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Homemade Apple Pie Cookies Recipe

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4.1 from 9 reviews

Delight in these Homemade Apple Pie Cookies, a perfect blend of tender buttery cookie dough filled with warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling. These hand-crafted treats combine the comforting flavors of classic apple pie in a bite-sized form, ideal for dessert or a cozy snack.

Ingredients

Cookie Dough

  • 1/2 cup butter (room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt

Apple Filling

  • 2 apples (cored, peeled, and diced small)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (packed)
  • 1/2 - 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Cinnamon Sugar Topping

  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Milk for brushing (about 1 tablespoon)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Create a well in the center, then add the butter, egg, and vanilla. Mix with a fork until nearly combined, then transfer to a lightly floured surface and gently knead until the dough is soft and homogeneous. Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 3 days for best results.
  2. Alternative Dough Preparation: Using a food processor or mixer, combine butter and sugar until mixed. Add the egg and vanilla and blend until smooth. Stir in the flour mixture and pulse or beat until just combined. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead gently until smooth. Wrap and chill as above.
  3. Make the Apple Filling: While the dough chills, heat butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and diced apples in a medium pot over low-medium heat. Cook for 5 minutes covered, then another 5 minutes uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Lightly mash the apples with a fork to keep some chunkiness. If filling is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup. Let cool completely.
  4. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line one or two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  5. Assemble the Cookies: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch (2 mm) thickness. Cut out approximately 28 circles using a 2 1/4 inch (6 cm) cutter. Place 14 circles on the baking sheets. Spoon a heaping teaspoon of apple filling onto each circle, spreading carefully without reaching the edges. Cover each with another dough circle and seal edges by pressing with a wet finger or a fork to keep sealed during baking.
  6. Add the Topping: Brush the tops lightly with milk. Mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon to make cinnamon sugar, and sprinkle this over the cookies.
  7. Bake: Bake the cookies for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely or enjoy warm.

Notes

  • Do not over-knead the dough to keep cookies tender.
  • Use room temperature butter and egg for easier mixing.
  • If filling seems too thick, add maple syrup to adjust consistency.
  • Wet your fingers when sealing edges to help cookies stay closed.
  • Cookie cutters of different sizes can be used but adjust baking time accordingly.
  • Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.