait to try making these — the aroma alone will have you reaching for the mixing bowl before you know it!

Apple Pie Cookies Recipe