Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

The warm scent of salted caramel apple pie cookies wafts through the air, wrapping around you like a comforting hug on a chilly autumn afternoon. Memories come flooding back of bustling family gatherings where laughter echoed around the kitchen, and we would steal cookies hot from the oven, sneaking bites before they even cooled. My heart swells with nostalgia as I recall afternoons rolling out dough, peeling apples, and creating sweet memories while surrounded by those I love the most. Each bite of these cookies is not just a taste; it’s a trip down memory lane filled with warmth, family, and the simple joys of baking together.

The Story Behind Our Favorite Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

These salted caramel apple pie cookies are more than just a delicious treat; they hold a special place in my heart. The first time I made them, I was trying to create a cozy dessert that blended my love for apple pie and cookies. After all, what could be better than the crisp, flaky crust of a pie wrapped around a delightful cookie? The inspiration came from family gatherings where pies were always present. As I experimented in my kitchen, I realized that the best memories are made around food that brings people together.

The aroma of baking apples and sweet caramel become entwined with laughter and storytelling. The recipe was born out of cherished memories rather than perfection in the kitchen. Every time I prepare these cookies, I reminisce about those afternoons spent creating family traditions. I love how they make the kitchen feel alive, filled with love, and remind us that the simplest recipes can elicit the fondest memories.

Bringing Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies Together

“Every time I stir this pot, it smells just like Sunday at home.”

Making these cookies is a joyful experience. There’s something magical about the sound of butter creaming with sugar, the gentle crackle of apples cooking, and watching dough come together. It’s a process that invites you to slow down, enjoy the moment, and embrace the simple pleasures of cooking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When gathering ingredients for salted caramel apple pie cookies, look for simple yet wholesome items. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup salted butter, softened at room temperature (226 grams)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled (390 grams)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 and 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp allspice
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• 4 large apples, peeled and diced (775 grams or 27 ounces of diced apple)
• 1/4 cup salted butter, cubed (4 tbsp)
• 2 tbsp apple cider (you can use 1 tsp of lemon juice if you don’t have any cider – note that this is NOT apple cider vinegar)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 and 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1 cup granulated sugar (206 grams)
• 6 tbsp salted butter, cubed
• 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp heavy cream
• Pinch of flaky sea salt (I love Maldon brand!)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 and 3/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp allspice
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 cup salted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 and 1/2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3/4 tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Feel free to add a dash more cinnamon if you love cozy spice or choose fresh butter it makes all the difference in flavor.

Step-by-Step Directions

Make the Cookie Dough

1. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium-high speed.
2. Add the sugars and mix until they are creamed together with the butter, about 1 minute.
3. Add the vanilla and eggs, then mix until just combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Chill for 30 minutes to make it easier to roll the dough into balls.

Make-Ahead Tip: The dough can be balled and frozen for about a month. Just ensure you thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.

Make the Apple Filling

1. Rinse and peel your apples, then dice them into bite-sized chunks.
2. In a medium pan over medium-high heat, add all the apple filling ingredients.
3. Cook for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring lazily throughout.
4. Taste around the 15-minute mark and finish cooking once the desired tenderness is reached.
5. Transfer the apple mixture to a medium bowl to cool at room temperature or in the fridge.

Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare this filling up to two days ahead and store it in a jar in the fridge.

Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

1. Prepare the salted caramel sauce according to my easy, 10-minute recipe.
2. Let it cool at room temperature for about 20 minutes until thickened.

Make-Ahead Tip: This can be stored in a jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks after cooling.

Scoop & Chill the Dough

1. Use a large cookie scoop to scoop the dough into balls of about 65 grams each.
2. Place the balls in an airtight container and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or in the freezer for about 2 hours.

Note: Make sure you scoop the dough into balls before chilling. Chilling the whole mass of dough makes it too difficult to scoop later.

Make the Crumble

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, melt the butter.
3. Stir in the remaining streusel ingredients until you have a crumbly mixture.
4. Crumble into small pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12-14 minutes until deep golden brown.
5. Allow it to cool, breaking apart any larger bits as it cools.

Make-Ahead Tip: This topping can be made 1 to 2 days ahead and stored at room temperature or in the freezer for 1 to 2 months.

Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven again to 365°F.
2. Line a few baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
3. In a small bowl, stir together the sugar and spices for coating the cookies.
4. Roll the dough balls in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
5. Place about six cookies on each sheet, allowing room for spreading.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes. The edges should feel set when tapped, and the centers will look slightly underdone. They will finish setting as they cool.
7. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 1-2 minutes, then press an indent into the centers with the back of a tablespoon.
8. Allow them to cool for a few more minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Assemble Cookies

1. Spoon apple pie filling into the cooled cookies.
2. Sprinkle on the crumble topping and drizzle with the salted caramel sauce.

Serve & Store

Please enjoy these delicious cookies right after assembling. They are pure joy warm out of the kitchen! If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. I don’t recommend leaving them out at room temperature overnight given the fresh fruit.

Bringing Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies to the Table

There’s something special about putting these cookies on the table. Picture a cozy Sunday afternoon where everyone gathers around the kitchen island. Little hands reach out eagerly, some even sifting through the crumbs for that perfect bite. These cookies are often accompanied by warm mugs of cider or milk.

We often top them with whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted pecans for an extra touch of delight. The laughter shared and stories told around these cookies create moments that stay with us forever. Each bite is infused with smiles and love, making them much more than just a dessert.

Keeping It Fresh and Comforting

When you want to keep these salted caramel apple pie cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container, ideally in the refrigerator. You may notice that the flavors deepen overnight, which only makes them tastier. For those who share their love for these cookies, remember to heat them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds before serving. The warmth brings back that feeling of home, just as it did when they first came out of the oven.

Linda’s Tried-and-True Tips

Cooking in my kitchen has taught me some valuable lessons. Here are a few tips that can help you make the most of this recipe:

1. Substitutions: If you run out of apple cider, a splash of lemon juice is a fine substitute. It brightens the flavor.
2. Prep Shortcuts: Dicing apples can be time-consuming; using a food processor can speed things up and gives you more time to enjoy the process.
3. Texture Advice: For the best texture, ensure your butter is softened properly. It should be cool to the touch but not melted.
4. Cleanup Made Easy: Line your baking sheets and prep bowls with parchment paper to minimize cleanup. It makes everything easier and ensures nothing sticks.
5. Chill the Dough: For easier rolling, give the dough a quick chill after scooping. This tip is a lifesaver for getting perfectly shaped cookies.

Family Variations on Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Over the years, my family has embraced little variations on this classic recipe. Sometimes, we stir in a handful of raisins or cranberries for an added burst of sweetness. In the fall, the warm spices like cloves and nutmeg transform into a delightful hug in each cookie.

During the holidays, I’ve often swapped apples for ripe pears mixed with a touch of ginger, bringing a different flavor while maintaining that comforting essence. Each twist feels like giving a warm hug to tradition while paving the way for new memories.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

A comforting treat that combines the flavors of apple pie and cookies, filled with spiced apple filling and topped with salted caramel.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 24 cookies

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

  

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Cookie Dough Ingredients

• 1 cup salted butter, softened at room temperature (226 grams) Ensure the butter is cool to the touch but not melted.
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled (390 grams)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 and 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp allspice
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves

Apple Filling Ingredients

• 4 large apples, peeled and diced (775 grams or 27 ounces) Use a mix of your favorite apples.
• 1/4 cup salted butter, cubed (4 tbsp)
• 2 tbsp apple cider Can substitute with 1 tsp of lemon juice.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 and 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves

Salted Caramel Sauce Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar (206 grams)
• 6 tbsp salted butter, cubed
• 1/2 cup heavy cream Plus 1 tbsp for drizzling.
• Pinch flaky sea salt Recommended: Maldon brand.

Cinnamon-Sugar Coating Ingredients

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 and 3/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp allspice
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves

Streusel Topping Ingredients

• 1/4 cup salted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 and 1/2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour Plus 1 tbsp.
• 3/4 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

 

Make the Cookie Dough

• In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium-high speed.
• Add the sugars and mix until they are creamed together with the butter, about 1 minute.
• Add the vanilla and eggs, then mix until just combined.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
• Chill for 30 minutes to make it easier to roll the dough into balls.

Make the Apple Filling

• Rinse and peel your apples, then dice them into bite-sized chunks.
• In a medium pan over medium-high heat, add all the apple filling ingredients.
• Cook for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring lazily throughout.
• Transfer the apple mixture to a medium bowl to cool at room temperature or in the fridge.

Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

• Prepare the salted caramel sauce according to your preferred recipe.
• Let it cool at room temperature until thickened.

Scoop & Chill the Dough

• Use a large cookie scoop to scoop the dough into balls of about 65 grams each.
• Place the balls in an airtight container and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or in the freezer for about 2 hours.

Make the Crumble

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• In a medium mixing bowl, melt the butter.
• Stir in the remaining streusel ingredients until you have a crumbly mixture.
• Crumble into small pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12-14 minutes or until deep golden brown.
• Allow it to cool, breaking apart any larger bits as it cools.

Bake the Cookies

• Preheat your oven again to 365°F.
• Line a few baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
• In a small bowl, stir together the sugar and spices for coating the cookies.
• Roll the dough balls in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
• Place about six cookies on each sheet, allowing room for spreading.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes. The edges should feel set when tapped, and the centers will look slightly underdone.
• Let them rest on the baking sheet for 1-2 minutes, then press an indent into the centers with the back of a tablespoon.
• Allow them to cool for a few more minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

Assemble Cookies

• Spoon apple pie filling into the cooled cookies.
• Sprinkle on the crumble topping and drizzle with the salted caramel sauce.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. Reheat slightly in the microwave before serving for the best experience.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 2gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15g

Keyword Baking, Comfort Food, Cookies, Fall Desserts, Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

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FAQs About Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Can I bake this a day ahead?
Yes, and honestly, they taste even better the next day when the flavors settle together. Bake them, cool them, and store them in an airtight container.

What can I substitute for butter?
If you need a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil. While it adds a slight coconut flavor, it maintains a lovely texture.

Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! Freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container for about 2-3 weeks. They’re a delightful treat ready to be revived when the craving strikes.

How do I soften butter quickly?
If you forgot to take your butter out in advance, cut it into small cubes and let it sit out for about 15 minutes or microwave it for about 10 seconds. Keep an eye on it to avoid melting.

What is the best way to reheat cookies?
Microwave them for about 10-15 seconds. This will warm them up without drying them out!

A Warm Note From My Kitchen

As I reflect on this treasured recipe, I find that these salted caramel apple pie cookies encapsulate the joys and warmth of home. They remind me of sunny afternoons spent in the kitchen, laughing and sharing stories with those I love. I hope they bring the same cozy joy to your kitchen that they bring to mine. Every time I bake them, I am reminded that it is not just about the recipe; it is about creating lasting memories with every delicious bite. Happy baking!