Apple Pie Cookies Recipe

If you’re a fan of classic apple pie but want a fun twist to delight your friends and family, these Apple Pie Cookies are a total game-changer. Imagine all the sweet, spiced flavor of homemade apple pie, tucked into a cute, hand-held cookie that’s perfect for snacking, gifting, or cozy fall gatherings. Each bite brings the perfect mix of buttery pie crust, caramel drizzle, and tender apple filling, complete with a sparkling lattice top. Treat yourself—and everyone you love—to this irresistible hybrid dessert!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Apple Pie Cookies come together using a handful of trusty ingredients you might already have on hand. Each one adds something special, from rich buttery notes to that iconic apple-cinnamon warmth.

• 21 ounce canned apple pie filling: Pre-made filling saves time but delivers that soft, cinnamon-apple goodness we all crave.
• 15 ounce (1 twin pack) pre-made rolled pie crust: This shortcut ensures your cookies have crisp, flaky layers every time.
• ½ teaspoon apple pie spice: A fragrant blend of cinnamon and spice that brings cozy autumn flavor to each bite.
• 4 tablespoons caramel sundae syrup: Adds a gooey, buttery sweetness that pairs beautifully with tart apples.
• 1 large egg (room temperature): Whisked into an egg wash for that signature golden crust and pretty sheen.
• 1 tablespoon water (room temperature): Thins out the egg wash for even brushing.
• 2 tablespoons white sparkling sugar: Gives the cookies a magical, crunchy sparkle and a hint of extra sweetness.

How to Make Apple Pie Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This guarantees easy cleanup later and helps your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Prep the Apple Filling

Open up your can of apple pie filling and dice the apples into bite-sized pieces. Stir the diced apples with apple pie spice in a small mixing bowl until everything is well coated—now you’ve upgraded canned filling into something freshly spiced and extra flavorful!

Step 3: Prepare the Pie Crust

Roll out one pie crust into about a 12-inch circle. With the second crust, roll it out a touch larger—about 13 to 14 inches. Use a pizza cutter to slice this larger crust into thin, quarter-inch-wide strips for the lattice topping. Cut those strips down further so each one is approximately 3 to 3½ inches long.

Step 4: Shape the Cookie Bases

With a 3-inch cookie cutter, cut out as many rounds as possible from your first pie crust. Gather and re-roll scraps as needed until you have 12 circles. Arrange these rounds evenly on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between each one.

Step 5: Fill and Layer the Apple Pie Cookies

Spoon one teaspoon of caramel sundae syrup into the center of each dough circle. Next, add a generous tablespoon and a half of your prepared apple mixture, mounding it gently in the center (don’t spread it out—it’ll naturally spread as it bakes).

Step 6: Make the Lattice Tops

Take your dough strips and, for each cookie, lay 4 strips vertically and 3 horizontally over the apple filling to create that classic lattice pattern. Gently press the ends of each strip into the base round. Trim away any excess for a neat finish—it’s a mini masterpiece!

Step 7: Brush and Sprinkle

Whisk the egg and water together in a small bowl. Brush this egg wash lightly over the tops and edges of the cookies. This step gives them a glossy finish and helps the sugar stick. Finally, sprinkle the white sparkling sugar over each cookie—this is what makes them look bakery-worthy!

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Bake the cookies for 25 to 28 minutes until golden brown. Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on them after the 20-minute mark. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack for another 20 minutes. No taste-testing until they’ve cooled—trust me, it’s worth the wait!

How to Serve Apple Pie Cookies

Garnishes

Play up the pie-shop charm by adding a drizzle of extra caramel sauce across the lattice or a dainty dollop of whipped cream on the side. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a touch of elegance and sweetness.

Side Dishes

If you’re turning these Apple Pie Cookies into a plated dessert, try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of cinnamon-spiked whipped cream. For a cozy afternoon treat, pair them with hot apple cider or coffee.

Creative Ways to Present

These cookies are a showstopper on a rustic wooden tray or tiered dessert stand. If you’re gifting them, nestle each cookie into a cupcake liner and tuck them into a decorative box. For parties, arrange them on a platter with extra caramel sauce for dipping—watch them disappear!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, place the completely cooled Apple Pie Cookies in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for two days, or up to four days if you pop them in the fridge. Keep them separated with parchment paper to maintain their pretty shape and crisp texture.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet for an hour to prevent sticking, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, layering parchment in between. They’ll keep well for up to two months—just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked warmth, reheat your Apple Pie Cookies in a 300°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps revive the flaky crust and gooey filling—avoid the microwave to keep that lattice top crisp and flaky.

FAQs

Can I make Apple Pie Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the cookies, cover, and refrigerate up to a day in advance. When you’re ready to bake, just follow the same instructions—add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if they’re going straight from the fridge.

Can I use homemade pie crust and filling?

Definitely! If you have a favorite from-scratch pie crust or apple filling recipe, swap them in for even more homemade flavor. Just be sure your filling isn’t too wet so it doesn’t leak out during baking.

How do I prevent the cookies from getting soggy?

Make sure you cool them completely before storing and keep them in a well-sealed container. Using the caramel layer helps buffer the crust from the apple filling, keeping it crisper longer.

Can I make smaller or larger cookies?

Yes! Use a smaller or larger cookie cutter to adjust the size. Just be mindful of the baking time: smaller cookies may finish faster, while larger ones may need an extra minute or two in the oven.

What if I don’t have sparkling sugar?

No worries—regular granulated sugar works perfectly for a sweet crunch. You could even use cinnamon sugar for an extra layer of flavor.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend these Apple Pie Cookies enough! They capture all the nostalgia and comfort of a classic pie in a playful, portable cookie form. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just because, this recipe is sure to spark smiles and lots of recipe requests. Give them a try and turn any day into a mini celebration!

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