Apple Pie Cookies

$- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - Optional: egg wash, powdered sugar for dusting The main ingredients for these cookies create a lovely blend of flavors. The flour gives the cookies their structure, while the sugar adds sweetness. Salt helps balance the flavors, and baking powder gives them a nice rise. Cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth and spice. The butter adds richness, and the egg helps bind everything. The apples add a juicy sweetness and tartness, especially if you use Granny Smith. Lemon juice brightens the apple flavor and keeps them fresh. Brown sugar enhances the cookies with its deep, caramel notes. For those wanting to mix things up, consider these optional ingredients for variations. You can use gluten-free flour for a different texture. Vegan butter is a great choice for a dairy-free version. You can also add spices like ginger or cloves for a unique twist. These ingredients make the perfect base for delicious apple pie cookies. If you want to dive deeper into the full recipe, check out the link! - Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, add 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Whisk these ingredients well until they are blended. - Incorporate butter and form dough: Next, take 1/2 cup of chilled, cubed unsalted butter. Add it to the flour mix. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until it looks like coarse crumbs. You should see small pea-sized pieces of butter. - Toss apples with lemon juice: Peel, core, and dice 2 large apples. I prefer Granny Smith for their tartness. In a separate bowl, mix the diced apples with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. This helps keep them fresh and adds flavor. - Blend flavors: Add 1 tablespoon of packed brown sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg to the apples. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes. This step allows the apples to soak in all the yummy flavors. - Preheat oven and roll out dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, roll out your dough on a floured surface. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Use a 3-inch round cookie cutter to cut out circles. - Assemble and seal cookies: Place half of your dough circles on lined baking sheets. Spoon a generous teaspoon of the apple mixture onto each circle. Don’t overfill; just enough is perfect. - Bake until golden brown: Top each filled circle with another dough circle. Press the edges together firmly. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a nice look. Bake your cookies for 15-18 minutes until they are puffed and edges are golden brown. Once you try this full recipe, you’ll see how easy and tasty these apple pie cookies can be! To make the best dough for your apple pie cookies, start with the right amount of flour. If your dough feels sticky, add a little flour as needed. This helps you avoid sticky fingers and a messy counter. Aim for a soft but manageable dough. When you roll it out, it should not stick to your rolling pin or surface. You want a dough that holds together but is not too tough. Mix until just blended for a light texture. Overworking the dough can make it tough, which isn’t what you want in a cookie. Baking time is key for these cookies. I suggest baking them for 15-18 minutes at 350°F. Keep an eye on them. You want the edges to turn golden brown. If your oven runs hot or cold, you may need to adjust the time. For convection ovens, reduce the baking time by a few minutes. This ensures even cooking and helps the cookies puff nicely. Always check for a light golden color and a slight spring when you touch the cookies. To make your apple pie cookies shine, dust them with powdered sugar after they cool. This adds a sweet touch and makes them look lovely. For a fun twist, try adding a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. You can also plate them with thin apple slices for a colorful display. Let your creativity flow and impress your family and friends! {{image_4}} You can make these cookies gluten-free! To do this, use a gluten-free flour blend. Look for blends that have xanthan gum for best results. This will help mimic the texture of regular flour. You may also need to adjust baking times. Gluten-free cookies can bake quicker, so keep an eye on them. Check for a golden edge after about 12–15 minutes. If you want vegan cookies, you can easily swap out the eggs and butter. Use a flax egg instead of a regular egg. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with two and a half tablespoons of water. Let it sit for about five minutes until it thickens. For butter, use vegan butter or coconut oil. You can also switch to maple syrup or agave for sweetening. Each gives a nice flavor without using animal products. To take these cookies up a notch, think about adding nuts or raisins. Chopped walnuts or pecans give a nice crunch. You could also add a handful of raisins for extra sweetness. Another fun idea is to try different apple varieties. Each type gives a unique taste. Honeycrisp apples add sweetness, while Granny Smith offers a tart bite. Get creative and mix different apples for a fun twist! To keep your apple pie cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This method locks in moisture and flavor. You can use a plastic container or a glass jar with a lid. Make sure the cookies are completely cooled before sealing them. If you want to save cookies for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the cookies cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. After they are firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Ensure you remove excess air from the bag to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat them, take the cookies out and let them thaw at room temperature. This keeps their taste and texture just right. Apple pie cookies last about a week at room temperature when stored correctly. In the fridge, they can last up to two weeks. Check for any signs of spoilage, like mold or an off smell. If they feel hard or dry, they may not taste good anymore. Always trust your senses to keep your treats safe! Yes, you can use many fruits! Pears, peaches, and berries work well too. Each fruit brings its own taste. For instance, pears add a sweet touch. Berries, like blueberries or raspberries, give a tart kick. Just make sure to adjust the sugar. You want the filling to taste just right. Experiment and find your favorite filling! To make your cookies crispier, try a few simple tips. First, roll the dough thinner. A thinner dough bakes to a crisp finish. Second, bake them a little longer. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Lastly, let the cookies cool completely. This helps them harden and stay crispy. Enjoy that crunch! Reheat your cookies in the oven for the best taste. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 5-7 minutes. This warms them through and keeps them soft. If you're in a hurry, use a microwave. Heat them for 10-15 seconds. Enjoy the warm, gooey goodness! Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the dough. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before using. This way, you can enjoy fresh cookies anytime! Check out the Full Recipe for more tips. This blog post covered everything you need to make delicious apple pie cookies. We discussed the main ingredients like flour, apples, and spices. You learned the step-by-step process to mix, bake, and serve them. We also explored variations for gluten-free and vegan options, along with helpful storage tips. Now you can enjoy these treats anytime. Baking apple pie cookies is fun and rewarding. Share this recipe with friends and savor the rewards together. Happy baking!$

Get ready to indulge in the delightful world of Apple Pie Cookies! These mouthwatering treats combine the classic flavors of apple pie into a fun, bite-sized cookie form. With a buttery crust and a sweet apple filling, they are perfect for any occasion. Follow our easy steps to create these delicious cookies from scratch and impress your friends and family.

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced (preferably Granny Smith for a tart flavor)

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon packed brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (or ground nutmeg if unavailable)

Optional: egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water)

Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, baking powder, and ground cinnamon. Whisk the ingredients together until evenly distributed.

Incorporate Butter: Add the chilled cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.

Form the Dough: Gently beat the egg in a small bowl. Add the beaten egg and vanilla extract to the flour mixture, stirring until a soft dough begins to form. If the dough feels too sticky, gradually add a little more flour until it reaches the desired consistency.

Prepare the Apples: In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, and grated nutmeg. Allow the apple mixture to sit for about 10 minutes to let the flavors blend, breaking down the apples slightly.

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the cookie dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter (approximately 3 inches in diameter) to cut out circles of dough.

Assemble the Cookies: Place half of the dough circles onto the lined baking sheets. Spoon a generous teaspoon of the apple mixture into the center of each circle, making sure not to overfill.

Seal the Cookies: Top each filled cookie with another dough circle. Press the edges firmly together to seal, and use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges for an added decorative element.

Apply the Egg Wash: If using, brush the tops of the cookies with the egg wash to give them a golden, glossy finish once baked.

Bake: Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are puffed.

Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack. For a sweet finishing touch, dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar before serving.

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12 cookies

- Presentation Tips: For a delightful serving suggestion, arrange the cookies on a decorative plate and garnish with thin apple slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flair.