I absolutely love how this Easy Apple Pie Cookies Recipe brings all the cozy flavors of a classic apple pie into a bite-sized, handheld treat. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a casual weekend snack, or just craving that perfect blend of sweet and spice, these cookies deliver every time. They’re perfect if you want the deliciousness of pie without the fuss of slicing and plating.
When I first tried making these, I was amazed at how the flaky crust combined with the warm, cinnamon-spiced apples made my kitchen smell like autumn in no time. Plus, this recipe is forgiving and straightforward, which means you don’t need to be an expert baker to get great results. I’m sharing my favorite tips below so you can nail this Easy Apple Pie Cookies Recipe too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bite-sized Apple Pie Joy: All the comforting flavors of apple pie packed into easy, portable cookies.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples and fresh apples for a fresh homemade touch.
- Vegan-Friendly: Made with dairy-free butter and almond milk, perfect for dairy-free or vegan diets.
- Fun and Decorative: The lattice tops give a charming pie look that’s sure to impress family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Easy Apple Pie Cookies Recipe works together to build that flaky crust and sweet, spicy apple filling you’re craving. I recommend using fresh, crisp apples and good-quality dairy-free butter to get the best texture and flavor.
- All-purpose flour: The base for a tender but sturdy dough that holds up well.
- Granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to both dough and filling.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness perfectly.
- Cinnamon: Essential for that warm, classic apple pie spice.
- All-spice and ginger: Give a subtle depth and complexity to the spice mix.
- Dairy-free butter: Cold and cubed, it creates flaky, tender layers in the crust.
- Ice water: Just enough to bring the dough together while keeping it cool.
- Apples: I like using a mix of tart and sweet apples, diced small for even cooking.
- Brown sugar: Adds that rich, caramel-like sweetness to the filling.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the apple filling and slows browning.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and rounds out the spices.
- Nutmeg: Just a pinch for extra aroma.
- Almond milk and agave nectar: For the egg wash to give a golden, shiny finish.
- Powdered sugar and water: For a simple glaze drizzle that adds a touch of sweetness and elegance.
Variations
I love how flexible this Easy Apple Pie Cookies Recipe is — sometimes I swap out apples for pears or add a handful of raisins to the filling. You should absolutely make it your own and experiment with what flavors and textures you enjoy most!
- Gluten-Free Option: I’ve tried swapping in a gluten-free flour blend, and it works well with a slightly crumblier texture.
- Spiced Up: Adding a bit of ground cloves or cardamom amps up the warm spices uniquely.
- Extra Crunch: Toss chopped walnuts or pecans into the apple filling for texture that my family always raves about.
- Sweetener Swap: Using maple syrup instead of agave in the egg wash adds a rich note worth trying.
How to Make Easy Apple Pie Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Make the Flaky Crust
Start by pulsing the flour, spices, sugar, and salt in your food processor until well combined. Adding cold, cubed dairy-free butter and pulsing until the mixture resembles coarse sand is key—this is what creates a tender, flaky crust. Add ice water one tablespoon at a time, just until the dough holds together in a rough ball. I like to chill my dough wrapped in plastic for at least an hour; it makes rolling out much easier and helps the crust stay crisp when baked.
Step 2: Cook the Apple Filling
Coat your diced apples with sugar and lemon juice to keep them fresh and bright. Melt butter in a skillet and toss in the apples to sauté gently, letting the sugar dissolve and juices develop. Cover and simmer till apples soften and release their lovely juice—around 7 minutes for me. Then, strain the mixture to remove excess liquid and reduce it to a thick syrup on the stove. Mixing the apples back in with vanilla and spices at this point brings out all the warm apple pie magic.
Step 3: Shape and Fill Your Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Roll out half your chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness and cut out circles. Brush each circle lightly with the almond milk and agave mixture — this “egg wash” gives a lovely golden color. Place a tablespoon of the apple filling in the center of each circle.
Step 4: Add the Lattice Tops
Roll out the remaining dough and cut it into thin strips. Lay the strips over each cookie in a lattice pattern—a little time-consuming but so worth it for that beautiful pie effect! Seal the edges well by pressing them with the back of a fork; this keeps the filling inside and gives each cookie a pretty border. Don’t forget another brush of the “egg wash” on top before sprinkling sugar for extra sparkle!
Step 5: Bake and Glaze
Bake the cookies for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust turns a beautiful golden hue. While they’re baking, whisk together powdered sugar and water for a quick glaze. Once the cookies have cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over them for a sweet, shiny finish that’s irresistible.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Apple Pie Cookies Recipe
- Keep Butter Cold: I always cube and chill the vegan butter before mixing to get that perfect flaky crust texture.
- Don’t Overfill: Using about one tablespoon of filling per cookie prevents leaks and keeps the crust intact.
- Chill Dough Twice: Resting the dough before rolling and after assembling the cookies helps maintain shape and prevents spreading.
- Seal Edges Well: Crimp edges with a fork and press firmly to avoid any filling oozing during baking.
How to Serve Easy Apple Pie Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing these cookies with a drizzle of powdered sugar glaze for just the right balance of sweetness and shine. Sometimes a light dusting of cinnamon sugar pairs beautifully, especially when serving them fresh and warm.
Side Dishes
These cookies are lovely on their own, but if you’re serving for an event, I like pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot chai tea. A simple bowl of whipped coconut cream also makes a delightful dairy-free companion.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, I arrange these apple pie cookies on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment paper and scatter cinnamon sticks and fresh apple slices around. Adding some edible flowers or autumn leaves adds that extra touch of charm that gets compliments every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover apple pie cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, and if I want them to last longer, I pop them in the fridge for up to five days. Just make sure the cookies are completely cool before storing to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
While I haven’t personally tried freezing these cookies, I’ve read that you can freeze the unbaked cookies on a baking sheet and then store them in a freezer bag for up to two months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes. If you try it, let me know how it turns out!
Reheating
To reheat, I like popping a cookie in the microwave for about 15 seconds or warming them in a low oven for 5 minutes. This revives the crispness of the crust and warms the filling without drying it out.
FAQs
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Can I use a store-bought pie crust for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you want to save time, you can use two pre-made pie crusts. Just roll them out and cut as directed in the recipe. It’s a great shortcut that still delivers delicious results.
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Should I peel the apples before making the filling?
It’s optional. Peeling the apples will give you a smoother, gooier filling, but leaving the skins on adds extra texture and nutrients. I usually leave them on for convenience, and it still tastes fantastic.
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Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour blends. Just keep in mind your dough might be slightly more delicate and crumbly, so handle it gently when rolling and shaping.
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How long will these Easy Apple Pie Cookies stay fresh?
At room temperature, they stay fresh for about two days. If refrigerated properly in an airtight container, they can last up to five days without losing flavor or texture.
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Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Definitely! The dough can be made up to two days ahead and stored tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. Just let it warm a bit before rolling out for easier handling.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Apple Pie Cookies Recipe feels like a warm hug in cookie form — it’s cozy, sweet, and just the right amount of nostalgic. I love sharing these with friends and family because they’re approachable to make and absolutely delicious to eat. Give this recipe a try on your next baking day; I’m confident these cookies will become a fast favorite in your kitchen, just as they are in mine!
Print
Easy Apple Pie Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Easy Apple Pie Cookies combine the classic flavors of apple pie into a delightful, handheld treat. Featuring a tender, cinnamon-spiced vegan dough filled with a warm, sautéed apple filling and topped with a sweet glaze, these cookies are perfect for cozy fall baking or anytime you crave a comforting dessert with less fuss than a traditional pie.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 1/4 cup (150g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon (15g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon all-spice
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
- 1/2 cup dairy-free butter, cold and cubed
- 2-4 tablespoons ice water
Filling
- 2-3 small apples, diced small (2 heaping cups diced)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar plus more for sprinkling on the cookies
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar, tightly packed
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons (28g) dairy-free butter
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- Pinch of nutmeg
“Egg Wash”
- 2 tablespoons almond milk
- 1 teaspoon agave nectar
Glaze
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Make the Crust: Pulse together the dry ingredients in a food processor including flour, spices, sugar, and salt. Add the cold vegan butter and pulse until the mixture resembles sand. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough holds together and forms a ball. Transfer to a floured surface, shape into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Alternatively, prepare the dough by hand by cutting butter into flour mixture until sandy, then adding ice water to form a cohesive dough.
- Prepare the Apple Pie Filling: Toss diced apples with granulated sugar and lemon juice in a bowl until evenly coated. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the vegan butter then add the apple mixture. Cook for 2 minutes until sugar dissolves and mixture begins simmering. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for about 7 minutes until apples soften and release juices.
- Strain and Thicken the Filling: Transfer the cooked apples to a colander set over a bowl to drain excess liquid. Press out as much liquid as possible. Pour the collected juice back into the skillet and simmer on medium-low until it thickens and caramelizes lightly, about 4 minutes.
- Combine Filling Ingredients: Return the drained apples to a bowl and mix with the reduced juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and a pinch of nutmeg. Allow the filling to cool.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat while preparing cookies.
- Roll and Cut Dough: Divide the chilled dough in half. Roll one half to about 1/4 inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut circles using a pastry cutter or a cup. Return the other half to the refrigerator until needed.
- Apply Egg Wash: Combine almond milk and agave nectar in a small bowl. Brush each dough circle with the egg wash to help seal and give a golden finish.
- Add Filling: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cooled apple filling onto the center of each dough circle.
- Create Lattice Tops: Roll out the second half of dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Slice into strips to form lattice tops for the cookies. Arrange strips in a lattice pattern over the filling, then press edges together to seal. Trim any excess dough and crimp edges using a fork to secure.
- Final Egg Wash and Sugar: Brush the lattice tops with egg wash again and sprinkle each cookie with sugar for a sweet crust.
- Bake: Place cookies on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until the dough is lightly golden and cooked through.
- Prepare Glaze: While cookies bake, whisk together powdered sugar and water until smooth to create a simple glaze.
- Cool and Serve: Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Drizzle with glaze before serving for an extra touch of sweetness. Enjoy your apple pie cookies warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Peeling the apples is optional; peeling will produce a smoother, more gooey filling, while leaving skins on adds extra texture.
- For a shortcut, store-bought pie crusts can be used, ideally two rolled out crusts for lattice and base.
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing these cookies is untested but may work; feedback on freezing results is welcome.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
