As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cookies fills my kitchen, transporting me to a laneway of autumn magic. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Chewy Apple Pie Cookies, showcasing the delightful combination of nutty brown butter and tender, spiced apples. These cookies are not just a treat; they are the essence of comfort, perfect for busy days or cozy gatherings. With minimal prep time and the ability to make-ahead, they are an indulgent delight that will impress your family and friends. Plus, the salted caramel drizzle adds a luxurious finish that elevates each bite! Who wouldn’t want a taste of these fall-inspired gems? Let’s dive into the details and make your kitchen the heart of the season.
Why Are These Cookies a Must-Try?
Comforting Warmth: These chewy apple pie cookies are a delightful reminder of fall, combining brown butter with the warm spices of pumpkin pie.
Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can create these scrumptious cookies that require minimal prep time—perfect for any busy week!
Decadent Indulgence: The salted caramel drizzle not only enhances the sweetness but also brings a gourmet touch that will impress your guests.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dough in advance and store it to bake fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes, just like in our Healthy Carrot Cookies recipe.
Irresistible Aroma: The scent of baking cookies fills your home with the essence of autumn, creating a cozy atmosphere that invites everyone to gather.
Versatile Flavor: Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties for varying flavors—Granny Smith for a tart kick or Fuji for extra sweetness, just like in my Dorito Taco Pie recipe.
Chewy Apple Pie Cookie Ingredients
• Get ready to enchant your taste buds with these delightful cookies!
For the Cookie Dough
- Unsalted Butter – Adds a rich, nutty flavor when browned for that comforting base.
- Granulated Sugar – Balances sweetness and contributes to a crispy texture.
- Brown Sugar – Keeps cookies soft and chewy while adding delightful caramel notes.
- Eggs – Essential for binding the ingredients and providing moisture.
- Vanilla Extract – Elevates the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour – Creates structure; stick with this for the best texture.
- Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent to keep your cookies light and fluffy.
- Cornstarch – Ensures a melt-in-your-mouth cookie; don’t skip this ingredient!
- Pumpkin Pie Spice – Infuses warm, fall flavors; you can swap it for a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger if desired.
- Salt – Enhances the sweetness and is crucial for a well-balanced flavor.
For the Apple Filling
- Apples – Adds natural sweetness; Honeycrisp apples are ideal but feel free to use your favorite!
- Cinnamon – Complements the apple flavor and enhances the cozy, autumn experience.
For the Drizzle
- Salted Caramel Sauce – Provides that perfect sweet and salty richness; drizzle generously for a truly indulgent touch.
These chewy apple pie cookies are a must-bake this fall! Enjoy the warmth and comforts they bring to your home.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chewy Apple Pie Cookies
Step 1: Brown the Butter
In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat, stirring frequently for about 5-10 minutes. Watch as the color transforms from yellow to a golden brown and a nutty aroma fills the air; this is the key to rich, flavorful Chewy Apple Pie Cookies. Once browned, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled brown butter with ¾ cup granulated sugar and ¾ cup brown sugar, beating them together until smooth and creamy. Add in 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing well until fully integrated. The mixture should be shiny and velvety, setting the stage for your delicious cookies.
Step 3: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together 2½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, and ½ teaspoon salt. This dry mixture provides structure and warmth to your Chewy Apple Pie Cookies. Slowly fold this blend into the wet ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. This cinnamon sugar mix will create a delightful coating for your cookies, enhancing the autumn flavors. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the cookie dough.
Step 5: Form Cookies
Using a cookie scoop, portion out about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough and roll each into a ball. Then, generously coat each ball with the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring even coverage. This is where your Chewy Apple Pie Cookies start to take shape, providing that sought-after sweetness and spice.
Step 6: Chill Dough
Place the coated cookie dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling is crucial as it helps maintain the thickness and chewiness of your cookies, ensuring they bake beautifully without spreading too much.
Step 7: Prepare Apple Filling
While the dough chills, peel and dice 2 cups of apples. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced apples with 2 tablespoons of butter, ¼ cup brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon for about 5-7 minutes, until softened. Add in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, cooking for another minute until the mixture thickens, then remove from heat and let cool.
Step 8: Bake Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line additional baking sheets with parchment paper. Once the oven is ready, bake the chilled cookie dough balls for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft and chewy, giving that perfect cookie texture.
Step 9: Add Filling
After baking, remove the cookies from the oven and immediately create a small indent in the center of each cookie using the back of a spoon. Spoon a generous amount of the cooled apple filling into each indent. To finish, drizzle your Chewy Apple Pie Cookies with salted caramel sauce for that luxurious, sweet finish.
How to Store and Freeze Chewy Apple Pie Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and chewy.
Fridge: For extended freshness, refrigerate cookies in an airtight container for up to a week, maintaining their delightful flavor.
Freezer: Freeze cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to baking time, for fresh Chewy Apple Pie Cookies whenever you crave them.
Reheating: To rewarm, microwave cookies for 5-10 seconds or pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 3-5 minutes, reviving their fresh-baked goodness.
What to Serve with Chewy Apple Pie Cookies
Cozy evenings and sweet treats just go hand in hand! Let’s explore delightful pairings to elevate your cookie experience.
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Warm Spiced Cider: The tangy sweetness of spiced cider complements the warm cinnamon and apple flavors beautifully.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a cool, silky contrast to the chewy apple pie cookies, creating a delicious pairing.
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Coffee or Latte: Brewed coffee or a coffee latte brings out the rich notes of brown butter, making each bite of cookie taste even more indulgent.
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Cheese Board: Include mild cheeses like Brie or Gouda to contrast textures—rich creaminess with the chewy cookies creates a sophisticated taste balance.
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Pumpkin Spice Latte: Embrace fall flavors even more with this iconic beverage, which pairs perfectly with the cinnamon-spiced cookies.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy homemade whipped cream drizzled on the cookies or served on the side add delightful sweetness with an indulgent touch.
Each pairing adds its unique flavor profile to your chewy apple pie cookies, making your fall gathering unforgettable!
Expert Tips for Chewy Apple Pie Cookies
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Watch the Butter: Ensure to monitor the butter closely while browning to prevent it from burning; it should be a rich golden color with a nutty fragrance.
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Chill the Dough: Don’t skip chilling the dough; it’s essential for achieving thicker, chewier cookies that maintain their shape while baking.
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Use a Cookie Scoop: For uniformity, use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough, ensuring evenly sized Chewy Apple Pie Cookies that bake perfectly.
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Cool Apple Filling: Let the apple filling cool before adding it to the cookies to prevent them from becoming soggy and to maintain a nice texture.
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Play with Spices: Feel free to experiment with different spices in the pumpkin pie blend; also, swapping in your favorite apple varieties can elevate the flavor even more!
Make Ahead Options
These Chewy Apple Pie Cookies are perfect for meal prep and can save you time on busy days! You can prepare the cookie dough and even the apple filling up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to the step where you form the dough balls; after rolling them in cinnamon sugar, refrigerate them in an airtight container. For the apple filling, let it cool completely before refrigerating. When you’re ready to bake, just pop the cookie dough balls in the preheated oven and fill them with the reheated apple filling, finishing with a drizzle of salted caramel. This way, you’ll have fresh, indulgent cookies anytime with just a bit of effort!
Chewy Apple Pie Cookies Variations
Feel free to customize these delightful cookies and make them your own, adding unique twists that awaken your taste buds!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with vegan butter for a dairy-free version that still delivers flavor.
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Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the cookie dough for an extra crunchy texture that pairs wonderfully with the soft apple filling.
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate cayenne pepper or ground ginger for a surprising hint of heat in your cookies—perfect for those who love a little spice in their sweets!
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Different Apples: Use varying apple varieties; for a tart contrast, go with Granny Smith, or opt for Fuji for a sweeter bite. Each choice gives a new flavor profile!
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Pumpkin Pie Spice Swap: Instead of pumpkin pie spice, mix your own spice blend using cinnamon, nutmeg, and a dash of allspice for a personalized touch.
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Oatmeal Addition: Fold in quick oats into the dough for chewier cookies with a hearty, satisfying texture much like our Chocolate Oat Cookies.
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Chocolate Drizzle: For chocolate lovers, replace the salted caramel drizzle with a rich chocolate ganache that pairs beautifully with the apples—how decadent!
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Fruit Bliss: Think outside the box! Adding dried cranberries or raisins can introduce a pleasant chewiness and extra sweetness to your cookies every time.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas and get creative in your kitchen! After all, the beauty of baking lies in the joy of innovation.
Chewy Apple Pie Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right apples for my cookies?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, I recommend using Honeycrisp apples as they offer a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. If you’re looking for more tartness, Granny Smith apples are excellent, while Fuji apples provide extra sweetness. Mix and match based on your preferences!
What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
Very simply! Store your Chewy Apple Pie Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week—just make sure they’re well-sealed to keep them moist.
Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?
Yes, you can! To freeze your cookie dough, scoop them into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls into a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw, just add an extra minute or two to the baking time!
What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
No worries! If your cookies tend to spread too much, make sure you’ve chilled the dough for at least 30 minutes, as this helps maintain their shape. Additionally, ensure you are using the correct measurements, especially for flour and cornstarch, and consider using a cookie scoop to ensure uniform portions.
Are there any dietary considerations for these cookies?
Absolutely, it’s important to remember that these Chewy Apple Pie Cookies aren’t gluten-free as they contain all-purpose flour. If you’re catering to specific dietary needs, you might want to experiment with gluten-free flour blends or consider whether your guests have any allergies to ingredients like eggs or butter. Always check with your loved ones to ensure everyone can enjoy these delicious treats!
Chewy Apple Pie Cookies that Warm Your Soul This Fall
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat for about 5-10 minutes until browned. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled brown butter with granulated and brown sugar, beating until smooth. Mix in eggs and vanilla extract until fully integrated.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cornstarch, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Slowly fold this mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon for coating. Set aside.
- Portion out about 2 tablespoons of the cookie dough and roll into balls. Coat each ball with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Place the coated cookie dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Peel and dice the apples, then sauté in a skillet with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for about 5-7 minutes. Add cornstarch and cook for another minute, then remove from heat to cool.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Bake the chilled cookie dough balls for 10-12 minutes.
- After baking, create a small indent in each cookie and fill with the cooled apple filling. Drizzle with salted caramel sauce before serving.
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