If you adore the cozy flavors of fall wrapped up in a bite-sized treat, this Apple Pie Cookies with Salted Caramel Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine buttery cookies with a warm cinnamon-spiced apple filling, topped off with luscious salted caramel that adds just the right hint of indulgence. These cookies capture the very essence of classic apple pie, but in a fun, portable form that’s perfect for sharing or enjoying anytime you crave a sweet hug from the kitchen. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll be requested again and again!

The image shows a close-up of three round cookies on a gold wire rack placed on a white marbled surface. Each cookie has a cracked light brown texture with a sprinkle of sugar on top. There are small slices of golden brown cooked apple arranged in the center of each cookie, covered with a shiny drizzle of amber caramel sauce that glistens under the light. The cookies look soft and slightly thick with a rough grainy texture, and the caramel drizzle adds a smooth, glossy contrast. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the tender apples that bring natural sweetness to the golden salted caramel that adds depth, each component is essential to this delightful treat.

1 (150 g) large gala apple: Provides the tender, fruity filling with a natural sweetness and slight tartness.
15 g butter: Adds richness to the apple filling and caramel sauce, enhancing flavor and smoothness.
25 g dark brown sugar: Brings a deep molasses flavor and moisture to the apple mixture.
1 tsp lemon juice: A splash of brightness that prevents the apples from browning and balances sweetness.
1/2 tsp cinnamon: The warm, aromatic spice essential for that classic apple pie taste.
1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a mellow, sweet undertone throughout the cookies.
Small pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
45 g granulated sugar: Used for making the salted caramel, providing the base sweetness and caramelization.
1 1/2 tsp water: Helps the granulated sugar dissolve and caramelize evenly.
10 g butter: Enriches the caramel for a silky texture.
50 g heavy cream: Creates that luscious, creamy feel in the salted caramel.
Pinch of salt: The crucial finishing touch to turn caramel into salted caramel magic.
110 g butter (melted and cooled): Forms the flavorful foundation of the cookie dough, ensuring tender, rich cookies.
100 g granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookie dough and contributes to the perfect texture.
100 g dark brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor to the cookies.
1 large egg: Binds the cookie dough and adds richness.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses the dough with warm, sweet notes.
230 g all-purpose flour: The base structure for the cookies, creating that perfect chewy bite.
1/2 tsp baking powder: Gives the cookies a light, soft texture.
1/2 tsp baking soda: Helps with gentle rising and browning.
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Deepens the spicy flavor in the dough itself.
1/2 tsp salt: Balances all the sweetness and enriches the dough’s flavor.
50 g sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon: For rolling the cookie dough balls to create a crunchy, flavorful crust.

How to Make Apple Pie Cookies with Salted Caramel Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Pie Filling

Start by carefully peeling, coring, and slicing your gala apple into thin pieces—that’s what gives you tender bites of apple with every cookie. Toss the apple slices into a pan with butter, dark brown sugar, a splash of lemon juice, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Cook everything over medium heat for about 8 to 9 minutes, until the apples soften and the liquid thickens into a sticky, flavorful coating. Once ready, set the filling aside to cool to room temperature. This filling is the heart of the Apple Pie Cookies with Salted Caramel Recipe, so make sure it’s perfectly tender and spiced.

Step 2: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

While the apple filling cools, turn your attention to the salted caramel sauce. In a small saucepan, gently melt sugar and water over medium heat. It will slowly transform into a beautiful golden-brown caramel—this is the stage to watch closely so you don’t burn it. Stir in butter, then add the heavy cream in small increments, stirring constantly as the mixture bubbles up. Add a pinch of salt for that irresistible salted caramel flavor. Transfer the sauce to a shallow dish to cool. This sauce will drizzle over your cookies, providing that sweet-salty finish everyone will swoon over!

Step 3: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Next, melt your butter gently so it doesn’t bubble and lose moisture, then let it cool to room temperature. Mix the cooled butter with granulated and brown sugars until creamy, and beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to keep the cookies tender. This dough is rich, buttery, and full of warm spice—ready to become the perfect apple pie vessel!

Step 4: Form and Chill the Cookies

Use a 2-ounce scoop or a ¼ cup to portion out 11 equally sized dough balls. Roll each ball in a cinnamon sugar mix to create a crisp, flavorful crust. Place them on parchment-lined trays and refrigerate for 30 minutes to help the cookies set. This chilling step is key—it prevents too much spreading in the oven and helps you get a beautifully shaped cookie every time.

Step 5: Bake and Shape the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 180ºC (355ºF). Arrange the dough balls on baking sheets—six on one, five on the next—and bake each tray for 10 to 11 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Straight out of the oven, immediately press a tablespoon or ¼ cup measuring scoop into the centers, creating an indent perfect for your apple filling. Let the cookies rest on the tray for five minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial for readying your cookies for filling without breaking.

Step 6: Assemble the Apple Pie Cookies with Salted Caramel Recipe

Once the cookies are cool, generously fill the centers with the spiced apple pie filling. Finally, drizzle the luscious salted caramel sauce over the top just before serving. The contrast of soft cookies, juicy spiced apples, and creamy salted caramel is pure dessert magic. If you have any leftover caramel, store it in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to three weeks—you’ll want it for drizzling over ice cream or pancakes!

How to Serve Apple Pie Cookies with Salted Caramel Recipe

The image shows several round brown cookies with a cracked texture, each topped with a small pile of cooked apple slices that look soft and slightly caramelized, covered with a shiny caramel-colored sauce drizzled over both the cookies and apple slices. The cookies are resting on a white marbled surface and to the upper right is a white bowl filled with a granulated light brown sugar mixture. The composition is close-up, focusing on the top view of the cookies. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the salted caramel sauce is the star garnish of these cookies, consider sprinkling a little extra cinnamon sugar on top just before serving for added sparkle and flavor. A dusting of powdered sugar also brings a lovely visual contrast and a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the rich caramel drizzle.

Side Dishes

If you’re serving these Apple Pie Cookies with Salted Caramel Recipe as part of a larger spread, pair them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A warm cup of chai tea or spiced apple cider also complements the cookies perfectly, balancing sweetness with warm spices for the ultimate cozy experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleasing presentation, arrange the cookies on a rustic wooden board and drizzle extra caramel in a random zigzag pattern. Add some fresh apple slices or small cinnamon sticks around as decoration. You could even serve the salted caramel in small ramekins alongside the cookies for dipping—turning this treat into an interactive dessert everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Apple Pie Cookies with Salted Caramel Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain their softness and flavor. If you want to keep them a bit longer, refrigeration will extend their life up to a week, but be aware they might firm up slightly. Bring them back to room temperature before enjoying for best texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked and cooled cookies without filling for up to three months. Store them in a single layer on a baking sheet at first, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag once frozen solid. Freeze the apple filling and salted caramel sauce separately in airtight containers as well. Thaw everything overnight in the fridge before assembling for fresh-baked taste anytime.

Reheating

Warm leftover Apple Pie Cookies with Salted Caramel Recipe gently in a 150ºC (300ºF) oven for about 5 minutes to revive their tenderness and coax the caramel into a soft drizzle. Avoid microwaving as it can make the cookies tough or overly soft. Reheating makes them taste freshly baked and melty, just like right out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely! Gala apples work wonderfully for this recipe due to their sweetness and tenderness, but you can substitute with Fuji, Honeycrisp, or even Granny Smith if you prefer a bit more tartness. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if the apples are firmer.

Is it necessary to chill the cookie dough before baking?

Yes, chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape during baking and develops the flavors. It prevents excessive spreading, so you get a perfect indent for the filling and a chewy texture.

Can I make the salted caramel in advance?

Definitely! The salted caramel sauce can be made up to a week ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Warm it gently before using if it thickens too much.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free as written. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend that suits baking to create a gluten-free version with slightly altered texture.

What’s the best way to prevent the apple filling from releasing too much liquid?

Cooking the apple filling slowly until the liquid evaporates and the mixture thickens is key. This reduction concentrates flavors and ensures the filling won’t make the cookies soggy. Let it cool fully before assembling.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Pie Cookies with Salted Caramel Recipe is a warm, indulgent treat that brings all the best parts of apple pie into a bite-sized cookie form. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, cozying up with a cup of tea, or surprising friends with something special, these cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles. So grab your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy every delicious moment of this fall-inspired favorite!