The aroma of brown butter wafting through the kitchen is one of those sensory moments that can make any fall day feel special. When I whip up these Brown Butter Apple Pie Cookies, it evokes not just the cozy essence of autumn, but a delightful nostalgia wrapped in a chewy, flavorful treat. These cookies beautifully blend the comforting flavors of traditional apple pie—think tender cinnamon-kissed apples—into a soft, indulgent cookie that’s incredibly easy to make. The bonus? They’re quick to whip up on a busy day and make for a perfect dessert to impress your friends at gatherings or simply to savor with a warm cup of tea. Ready to bake cookies that bridge the gap between a classic pie and your afternoon snack? Let’s dive in! Why are these Apple Pie Cookies irresistible? Indulgent Flavor: With nutty brown butter and cinnamon-kissed apples, these cookies offer a rich, autumn-inspired taste that’s hard to resist. Quick & Easy: They come together quickly, making them perfect for busy days when you need a comforting treat without a lot of fuss. Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Whether at a fall gathering or cozy night in, these cookies are sure to impress family and friends, much like my popular Bakery Style Cookies. Versatile Twist: Feel free to swap apples for pears or even try adding a dash of ground ginger for a unique spin on flavor! Perfectly Cozy: Serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream for an irresistible dessert that captures autumn’s essence beautifully. Enjoy the season with these unforgettable bites! Apple Pie Cookies Ingredients • Get ready to create a warm and cozy treat! For the Cookie Base Unsalted Butter – Adds a rich and nutty flavor essential for the brown butter. Granulated Sugar – Provides sweetness and helps achieve a delightful crispy exterior. Brown Sugar – Brings moisture and chewiness, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Eggs – Binds the ingredients and adds important moisture for that perfect chewy texture. Vanilla Extract – Elevates the overall sweetness and flavor of the cookies. All-Purpose Flour – Ensures the structure, giving the cookies their delightful thickness. Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent, resulting in a light and airy texture. Cornstarch – Provides that melt-in-your-mouth quality for a softer cookie. For the Flavoring Pumpkin Pie Spice – Infuses the cookies with those warm, cozy fall flavors that are so irresistible. Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances the flavor, especially paired with the salted caramel topping. Cinnamon – Essential for both cookie and filling, amplifying that cozy, autumnal essence. For the Apple Filling Apples – The star of the show! Provides natural sweetness; Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work best for balance. For the Topping Salted Caramel Sauce – Adds a decadently sweet and salty finish, making these apple pie cookies utterly indulgent. Drizzle generously for the best effect. Unleash the delight of these apple pie cookies and watch as everyone falls in love with their cozy flavors! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Apple Pie Cookies Step 1: Prepare Ingredients Start by measuring all your ingredients accurately to ensure perfect Apple Pie Cookies. Dice the apples into small, uniform pieces, ideally about 1/4 inch, so they distribute evenly throughout the dough. This will create delightful bites of fruit in every cookie! Step 2: Brown the Butter In a medium saucepan, add the unsalted butter and melt it over medium heat. Stir continuously until the butter turns a golden brown and develops a nutty aroma, which typically takes around 4-5 minutes. Once browned, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly before using; this will enhance the flavors of your cookies. Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients While the butter cools, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cornstarch, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Make sure the dry ingredients are well combined to ensure even distribution of flavor and texture in your delicious Apple Pie Cookies. Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients In a stand mixer, beat the cooled brown butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined and the mixture is light in color; this will create a luscious base for your cookies. Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the goal is a cohesive dough that maintains a soft consistency. This is where the character of your Apple Pie Cookies starts to take shape! Step 6: Add Apples Using a spatula, gently fold in the diced apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. This step brings in the fresh, fruity flavor that mimics traditional apple pie, enhancing the overall texture and taste of your cookies. Step 7: Chill Dough Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up, which helps prevent spreading during baking and promotes a chewy texture in your Apple Pie Cookies. Step 8: Preheat Oven While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. This step is crucial to ensure your cookies bake evenly and develop that golden edge. Step 9: Scoop Cookies Once chilled, use a cookie scoop to portion out balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Aim for a height of about 1 inch for each cookie, ensuring they’ll turn out soft and thick. Step 10: Bake Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers look slightly underbaked. This will result in a soft, chewy texture that is characteristic of these delightful Apple Pie Cookies. Step 11: Cool and Drizzle After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once slightly cooled, drizzle generously with salted caramel sauce for an indulgent finishing touch; this elevates the flavor profile and adds that irresistible final layer to your cookies. Make Ahead Options These Brown Butter Apple Pie Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and chilling the dough in the refrigerator. This not only allows the flavors to meld beautifully but also helps prevent spreading during baking, ensuring your cookies remain thick and chewy. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop out the chilled dough onto a lined baking sheet and add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the dough is particularly cold. With this prep-ahead method, you’ll have delicious apple pie cookies fresh out of the oven with minimal fuss! Expert Tips for Apple Pie Cookies Cool the Butter: Allow the browned butter to cool to avoid cooking the eggs when combined; this ensures the right texture. Don’t Over-Bake: Watch closely towards the end of baking. The centers should be soft, as they continue to firm up while cooling. Apple Choice Matters: Select firm, tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best balance of sweetness and tartness in your cookies. Chill Time is Key: Don’t skip the chilling step! This helps solidify the dough, making it easier to scoop and preventing excessive spreading while baking. Enhance with Nuts: For added crunch and flavor, consider folding in some finely chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, before baking. Salted Caramel Boost: Drizzle warm salted caramel just before serving for added indulgence—it’s the perfect finishing touch for your Apple Pie Cookies! Apple Pie Cookies Variations & Substitutions Feel free to get creative with these apple pie cookies to make them truly your own! Apple Swap: Use pears instead of apples for a unique twist that still screams fall. Gluten-Free: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. Spicy Kick: For more depth, add a pinch of ground ginger or increase the pumpkin pie spice for a bolder flavor. Nutty Texture: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans to add a satisfying crunch and some extra heartiness to each cookie. Vegan Option: Replace the eggs with flaxseed meal and use vegan butter for a plant-based version that everyone will love. Caramel Surprise: Melt some chocolate and swirl it into the salted caramel sauce for a chocolate-covered version that adds a delightful richness. More Fruity: Mix in dried cranberries or raisins along with the fresh apples to elevate the chewy factor while adding a tangy burst of flavor. If you need more inspiration, try these scrumptious Peanut Butter Cookies for a delightful change or indulge in Cookies Cream Cupcakes for a fun dessert twist! What to Serve with Brown Butter Apple Pie Cookies Indulging in these warm, nutty treats creates the perfect opportunity to enhance your dessert experience with delightful pairings. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy ice cream melts harmoniously with the cookies, adding a cool contrast to their warmth. Hot Apple Cider: The spiced notes of apple cider complement the flavors of the cookies, creating a cozy autumn atmosphere. Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a fluffy texture that enhances the indulgence of each cookie. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle extra salted caramel over the cookies for an indulgent touch, enhancing their sweet and salty dynamics. Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai create a beautiful balance with the cinnamon and brown butter, adding a comforting, aromatic element. Pecan Pie Bars: These nutty bars provide a different texture while echoing the flavor profile, creating a lovely dessert spread for gatherings. For a truly indulgent dessert experience, consider pairing these with a warm drink or a delightful side! How to Store and Freeze Apple Pie Cookies Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their chewy texture and delicious flavor. Fridge: If you prefer a longer shelf life, keep them refrigerated for up to a week. Just remember to let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying. Freezer: For prolonged storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheating: When ready to enjoy your frozen Apple Pie Cookies, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes for that freshly-baked feel. Apple Pie Cookies Recipe FAQs What type of apples are best for the filling? Absolutely! I recommend using firm, tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. They provide a balanced sweetness that complements the buttery and spiced flavors of the cookie, ensuring delicious bites packed with juicy apple goodness. How should I store leftover cookies? To maintain their chewy texture, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just remember to let them warm up for a few moments at room temperature before enjoying! Can I freeze the Apple Pie Cookies? Yes, indeed! To freeze, arrange the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer bag. They’ll last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw them at room temperature or pop them in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes to revive that fresh-baked warmth. Why did my cookies spread too much during baking? Very! If your cookies spread too much, it’s usually due to warm dough starting out. Be sure to chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the fats solidify and prevents them from spreading excessively. Also, be sure not to skip refrigerating your butter to cool it properly before mixing! Are these cookies safe for pets? Yes! While the ingredients in these Apple Pie Cookies are generally safe for humans, it’s important to remember that they contain sugars and butter that aren’t ideal for pets. Feeding your furry friends small amounts of plain, unsweetened baked goods is often fine, but the best approach is to stick to treats specifically formulated for them. Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Definitely! If you need a gluten-free option, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it has a 1:1 ratio for the best results, and you should still enjoy that delightful chewy texture and dreamy taste you expect from these Apple Pie Cookies! Irresistible Apple Pie Cookies with Brown Butter Bliss These Apple Pie Cookies blend the cozy flavors of traditional apple pie into a chewy, indulgent treat that's perfect for any gathering. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 12 minutes minsChilling Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 12 minutes mins Servings: 24 cookiesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 180 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cookie Base1 cup Unsalted Butter Browned for rich and nutty flavor1 cup Granulated Sugar Provides sweetness and crispy exterior1/2 cup Brown Sugar Enhances moisture and chewiness2 large Eggs Binds ingredients and adds moisture1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Elevates sweetness and flavor2 cups All-Purpose Flour Provides structure1 teaspoon Baking Powder Leavening agent2 tablespoons Cornstarch For melt-in-your-mouth textureFor the Flavoring1 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice For warm fall flavors1/2 teaspoon Salt Balances sweetness1 teaspoon Cinnamon Essential for flavorFor the Apple Filling2 cups Apples Honeycrisp or Granny Smith preferredFor the Topping1/2 cup Salted Caramel Sauce For drizzling Equipment Medium saucepanStand mixerMixing bowlcookie scoopbaking sheetParchment paperwire rack Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Apple Pie CookiesPrepare Ingredients: Measure all ingredients accurately and dice apples.Brown the Butter: Melt unsalted butter over medium heat until golden brown.Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, cornstarch, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.Combine Wet Ingredients: Beat brown butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla.Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add dry mixture into wet ingredients until just combined.Add Apples: Fold in diced apples gently.Chill Dough: Cover and refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes.Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.Scoop Cookies: Portion out dough onto baking sheet about 2 inches apart.Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden and centers are slightly underbaked.Cool and Drizzle: Let cool for 5 minutes, then drizzle with salted caramel sauce. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.5mg NotesFor enhanced flavor, consider adding chopped nuts to the dough before baking. Enjoy with warm salted caramel for a delightful treat. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
