Warm and Buttery Apple Pie Cookies for the Perfect Fall Dessert

When fall arrives, there’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of cinnamon and apples wafting through the kitchen. These Apple Pie Cookies are the ultimate hybrid of two classics: the cozy flavors of a homemade apple pie baked into the convenient size and texture of a soft, buttery cookie. They’re crisp on the edges, chewy in the center, and layered with sweet, spiced apple filling. It’s everything you love about autumn in one easy-to-make dessert.

Ideal for bake sales, potlucks, or even as a dessert for work, these cookies are as impressive as they are simple. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, this cookie recipes apple creation is a must-add to your fall baking list. They’re mini, portable, and packed with flavor — perfect for a cozy night in or a festive gathering.

Looking for more seasonal cookie inspiration? Don’t miss our Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies or Apple Brownies to round out your fall dessert tray.

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A Dessert for Work, Holidays, or Fall Cookie Cravings

What makes these mini apple pie cookies extra special is their versatility. They’re elegant enough for holiday dessert platters, casual enough for lunchboxes, and easy enough to make on a weeknight. You can whip up a batch in less than an hour, and they travel well — making them a top choice when you need a dessert for work or a bake-and-take fall treat.

In fact, with a hint of caramel flavor and a burst of cinnamon-spiced apple in every bite, they’re the cookie version of your favorite fall drink — like an apple cider caramel cookie in disguise.

Whether you serve them at a Halloween gathering or gift them for Thanksgiving, these cookies fit the season — and the mood — perfectly.

Simple Ingredients Behind These Mini Apple Pie Cookies

Part of the charm of this cinnamon apple cookies recipe is the use of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together in the most delightful way. You likely already have everything you need to make this treat today.

The dough is rich and buttery, with hints of brown sugar and vanilla, while the apple filling combines tart apples, warming spices, and a touch of caramel-like sweetness for depth and character.

Kitchen Equipment for Easy Apple Cookie Recipes

You don’t need fancy gadgets to bake these delicious cookies. Just gather a few basic kitchen tools:

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Saucepan (for cooking the apple filling)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack
• Small spoon or cookie scoop
• Rolling pin (if shaping the dough for lattice-style tops)

These tools make the process efficient and fuss-free, even for beginner bakers.

Everything You Need for These Apple Cookies Recipes Easy

Here is the full list of ingredients you’ll need to make about 24 apple pie cookies:

For the apple filling:

• 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, finely chopped – ~1½ cups)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

For the cookie dough:

• ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Optional: ½ teaspoon cinnamon (for added warmth)

Optional topping:

• Extra cinnamon sugar for sprinkling
• Caramel drizzle (for a fall desserts caramel apple twist)

All ingredients are easily swappable for gluten-free or dairy-free alternatives if needed.

How to Make Cinnamon Apple Cookies With a Pie-Inspired Twist

Step 1: Cook the apple filling.
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until apples soften. Mix in the cornstarch and cook for another 1–2 minutes until thickened. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the cookie dough.
In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and optional cinnamon. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

Step 3: Assemble the cookies.
Scoop dough into small balls (about 1½ tablespoons each). Flatten each ball into a disc and place onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, press a small well into the center of each cookie.

Step 4: Fill and bake.
Spoon a small amount of apple filling into each cookie well. If desired, roll out extra dough and cut thin strips to lay over the filling in a lattice pattern.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–14 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 5: Add finishing touches.
Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar while warm, or drizzle with caramel sauce for a fall desserts caramel apple vibe.

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Fall Baking Tips for Perfect Apple Pie Cookies

To get the most out of your apple cookies recipes easy, here are a few expert baking tips:

• Choose the right apple. Granny Smith offers a tart contrast, while Honeycrisp or Fuji bring sweetness.
• Cool the filling completely. Hot apple filling will melt the dough before baking.
• Don’t overbake. The cookies should be just set when removed—they’ll firm up as they cool.
• Add a dash of nutmeg or allspice for deeper fall flavor.
• Keep dough chilled between batches to prevent spreading.

These little tricks make your cookie recipes fall lineup even more spectacular.

Creative Twists on Classic Apple Cider Caramel Cookies

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you can have fun with variations! Here are some ideas:

• Apple Cider Caramel Cookies: Add 1 tablespoon apple cider concentrate to the filling and drizzle with caramel.
• Maple Apple Cookies: Replace the brown sugar in the filling with pure maple syrup for added richness.
• Pecan Crunch: Sprinkle finely chopped pecans on top of each cookie before baking.
• Cheddar Twist: Add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar for a sweet-and-savory pairing.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

These spins keep the recipe exciting and ideal for experimenting throughout the fall season.

Troubleshooting Mini Apple Pie Cookies Like a Pro

Even simple recipes can go sideways without a little attention to detail. Avoid these common pitfalls:

• Cookies too flat? Chill your dough before baking.
• Dry or crumbly dough? Don’t overmeasure your flour—spoon and level instead.
• Apples too watery? Let the filling simmer until thick and syrupy.
• Sticky dough? Add a tablespoon of flour at a time until manageable.
• Cookies break when transferring? Allow to cool before moving them off the baking sheet.

With these tips in hand, your mini apple pie cookies will be bakery-worthy every time.

Serving Ideas for Cookie Recipes Apple Lovers Will Adore

Presentation matters! Here’s how to elevate your cookie serving game:

• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a mini apple pie à la mode
• Place in treat bags for festive work gifts or party favors
• Stack with parchment squares in a cookie box tied with twine
• Arrange on a fall-themed platter with cinnamon sticks and apple slices for flair
• Pair with hot cider or chai for a complete fall dessert experience

Want a sweet drink pairing? Serve these with Apple Chai Latte or a comforting Pumpkin Cream Cheese Frosting-topped latte.

How to Store and Prep Apple Cookies in Advance

Storing:
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat in a low oven to refresh.

Freezing:
You can freeze both unbaked dough and baked cookies:

• For unbaked cookies: Freeze assembled cookies (without filling) on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fill and bake directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to the bake time.
• For baked cookies: Cool completely, layer with parchment in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Make-ahead tip:
Prepare the dough and apple filling separately up to 48 hours ahead and store in the fridge until ready to bake.

Best Beverages and Sweets to Serve With Fall Cookies

Round out your fall dessert table with these seasonal pairings:

• Apple Cider Cheesecake
• Butternut Sweet Potato Soup for a savory-sweet combo
• Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake
• Halloween Sugar Cookie for themed treats
• A mug of warm Pumpkin Maple Coffee

These cookies are versatile enough to go with both desserts and warm beverages.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Pie Cookies

Can I use store-bought pie filling?
You can, but homemade offers fresher flavor and texture. If you must use canned filling, chop the apples finely for even baking.

Can I make these without eggs?
Yes! Substitute with 1 tablespoon ground flax mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for best results.

Can I double the recipe?
Definitely. This recipe scales well for large batches.

Do I need to refrigerate them?
Not unless your kitchen is very warm. Room temperature is fine for 2–3 days.

Tried These Apple Cookies? Share, Pin & Subscribe for More Fall Recipes!

These Apple Pie Cookies are everything fall dreams are made of: soft, sweet, cinnamon-spiced, and utterly comforting. Whether you’re baking for coworkers, school parties, or just to indulge your inner autumn baker, this recipe delivers joy in every bite.

Love these? Try our Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles or Fall Pumpkin Muffins next.

If this recipe made your season sweeter, share it with friends, pin it to your fall baking board, and subscribe for more cozy cookie recipes!

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