If you are looking for a cozy, sweet treat that combines the best of autumn flavors in a fun, bite-sized form, you are going to love this Caramel Apple Pie Cookies Recipe. These irresistible cookies beautifully capture the warm spices and gooey caramel of a classic apple pie, but with the convenience of a handheld cookie that’s perfect for sharing or enjoying with a cup of tea. The flaky pie crust envelops luscious apple filling and rich caramel, making every bite a little celebration of fall. Trust me, once you try these cookies, they’ll become your new favorite dessert to whip up for family gatherings or simply to indulge yourself on a crisp afternoon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, yet essential ingredients is the first step towards making magic happen in your kitchen. Each one plays a crucial role: the pie crust provides buttery, flaky layers that hold everything together, the apple pie filling brings soft, cinnamony fruit pieces, and the caramel sauce adds that luscious, sweet depth that transforms ordinary cookies into something extraordinary.
- Refrigerated pie crusts (1 package, 2 crusts): Provides a flaky and buttery base for perfect cookie layers while saving prep time.
- Apple pie filling (1 cup, chopped): Juicy and tender apple pieces infused with warmth and spice for authentic apple pie flavor.
- Caramel sauce (1/2 cup plus extra for drizzling): Adds rich, gooey sweetness that perfectly complements the tart apples.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the filling with that classic apple pie spice aroma and taste.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Offers subtle warmth and complexity to enhance the overall flavor.
- Sugar (1 tablespoon): Sprinkled on top before baking for a delicate, sparkling sweetness and a slight crunch.
- Egg (1, beaten): Used as an egg wash to ensure a golden, glossy finish on the cookies.
- Flour (for dusting): Prevents sticking while rolling out the pie crust and cutting cookies.
How to Make Caramel Apple Pie Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your cookies from sticking and ensure even baking. Lightly dust a clean surface with flour—this will make rolling out the pie crusts so much easier.
Step 2: Roll Out Pie Crusts
Gently roll out both refrigerated pie crusts on your floured surface. Aim for a smooth, even thickness so your cookies bake uniformly. This step sets the foundation for the flakiest, crispest bases.
Step 3: Build the Layers
Brush a thin, even layer of caramel sauce onto one of the pie crusts. This sticky layer is the secret to the luscious, sweet pockets inside your cookies. Next, sprinkle the chopped apple pie filling evenly over the caramel, making sure to spread the cinnamon and nutmeg over the filling for that authentic apple pie spice blend.
Step 4: Top and Cut the Cookies
Place the second pie crust gently over the filled one to form a sandwich. Using a pizza cutter or knife, carefully cut the dough into 2-inch squares or use a cookie cutter for charming circles. Press the edges of each cookie with a fork to seal all those delicious fillings inside so nothing leaks out while baking.
Step 5: Egg Wash and Sugar Sprinkle
Brush the tops of the sealed cookies with beaten egg—this will give them a beautiful, shiny golden-brown finish. Sprinkle each cookie lightly with sugar to add a touch of sparkle and a tiny crunch.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange the cookies on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the crust turns a perfectly warm golden brown. Once baked, let them cool slightly so the caramel sets, then drizzle a little extra caramel sauce on top for that eye-catching finish.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Pie Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these cookies, consider dusting them with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or adding a tiny dollop of whipped cream on the side. A sprinkle of finely chopped pecans can add texture and a nutty counterpoint that pairs beautifully with the caramel and apple flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm mug of chai tea for a comforting, delicious moment. They also go wonderfully alongside a cup of coffee or a rich hot chocolate, making each bite even more indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Caramel Apple Pie Cookies Recipe on a rustic wooden board with fresh apple slices and caramel drizzle scattered around. For parties, try serving these cookies in small glass jars or decorative tins tied with twine to create a charming gift or centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your fresh batch, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to 2 days, perfect for a quick snack or dessert the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, place the cut cookies on a parchment-lined tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. For baked cookies, freeze cooled cookies in an airtight container and thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Warm your cookies gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes or until heated through. This will refresh their flaky texture and melt the caramel slightly, making them taste like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pie crust for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade pie crust will add a wonderfully personal touch and can make your cookies even flakier. Just make sure your dough is chilled well before rolling for best results.
What kind of apples work best in the pie filling?
Since this recipe uses pre-made apple pie filling, it’s usually prepared with tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith or Fuji, which hold their shape nicely and balance the sweetness of the caramel.
Is it possible to make these cookies gluten free?
Yes! You can substitute the refrigerated pie crust with a gluten-free version available in many stores or make your own gluten-free dough. Just be mindful that texture might vary slightly.
How do I prevent the caramel from leaking during baking?
Sealing the edges firmly with a fork is key to containing the gooey filling. Be generous but careful with the caramel layer to keep it inside without making the dough soggy.
Can I add nuts or other fillings?
Definitely! Sprinkling chopped pecans, walnuts, or even adding raisins inside before sealing adds a delightful crunch and additional flavor twists that pair wonderfully with the apple and caramel.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Apple Pie Cookies Recipe is a delightful twist on the traditional apple pie that makes dessert time truly special. Its blend of warm spices, sweet caramel, and flaky crust is utterly irresistible and so simple to make. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these cookies will bring cozy, fall-inspired comfort to any day. Give them a try — I promise you’ll want to keep this recipe close year-round!
Print
Caramel Apple Pie Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Caramel Apple Pie Cookies, a perfect combination of flaky pie crust, sweet apple filling, and rich caramel drizzle. This easy-to-make fall dessert captures all the classic flavors of apple pie in a convenient, bite-sized cookie form that’s ideal for sharing or enjoying as a cozy treat.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- Flour, for dusting
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling)
Filling
- 1 cup apple pie filling, chopped into small pieces
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Crusts: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out both pie crusts evenly.
- Assemble Base Layer: Spread a thin, even layer of caramel sauce over one pie crust to add a sweet caramel flavor base.
- Add Filling: Distribute the chopped apple pie filling evenly over the caramel layer, then sprinkle with ground cinnamon and nutmeg to enhance the autumn spice notes.
- Top Layer: Place the second pie crust over the filled crust like a lid, carefully aligning the edges.
- Cut Cookies: Using a pizza cutter or cookie cutter, cut the layered dough into 2-inch squares or circles.
- Seal Edges: Press down the edges of each cookie firmly with a fork to seal the filling inside and prevent leakage during baking.
- Egg Wash and Sugar: Brush the tops of the cookies gently with beaten egg to create a glossy finish and sprinkle lightly with sugar for extra sweetness and crunch.
- Bake: Transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cookies are cooked through.
- Cool and Drizzle: Allow the cookies to cool slightly on a wire rack before drizzling with additional caramel sauce for a decadent finishing touch.
Notes
- You can substitute the refrigerated pie crusts and apple filling with homemade versions if preferred for a more personalized flavor.
- For added texture and flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans either inside the filling or on top of the cookies before baking.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
