Apple Pie Cookies

With a soft, homemade apple pie filling and crisp pie crust shell, these apple pie cookies are the perfect indulgence. Better than a traditional pie, these cookies have all the comforting flavor but in cookie form.

Gourmet cookies make for a beautiful addition to the dessert table, these apple pie cookies have all the indulgent taste of apple pie but in individual form.

Made with a homemade, cinnamon apple filling, wrapped in prepared pie crusts, portioned, and dusted with cinnamon sugar, these cookies are a treat you can’t refuse.

Perfect for fall, these cookies may take a bit of extra time in the kitchen but they make your house smell amazing – the best way to greet guests!

Ingredients for Apple Pie Cookies

For the filling:

• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 apples (2 cups) peeled and diced into small cubes
• 1 1/2 tsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 1⁄2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tsp cornstarch

For the cookies:

• 2 store-bought refrigerated pie crusts
• 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)

For the topping:

• 3 tbsp sugar
• 2 tsp cinnamon

Preparation time: active time 20 minutes + baking time 20 minutes.

Serves: 12 cookies

How to Bake Apple Pie Cookies

Prepare the filling:
○ In a large skillet, combine the diced apples, butter, sugar, lemon juice,
ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.

○ Cook over medium heat for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until

the apples are golden and caramelized.

○ In the last minute of cooking, add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch and cook until the mixture thickens.

○ Transfer the filling to a bowl and let it cool completely.

Prepare the dough:
○ Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
○ On a surface, roll out the pie crusts.
○ Using a round cutter approximately 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter, cut
out 12 circles.

○ With the remaining dough, cut thin strips using a knife or pizza cutter.

Assemble the cookies:
○ Place a tablespoon of the apple filling in the center of each dough
circle.

○ Use the dough strips to create a lattice pattern over each cookie.

○ Using the same round cutter, trim the excess dough to shape and
neaten the edges.

○ Brush the cookies with the beaten egg.

Prepare the topping:
○ In a small bowl, mix the 3 tablespoons of sugar and the 2 teaspoons of
cinnamon.

○ Sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon mixture over the cookies.

Bake:
○ Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
○ Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cookies are
golden and crispy

Cool and serve:
○ Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

Apples: Each type of apple has its own unique flavor profile. Granny Smith apples will result in a balanced taste since there is sugar in the filling whereas Honey Crisp will be sweeter. Choose your favorites or mix and match to vary the taste of the cookies. 

Egg: If you prefer not to brush your dough with egg, you can use milk or even cream instead and still achieve the golden color for a finish.

Seasonings: Adding in a pinch of cloves, more cinnamon, or some ginger will vary the taste of the apple pie filling. Likewise, a teaspoon of vanilla extract goes a long way in flavor.

Glaze: If you have the time, drizzling the top of the apple pie cookies with a sweet vanilla glaze or even a warmed caramel sauce is always a delicious addition.

Crunch: For texture, you could add some chopped pecans to the filling.

Serving: delicious all on their own you can make these apple cookies even more traditional by serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some whipped cream on top.

Tips and Tricks To Make The Best Apple Pie Cookies

If you prefer a softer filling, you can cook the apples for a few additional minutes. However, keep an eye on them so that they don’t fall apart.

Make sure to stir the mixture well as you add the cornstarch so that it’s evenly distributed and doesn’t clump.

Keep the dough refrigerated until you’re ready to use it. This makes it easier to work with and helps the cookies to maintain their shape when you bake them.

Aim to get apples that are firm from the store. Softer apples will fall apart sooner.

For a uniform lattice on the cookies, use a ruler and cut the stripe.

Store the apple pie cookies once cooled in an airtight container. They will last for up to 3 days at room temperature and a week in the fridge.

The cookies taste best freshly made, so when you’re enjoying them in the following days, heat the cookies in the oven at 300F for a few minutes first.