Description

Apple Pie Cookies bring together the best of both worlds— the comforting warmth of a traditional apple pie and the convenience of a cookie-sized treat. Imagine the sweet, spiced aroma of cinnamon and apples filling your kitchen, reminiscent of fall afternoons and family gatherings. These bite-sized delights capture the essence of a homemade apple pie in every single bite, with a flaky, golden crust and a soft, apple-infused center. Whether you're looking for a dessert to impress guests or a snack to enjoy with a cup of tea, these cookies offer the perfect solution.

The recipe itself is a delightful twist on a classic, offering all the familiar flavors of apple pie but in a format that’s easy to make and even easier to eat. The dough serves as a mini pie crust, holding a filling made of tender apple slices, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Once baked, the cookies develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior with a slightly crisp texture, while the filling inside remains warm and comforting. They are perfect for serving at parties, gifting to loved ones, or simply treating yourself to something special.

Ingredients

• 1 package of refrigerated pie crusts
• 2 medium apples, peeled and finely chopped
• 1/3 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon of flour
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon of water
• Sugar for sprinkling

Preparation Method

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out pie crusts on a floured surface and cut out circles using a cookie cutter, needing two per cookie.
3. In a bowl, mix chopped apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour until apples are coated.
4. Place a spoonful of the apple mixture on half of the dough circles, leaving a border.
5. Whisk the egg with water to make an egg wash and brush the edges of the filled circles.
6. Top each filled circle with another dough circle and press edges with a fork to seal.
7. Brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.
8. Cut two small slits in the top of each cookie for steam.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and let cool before serving.

Tips and Conclusion

For an extra layer of flavor, you can drizzle the finished cookies with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk. This not only adds a touch of sweetness but also gives the cookies a beautiful presentation. If you want a richer glaze, add a few drops of vanilla extract or even some caramel sauce for a decadent finish. Another fun variation is to swap out the apple filling for a mix of different fruits, such as pears or peaches, or even add a handful of chopped nuts to the filling for some added crunch.

These cookies also freeze well, making them an excellent choice for prepping in advance. To freeze, simply prepare the cookies up to the point before baking, then arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a zip-top bag and store in the freezer for up to two months. When you're ready to enjoy them, just bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra five minutes to the baking time.

Apple Pie Cookies are a fantastic way to enjoy all the flavors of a traditional apple pie in a fun, portable format. Their warm, spiced filling combined with a crispy, flaky crust makes them irresistible to both kids and adults alike. They’re also versatile, as you can easily customize them with different fillings, spices, or toppings. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just as a treat to enjoy at home, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. And, since they are so easy to make, you won’t need to wait for a special occasion to indulge in the comforting taste of homemade apple pie.

With a recipe like this, you'll always have a crowd-pleasing dessert ready to go, and their bite-sized nature means they're perfect for sharing—although, once you try one, you might not want to!