Hey y’all! If you love the sweet, cinnamon-kissed flavors of classic apple pie but want something bite-sized and easy to share, these Apple Pie Cookies are about to be your new favorite treat. Imagine all the gooey, spiced apple goodness nestled inside a tender, buttery cookie—a match made in dessert heaven! Whether for holiday gatherings, after-school snacks, or a cozy weekend bake, these cookies are sure to impress everyone. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Pie Cookies Recipe
- Combines the best parts of apple pie and cookies in one delicious bite.
- Perfect for potlucks, parties, or sweet snacking at home.
- Freezer-friendly and easy to make ahead for busy weeks.
- No fork required—portable and mess-free!
- Customizable with your favorite apples and spices.
Apple Pie Cookies Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups (160g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (55g) packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup (about 1 medium) peeled, finely diced apple (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup (60g) quick oats
- Optional: 1 tablespoon coarse sugar for sprinkling
How to Make Apple Pie Cookies
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Peel and finely dice your apple, toss with the lemon juice, and set aside. This keeps the apples bright and adds a little tang.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
With a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy—about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Stir in the quick oats and diced apples gently with a spatula.
Step 6: Shape and Bake Apple Pie Cookies
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired. Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set. Cool for 5 minutes on the tray before transferring to a wire rack.
Apple Pie Cookies Notes & Tips
- For the best texture, use quick oats rather than old-fashioned oats (learn more about baking with oats).
- Don’t overmix the dough after adding the flour—this keeps your cookies tender.
- If your apples are extra juicy, blot them dry with a paper towel to avoid excess moisture (Serious Eats: Apple Pie Mistakes).
Apple Pie Cookies Variations
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle cooled cookies with caramel sauce for a decadent finish.
- Nuts: Add 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for the flour.
Required Equipment for Apple Pie Cookies
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Wire rack
Apple Pie Cookies Storage Instructions
Store cooled Apple Pie Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze cookies in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Serving Recommendations for Apple Pie Cookies
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic apple pie vibe.
- Pair with spiced chai or hot apple cider for cozy fall flavors.
- Perfect addition to holiday cookie platters or bake sales.
Apple Pie Cookies Pro Tips
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if the kitchen is warm to prevent overspreading (why chilling cookie dough matters).
- Use a small cookie scoop for evenly-sized cookies and consistent baking.
- Let cookies cool completely before storing to keep them chewy.
Apple Pie Cookies FAQ
- Can I use any type of apple?
Yes! Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are favorites for their firm texture and balance of tart and sweet flavors. - Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely—Apple Pie Cookies freeze beautifully for up to 2 months, so you can prep them in advance. - How do I know when my cookies are done?
The edges should be golden and the centers just set; don’t overbake for the chewiest texture.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Yield: about 20 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup peeled and finely diced apples
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1-2 teaspoons milk (for glaze)
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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2In a small bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
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3In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
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4In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
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5Fold in the spiced apple mixture. Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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6Bake for 16-18 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Let cookies cool, then drizzle with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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