When it comes to desserts, apple pie is undoubtedly one of the most iconic, especially in American cuisine. Its warm, cinnamon-spiced filling and buttery, flaky crust evoke nostalgia and comfort. Cookies, on the other hand, offer a quick, easy-to-handle treat that can be shared at gatherings or simply enjoyed with a cup of coffee. So, what happens when you combine these two beloved desserts into one irresistible creation? You get apple pie cookies a delightful, bite-sized version of the classic pie, offering all the flavors of the traditional dessert in a compact, portable form.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the ins and outs of making these delicious cookies, covering everything from ingredient selection to advanced baking tips. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, by the end of this article, you’ll be able to create apple pie cookies that will impress anyone lucky enough to try them.
Why Apple Pie Cookies Are the Perfect Dessert
At first glance, it may seem like combining apple pie and cookies is just a fun gimmick, but these treats go beyond novelty. They offer the best of both worlds apple pie flavors packed into the convenience of a cookie. Here’s why they stand out as the perfect dessert:
- Portability: Traditional pies require utensils and plates for serving, but apple pie cookies are handheld, making them perfect for casual snacking, bake sales, or sharing at events.
- Balanced portions: Each cookie is a perfectly sized serving of apple pie, which makes portion control easier (even if you can’t resist having more than one!).
- Customizable: With variations on doughs, fillings, and toppings, these cookies can be adapted to suit any preference. You can experiment with flavors like caramel, pecans, or streusel toppings.
- Perfect for holidays: Whether for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any fall gathering, apple pie cookies add a unique twist to traditional holiday desserts.
Given their versatility, these cookies are an ideal addition to your baking repertoire, allowing you to play with both the recipe and presentation.
The Origins of Apple Pie and Cookies: A Delicious Combination
Before diving into the recipe, let’s explore how apple pie and cookies became such timeless staples. Both have rich histories that make their combination even more special.
A Brief History of Apple Pie
Apple pie has long been associated with American culture, often evoking images of fall leaves, cozy gatherings, and family traditions. However, the dessert’s origins are far from American. The first recorded recipe for apple pie dates back to 1381 in England. Early versions featured ingredients like figs, raisins, and saffron, with the dish gradually evolving into the simpler, more familiar form we know today. As European settlers came to North America, they brought apple seeds with them, and the fruit flourished in the fertile soils of the New World. Over time, the apple pie became a symbol of American culture, epitomized by the phrase “as American as apple pie.”
The Rise of Cookies
Cookies, like pies, have a global history. The word “cookie” is derived from the Dutch word “koekje,” meaning “small cake.” Cookies are believed to have originated in Persia around the 7th century, where sugar was first cultivated. As sugar became more widely available, cookies spread across Europe, with each region developing its own variations. In the United States, cookies gained popularity in the 18th century, when immigrants brought European baking traditions with them.
The cookie’s rise in popularity can be attributed to its convenience and versatility. With endless possibilities for ingredients, shapes, and textures, cookies became a favorite in households worldwide.
The Perfect Match: Apple Pie and Cookies
While pies and cookies may seem like different categories of dessert, combining them is a natural progression. By condensing the complex flavors of apple pie into the simplicity of a cookie, bakers can offer a bite-sized treat that’s perfect for parties or individual servings. This hybrid dessert showcases the ingenuity of modern baking, where creativity knows no bounds. Apple pie cookies take the essence of a classic dessert and give it a playful twist, all while retaining the warmth and comfort of traditional apple pie.
Ingredients for Perfect Apple Pie Cookies
One of the beauties of apple pie cookies is that they require relatively simple ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen. Below, we’ll dive into the ingredients in detail and offer tips on how to choose the best versions of each.
Core Ingredients
- Pie Dough: The base of these cookies is the same as a traditional apple pie—pie crust. You can either make your own pie dough from scratch or use store-bought pie crust for convenience. If you’re looking for a more buttery, flaky result, homemade dough is always a superior option, but don’t shy away from pre-made dough if you’re short on time.
- Apples: The star ingredient in apple pie cookies is, of course, apples. Choosing the right apple variety is crucial for achieving the perfect flavor. Granny Smith apples are a favorite for their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the filling, but Honeycrisp and Braeburn are also excellent options. You want apples that hold their shape when baked, rather than turning mushy.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar gives the filling its rich, caramel-like sweetness. Opt for dark brown sugar if you want a deeper molasses flavor, or light brown sugar for a milder taste.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice adds a touch of acidity, which balances the sweetness of the sugar and enhances the brightness of the apples.
- Cinnamon: No apple pie recipe is complete without cinnamon. This warm spice brings the classic flavor that people associate with apple pie. You can also add a dash of nutmeg or allspice for extra complexity.
- Cornstarch: Cornstarch helps thicken the apple mixture, ensuring it doesn’t become too runny and make the dough soggy.
- Butter: Adds richness to the filling, helping to sauté the apples and create a luxurious texture.
- Powdered Sugar: This is for the optional glaze that can be drizzled over the cookies once they’ve cooled.
- Cardamom (Optional): A sprinkle of cardamom in the glaze can add an exotic, slightly floral touch that elevates the overall flavor profile of the cookies.
Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Apple Pie Cookies
Ready to make your own batch of apple pie cookies? Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide to ensuring your cookies turn out perfectly every time.
1. Making the Apple Filling
- Start by peeling and coring your apples. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work best for this recipe because they hold up well during baking.
- Dice the apples into small pieces, aiming for uniformity in size to ensure even cooking.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced apples, ½ cup of brown sugar, and the juice of half a lemon to the pan.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and allow the mixture to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the apples start to soften.
- While the apples are cooking, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water or apple juice to create a slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the apple mixture and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the filling has thickened.
- Remove the filling from the heat and let it cool completely before using it to assemble the cookies.
2. Preparing the Pie Dough
- While the filling cools, roll out your pie dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about ⅛-inch thick.
- Use a round cookie cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out as many circles as you can from the dough. These will be the base of your apple pie cookies.
- Gather any scraps, re-roll the dough, and cut out additional circles until you’ve used as much of the dough as possible.
- For the lattice, roll out the second piece of pie dough and cut it into thin strips, about ¼-inch wide. You’ll use these strips to create the iconic lattice pattern on top of the cookies.
3. Assembling the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place one tablespoon of the cooled apple filling in the center of each dough circle.
- Lay two dough strips over the filling in a crisscross pattern to create the lattice effect. You can also weave the strips together if you prefer a more intricate design.
- Trim the excess dough strips and press the edges down with a fork to seal them.
- Brush the tops of the cookies with a little melted butter or egg wash for a beautiful golden finish.
4. Baking the Cookies
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Adding the Finishing Touch: Glazing the Cookies
- In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of heavy cream until smooth.
- For an extra touch of flavor, add ⅛ teaspoon of ground cardamom to the glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and allow it to set before serving.
Tips for Success: Baking the Best Apple Pie Cookies
Baking apple pie cookies may seem straightforward, but there are a few key tips to ensure your cookies come out perfectly every time:
- Keep your dough cold: When working with pie dough, it’s essential to keep the dough cold. Warm dough can become too soft and difficult to handle, which may cause it to lose shape while baking. If the dough becomes too soft, simply pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes before continuing.
- Prevent soggy dough: To avoid a soggy base, make sure your apple filling is fully thickened before adding it to the dough circles. Cooking out most of the moisture ensures the filling won’t seep into the dough during baking.
- Adjust sweetness levels: Depending on the type of apples you choose, you may need to adjust the sweetness of your filling. Taste your apples before cooking if they’re especially tart, you can add a little extra brown sugar.
- Seal the lattice properly: To prevent the filling from bubbling out of the lattice, make sure to press the edges of the lattice strips firmly onto the base dough. You can use a fork to create a decorative edge and ensure a tight seal.
- Cool completely before glazing: Be patient and let your cookies cool completely before adding the glaze. If the cookies are still warm, the glaze will melt and become runny.
Creative Variations and Flavor Twists
One of the best aspects of apple pie cookies is their versatility. Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you can start experimenting with different variations and flavor combinations to make the recipe your own.
Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
If you want to add an extra layer of indulgence to your cookies, try incorporating caramel into the filling. You can either stir caramel sauce directly into the apple mixture or drizzle it over the cookies after baking. The rich, buttery flavor of caramel pairs beautifully with the tart apples and flaky crust. Here’s a simple caramel sauce recipe that pairs beautifully with the apple filling.
Crumb-Topped Apple Pie Cookies
Instead of a lattice topping, why not try a crumb topping? To make the crumb, combine flour, sugar, and cold butter, then sprinkle it over the apple filling before baking. The result is a crunchy, buttery topping that contrasts nicely with the soft apple filling.
Pecan-Apple Pie Cookies
For a nutty twist, add chopped pecans to the apple filling or sprinkle them over the lattice before baking. The pecans add a delightful crunch and complement the sweet-tart flavor of the apples.
Maple-Glazed Apple Pie Cookies
For a fall-inspired variation, use maple syrup in place of the cream in your glaze. The earthy sweetness of the maple pairs beautifully with the apples and cinnamon, creating a cookie that feels perfectly suited for the autumn season.
Cinnamon-Sugar Apple Pie Cookies
For an extra touch of sweetness, sprinkle your dough circles with a cinnamon-sugar mixture before adding the apple filling. This will give the cookies a slightly crunchy, caramelized crust that enhances the overall flavor.
Serving Suggestions: How to Enjoy Apple Pie Cookies
Apple pie cookies are a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas for serving them:
- With a scoop of ice cream: Serve warm apple pie cookies with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a decadent dessert that’s perfect for a fall evening.
- As part of a dessert platter: Pair apple pie cookies with other mini desserts, like brownies or mini cheesecakes, for an elegant dessert platter that’s perfect for parties or holiday gatherings.
- With coffee or tea: These cookies are the perfect accompaniment to a warm cup of coffee or tea, making them a great treat for an afternoon snack or dessert.
- For breakfast: Who says you can’t have cookies for breakfast? Serve these apple pie cookies alongside a bowl of yogurt or a glass of milk for a sweet start to your day.
How to Store and Freeze Apple Pie Cookies
One of the great things about apple pie cookies is that they store and freeze beautifully, making them an ideal make-ahead dessert. Here’s how to store and freeze them for later enjoyment.
Storing Apple Pie Cookies
Once baked and cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate the cookies for up to a week. Just be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving, as the cold can cause the dough to become a little harder.
Freezing Unbaked Cookies
If you want to prepare apple pie cookies in advance, you can freeze them before baking. After assembling the cookies, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to three months. When ready to bake, simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time to account for the frozen dough.
Freezing Baked Cookies
Baked cookies can also be frozen for up to three months. To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, simply pop them in a 350°F oven for a few minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions: Common Questions About Apple Pie Cookies
When making apple pie cookies, you might run into some questions. Below are a few frequently asked questions to help you along the way.
1. Can I use puff pastry instead of pie dough?
- Yes, you can substitute puff pastry for pie dough if you prefer a lighter, flakier texture. Puff pastry will give the cookies a slightly different look and feel, but they’ll still taste delicious.
2. Do I need to peel the apples?
- Peeling the apples is recommended for a smoother filling, but you can leave the skins on if you prefer a more rustic texture. Just be aware that the apple skins may not soften as much as the flesh during baking.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough for up to three months. Just be sure to let it thaw completely before rolling it out.
4. What are the best apples to use for this recipe?
- Granny Smith apples are the most commonly used for apple pie recipes because their tartness balances the sweetness of the filling. However, you can also use Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Fuji apples if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
5. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Apple pie cookies can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to prepare them even further in advance, consider freezing the unbaked cookies and baking them just before serving.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Recipe for Apple Pie Lovers
Apple pie cookies are the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the flavors of traditional apple pie but wants the convenience and portability of a cookie. With a flaky pie crust, sweet-tart apple filling, and a beautiful lattice or crumb topping, these cookies offer everything you love about apple pie in a bite-sized package.
Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering, a bake sale, or just because, apple pie cookies are sure to be a hit. So why not give them a try and bring a little piece of apple pie magic into your kitchen?
For more inspiration, check out some creative recipes like Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie or explore other fall desserts that will fill your kitchen with the warm, comforting scents of autumn.