Apple Pie Cookies are little bites of fall wrapped up in a soft, chewy cookie. They bring together sweet apple chunks, warm cinnamon spice, and a hint of buttery crust flavor all in one perfect treat. These cookies have that cozy apple pie feeling without needing a fork or plate.
I love making these when the air starts to get crisp because they instantly make my kitchen feel warm and inviting. I like to use fresh apples for a nice pop of juicy sweetness, and sometimes I toss in a sprinkle of nutmeg for an extra cozy touch. These cookies are also great for gift-giving or sharing at a casual get-together because everyone always asks for the recipe.
My favorite way to enjoy Apple Pie Cookies is with a cup of hot tea or apple cider, especially on a chilly afternoon. They’re perfect for packing in a lunchbox or having as a quick treat after school. Whenever I bake these, I’m reminded of family gatherings and the simple joy of homemade desserts. They make fall feel a little sweeter, one cookie at a time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Softened unsalted butter makes these cookies tender and rich. You can swap it for margarine or a plant-based spread if you need a dairy-free option.
Apples: I like Granny Smith for their tartness, which balances the sweetness. Honeycrisp works well too, offering a sweeter, juicier bite. If fresh apples aren’t available, try dried apple bits, but reduce other sugars slightly.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These spices bring the cozy apple pie flavor. If you don’t have nutmeg, just use more cinnamon or add a pinch of ground cloves for warmth.
Caramel Sauce: This is optional but a lovely finishing touch. You can use store-bought caramel or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for a different sweet note.
How Can I Keep Apples from Making Cookies Soggy?
Apples release moisture when baked, which can make cookies soft or soggy if not handled right. Here’s how I keep them just right:
- Dice apples small so they distribute evenly without overwhelming the dough.
- Toss apple pieces lightly in a bit of flour before folding into dough. This helps absorb some juice.
- Don’t overmix dough once apples are added to avoid breaking them down further.
- Watch baking time carefully — baking just long enough sets cookies but keeps them soft.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheets – flat and sturdy ones help your cookies bake evenly without spreading too much.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – keeps cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Mixing bowls – a large one for wet ingredients and another for dry ingredients to keep things tidy.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer – makes creaming butter and sugar faster and smoother.
- Measuring cups and spoons – accuracy matters for perfect cookie texture and flavor.
- Cooling rack – lets cookies cool evenly so they don’t get soggy on the bottom.
- Spoon or cookie scoop – helps drop consistent dough portions for even baking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add raisins or dried cranberries for a chewy burst that pairs well with the apples.
- Mix in chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to add crunch and nutty flavor.
- Swap half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat for a heartier, slightly nutty cookie.
- Try a sprinkle of ground ginger or allspice instead of nutmeg for a different warm spice profile.
Apple Pie Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup peeled and diced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For Topping:
- Caramel sauce, for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare the dough and assemble the cookies, plus 10-12 minutes for baking. Allow another 10-15 minutes for the cookies to cool before adding caramel drizzle and serving. In total, plan for around 40 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Baking Area:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is well incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Separately, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add the dry mix into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
Fold in the diced apples and, if using, the chopped nuts evenly throughout the dough.
3. Bake and Finish:
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, drizzle caramel sauce over the top for a delicious finishing touch.
Serve these lovely apple pie cookies with a warm cup of tea or coffee, and enjoy a cozy bite of homemade fall flavor!
Can I Use Frozen Apples for These Cookies?
Yes, you can use frozen apples, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that could make the cookies soggy. Toss the thawed apples in a little flour before folding them into the dough.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover Apple Pie Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cookies in a sealed container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This can actually help the flavors meld together and improve the texture. Just allow a few minutes at room temperature before scooping and baking.
What Can I Substitute for Caramel Sauce?
If you don’t have caramel sauce on hand, try drizzling honey, maple syrup, or melted butterscotch chips as a sweet alternative. You can also enjoy the cookies plain for a less sweet option.
