Introduction to the Recipe
What if you could grab a slice of apple pie in cookie form? That’s exactly what Apple Pie Cookies deliver—a handheld twist on the classic American dessert. These cookies are compact, easy to serve, and packed with the gooey, caramel-spiced filling we all love. Wrapped in flaky pie crust and topped with sparkling sugar, they’re a genius mashup of pie and cookie.
Using a few smart shortcuts like pre-made pie crust and canned apple pie filling, this recipe is low-effort but high-impact. The addition of caramel syrup and apple pie spice brings warmth and a rich depth of flavor. And with just a few extra steps, like crimping the edges and brushing with an egg wash, you’ll get a beautiful golden finish that looks bakery-quality.
Perfect for fall gatherings, bake sales, or just snacking on something sweet without having to cut and serve a whole pie, these cookies make dessert feel festive and easy all at once.
Need tips on how to work with store-bought pie crust? Or want to know what makes a perfect apple filling? These guides will help you customize your cookies even further.
Whether you serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream or pack them into lunchboxes, Apple Pie Cookies are a crowd-pleasing, no-fork-needed take on a timeless dessert.
Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions
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Apple Pie Cookies
Description
These Apple Pie Cookies are bite-sized versions of the classic dessert, filled with caramel and spice in a flaky crust.
Ingredients
- 21 ounces canned apple pie filling
- 15 ounces twin pack pre-made rolled pie crust (usually 2 rounds)
- ½ teaspoon apple pie spice
- 4 tablespoons caramel sundae syrup
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon water, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons white sparkling sugar
Instructions
1. Prep the Filling
- Pour the canned apple pie filling into a bowl.
- Use kitchen scissors or a knife to chop any large apple slices into small pieces.
- Stir in the apple pie spice and caramel syrup until well combined.
2. Roll and Cut the Dough
- Unroll the pie crusts on a floured surface.
- Use a round cookie cutter (about 2.5 to 3 inches wide) to cut out as many circles as possible.
- Re-roll scraps to get a few more rounds.
3. Assemble the Cookies
- Lay half the dough circles on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Add about 1 tablespoon of apple filling to the center of each.
- Top with another dough circle and press edges with a fork to seal.
- Use a small knife to cut a tiny slit on the top of each cookie for venting.
4. Egg Wash and Sugar Topping
- Beat egg with water to make an egg wash.
- Brush each cookie top lightly with egg wash.
- Sprinkle with sparkling sugar.
5. Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 15–18 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
Don’t overfill—too much filling causes leaks.
A firm press on the fork seal helps keep edges shut.
Serve warm for a gooey center or let cool fully for packable treats.
Advanced Techniques
1. Make Your Own Filling
If you have a little more time, skip the canned filling and make your own. Dice fresh apples and cook them down with brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, and a splash of lemon juice. You control the sweetness and spice level, and the result is a fresher, more textured filling.
2. Lattice or Cut-Out Tops
To mimic classic pie design, cut strips from the top crust and create mini lattices over the cookies. You can also use mini cookie cutters to punch out shapes in the top crusts. It’s more work, but adds big visual appeal.
3. Add Chopped Nuts
Fold in finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for crunch. This adds another layer of flavor and makes the cookies feel even more pie-like.
4. Glaze Instead of Sugar
For a bakery-style finish, drizzle the cooled cookies with a powdered sugar glaze made from confectioners’ sugar and milk or apple cider. It adds sweetness and shine.
5. Freeze Ahead and Bake Later
Assemble the cookies and freeze them unbaked on a tray. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, place frozen cookies directly in the oven and bake 3–5 minutes longer than usual.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips
1. Store at Room Temperature
Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 days. They are best within the first 24 hours for peak flakiness and flavor.
2. Refrigerate for Longer Freshness
Store in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 5 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer for 3–5 minutes to refresh the crust.
3. Freeze Baked Cookies
Wrap each cooled cookie in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat as desired.
4. Avoid Soggy Bottoms
Place cooled cookies on a paper towel-lined container to absorb extra moisture if storing. This helps keep the bottom crust crisp.
5. Reheat for Best Texture
Microwave for 10 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes before serving. This revives the flaky texture and boosts flavor.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
1. Gluten-Free Pie Crust
Use a store-bought or homemade gluten-free pie crust. Check that your apple pie filling and caramel sauce are certified gluten-free.
2. Vegan Version
Use vegan pie crust (many store-bought ones are naturally vegan), skip the egg wash or use plant milk, and ensure the caramel is dairy-free.
3. Low-Sugar Option
Use a no-sugar-added pie filling and skip the caramel syrup. Sweeten the filling with a sugar-free substitute if needed.
4. Nut-Free but Flavorful
Skip nuts entirely and enhance flavor with a dash of lemon zest or vanilla extract in the filling.
5. Dairy-Free Alternative
Most pie crusts are dairy-free, but double-check the label. Use egg wash or plant milk, and opt for a non-dairy caramel syrup.
FAQs About the Recipe
1. Can I use homemade pie dough?
Yes! Homemade dough gives better flavor and texture. Just make sure to chill it well before cutting and assembling to prevent sticking.
2. My filling leaked out—why?
Overfilling or not sealing the edges properly can cause leaks. Use just a tablespoon of filling and crimp edges firmly with a fork.
3. Do I need to vent the cookies?
Yes, a small slit in the top crust allows steam to escape, preventing puffing and sogginess.
4. Can I make these in advance?
Yes. Freeze unbaked cookies or store baked ones in the fridge. Reheat just before serving for that fresh-baked feel.
5. What can I serve them with?
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of extra caramel. They’re great solo or part of a dessert platter.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Apple Pie Cookies are the perfect way to enjoy the flavor of a classic pie in a fraction of the time and effort. With a buttery crust, warm spiced filling, and golden sparkle on top, they strike the right balance of comfort and convenience.
They’re easy to assemble with store-bought ingredients, but versatile enough to dress up with homemade touches. Whether you’re baking for a fall gathering, a bake sale, or just craving apple pie without the mess, these cookies are up to the task.
They store well, travel easily, and have that familiar flavor everyone loves. And let’s be real—you’ll probably want more than one. Good thing they’re cookies.
Make a batch of Apple Pie Cookies and share the love, or stash a few for yourself. Either way, you’ll have a dessert that’s as fun as it is flavorful.