Dutch Apple Pie Cookies Recipe

Imagine all the warm, spiced flavor of a slice of Dutch apple pie packed into a hand-held cookie. These Dutch Apple Pie Cookies are the best of both worlds: the chewy satisfaction of a cookie and the buttery, cinnamon-apple topping of a pie. They deliver serious comfort in every bite—tender cookie base, cinnamon-spiced apple topping, and a crunchy brown sugar crumble finish.

This isn’t your average drop cookie. These are assembled. You bake the buttery cookie base first, then top it with a quick homemade apple filling and a crisp streusel that gives them that iconic Dutch pie texture. The result is like a mini dessert bar in cookie form. Perfect for holidays, bake sales, fall gatherings, or anytime you want to show off a little.

They might look bakery-worthy, but they’re easier than you think. The dough is a simple sugar cookie-style base. The apples cook down quickly on the stovetop into a thick, jammy topping, and the streusel comes together in minutes with pantry staples. You can even prep all the parts in advance and assemble them fresh before baking.

Using tart apples like Granny Smith gives a nice balance to the sweetness of the cookie base and streusel. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar bring that classic fall spice that everyone loves.

These cookies are great warm or at room temperature. Want to really impress? Serve them slightly warmed with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. They’re a showstopper without being fussy.

You don’t need a special occasion to make them, but they sure feel special. And if you love apple pie but don’t love rolling crusts or managing slices, these cookies are your new go-to.

Each one is rich and satisfying. One or two go a long way, so they’re great for sharing. Plus, they pack well, making them ideal for gifting or bringing to potlucks.

They also freeze beautifully. Just cool completely, freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a sealed container. Reheat in the oven to restore crispness.

Servings: About 24 cookies
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients:

For the cookie base:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the apple topping:

• 2 medium tart apples, peeled, diced small
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry)

For the streusel topping:

• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsp cold butter, cubed

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the cookie dough: Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla. Mix in flour, baking powder, and salt. Roll into 1.5-inch balls, flatten slightly, and place on baking sheet.
3. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove and gently press the center of each cookie to make a small well.
4. Make apple topping: In a skillet, cook apples with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg for 5–7 minutes until soft. Stir in slurry and cook until thickened. Let cool slightly.
5. Make streusel: Mix oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in butter until mixture forms crumbs.
6. Spoon apple mixture into cookie wells. Top with a pinch of streusel.
7. Return cookies to oven and bake 10–12 more minutes until golden.
8. Cool on a rack before serving.

Tips:

• Don’t overfill the cookies—a teaspoon or so of apple mix is plenty.
• Let all components cool slightly before assembly to prevent sogginess.
• Store in airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Combines the best parts of pie and cookies.
• Great for fall, holidays, or gifting.
• Impressive but easy.
• Make-ahead friendly.

Dutch Apple Pie Cookies bring the warmth and comfort of classic apple pie into a perfectly portioned, handheld treat. With a buttery base, cinnamon apple topping, and crumbly streusel finish, they’re a standout dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.