Apple pie cookies are a delightful fusion of the classic comfort of traditional apple pie and the convenience of a sweet, bite-sized treat. These cookies are perfect for enjoying on a crisp autumn afternoon, topped off with a hint of caramel. They offer the familiar warmth of spiced apples nestled within a buttery pastry, making them an ideal dessert to share with friends and family during cozy gatherings. This recipe will quickly become your new autumn favorite.
Detailed Ingredients
To create these delicious apple pie cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
– ¼ cup granulated sugar
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– ¼ cup cold water
– 2 medium apples, peeled and finely chopped
– ¼ cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Caramel sauce for drizzling
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Sugar for sprinkling
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Before you start preparing your apple pie cookies, here is an overview of the time commitment:
– Prep Time: 45 minutes
– Cook Time: 22 minutes
– Total Time: 1 hour 7 minutes
– Yield: 12 cookies
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which will help prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the cold butter cubes into this mixture until you have a texture that resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the cold water to the mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Be careful not to add too much water; the dough should be just moist enough to hold together. Once the dough is ready, wrap it in plastic and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
4. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, prepare the apple filling. Mix together the finely chopped apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Make sure the apples are well coated with the mixture to enhance the flavor.
5. Once the dough has chilled, take it out of the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out circle shapes. You should have enough dough for about 24 circles.
6. Place half of the circles onto the prepared baking sheet. Spoon a small amount of the apple filling onto each dough circle. Be cautious not to overfill, as the filling may spill out during baking.
7. Cover each of the filled circles with one of the remaining dough circles. Use a fork to press around the edges of each to seal them. This helps prevent the filling from escaping during baking.
8. To allow steam to escape while baking, make a small slit on top of each cookie.
9. Brush the tops of the cookies with the beaten egg, and then sprinkle a little sugar over each for added texture and sweetness.
10. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 20-22 minutes, or until they become golden brown.
11. After removing the cookies from the oven, allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack. Once cooled, drizzle caramel sauce over the top of each cookie for a decadent finishing touch. They’re delicious served warm or at room temperature.
Notes
– Ensure that your butter is cold before incorporating it into the dough as this will help create a flakier pastry.
– Feel free to experiment with different varieties of apples for slightly different flavors. Tart apples such as Granny Smith are perfect for this recipe.
Cooking Techniques-FAQ
– Cutting in Butter: Use a pastry cutter, two knives, or your fingers to effectively mix the butter into the flour mixture without melting it, ensuring a flaky dough.
– Sealing the Edges: Firmly pressing the edges with a fork ensures none of the delicious apple filling escapes while baking.
– Caramel Drizzle: You can use store-bought caramel sauce, or make your own by melting sugar and cream together until you reach the desired consistency.
Conclusion
Apple pie cookies are an excellent choice for autumn. These cookies combine the warmth and flavors of apple pie with the convenience of a portable snack. Each cookie offers a perfect balance of tender pastry, spiced apples, and the luxurious drizzle of caramel – truly embodying the essence of fall flavors.
More Recipes Suggestions and Combinations
For those who enjoy these apple pie cookies, consider exploring other recipes like pecan pie cookies, pumpkin spice cake, or an apple cinnamon muffin. You might also consider pairing these cookies with a warm apple cider or a spiced chai latte to enhance their flavors.
