Name: Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies for Cozy Fall Treats
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 102 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); ¾ cup granulated sugar; ¾ cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (use pure extract for best taste); 1 large egg (substitute with a flax egg for vegan option); 2 cups all-purpose flour (can substitute with gluten-free flour blend); 1 teaspoon baking soda (ensure it’s fresh for best results); ½ teaspoon salt (use kosher or sea salt); 1 teaspoon cinnamon; ½ teaspoon nutmeg; 1½ cups apples (diced) (use tart apples like Granny Smith); to taste salted caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)

As the crisp autumn air settles in, my kitchen transforms into a sanctuary of warmth and inviting scents. That’s the magic of these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies! Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, chewy cookie that harmoniously blends spiced apples and a buttery crumb, all drizzled with luscious salted caramel. They capture the essence of cozy gatherings and festive celebrations, making them a perfect dessert for any occasion. Plus, with simple swaps for gluten-free ingredients, everyone can indulge in this seasonal treat without a worry. Ready to delight your taste buds with a blend of sweet and salty goodness? Let’s get baking!

Why are These Cookies a Must-Try?

Irresistible Flavor: Sweet apples combined with salted caramel create a delectable balance that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Autumn-Inspired: Perfect for fall holidays, these cookies capture all the warm, cozy flavors of the season.

Easy to Make: Straightforward instructions make this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels, so you can whip them up in no time.

Versatile Options: Substitute ingredients easily to cater to dietary needs, like gluten-free crumbs or a vegan egg, so everyone can enjoy!

Enhance your baking repertoire with these cookies and consider pairing them with a cozy drink or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful experience. If you love fall-inspired treats, you might also enjoy Salted Caramel Banana or Oatmeal Apple Pancakes for a complete autumn indulgence!

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies Ingredients

For the Dough
• Unsalted Butter – Creates a tender texture; substitute with vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
• Granulated Sugar – Provides sweetness and aids in browning; use coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index.
• Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and a rich flavor; can be substituted with more granulated sugar for a less intense sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor; use pure extract for the best taste.
• Egg – Binds the dough and aids in leavening; for a vegan version, use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water).
• All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure to the cookies; substitute with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
• Baking Soda – Helps cookies rise; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
• Salt – Balances sweetness; use kosher or sea salt.

For the Spices and Apples
• Cinnamon & Nutmeg – Provide warm, comforting spice flavors; feel free to adjust based on taste.
• Apples (diced) – Adds moisture and texture; use tart apples like Granny Smith for balance.

For the Topping
• Salted Caramel Sauce – Adds richness and a sweet-salty contrast; homemade or store-bought options are fine.

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are just waiting to become your new favorite fall treat!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of softened unsalted butter together with ¾ cup granulated sugar and ¾ cup brown sugar until fluffy, approximately 3-5 minutes. Next, add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 large egg, mixing until well combined and fully incorporated before moving on to the dry ingredients.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon nutmeg. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just blended to ensure your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies have a cohesive dough without overworking it.

Step 3: Add Apples
Carefully fold in 1 ½ cups of diced apples, ensuring they distribute evenly throughout the dough. This step will introduce delightful pockets of moisture and flavor, enhancing the overall taste and texture of your cookies.

Step 4: Chill
Once combined, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for 30-60 minutes. Chilling is crucial as it firms up the dough, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking, which means they’ll hold their beautiful shape.

Step 5: Preheat Oven
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden edge. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, making it easy to remove the cookies once baked and preventing sticking.

Step 6: Shape Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This gives your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies enough room to spread and helps with even baking, creating that delightful texture.

Step 7: Bake
Slide the baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden while the centers remain soft. Keep an eye on them, as your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.

Step 8: Cool and Top
Remove the cookies from the oven, allowing them to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once they’re fully cooled, drizzle generously with salted caramel sauce and sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt for that irresistible finish!

What to Serve with Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

As the aroma of these warm cookies fills your kitchen, consider these delightful pairings to create the perfect autumn-inspired dessert experience.

Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream beautifully complements the spiced flavors and richness of the cookies, creating a heavenly contrast. Each bite is a celebration of flavors that your taste buds will adore.
Warm Apple Cider: Serve these cookies with steaming mugs of warm apple cider, adding another layer of cozy spices to your dessert experience. The sweet and tart notes of the cider will enhance the cookie’s apple flavor.
Pumpkin Spice Latte: Nothing says fall quite like a pumpkin spice latte! The warm spices in the latte pair perfectly with the cinnamon notes in the cookies, making each bite feel like a hug on a chilly day.
Chai Tea: The aromatic spices of chai tea beautifully echo the flavors in your cookies, making for a comforting and relaxing pairing. Sip on the tea as you savor your warm cookie, and let the flavors dance on your palate.
Cranberry Sauce: A small dollop of tart cranberry sauce will cut through the sweetness of the cookies, adding a fresh and zesty element that balances the dish. It’s a unique twist that brightens up each bite!
Pecan Pie Bars: For those craving more sweet treats, pairing these cookies with pecan pie bars creates a decadent dessert table. The nutty crunch enriches the cookie experience, adding delightful textures and tastes.
Hazelnut Coffee: A cup of rich, hazelnut coffee complements the salted caramel and apple flavors, making this combination feel extra indulgent. Enjoy the nutty shortcuts as you relax with your cookie.
Chocolate Sauce Dip: For the chocolate lovers, consider a small bowl of melted chocolate sauce for dipping. The rich chocolate flavor combined with salted caramel is an irresistible treat that will keep everyone coming back for more.

Enjoy experimenting with these pairings to enhance your cozy fall gatherings!

Expert Tips for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for a perfectly fluffy dough. Cold butter won’t incorporate well.
Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It prevents cookies from spreading too much while baking, maintaining their delightful shape.
Use a Scoop: A cookie scoop helps achieve uniform size, ensuring even baking for your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies.
Watch the Time: Keep a close eye on the baking time, as oven temperatures vary. Remove the cookies when edges are golden and centers are slightly soft.
Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh baking soda for optimal rise. Expired baking soda can lead to flat cookies, so always check before you bake!

Make Ahead Options

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients up to the chilling step. After combining, cover and refrigerate the dough to keep it fresh and prevent browning. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop the chilled dough onto your baking sheets and adjust the baking time by a minute or two since they might need a little longer as they come straight from the fridge. This approach ensures that you can enjoy homemade cookies without the last-minute rush, delivering delightful results just as delicious as when made fresh!

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies Variations

Feel free to add your unique touch to these delicious cookies—they’re just waiting for your culinary magic!

Nutty Addition: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch that pairs perfectly with the soft cookie texture. The added nutty flavor complements the spiced apples beautifully.
Pear Twist: Swap the apples for ripe pears to create a refreshing variation that still feels cozy and comforting. The pears will offer a softer texture, giving your cookies a unique twist.
Spice it Up: Replace the cinnamon and nutmeg with pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal flavor explosion. This adds a warm complexity to your cookies that screams autumn!
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a tasty alternative that caters to those with dietary restrictions. Ensure the blend is designed for baking to maintain texture and flavor.
Caramel Swirls: Instead of a drizzle, swirl in some salted caramel throughout the dough before baking. This creates pockets of gooey goodness that will have everyone coming back for more!
Chocolate Chunk: Add semi-sweet or dark chocolate chunks into the dough for a chocolatey delight that complements the sweetness of the caramel. Chocolate lovers will absolutely adore this add-in!
Dried Fruits: Incorporate dried cranberries or raisins to the dough, adding a chewy burst of flavor that contrasts wonderfully with the spiced apple base.

If you’re inspired by these variations, you might also want to check out my Amish Style Apple for another comforting autumn treat or enjoy an afternoon delight with Chewy Brown Cookies. Happy baking!

Storage Tips for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and soft.

Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the cookies for up to 1 week, ensuring they remain tasty; just let them warm to room temperature before serving.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-friendly bag for up to 3 months. Thaw before enjoying!

Reheating: Warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive their softness and enhance that delightful salted caramel experience.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I select the right apples for this recipe?
For a balanced flavor, I recommend using tart apples like Granny Smith. They bring a delightful zing that complements the sweetness of the cookies beautifully. Look for apples that are firm with a bright, smooth skin; avoid any with bruises or dark spots.

What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
Store your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for about 1 week. Always allow them to come back to room temperature before serving for the best taste!

Can I freeze these cookies, and how should I do it?
Absolutely! To freeze your cookies, first, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. This usually takes about 1-2 hours. Once they’re firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, labeling it clearly. You can keep them frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature; they’ll be just as delicious as the day you baked them!

What if my dough is too sticky or too dry?
No worries! If your dough is too sticky, it may be due to the butter being too soft or too little flour. You can add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches a manageable consistency. If it’s too dry, try adding a tiny bit of milk or water, about a teaspoon at a time, until the dough binds together. Just be sure not to overmix; you want a soft, slightly sticky dough for the perfect cookies!

Are these cookies safe for anyone with nut allergies?
Yes, the Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies do not contain nuts; however, if you’re making substitutions or using pre-made ingredients, such as the salted caramel sauce, always check for cross-contamination. If you’re making these cookies for someone with nut allergies, it’s best to use all new, unopened ingredients to minimize risk.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free and how?
Definitely! To make your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Ensure that all other ingredients, like baking soda and vanilla extract, are also gluten-free by checking the labels. This way, everyone can enjoy these delightful cookies without worry!