Name: Warm and Buttery Apple Pie Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 egg yolk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup diced Granny Smith apple; 1/2 cup diced Honeycrisp apple; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1/4 cup caramel sauce (optional)

Golden, flaky, and bursting with apple pie flavor in every bite, these Warm and Buttery Apple Pie Cookies are the cozy treat you didn’t know you needed. Imagine everything you love about classic apple pie—spiced apples, gooey caramel glaze, buttery crust—packed into a handheld cookie. Whether it’s a chilly fall evening or you’re craving something homemade and heartwarming, these cookies deliver the comfort of pie with the ease of cookies.

With their rustic edges, tender apple chunks, and sweet cinnamon finish, these cookies aren’t just cute—they’re absolutely irresistible. Bake them for a family gathering, pack them into lunchboxes, or gift them during the holidays. They freeze well too, making them a go-to bake-ahead option!

Why You’ll Love These Warm and Buttery Apple Pie Cookies

Pie lovers rejoice: They taste just like mini apple pies, but in cookie form.
Make-ahead friendly: Bake and freeze for quick treats anytime.
Perfect texture: Buttery crust with soft apple filling and just the right chew.
Crowd-pleaser: These cookies will fly off the dessert table!

What Kind of Apples Work Best for Apple Pie Cookies?

A blend of tart and sweet apples is ideal! Granny Smith offers a firm, tangy bite that balances beautifully with sweeter options like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Avoid overly soft apples, which can become mushy during baking.

Ingredients for the Warm and Buttery Apple Pie Cookies

Each ingredient brings essential flavor and texture to these pie-inspired cookies. Here’s what makes them shine:

All-purpose flour – The base for our cookie dough, providing structure.
Unsalted butter – For that melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor.
Brown sugar – Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses warmth.
Granulated sugar – Helps with crisp edges and balances the brown sugar.
Egg yolk – Gives richness and binds the dough.
Vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavor.
Ground cinnamon & nutmeg – Essential for that classic apple pie spice.
Salt – Enhances all the flavors.
Apples (Granny Smith & Honeycrisp) – Diced and sautéed until tender.
Cornstarch – Thickens the apple filling to keep it from spilling out.
Lemon juice – Brightens the filling and balances the sweetness.
Caramel sauce (optional) – Drizzled on top for extra indulgence.

How To Make the Warm and Buttery Apple Pie Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

In a small saucepan, cook diced apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and lemon juice until softened. Stir in cornstarch to thicken the mixture. Set aside to cool.

Cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add egg yolk and vanilla. Slowly mix in flour, cinnamon, and salt until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Scoop dough into small balls and flatten slightly on a lined baking sheet. Use your thumb or a spoon to create a well in the center of each.

Step 4: Fill and Bake

Spoon apple filling into the wells and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes or until edges are golden.

Step 5: Optional Caramel Drizzle

Let cookies cool slightly, then drizzle with caramel sauce for that gooey, pie-like finish.

How to Serve and Store Warm and Buttery Apple Pie Cookies

These cookies serve 12 and are best enjoyed slightly warm, letting the apple filling shine. They’re delicious on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

To store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigerate for longer storage up to 5 days. Reheat briefly in the microwave for a fresh-from-the-oven feel.

To freeze: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a bag or container. Reheat directly from frozen at 300°F for 6-8 minutes.

What to Serve With Warm and Buttery Apple Pie Cookies?

A Cup of Hot Apple Cider

The flavors complement each other perfectly.

Whipped Cream or Ice Cream

Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream takes these cookies to dessert heaven.

Salted Caramel Dipping Sauce

Make dessert interactive with a caramel dip on the side.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Like classic apple pie, these cookies pair surprisingly well with cheese!

Cozy Coffee or Chai Tea

Ideal for those chilly mornings or afternoon pick-me-ups.

Maple Glazed Bacon

A savory-sweet duo that surprises and delights.

Yogurt Parfait

Layer crumbled cookies with Greek yogurt and granola for a fun breakfast spin.

If you love these Warm and Buttery Apple Pie Cookies, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

Mini Pecan Tarts for a rich, nutty bite.
Whipped Shortbread Cookies if you’re craving melt-in-your-mouth softness.
Banana Bread Cookies for a fruit-filled twist.
Easy Apple Crisp Bars when you’re leaning into apple season.
Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake for a bolder fruity dessert.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use all Granny Smiths, or mix in Honeycrisp? Caramel or no caramel?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Nora Nosh Recipes and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Warm and Buttery Apple Pie Cookies

Author: Nora
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 cookies
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

If apple pie and cookies had a baby, these Warm and Buttery Apple Pie Cookies would be it. They’re like mini pies—complete with spiced tender apples, rich buttery crust, and a touch of caramel—all in a hand-held dessert. Perfect for cozy fall baking, dessert tables, or a warm snack on a crisp afternoon. This easy recipe is a standout for anyone looking for quick desserts, easy cookie recipes, fall baking ideas, and mini apple pie cookies.

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, cook the apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until softened. Stir in cornstarch and let thicken. Cool the filling.

2. In a bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract; mix well.

4. Slowly add flour, cinnamon, and salt to form a soft dough.

5. Scoop dough into balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Flatten slightly and create a well in the center.

6. Spoon the cooled apple filling into each well.

7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden.

8. Allow to cool slightly before drizzling with optional caramel sauce.