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why make this recipe

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. They provide a delightful combination of flavors and textures, blending the classic taste of apple pie with the rich goodness of caramel and the soft chewiness of cookies. These cookies are easy to make and will impress your family and friends. Plus, they are great for sharing, making them ideal for parties, gatherings, or cozy nights in.

how to make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Ingredients:

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 (or 1 tsp of lemon juice, 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 (Maldon brand recommended)
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

Directions:

Make the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter using an electric mixer on medium-high speed. Add the granulated and brown sugars, mixing until well combined. Then, mix in the vanilla and eggs until just combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Chill the dough for 30 minutes.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can freeze the dough in balls for up to 1 month before baking. Thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Make the Apple Filling: Peel and dice the apples into small pieces. In a medium pan over medium-high heat, combine all the filling ingredients and cook for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the apples reach your preferred tenderness. Transfer the mixture to a bowl to cool.
Make-Ahead Tip: This filling can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
Make the Salted Caramel Sauce: Prepare the caramel sauce according to an easy 10-minute recipe. Allow it to cool at room temperature for about 20 minutes until thickened.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can store this sauce in a jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Scoop & Chill the Dough: Scoop the dough into 65-gram balls using a large cookie scoop. Place the balls in an airtight container to chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, in the freezer for 2 hours, or in the fridge for up to 48 hours.
Make the Crumble: While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F. Melt the butter in a bowl and stir in the remaining crumble ingredients. Crumble the mixture on a parchment-lined pan and bake for 12-14 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow to cool and break into smaller pieces if needed.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare this crumble 1-2 days ahead. Store it in a container at room temperature or freeze it for 1-2 months.
Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 365°F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. In a small bowl, stir together the sugar and spices for coating. Roll the chilled dough balls in this mixture and place about 6 on each sheet, leaving space for spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers are still puffy. Let them cool slightly, then create an indent in the center of each cookie.
Assemble Cookies: Spoon the apple pie filling into the centers of the cooled cookies, sprinkle with crumble, and drizzle with salted caramel sauce.
Serve & Store: Enjoy the cookies immediately once assembled! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. It’s best not to leave them at room temperature overnight due to the fresh fruit.

how to serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Serve these cookies warm, fresh out of the oven, or at room temperature. They are perfect on their own, or you can pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

how to store Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

To maintain freshness, keep the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for about 4-5 days. If you want to prepare them ahead of time, you can store the unbaked dough in the freezer for up to a month.

tips to make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Use a mix of different apple varieties for more complex flavors.
Don’t skip chilling the dough; it helps achieve the right texture.
Keep a close eye on the cookies while baking to prevent over-baking.

variation

Feel free to customize your cookies by adding nuts, such as chopped pecans or walnuts, to the apple filling or the crumble for added crunch. You can also use different spices according to your preference.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-made caramel sauce?
Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce if you’re short on time. Just warm it before drizzling over the cookies.

2. What type of apples work best for this recipe?
A mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works well for the filling.

3. Can I freeze the assembled cookies?
It’s best to freeze the cookies before assembling. Once they are baked, the apple filling may make the cookies soggy when thawed.

With these easy steps, you can enjoy delicious Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies any time!