“`html

If you’ve ever dreamed about combining the classic flavors of apple pie with the simplicity and comfort of a cookie, you’re in for an absolute treat with this Vegan Apple Pie Cookies Recipe. These cozy, spiced cookies filled with luscious, tender apple pie filling strike the perfect balance between chewy and gooey, making every bite a delightful celebration of fall flavors. Whether you’re vegan or just an apple pie fanatic, these beauties are destined to become your new favorite crowd-pleaser.

A woman's hand holds a small round tart with a thick, light brown crust that looks crumbly and soft. The tart is filled with a glossy layer of caramel-colored sauce and topped with evenly spread chunks of cooked apples in yellow and light brown tones with a hint of cinnamon. In the background, several similar tarts rest on a light brown parchment paper that lies on a white marbled surface. Two whole apples with red and yellow skin sit in the upper left corner, and a few thin apple slices and cinnamon sticks are visible on the right side of the image. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind these Vegan Apple Pie Cookies Recipe is all in the straightforward, carefully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role—the vegan butter and sugars create a rich, tender dough, while the pumpkin pie spice and vanilla add warm, inviting notes. The fresh honeycrisp apple brings vibrant sweetness and texture, creating a filling that’s worth every bite.

1/4 cup water: Used to make a smooth cornstarch slurry that thickens the apple filling perfectly.
1/2 Tablespoon cornstarch: Keeps the apple filling glossy and luscious without any graininess.
1 large honeycrisp apple (peeled and cut into small chunks): The star of the filling, offering freshness and natural sweetness.
3 Tablespoons brown sugar: Adds a caramel-like depth of flavor to the apple mixture.
2 Tablespoons vegan butter: Melts into the apple filling, enriching it with a buttery texture.
1 Tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the filling with a subtle tang and balances the sweetness.
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: Offers the quintessential spiced warmth reminiscent of fall.
1/2 cup vegan butter: For the cookie dough, ensuring tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture.
1/2 cup + 2 Tablespoons sugar: Half a cup for creaming and sweetness in the dough, plus extra for rolling to add a sparkling finish.
1/4 cup brown sugar: Mixed into the dough for even richer, caramel undertones.
1 flax egg (1 Tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 Tablespoons water): A vegan binder that holds everything together beautifully.
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract): Adds a fragrant dimension that pairs perfectly with the spices.
1 1/2 cups + 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough that keeps everything soft yet sturdy.
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: Blended into the dough for a harmonious spiced flavor throughout.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the cookies a light lift without puffing them up too much.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.

How to Make Vegan Apple Pie Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Pie Filling

Start by mixing together the cold water and cornstarch to form a cloudy slurry—this will thicken the filling beautifully. Next, peel and finely chop your honeycrisp apple into tiny cubes. Combine the apple with brown sugar, vegan butter, lemon juice, and pumpkin pie spice in a saucepan, cooking over medium heat until the butter melts and the mixture starts to bubble. Then add the cornstarch slurry, stirring continuously as the filling thickens and becomes glossy after 5 to 10 minutes. Set this luscious filling aside to cool while you prepare the dough.

Step 2: Make the Spiced Cookie Dough

In a mixing bowl, cream the vegan butter with 1/2 cup of sugar and 1/4 cup brown sugar until fluffy—this step is key to getting a tender crumb. Add the flax egg and vanilla bean paste, mixing until combined. Now sift in the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt, layering the flour first before adding the other dry ingredients. Blend them into a thick dough, then cover and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This cooling step helps the dough firm up, making it easier to shape and ensuring the cookies bake evenly.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Cookies

About ten minutes before the dough’s ready, preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out 10 equal portions of dough and roll each into smooth balls. Roll each ball in the reserved 2 tablespoons of sugar to give them a sparkling finish that crisps up in the oven. Place them spaced at least two inches apart on the tray. Press each ball down with your palm, then use your thumb to create a generous indent for the apple filling. Fill each with about a tablespoon of the cooled filling—don’t be shy! Bake the cookies for 14 to 16 minutes until the edges are golden and the centers set but still a little gooey. Let them cool for 5 minutes on the tray, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.

How to Serve Vegan Apple Pie Cookies Recipe

This image shows a close-up of a small round tart with two layers. The base layer is a thick, textured, light brown crust with a rough edge, shaped into a shallow bowl. The top layer is glossy and sticky, filled with warm, small diced apple pieces in a syrupy cinnamon sauce, giving a rich amber color with specks of cinnamon. One tart has a small bite taken out of it on the right side. The tarts rest on a light brown parchment paper surface with cinnamon sticks and apple slices nearby, all set on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a dusting of cinnamon-sugar or a light drizzle of vegan caramel sauce over your cookies for that extra touch of charm and sweetness. Freshly chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts also add a delightful crunch and a nutty contrast, elevating the cozy fall vibes.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot chai tea or your favorite non-dairy latte for a comforting afternoon snack. For dessert, serve alongside a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or coconut whipped cream to complement the warm spiced flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Vegan Apple Pie Cookies Recipe on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks for a visually stunning spread. For gatherings, try stacking them with layers of vegan cream cheese frosting in between for a fun cookie ‘cake’ twist that’s sure to wow.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your baked Vegan Apple Pie Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft with that luscious gooey center intact. If you prefer a chilled treat, refrigeration will extend their freshness for about a week—just bring them back to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

You can freeze both the unbaked cookie dough balls and the baked cookies. For dough, pop them on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies freeze well too—wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container to enjoy later without losing any flavor or texture.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked feeling, gently warm your cookies in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes or microwave them for about 15 seconds. This softens the cookie and refreshes the gooey apple pie center, making each bite a warm hug.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?

Absolutely! While honeycrisp apples offer a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, you can substitute with Fuji, Granny Smith, or Gala apples depending on your flavor preference. Just make sure to peel and finely chop them for the best texture in your filling.

Is there a substitute for pumpkin pie spice?

Yes, if you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, you can easily make your own blend with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of cloves. This DIY mix will give your Vegan Apple Pie Cookies Recipe the same warm and inviting flavor.

How can I make the cookie dough nut-free?

This recipe is naturally nut-free, using flaxseed as an egg replacer. Just ensure your flaxseed is processed in a nut-free facility if you have severe allergies. The rest of the ingredients are free from nuts, making it safe and enjoyable for those avoiding nuts.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum. Keep in mind that the texture may slightly change, but the flavors will remain just as delicious.

How long does it take to make these cookies from start to finish?

The entire process, including chilling the dough and baking, takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. The waiting times ensure both the filling and dough develop the perfect consistency for cookies that bake evenly and taste phenomenal.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about these Vegan Apple Pie Cookies Recipe that makes them impossible not to smile over. Soft, spiced, and filled with the heartwarming goodness of apple pie, they’re the perfect treat to share with friends and family—whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive celebration. So go ahead, gather those simple ingredients, and create a batch. Your taste buds—and everyone lucky enough to try them—will thank you!

“`

Vegan Apple Pie Cookies Recipe