Easy Homemade Apple Pie Cookies: Quick & Delicious Dessert Recipe
Craving the warm, comforting flavors of apple pie but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? You’ve likely seen countless apple pie cookie recipes flooding your social media feeds, promising delightful miniature treats. However, many of these viral recipes can be notoriously messy, overly complicated, or call for an extensive list of ingredients, making the baking process more frustrating than fun. We understand that life is busy, especially during the festive fall season, and your baking should be a joy, not a chore!
That’s precisely why we’ve perfected and simplified the ultimate apple pie cookie recipe for you. Our version cuts down on both ingredients and mess, transforming what can be an aggravating process into a truly enjoyable experience. With just a few key components and straightforward steps, you’ll be creating these adorable, bite-sized apple pie delights with ease. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dessert that tastes like it took all day to make, but only requires minimal effort. These aren’t just cookies; they’re tiny parcels of autumnal bliss, featuring a flaky crust, sweet apple filling, and a hint of caramel, all in a convenient, grab-and-go form.
Why This Easy Apple Pie Cookie Recipe Is a Must-Try!
Our goal with this recipe was to create an incredibly simple yet satisfying apple dessert that anyone, regardless of their baking experience, could master. The secret to its effortless success lies in two brilliant shortcuts: using **refrigerated, store-bought pie crusts** and **canned apple pie filling**. These ready-to-use ingredients are game-changers, transforming what is typically a multi-step, labor-intensive process into a quick and convenient baking adventure.
Forget about the stress of making pie dough from scratch, rolling it out perfectly, or dicing and simmering fresh apples for hours. Our streamlined approach means significantly less prep time, less cleanup, and far less stress. This is particularly beneficial during the bustling autumn months or any time you need a delicious treat without the fuss. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering, a casual potluck, or simply want a cozy dessert to enjoy with a cup of coffee, these charming apple pie cookies are the ideal solution. They offer all the beloved flavors and textures of a traditional apple pie in a fun, handheld format, ensuring that your baking experience is always delightful and never aggravating.
Key Ingredients for Your Simple Apple Pie Cookies
One of the best aspects of this easy apple pie cookie recipe is its minimal ingredient list. You’ll be amazed at how such simple components can come together to create such a spectacular dessert. We focus on efficiency and flavor, ensuring every ingredient plays a crucial role without adding unnecessary complexity. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to gather:
- **Frozen Pre-Made Pie Doughs:** This is your ultimate time-saver! Two boxes, typically containing two dough circles each (totaling 4 circles), will be enough for a generous batch of cookies. Choose your favorite brand for a reliably flaky crust.
- **Canned Apple Pie Filling:** Another fantastic shortcut. A 21-ounce can provides perfectly spiced and tender apples, ready for your cookies. We’ll simply drain the excess sauce and dice the apples for optimal texture.
- **Caramel Sauce:** A touch of caramel elevates these cookies from great to extraordinary. Use a good quality ice cream topping caramel for ease. It adds a lovely sweetness and depth of flavor that pairs wonderfully with apples.
- **Large Egg:** Essential for an egg wash that gives your cookies that beautiful golden-brown finish and helps the cinnamon sugar adhere.
- **Water:** Mixed with the egg for the perfect consistency for basting.
- **Ground Cinnamon:** The classic spice that instantly evokes the taste of apple pie.
- **Granulated Sugar:** Combined with cinnamon to create a sparkling, flavorful topping that adds a delightful crunch.
With these straightforward ingredients, you’re well on your way to baking a batch of the easiest and most delicious apple pie cookies you’ve ever tasted!
How to Make Delicious Apple Pie Cookies: Step-by-Step Guide
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are provided to help you visualize and master this delightful recipe. For your convenience, you can Jump to Recipe to access the printable version, complete with precise measurements and full instructions, located at the very bottom of this post.
- **Prepare Your Baking Station:** Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly from the start. Line your insulated baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This crucial step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- **Thaw Pie Dough (If Frozen):** If your pie dough is frozen, make sure to thaw it according to the package directions. Properly thawed dough will be pliable and easy to work with, preventing cracks and tearing.
- **Prepare Apple Filling:** Empty the can of apple pie filling into a medium-sized bowl. Using a fork, carefully separate the apple chunks from the excess sauce. While you don’t need to completely wipe the apples dry, removing most of the thick sauce is important. Too much sauce can make your cookies soggy.
- **Dice the Apples:** With a sharp knife, cut the apple pieces into smaller, manageable chunks. Aim for uniform pieces, roughly 1/4 to 1/2 inch, so they distribute evenly in your cookies and cook consistently.
- **Prepare Pie Dough Bases:** Unroll two of your pie dough circles onto a lightly floured surface. Gently smooth out any small cracks that may have formed.
- **Cut Cookie Bases:** Use a 2.5-inch round cookie cutter to cut out circles from the dough. These will form the bases of your apple pie cookies. Carefully transfer these circles to your prepared baking pan. Set aside the leftover dough scraps, as you can re-roll them for more cookies later.
- **Add Caramel:** Spoon about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of caramel sauce onto the center of each pie dough cut-out. Be mindful not to overfill, as too much caramel will spread significantly during baking and can cause a sticky mess.
- **Layer with Apples:** Place a tablespoon of your diced apple chunks on top of the caramel on each cookie base. Arrange them neatly to form a small mound.
- **Prepare Dough Strips for Topping:** Take your remaining two pie dough circles. Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, slice the dough into strips about 1/2 to 1 inch thick. Then, cut these longer strips into smaller thirds or quarters to create short, uniform pieces for the tops of your cookies.
- **Apply Egg Wash:** In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water with a fork to create an egg wash. Use a pastry brush to lightly baste the edges of your cut-out pie dough circles. This sticky layer will help the dough strips adhere securely.
- **Create the Lattice Top:** Carefully place 4 dough strips vertically and 4 strips horizontally over the top of each cookie, creating a simple lattice pattern. It’s important to arrange some strips along the very edges to help seal in the filling and prevent the delicious caramel from seeping out during baking. While we opt for a simplified, “faux” lattice for speed, feel free to create a more intricate woven lattice if you desire a classic look.
- **Trim and Refine:** Place your 2.5-inch round cookie cutter directly over each mini apple pie. Gently press down to trim off any excess dough from the strips, giving your cookies a clean, uniform edge. Use your finger to neaten the edges and remove any small dough scraps.
- **Final Touches:** Lightly baste the top of each cookie with the remaining egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden sheen. Then, generously sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and granulated sugar over each cookie for an extra layer of flavor and a lovely crunchy texture.
- **Bake to Perfection:** Bake your apple pie cookies in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is beautifully golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time as ovens can vary.
- **Cool and Enjoy:** Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and carefully transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. This allows the crust to crisp up and the filling to set properly.
Don’t let any dough go to waste! At this point, you can gather all your dough scraps, lightly knead them together, and use a rolling pin to flatten them out. Repeat the cutting, filling, and topping process for even more delightful apple pie cookies!
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Pie Cookies
You’ll definitely have some delicious sauce left over from the can of apple pie filling after separating the apple chunks. Please don’t pour it down the sink! This flavorful syrup is too good to waste. Warm it up gently and use it as a fantastic topping for vanilla ice cream, pancakes, waffles, or even stir it into your morning oatmeal for a cozy treat. It’s an excellent way to add a burst of apple-cinnamon flavor to other dishes!
These homemade apple pie cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they also store well. For short-term storage, you can keep them on the counter overnight, loosely tented with foil to protect them from air. To extend their freshness, refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container or covered tightly with foil for up to 3-4 days. Ensure they are completely cooled before storing to prevent condensation which can make the crust soggy.
Absolutely! Just like a traditional apple pie, these cookies freeze beautifully. Once your apple pie cookies have completely cooled down after baking, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 2-3 hours until solid. This “flash freezing” step prevents them from sticking together. Once frozen, individually wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or reheat gently in a low oven for a warm, fresh-baked taste.
Tips for Perfect Apple Pie Cookies Every Time
- **Don’t Overfill:** It’s tempting to load up on caramel and apples, but too much filling will cause leaks during baking, making your cookies messy and potentially burning the filling. Stick to the recommended amounts.
- **Keep Dough Cold (But Pliable):** While you need the dough to be thawed enough to roll and cut, working with slightly chilled dough helps maintain its flakiness. If your kitchen is warm, you can pop the cut dough circles back into the fridge for 10-15 minutes before adding the filling.
- **Seal the Edges:** When placing the lattice strips, ensure they slightly overlap the base and are pressed down gently, especially after applying the egg wash. This helps to contain the filling.
- **Even Apple Chunks:** Dicing the apple filling into uniform small pieces ensures even cooking and a pleasant texture in every bite.
- **Monitor Baking:** Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your cookies, especially towards the end of the baking time. They should be golden brown and the filling should be bubbling slightly. If the crust browns too quickly, you can loosely tent them with foil.
- **Don’t Skip the Cooling:** Allowing the cookies to cool on a wire rack is crucial. This helps the crust become crisp and prevents the bottom from becoming soggy, while also allowing the warm filling to fully set.
Delicious Serving Suggestions for Your Apple Pie Cookies
These mini apple pie cookies are incredibly versatile and delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your dessert experience:
- **Warm with Ice Cream:** Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a classic apple pie à la mode experience in a bite-sized form.
- **A Dusting of Sweetness:** A light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and an extra hint of sweetness.
- **Caramel Drizzle:** For caramel lovers, an additional drizzle of warm caramel sauce just before serving is an irresistible treat.
- **Whipped Cream or Custard:** A dollop of fresh whipped cream or a side of warm custard makes for a luxurious dessert.
- **Coffee or Tea Pairing:** Enjoy them with your favorite hot beverage – they make a perfect afternoon snack or after-dinner delight.
- **Dessert Platter Addition:** Their small size makes them ideal for a dessert platter, offering a taste of homemade goodness alongside other treats.
A Special Note From Amanda
This delightful recipe for easy apple pie cookies truly came to life thanks to my daughter, Kristen, who also serves as the editorial manager of this blog. Kristen embarked on a mission, sifting through numerous existing recipes for apple pie cookies, only to find them either overly complicated, demanding both homemade pie dough and apple filling, or so messy in their assembly that they led to wasted ingredients and a frustrating baking experience. She knew there had to be a better way!
Kristen took the best elements from various recipes and, with a keen eye for efficiency and simplicity, developed this streamlined version. Her innovative approach, focusing on readily available ingredients and a less-mess method, has transformed what can be a daunting task into a pure joy. We both sincerely hope that you find her recipe as incredibly easy and satisfying to make as we do. It’s our joy to share this stress-free path to creating these charming, delicious apple pie cookies, perfect for any occasion.
Discover More Irresistible Apple Recipes
- Apple Cranberry Crisp
- Crockpot Apple Cobbler
- Mini Apple Pies
- Merryfield Apple Cake
- Apple Hand Pies
- 3-Ingredient Apple Pie Cupcakes
- Apple Pie Bites
- Caramel Apple Cheesecakes Bars
I love to bake and cook and share my kitchen experience with all of you! Remembering to come back each day can be tough, that’s why I offer a convenient newsletter every time a new recipe posts. Simply subscribe and start receiving your free daily recipes!
Apple Pie Cookies
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 28 ounces frozen pre-made pie doughs 2 boxes (4 pie dough circles)
- 21 oz can of apple pie filling
- Caramel sauce like ice cream topping
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon water
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
Things You’ll Need
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2.5-inch round cookie cutters
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Pizza Cutter
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Pastry brush
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Rolling pin
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Insulated baking sheets
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Silicone baking mat
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Whisk
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Wire cooling racks
Before You Begin
- There will definitely be sauce left over from the can of apple pie filling. Don’t wash it down the sink though! It’s delicious warmed up and used as a topping for ice cream! Consider it for pancakes, waffles, or even a swirl in your oatmeal too.
- You can store these cookies overnight on the counter tented with foil. To keep longer, refrigerate covered in foil or in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Always ensure cookies are completely cool before storing to prevent condensation.
- Just like apple pie, you can freeze these cookies! Once they have completely cooled, arrange cookies on a baking sheet and freeze for 2-3 hours until firm. Once frozen, wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 1-2 months.
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 F and line insulated baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
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Thaw pie dough according to package directions.
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Empty can of apple pie filling into a bowl. Use a fork to take the apples out of the sauce. No need to wipe off the apples, you just don’t want all the extra sauce.
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Use a knife to cut the apples into small pieces.
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Unroll 2 of the pie doughs and smooth any cracks.
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Use a 2.5-inch round cookie cutter to cut out the base for the cookies, place them on prepared baking pan. Set scrap dough aside.
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Add 1/2-1 teaspoon of caramel and dollop onto center of the pie dough cut-outs. You don’t want too much caramel as it will spread during baking.
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Add a tablespoon of apple chunks on top of the caramel.
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From your remaining two pie doughs, use a pizza cutter or knife to slice about 1/2 – 1 inch thick strips. Cut those strips into thirds or quarters.
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Whisk egg and water in a bowl with a fork. Lightly baste around the edge of the cut out cookies.
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Place strips of dough over the top of the cookies, 4 strips vertical and 4 strips horizontal. Be sure to place strips along the edges to avoid caramel from seeping out of when baking. We do not create a real lattice, but you can if you want to!
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Place cookie cutter over the top of the mini apple pies and press down to trim off excess from the strips. Use your finger to go around the edges and clean up the dough scraps.
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Lightly baste each cookie with egg wash and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
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Remove from oven and let cool.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.