Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
Introduction
If you’re a fan of fall flavors and delicious homemade treats, these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are bound to steal your heart. Combining the best aspects of a traditional apple pie and everyone’s favorite cookie, this mouthwatering recipe is perfect for bringing cozy vibes to your kitchen. A quick and easy indulgence that is guaranteed to impress at family gatherings, holiday parties, or simply as a snack for yourself.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
For the Cookie Dough:
All-purpose flour – 2 and 1/2 cups
Granulated sugar – 1/2 cup
Light brown sugar – 1/2 cup
Unsalted butter (softened) – 1 cup
Egg yolks – 2 large
Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
Baking powder – 1 teaspoon
Salt – 1/2 teaspoon
For the Apple Pie Filling:
Apples (peeled, cored, and diced) – 2 medium
Granulated sugar – 1/4 cup
Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon
Ground cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
For the Salted Caramel Drizzle:
Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) – 1/2 cup
Sea salt flakes – for sprinkling
Prep Time
These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are super simple to prepare. You’ll need about 25 minutes to whip up the dough, make the apple filling, and assemble everything into cookie perfection.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 14-16 minutes per batch
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour (including cooling time)
Yield: 30-34 delicious cookies
These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are the perfect blend of warm, gooey apple goodness and a salted caramel drizzle on top of soft-baked cookie bases. Perfect for treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, they deliver joy in every bite!
“`html
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Make the Pie Dough
1. Prepare your pie dough according to your chosen recipe or use store-bought pie dough. Ensure the dough is chilled before rolling out.
Chill the Dough
2. Once prepared, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm enough to roll out easily.
Prepare the Apple Filling
3. Peel, core, and finely dice the apples into small pieces.
4. Place the chopped apples in a bowl and mix with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Stir to combine evenly.
5. Allow the apple mixture to rest for 10-15 minutes to release some of its juices.
Roll Out the Dough
6. Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
7. Use a 3-inch round cookie cutter to cut out circles from the dough. Re-roll the scraps as needed. Set half of the circles aside for the tops and half for the bottoms.
Assemble the Cookies
8. Place a tablespoon of the apple filling in the center of one dough circle.
9. Take another dough circle and place it on top of the filled one. Gently press the edges together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative finish and to further seal the cookies.
10. Repeat the process with the remaining dough and apple filling.
Brush with Egg Wash
11. Whisk 1 egg in a small bowl to create an egg wash.
12. Lightly brush the tops of the cookies with the egg wash using a pastry brush.
Add Optional Sugar Topping
13. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top of the egg-washed cookies if desired to add extra texture and sweetness.
Make Steam Vents
14. Use a sharp knife to make small slits or poke holes in the tops of each cookie. This allows steam to escape during baking.
Bake the Cookies
15. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
16. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the cookies on it, leaving space between them.
17. Bake for about 18-22 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown.
Cool the Cookies
18. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
19. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Salted Caramel Drizzle
20. Warm up your salted caramel sauce in the microwave or on the stovetop just until it is pourable but not overly hot.
21. Drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the cooled cookies using a spoon.
Serve and Enjoy
22. Serve the cookies immediately or store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Optional: Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat.
Notes
Choosing Apples
– Use firm, tart apples such as Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor.
Pie Dough Alternatives
– If you’re short on time, store-bought pie dough works well for this recipe.
Chilling the Dough
– Keep the dough cold throughout the process to ensure the cookies hold their shape during baking.
Storing the Cookies
– Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
Salted Caramel Sauce
– Homemade or high-quality store-bought salted caramel sauce works best. Be sure to warm it carefully to avoid overheating.
Reheating Tips
– Reheat cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to revive their texture and taste.
“`
Cook Techniques
How to Make Salted Caramel Sauce
Start by preparing a homemade salted caramel sauce. Heat sugar in a medium saucepan, and let it melt while stirring occasionally. Once the sugar is fully melted and browned, remove it from heat, add butter, and stir until combined. Slowly mix in heavy cream and salt. Let it cool to thicken before use.
Baking the Cookie Crust
Roll out the pie dough, using a cookie cutter to cut rounds that will serve as the base. Place the rounds on a prepared baking sheet and chill them before baking. This helps the dough hold its shape.
Preparing Apple Filling
Peel and dice the apples into small, uniform pieces. Toss them with cinnamon, brown sugar, lemon juice, and other spices to enhance the flavor. Let them sit for a few minutes to release juices, which can be reduced later for extra flavor.
Layering the Cookies
Once the apple filling and salted caramel sauce are ready, layer them on top of the cookie crusts. Add about a spoonful of filling to each round, ensuring the apple mixture is evenly distributed.
Baking the Cookies
After layering, bake the cookies until the crust is golden and apples are tender. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking. Let the cookies cool before drizzling them with additional salted caramel for garnish.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought salted caramel?
Yes, you can use store-bought salted caramel if you’re short on time, but homemade sauce adds a fresh and flavorful touch.
What type of apples should I use?
Use firm and tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture. Avoid using overly soft apples as they may become mushy.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or freeze it for later use.
How should I store the cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you add caramel drizzle, consider refrigerating them to maintain freshness.
Can I freeze leftover cookies?
Yes, these cookies freeze well. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
What if I don’t have a cookie cutter?
If you don’t have a cookie cutter, use the rim of a glass or a small bowl to cut the dough into rounds.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free pie crust to accommodate dietary needs. Ensure other ingredients, such as caramel and spices, are also gluten-free.
Conclusion
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies embody the perfect blend of warm spices, tender apples, and indulgent caramel, all wrapped up in a bite-sized treat. These cookies are not only delightful for fall gatherings but also make for a stunning dessert option any time of the year. Their combination of flavors and textures will surely leave an impression on your taste buds and those of your loved ones.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Classic Apple Cinnamon Cookies
Elevate the classic cinnamon cookie by incorporating chunks of fresh apples for a chewy and aromatic variation.
Caramel Pecan Pie Bars
For a nutty twist, try making pecan pie bars with a drizzle of salted caramel for extra flavor depth.
Apple Cinnamon Roll Bites
Combine the goodness of apple pie filling with fluffy cinnamon rolls for bite-sized treats.
Salted Caramel Brownie Cups
Whip up mini brownie cups and fill them with salted caramel for a rich, gooey dessert.
Warm Apple Crisp
Pair baked cinnamon apples with crispy, buttery oat crumble for a comforting and easy dessert.
Caramel Apple Cheesecake
Combine creamy cheesecake with a caramel apple topping for an indulgent layered dessert.
Cinnamon Sugar Donuts with Apple Glaze
Infuse your favorite donuts with a cinnamon-sugar crust and a fresh apple glaze for a fall-inspired breakfast or dessert.
