Experience the comforting flavors of apple pie in a delightful, bite-sized form with these Apple Pie Cookies. With a buttery crust, sweet apple filling, and a hint of warm spices, these cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. Let’s embark on a journey to create these miniature delights that capture the essence of a classic apple pie.
Ingredients:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Prepare the Apple Filling:
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced apples, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook until the apples are tender and the mixture is caramelized. Allow it to cool.
- Make the Cookie Dough:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Chill the Dough:
- Divide the dough into two portions, shape each into a disk, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll Out the Dough:
- On a floured surface, roll out one portion of the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out circles.
- Assemble the Cookies:
- Place a small spoonful of the cooled apple filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling, sealing the edges. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
- Make Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the coating.
- Coat the Cookies:
- Gently roll each filled cookie in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.
- Bake:
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool and Enjoy:
- Allow the Apple Pie Cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these bite-sized delights with a cup of tea or your favorite warm beverage.
Optional Tips:
- Drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Serve the cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.
Savor the tastes of autumn with these bite-sized version of the traditional apple pie, called Apple Pie Cookies. These cookies, with their flaky crust, spiced apple filling, and sweet coating, are a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed both by itself and with others. Make a batch and allow the delightful scent to fill your kitchen with coziness and warmth. 🍏🍪✨