Apple Pie Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic American dessert, blending the comforting flavors of apple pie with the convenience and portability of cookies. Picture this: a golden-brown, buttery cookie base that’s tender yet slightly crisp, encasing a sweet and warmly spiced apple filling.
Imagine taking a bite into one of these cookies: the first sensation is the crunch of the cookie’s edge giving way to a soft, yielding center. The taste unfolds with the unmistakable essence of cinnamon and nutmeg, perfectly complementing the tender pieces of apple that are just the right balance of sweet and tart. Each bite is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, reminiscent of a slice of homemade apple pie enjoyed on a crisp autumn day.
The aroma that wafts from these cookies as they bake is irresistible — a mix of caramelized apples, cinnamon, and buttery pastry that fills the kitchen with a cozy, comforting scent. They are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the senses, evoking memories of family gatherings and holiday celebrations.
These cookies are versatile, too. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, enjoyed with a cup of hot cider on a chilly evening, or packed into a lunchbox for a sweet surprise, Apple Pie Cookies are sure to bring joy and satisfaction to anyone lucky enough to enjoy them. With each batch, they manage to capture the essence of traditional apple pie in a convenient, handheld form, making them a beloved favorite for dessert lovers of all ages.
Ingredients:
- – 2 cups all-purpose flour
- – 1/2 teaspoon salt
- – 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- – 1/4 cup ice water
- – 2 medium apples, peeled and finely diced
- – 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- – 1/4 cup brown sugar
- – 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- – 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- – 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- – 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- – Coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, wrap each half in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Mix well and set aside.
4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out circles from the dough. Place the circles on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the apple filling onto the center of each dough circle. Roll out the second portion of dough and cut out more circles. Place these circles over the apple filling and press the edges with a fork to seal.
6. Brush the tops of the cookies with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown.
8. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 150 kcal per serving | Servings: Makes about 24 cookies