Apple Pie Cookies
Apple Pie Cookies are a cozy, bite-sized cookie inspired by the classic flavors of apple pie. Packed with juicy diced apples, warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and a buttery dough, these cookies offer a comforting fall treat that is easy to make and perfect for sharing. Enjoy the nostalgic taste of apple pie in a fun, festive, and customizable cookie form.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free flour substitution option)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fresh Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh apples, peeled and finely diced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Prepare the Apples: Peel and finely dice fresh apples, then toss them with lemon juice to keep them bright and fresh while preparing the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt to infuse the dough with classic apple pie spices.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a mixer, beat unsalted butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy to create a rich cookie base.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract with the creamed butter and sugar until fully combined for a smooth dough.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and beat just until incorporated, avoiding overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold the diced apples into the dough, ensuring even distribution for juicy pockets in every bite.
- Shape and Bake: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet spaced apart, then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden and set.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture balance.
- Dice apples finely to prevent sogginess and ensure even baking.
- Don’t overmix the dough to maintain a tender crumb.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to improve texture and prevent spreading.
- Remove cookies as soon as edges are set for a soft, chewy center.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freeze unbaked dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheat warmed cookies in a low oven or microwave briefly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: apple pie cookies, fall cookies, cinnamon cookies, apple cinnamon dessert, homemade cookies, bite-sized apple pie, seasonal baking, gluten-free cookies