There are few things more comforting than the aroma of freshly baked apple pie drifting through the house. But what if you could enjoy that same nostalgic flavor in a hand-held, cookie-sized treat? Apple pie cookies are the perfect fusion of flaky pastry, spiced apples, and sweet glaze—all in one bite-sized dessert. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, looking for a unique holiday cookie, or just want to bake something special on a weekend afternoon, these cookies are a must-try.
These cookies encapsulate all the charm of a classic apple pie, but without the fuss of rolling out a large pie crust or waiting for an entire pie to bake. They’re quicker to make, easier to serve, and ideal for sharing. With their golden-brown crust and warm cinnamon-apple filling, these treats look as delightful as they taste.
Perfectly portioned and packed with flavor, apple pie cookies are great for potlucks, bake sales, and family get-togethers. You can eat them with your hands—no need for forks or plates. They’re also excellent lunchbox additions for kids and adults alike.
The recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly. You’ll use pre-made pie crusts to save time, and the apple filling comes together with just a few ingredients. The result? A bakery-quality cookie that looks like it took hours to make.
Each cookie starts with a round of buttery pie crust, which is then filled with a layer of caramel sauce and a spoonful of cinnamon-sugar apple mixture. Another crust layer is added on top, crimped closed, and brushed with egg wash for that perfect golden finish.
Once baked, the cookies are lightly drizzled with vanilla glaze. This adds a lovely sheen and a touch of sweetness that balances out the spiced apple filling. You can even serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. You can use store-bought or homemade pie dough, add chopped nuts for extra texture, or swap the glaze for a dusting of powdered sugar.
It’s also a wonderful way to use up apples that are a little past their prime. The baking process softens them beautifully and brings out their natural sweetness.
These cookies freeze well too. Make a big batch, let them cool, and store them in an airtight container in the freezer. Then just reheat a few when you need a sweet treat in a pinch.
You’ll love how your kitchen smells as these bake. The combination of apples, cinnamon, and buttery pastry is pure comfort.
They also make adorable edible gifts. Package a few in a cute box or tin, and you have a thoughtful homemade present for friends or neighbors.
Kids can help make them too—cutting the dough, spooning the filling, and brushing the tops with egg wash. It’s a fun and rewarding baking project for a cozy afternoon.
Apple pie cookies are versatile enough to fit into any occasion. Dress them up for a dinner party with whipped cream and caramel drizzle, or keep them simple for a casual family snack.
Once you try these, they’re sure to become a go-to recipe in your baking repertoire. Delicious, easy, and crowd-pleasing—what more could you ask for in a cookie?
Servings: 12-14 cookies
Time:
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Cooling Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
- 2 refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade equivalent)
- 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and finely diced)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (optional but recommended)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
For the glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix the diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Set aside.
- Roll out one pie crust on a floured surface. Use a round cookie cutter or glass to cut out circles (about 2.5 to 3 inches in diameter).
- Place half the circles on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon a small amount of caramel sauce in the center of each, then top with about 1 tablespoon of the apple mixture.
- Roll out the second pie crust and cut out an equal number of circles. You can cut small slits in these or use a mini cookie cutter to create a vent.
- Place the top crust over each filled base and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
- Whisk the egg and milk together to make an egg wash. Brush over the tops of the cookies.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Mix glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies.
Tips:
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a balanced flavor.
- Don’t overfill the cookies or they might burst during baking.
- Chill the assembled cookies for 10 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.
- Add a pinch of salt to the glaze to balance sweetness.
- Try adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple filling for a crunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
These cookies offer everything you love about apple pie in a fun, convenient format. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and filled with cozy flavors of fall. Great for entertaining, gifting, or just satisfying a sweet craving—apple pie cookies are a delightful twist on a beloved classic.
Summary: Apple pie cookies are the ultimate bite-sized dessert that brings together buttery pie crust, cinnamon-spiced apples, and a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for any occasion, they’re a delicious and charming way to enjoy the flavors of apple pie without the hassle.
