Description

Apple Pie Cookies combine the classic comforting flavors of apple pie into a delightful cookie form. Featuring a homemade apple pie filling nestled inside soft, cinnamon-spiced cookie dough and topped with a rich vanilla glaze, these cookies deliver a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and buttery goodness. Ideal for fall gatherings or anytime you crave a nostalgic dessert with a fun twist, this recipe comes with detailed instructions and a how-to video to guide you through every step.

Ingredients

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Apple Pie Filling

3 cups cored, peeled, diced apples
¼ cup light brown sugar (firmly packed)
2 Tablespoons butter (salted or unsalted)
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Cookie Dough

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup light brown sugar (firmly packed)
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs (room temperature preferred)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 Tablespoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt

Crumb Topping

6 Tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup light brown sugar (firmly packed)
⅓ cup granulated sugar (65g)
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cinnamon

Vanilla Glaze

½ cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
⅛ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
3 cups powdered sugar
1 cup powdered sugar
1-2 Tablespoons whole milk
½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste

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Instructions

Prepare the Apple Pie Filling: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and cornstarch. Cook while stirring occasionally until the apples are tender and the mixture has thickened, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Make the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Chill dough for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, flour, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Mix with a fork until crumbly. Set aside.
Assemble the Cookies: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll chilled dough onto a floured surface and cut into rounds. Place a spoonful of the cooled apple pie filling onto one round, then cover with another round and seal edges gently. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle crumb topping generously over each cookie.
Bake: Bake cookies in the preheated oven for 12-13 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare Vanilla Glaze: Beat together softened butter, salt, vanilla bean paste, and powdered sugar. Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency. Optionally, mix 1 cup powdered sugar with milk and vanilla bean paste for a thinner glaze variation.
Glaze Cookies: Once cookies are completely cooled, drizzle or spread the vanilla glaze over the tops using a spoon or piping bag. Allow glaze to set before serving.

Notes

Apple pie cookies combine all the flavors of traditional apple pie in a portable cookie form, perfect for dessert or snacks.
Using room temperature ingredients ensures better mixing, especially for the butter and eggs.
The homemade apple pie filling can be made ahead and refrigerated for convenience.
Optional “a la mode” serving suggestion: serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
For best texture, chill the cookie dough before assembling to prevent spreading during baking.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 420 kcal
Sugar: 44 g
Sodium: 192 mg
Fat: 16 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 67 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 54 mg