Apple Pie Cookies are more than just a dessert — they are a nostalgic bite of autumn, packed with the warmth of cinnamon, tender apple filling, and buttery pastry. These little gems bring back memories of crisp fall afternoons, the smell of leaves in the air, and family gatherings around the kitchen table. I still remember my grandmother pulling out a tray of freshly baked Apple Pie Cookies, their golden crusts glistening with sugar, while we sat eagerly with mugs of spiced tea.
In many cultures, apple desserts symbolize comfort and togetherness. From American Thanksgiving tables to European autumn markets, apples have long been a symbol of harvest and abundance. Apple Pie Cookies capture that tradition in a compact, shareable treat that’s perfect for potlucks, holiday trays, or simply enjoying on a cozy weekend at home. These cookies bring the classic flavors of apple pie — the flakey crust, cinnamon-spiced apples, and sweet glaze — into a form that fits neatly in your hand, making them as convenient as they are delicious.
Whether you bake them for a holiday dessert platter, an after-school treat, or a weekend baking project, Apple Pie Cookies will fill your kitchen with the unmistakable aroma of fall and create memories that linger long after the last bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic apple pie flavor in a bite-sized cookie
- Perfect for holidays, gifting, or cozy afternoons
- Simple, fun, and great for baking with kids
- Freezer-friendly for make-ahead treats
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
- 1 refrigerated pie crust (or homemade)
- 1 medium apple, peeled and finely diced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1-2 teaspoons milk (for glaze)
How to Make Apple Pie Cookies
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
1. Prepare the apple filling
In a small bowl, toss the finely diced apple with brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Stir until the apple pieces are well coated. This filling smells like the inside of a warm apple pie and gives the cookies their signature flavor.
2. Roll out the dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie crust to smooth it out. I like using a store-bought crust for convenience, but you can absolutely use your favorite homemade recipe. Once rolled, cut out small rounds using a cookie cutter or glass — about 2 to 3 inches in diameter.
3. Fill and seal the cookies
Place half of the rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon a small amount of apple filling into the center of each, being careful not to overfill. Top with another round of dough and gently press the edges with a fork to seal. It’s a little like making tiny, sweet hand pies!
4. Add the finishing touches
Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish and sprinkle lightly with sugar if you like a sparkly crust. Use a sharp knife to cut a tiny slit in each top to let steam escape.
5. Bake to perfection
Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 18–22 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Your kitchen will smell like pure autumn magic — buttery crust, warm spices, and sweet apples.
6. Glaze and enjoy
Let the cookies cool slightly, then drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. The glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness and makes the cookies look extra inviting.
Helpful Tips
- Choose the right apples: Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape best when baked.
- Don’t overfill: A small amount of filling goes a long way; too much can cause the cookies to burst open.
- Make ahead: Freeze unbaked cookies on a sheet, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
- Customize the spice: Feel free to add a pinch of cloves or allspice for a deeper autumn flavor.
Details
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes
These Apple Pie Cookies are perfect for making ahead — they stay fresh in an airtight container for 3–4 days and freeze beautifully. You can also get creative with shapes, using leaf or apple-shaped cutters for a festive look.
Nutritional Information (per cookie)
- Calories: ~110
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use puff pastry instead of pie dough?
Yes! Puff pastry will give you a flakier, crispier texture — just watch the baking time.
Can I make Apple Pie Cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely — use a gluten-free pie crust or dough alternative.
Do these cookies need to be refrigerated?
They’re fine at room temperature for a couple of days but can be refrigerated for longer freshness.
Storage Instructions
Store cooled Apple Pie Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days or refrigerate for up to a week. To freeze, place baked or unbaked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat baked cookies in a low oven to crisp them back up.
Related Recipes
If you liked these Apple Pie Cookies, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cozy, cheesy delights:
Conclusion
Apple Pie Cookies are the perfect treat for anyone who loves the flavors of classic apple pie but wants something a little easier to share and enjoy. They’re great for holidays, potlucks, or simply cozying up at home on a chilly afternoon. With their buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and sweet glaze, these cookies will quickly become a family favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
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Apple Pie Cookies: A Cozy Handheld Taste of Fall
Description
Apple Pie Cookies are more than just a dessert — they are a nostalgic bite of autumn, packed with the warmth of cinnamon, tender apple filling, and buttery pastry. These little gems bring back memories of crisp fall afternoons, the smell of leaves in the air, and family gatherings around the kitchen table. I still remember my grandmother pulling out a tray of freshly baked Apple Pie Cookies, their golden crusts glistening with sugar, while we sat eagerly with mugs of spiced tea.
In many cultures, apple desserts symbolize comfort and togetherness. From American Thanksgiving tables to European autumn markets, apples have long been a symbol of harvest and abundance. Apple Pie Cookies capture that tradition in a compact, shareable treat that’s perfect for potlucks, holiday trays, or simply enjoying on a cozy weekend at home. These cookies bring the classic flavors of apple pie — the flakey crust, cinnamon-spiced apples, and sweet glaze — into a form that fits neatly in your hand, making them as convenient as they are delicious.
Whether you bake them for a holiday dessert platter, an after-school treat, or a weekend baking project, Apple Pie Cookies will fill your kitchen with the unmistakable aroma of fall and create memories that linger long after the last bite.
Ingredients
1 refrigerated pie crust (or homemade)
1 medium apple, peeled and finely diced
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1/4 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
1–2 teaspoons milk (for glaze)
Instructions
1. Prepare the apple filling
In a small bowl, toss the finely diced apple with brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Stir until the apple pieces are well coated. This filling smells like the inside of a warm apple pie and gives the cookies their signature flavor.
2. Roll out the dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie crust to smooth it out. I like using a store-bought crust for convenience, but you can absolutely use your favorite homemade recipe. Once rolled, cut out small rounds using a cookie cutter or glass — about 2 to 3 inches in diameter.
3. Fill and seal the cookies
Place half of the rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon a small amount of apple filling into the center of each, being careful not to overfill. Top with another round of dough and gently press the edges with a fork to seal. It’s a little like making tiny, sweet hand pies!
4. Add the finishing touches
Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish and sprinkle lightly with sugar if you like a sparkly crust. Use a sharp knife to cut a tiny slit in each top to let steam escape.
5. Bake to perfection
Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 18–22 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Your kitchen will smell like pure autumn magic — buttery crust, warm spices, and sweet apples.
6. Glaze and enjoy
Let the cookies cool slightly, then drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. The glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness and makes the cookies look extra inviting.
Notes
These Apple Pie Cookies are perfect for making ahead — they stay fresh in an airtight container for 3–4 days and freeze beautifully. You can also get creative with shapes, using leaf or apple-shaped cutters for a festive look.