Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies: The Ultimate Fall Dessert Recipe

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies, are you ready for a bite-sized piece of autumn heaven? Imagine the comforting warmth of apple pie, the rich sweetness of caramel, and a hint of salt to tantalize your taste buds, all packed into a perfectly portable cookie. These aren’t just cookies; they’re an experience!

Apple pie, a dessert deeply rooted in American tradition, has evolved over centuries, becoming a symbol of home and hearth. While the classic pie is undeniably beloved, sometimes we crave that familiar flavor in a more convenient form. That’s where these delightful cookies come in. The addition of salted caramel elevates the traditional apple pie flavor profile, creating a sophisticated yet comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

People adore these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies for their incredible combination of textures and tastes. The soft, chewy cookie base, the tender chunks of apple, the gooey caramel swirls, and the subtle saltiness create a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. They’re easy to make, even easier to eat, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a cozy night in, or simply want to treat yourself, these cookies are the perfect choice. Get ready to experience the magic of fall in every bite!

Ingredients:

• For the Cookie Dough:
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Apple Filling:
• 3 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
• For Assembly:
• Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)

Making the Salted Caramel Sauce:

Okay, let’s start with the salted caramel sauce. This is the star of the show, and trust me, it’s worth the effort. Don’t be intimidated; it’s easier than you think!

1. Melt the Sugar: In a medium saucepan, pour in the granulated sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a heat-resistant spatula, until the sugar melts into a golden amber liquid. This will take a few minutes, so be patient and keep stirring to prevent burning. The sugar will clump up at first, but keep stirring, and it will eventually melt.
2. Add the Butter: Once the sugar is completely melted and a beautiful amber color, remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately add the butter pieces. Be careful, as the mixture will bubble up vigorously. Stir until the butter is completely melted and incorporated into the sugar.
3. Pour in the Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly. The mixture will bubble up again, so be cautious. Continue stirring until the caramel is smooth and creamy.
4. Add the Salt: Stir in the sea salt. Taste the caramel and add more salt if desired, depending on your preference. I like a good balance of sweet and salty, so I usually add a little extra.
5. Cool the Caramel: Pour the salted caramel sauce into a heat-proof jar or container and let it cool completely. The caramel will thicken as it cools. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. If it gets too thick, you can gently warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop before using.

Preparing the Apple Filling:

Now, let’s move on to the apple filling. This is what gives these cookies that delicious apple pie flavor. I love using a mix of apple varieties for a more complex flavor, but you can use your favorite kind.

1. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small, even pieces. I like to dice them about 1/4 inch in size so they cook evenly and fit nicely into the cookies.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated. The flour will help to thicken the filling as it cooks, and the lemon juice will prevent the apples from browning.
3. Cook the Filling (Optional): While you can use the apple filling raw, I prefer to cook it slightly to soften the apples and meld the flavors together. To do this, transfer the apple mixture to a saucepan and cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the apples are slightly softened but still hold their shape. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Let the filling cool completely before using. If you choose to skip this step, just make sure your apples are diced very small.

Making the Cookie Dough:

Alright, time to make the cookie dough! This is a classic cookie dough recipe with a hint of cinnamon to complement the apple filling. Make sure your butter is softened for the best results.

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. This ensures that the baking soda and cinnamon are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 3-5 minutes. The mixture should be pale and creamy.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
4. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.

Assembling the Cookies:

Now for the fun part – putting everything together! This is where the magic happens, and you’ll see those cookies start to take shape.

1. Scoop the Dough: Use a cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons) to scoop out portions of the cookie dough. Roll each portion into a ball.
2. Create a Well: Gently press your thumb into the center of each cookie dough ball to create a well. Make sure the well is deep enough to hold a generous amount of apple filling and caramel sauce.
3. Fill with Apple Filling: Spoon about 1-2 teaspoons of the apple filling into each well. Don’t overfill, or the filling will spill out during baking.
4. Drizzle with Caramel: Drizzle about 1 teaspoon of the salted caramel sauce over the apple filling in each cookie. Again, be careful not to overfill.
5. Chill the Cookies (Optional): For best results, chill the assembled cookies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will help prevent them from spreading too much in the oven.

Baking the Cookies:

Almost there! Now it’s time to bake these beauties and fill your kitchen with the aroma of apple pie and caramel.

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Bake the Cookies: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
3. Cool the Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Optional: Sprinkle with Sea Salt: While the cookies are still warm, sprinkle them with a pinch of coarse sea salt for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.

Serving and Storing:

Finally, the best part – enjoying your delicious Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies! These cookies are best served warm, but they’re also delicious at room temperature. They’re perfect with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

• Serving: Serve the cookies warm or at room temperature. They are delicious on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Storing: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Thaw the cookies at room temperature before serving.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are truly a game-changer in the world of baking. I know, I know, I might be a little biased, but trust me on this one. The combination of the warm, spiced apple filling, the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie base, and that decadent salted caramel drizzle is simply irresistible. It’s like taking a bite of fall, no matter what time of year it is.

But why are these cookies a must-try? Well, beyond the incredible flavor profile, they’re surprisingly easy to make. I’ve broken down each step to ensure even beginner bakers can achieve cookie perfection. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to use up any leftover apple pie filling you might have lurking in the fridge (although, let’s be honest, who ever has leftover apple pie filling?). More importantly, they are a unique treat that will impress your friends and family. Forget the same old chocolate chip cookies; these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are guaranteed to be the star of any dessert table.

Looking for serving suggestions? These cookies are divine on their own, enjoyed with a cup of hot coffee or tea. But if you’re feeling extra indulgent (and who isn’t sometimes?), try warming them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds before serving. The caramel will become even gooier, and the apple filling will release its fragrant aroma. For a truly decadent experience, top a warm cookie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and an extra drizzle of salted caramel. You could also crumble them over yogurt or oatmeal for a delicious and unexpected breakfast treat.

And speaking of variations, the possibilities are endless! If you’re not a fan of salted caramel (gasp!), you can easily substitute it with a plain caramel sauce or even a chocolate ganache. For a nuttier flavor, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cookie dough or sprinkle them on top before baking. You could also experiment with different spices in the apple filling, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of bourbon or rum to the caramel sauce for an extra kick.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies for yourself. I truly believe they’ll become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these delicious treats. And don’t forget to share your creations with me! I’d love to see your photos and hear about your experiences. Tag me on social media using [Your Social Media Handle] and let me know what you think. Did you make any variations? What was your favorite part of the recipe? I can’t wait to hear from you! Happy baking!

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