Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Sophie Reynolds 0 Comments
Total Time: 50 mins Difficulty: Beginner
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Savor the Fall with these Sweet and Salty Caramel Apple Pie Cookies!
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There’s something magical about pulling a tray of golden-brown treats out of the oven on a crisp autumn afternoon. These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies nestle warm cinnamon-kissed apples into flaky pie crust pockets, then crown each tender bite with a drizzle of silky caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt flakes. They’re like mini handheld versions of your favorite fall dessert—perfect for weekend baking projects, holiday gatherings, or simply cheering up a regular Tuesday. As the first spirals of steam rise from the cookies, you’ll know that the wait was more than worth it.

Every cookie is a symphony of flavors and textures: the pop of tender apple bits, the cozy hug of cinnamon, the whisper of tangy lemon, and that irresistible twist of sweet-salty caramel. With just a few readily available ingredients and under an hour of hands-on work, you get to share a plate of dreamy apple pie moments without wrestling with a full-sized pie dish. Whether you’re a beginner baker or someone who lives for comfort desserts, these cookies bring that warm, festive feel right to your kitchen countertop. Get ready to savor every bite, straight from oven to heart.

KEY INGREDIENTS IN SALTED CARAMEL APPLE PIE COOKIES

Before we dive into the step-by-step magic, let’s talk about the stars of the show. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture, so having them ready and prepped makes the baking experience smooth and joyful.

  • Refrigerated pie crusts

Flaky, buttery, and ready to roll—these crusts form the tender shell that encases our apple-caramel filling. Using pre-made crusts saves time while still delivering that classic pie-like flakiness.

  • Apples

Diced into bite-size pieces, apples bring a crisp sweetness and slight tang. Their natural juices mingle with sugar and spices, giving every cookie a juicy, fruity heart.

  • Lemon juice

A splash of acid keeps the apple cubes bright and prevents browning. It also balances the sweetness of sugar and caramel for a well-rounded taste.

  • Granulated sugar

This sweetens the diced apples and helps draw out their juices to create a syrupy texture, bumping up the overall sweetness without overwhelming the spices.

  • Ground cinnamon

A warm, aromatic spice that wraps itself around the apple pieces. Cinnamon adds depth and that signature fall dessert aroma.

  • Cornstarch

Acting as a natural thickener, cornstarch absorbs excess liquid from the apples, ensuring our filling isn’t runny and that each cookie holds together perfectly.

  • Caramel sauce

Rich and velvety, caramel adds an indulgent sweetness with a hint of buttery flavor. It creates those gooey pockets that make these cookies so addictive.

  • Sea salt flakes

A final accent of savory brine cuts through the sweetness, highlighting the caramel’s complexity and creating that irresistible sweet-salty interplay.

  • Egg

Beaten and brushed on top, the egg wash promotes a glossy, golden finish that adds a professional bakery look to each cookie.

  • Flour

Used for dusting the work surface, flour prevents the crusts from sticking and ensures clean, precise circles when cutting.

HOW TO MAKE SALTED CARAMEL APPLE PIE COOKIES

These cookies come together quickly, making them a fantastic choice for bakers of any skill level. With simple tools and straightforward steps, you’ll have a beautiful batch in no time.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even browning.

2. In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples with lemon juice to maintain their bright color and fresh taste.

3. Sprinkle in the sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch. Mix thoroughly so each apple piece is evenly coated and ready to bake without releasing too much moisture.

4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie crusts to an even thickness. Use a 3-inch round cookie cutter to cut circles, taking care to reroll scraps just enough to maintain flakiness.

5. Place about one teaspoon of the apple filling onto half of the dough circles, leaving a small border for sealing.

6. Drizzle a bit of caramel sauce over the apple layer, ensuring each pocket gets a sweet, gooey hit.

7. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt flakes over the caramel to balance flavors and add texture contrast.

8. Top each filled circle with another dough circle. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal them, creating that charming ridged edge.

9. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to achieve a shiny, golden finish once baked.

10. Cut a few small slits in each top crust to allow steam to escape and prevent sogginess.

11. Arrange the cookies on your prepared pan and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown on top and the filling is bubbly.

12. Transfer the baked cookies to a wire rack and let them cool slightly so the caramel sets before serving.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR SALTED CARAMEL APPLE PIE COOKIES

Presenting these sweet and salty delights can be just as fun as making them. With a few thoughtful touches, you can transform a simple platter into a memorable dessert display.

  • Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

Nestle a scoop of creamy vanilla beside a warm cookie so it slowly melts over the top, creating a dreamy sauce that amplifies the cinnamon-apple filling.

  • Drizzled with extra caramel and sea salt

Lightly rewarm your leftover caramel sauce and zigzag it over cooled cookies. Finish with an extra sprinkle of sea salt flakes for that perfect bite.

  • Paired with a spiced latte or cider

Serve these cookies alongside a cozy mug of chai latte or warm apple cider. The steaming beverages complement the cinnamon and caramel notes beautifully.

  • On a festive fall board

Arrange cookies on a wooden board with fresh apple slices, small bowls of whipped cream, and extra sea salt flakes. Guests can assemble their own bites, making it interactive and fun.

HOW TO STORE SALTED CARAMEL APPLE PIE COOKIES

Whether you’re planning ahead for a gathering or simply want to keep your treats fresh, proper storage ensures that these cookies maintain their signature flakiness and gooey filling.

When completely cooled, arrange the cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper layers to prevent sticking. Kept at room temperature, they stay deliciously fresh for up to two days. If you plan to enjoy them over a longer stretch:

  • Refrigeration

Store cookies in a sealed container in the fridge for up to five days. Let them come to room temperature or gently warm them in a low oven before serving to revive that fresh-baked appeal.

  • Freezing

Flash-freeze cookies on a baking sheet for about an hour, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag, layering with parchment. They’ll keep for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm briefly in the oven to restore the flakiness.

  • Individual wraps

For on-the-go treats, wrap each cookie in plastic wrap before placing in a container. This method locks out air and keeps each portion intact and ready to enjoy.

  • Reviving crispness

If your crust loses a bit of its flake, pop cookies in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes. The gentle heat brings back that perfect crunch around the edges.

CONCLUSION

Baking these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies is like capturing autumn’s essence in a neat, hand-held treat. We’ve explored every aspect—from the buttery pie crust and tender apple filling to the velvety caramel drizzle and sea salt finish. With just ten basic ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a dessert that fills your home with warmth and your taste buds with delight. Whether you’re a beginner feeling confident or a seasoned baker craving something quick and cozy, this recipe hits all the right notes: sweet, salty, flaky, and undeniably festive.

Feel free to print out this article and keep it in your favorite recipe binder for easy access whenever the mood strikes. You can also save it digitally for quick reference on busy baking days. Below, you’ll find a handy FAQ section to address any questions or troubleshooting tips. If you decide to give these cookies a whirl, drop a comment or question letting me know how they turned out—did the apples stay perfectly juicy? Did the caramel set just right? I love hearing your feedback and stories, so don’t hesitate to reach out with any comments, questions, or even your own twists on this recipe. Happy baking!

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Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Author: Sophie Reynolds Courses:
Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 20 mins Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 50 mins
Calories: 150

Description

These charming cookies blend warm cinnamon apples with luscious caramel and a hint of sea salt, all encased in flaky pie crust. A perfect autumn treat!

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples and lemon juice to prevent browning.
  3. Add the sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch to the apples. Mix well until the apples are evenly coated.
  4. Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Using a round cookie cutter (about 3 inches in diameter), cut circles from the dough.
  5. Place a teaspoon of the apple mixture onto half of the circles.
  6. Add a small drizzle of caramel sauce over the apple mixture on each circle.
  7. Sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt flakes over the caramel.
  8. Cover each filled circle with another circle of dough. Use a fork to press and seal the edges together.
  9. Brush the tops of the cookies with the beaten egg to achieve a golden finish when baked.
  10. Cut small slits on the tops to allow steam to escape.
  11. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
  12. Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving.

Note

  • Freshly picked apples can enhance the flavor of these cookies.
  • Make sure the caramel sauce is at room temperature for easy drizzling.
  • Experiment with different types of apples for varying textures and flavors.
  • These cookies are best enjoyed warm, straight out of the oven.
Keywords: apple pie cookies, salted caramel, fall desserts, easy baking, pie crust, cinnamon apples
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Frequently Asked Questions

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What type of apples are best for this recipe?

For the Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies, you can use a variety of apples depending on your taste preferences. Some recommended options are Honeycrisp for their sweetness and crispness, Granny Smith for a tart flavor, or Fuji for a perfect balance of sweet and tart. You can also mix different types of apples to create a more complex flavor profile.

Can I make my own pie crust instead of using refrigerated ones?

Absolutely! If you prefer a homemade pie crust, you can make one using a combination of flour, butter, salt, and water. Just ensure that your dough is chilled and rolled out to a similar thickness as store-bought pie crusts for the best results in texture and baking.

How do I ensure that my cookies stay sealed during baking?

To ensure that your cookies remain sealed during baking, it is important to press the edges firmly with a fork after sealing them. Additionally, brushing the edges with a little bit of the beaten egg can help adhere the dough together. Make sure to cut small slits in the tops of the cookies before baking to allow for steam to escape, preventing the filling from causing the cookies to burst.

What can I use if I don’t have caramel sauce on hand?

If you don’t have caramel sauce, you can make a quick substitute using brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Simply melt 1/2 cup of brown sugar with 1/4 cup of butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream and allow it to simmer until it thickens slightly. Let it cool a bit before drizzling over the apple mixture in the cookies.

How should I store leftover cookies?

If you have leftover cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. To maintain their freshness, you can also refrigerate them for up to a week. If you want to freeze them, place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.

Sophie Reynolds Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hey there—welcome to Faded Mix! I’m Sophie Reynolds, a home cook who believes every meal should tell a story. Born and raised in a bustling suburban kitchen, I fell in love with. My cooking style blends classic comfort—think rich sauces and tender meats—with fresh twists like unexpected spice blends or seasonal produce swaps

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