Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these apple pie cookies! They’re like a warm hug wrapped in a flaky crust, bursting with sweet apple goodness that reminds me of cozy autumn afternoons. Seriously, every bite takes me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where the aroma of cinnamon and baked apples filled the air. The best part? They’re so easy to whip up! These cookies combine the delightful flavors of traditional apple pie but in a perfectly portable cookie form. Imagine the crispy edges and the gooey apple filling that just melts in your mouth. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked! Perfect for sharing at gatherings or just indulging on your own. Can’t wait for you to try these!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple yet delightful ingredients to create your scrumptious apple pie cookies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base for your flaky crust.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: It adds richness and helps achieve that perfect texture.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: For a touch of sweetness in the dough.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: It brings a lovely caramel flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: To balance the sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: This warms up the flavor profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Just a hint of spice to elevate the taste.
- 1/4 cup cold water: Helps bring the dough together.
- 2 cups diced apples: Fresh and firm apples work best for the filling.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: To brighten the apple flavor and prevent browning.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: To thicken the filling and keep it from being runny.
- 1 egg, beaten: For an egg wash that gives a beautiful golden finish.
How to Prepare Apple Pie Cookies
Alright, let’s dive into the deliciousness of making these apple pie cookies! First, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and toasty when your cookies are ready to go in.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix it all together until you get a crumbly texture—this is where the magic happens! Gradually add the cold water, mixing until the dough forms. Don’t rush it; you want it just right!
Once your dough is ready, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Trust me, this step is crucial for a flaky crust!
While that’s chilling, prepare your apple filling. Dice those fresh apples and toss them with lemon juice and cornstarch in a bowl. This keeps the apples fresh and helps thicken the filling.
After the dough has chilled, roll it out on a floured surface and cut it into circles. Place a spoonful of your apple mixture on half of each circle. Then, fold the other half over and seal the edges—be sure to press firmly!
Brush the tops lightly with beaten egg for that golden finish, and bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until they’re beautifully golden brown. Oh, the smell will drive you wild!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy days.
- Delightful blend of sweet and spiced apple flavors.
- Portable dessert that’s great for sharing at gatherings.
- Flaky crust that melts in your mouth with every bite.
- Child-friendly and a hit with guests of all ages!
Tips for Success
To make your apple pie cookies truly shine, here are some of my top tips! First, choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp; they hold their shape and add a perfect tartness. Next, don’t skip the chilling step for your dough—it’s essential for achieving that coveted flaky texture! If your dough feels too sticky, add a bit more flour while rolling it out. Also, be sure to seal the edges well to keep all that delicious filling inside. Lastly, keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; every oven is different, and we want them golden but not overdone. Happy baking!
Variations
If you want to mix things up a bit with your apple pie cookies, here are some fun suggestions! You can add different spices like ginger or allspice for a unique twist on the classic flavor. Feeling adventurous? Try tossing in some raisins or cranberries with the apples for added sweetness and texture. For a little crunch, consider mixing in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. And if you’re in the mood for tropical vibes, swap out the apples for diced peaches or pears. The possibilities are endless, and each variation brings its own delicious charm! Enjoy experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your apple pie cookies fresh and tasty, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each cookie in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up. Yum!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note: nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so keep that in mind! On average, each apple pie cookie contains about 150 calories, 6g of fat, 2g of protein, and 10g of sugar. Enjoy these treats in moderation as part of a balanced diet!
FAQ Section
Can I use other fruits for these cookies? Absolutely! While apples are a classic choice, you can experiment with pears, peaches, or even berries for a fun twist on flavor.
What type of apples are best for baking? I recommend using firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape and add a nice tartness that balances the sweetness.
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it wrapped in the fridge until you’re ready to roll it out.
How do I know when the cookies are done? They’re ready when they’re golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. Keep an eye on them as ovens can vary!
Can I freeze the cookies? Definitely! These cookies freeze well, so wrap them up and store them for a later treat. Just thaw and enjoy!
Print
Apple Pie Cookies: 7 Sweet Reasons to Indulge Today
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious apple pie cookies with a flaky crust and sweet apple filling.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 2 cups diced apples
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Add cold water gradually until dough forms.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes.
- Dice apples and toss with lemon juice and cornstarch.
- Roll out the chilled dough and cut into circles.
- Place a spoonful of apple filling on half of the circles.
- Fold and seal the cookies. Brush with beaten egg.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Use firm apples for best texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- These cookies freeze well.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: apple pie cookies