As the leaves begin to change and the crisp air settles in, I find myself in the kitchen, ready to indulge in one of autumn’s greatest pleasures: cookies that taste like apple pie! Recently, I unlocked a delightful twist on a classic that I simply can’t get enough of—Brown Butter Apple Pie Cookies. The soft, chewy texture combined with the warmth of brown butter creates an irresistible base for a sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling.
Imagine sinking your teeth into a cookie that transports you straight to a cozy fall gathering, with the nostalgic scent of cinnamon wafting through the air. And just when you think it can’t get any better, a luscious drizzle of salted caramel adds an unexpected yet perfect finish. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself after a long day, these cookies are the ultimate comfort food that blend the best of both worlds: indulgent dessert and homemade goodness. Let’s dive into the flavors of fall with this easy and satisfying recipe!
Why Love Soft And Chewy Apple Pie?
Soft and Chewy Apple Pie cookies are a delightful blend of familiar comforts and unique flavors. Autumn Inspiration: The rich, nutty notes from browned butter elevate the traditional apple pie essence, wrapping you in warmth. Chewy Texture: Each bite is perfectly soft, balancing crispy edges with a melt-in-your-mouth center. Flavor Explosion: Spiced apple filling, kissed with cinnamon, guarantees an irresistible taste. Effortless Indulgence: Quick to prepare, these cookies are ideal for cozy evenings or gatherings. For more delightful dessert creations, check out our charming collection of cookie recipes.
Soft And Chewy Apple Pie Ingredients
• Discover how to create the perfect Soft And Chewy Apple Pie cookies with these simple ingredients!
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For the Cookie Dough
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Unsalted Butter – Adds that rich, nutty flavor when browned; alternatively, use salted butter and reduce added salt.
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Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough and contributes to a crisp exterior while keeping the inside soft.
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Brown Sugar – Enhances moisture and adds a chewy texture, with a hint of caramel.
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Eggs – Binds the cookie dough and adds moisture for a fluffy, delightful texture.
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Vanilla Extract – Boosts overall flavor and enhances the sweetness of the cookies.
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All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and chewiness; helps prevent too much spreading.
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Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent to ensure these cookies rise beautifully.
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Cornstarch – Keeps the cookies soft and contributes to that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
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Pumpkin Pie Spice – A warm, cozy blend of spices that adds a lovely fall flavor.
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Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances the flavors, especially with the salted caramel drizzle.
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For the Apple Filling
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Apples – Choose varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best sweetness and tender texture when cooked.
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Cinnamon – Essential for the filling, amplifying the natural sweetness of the apples.
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Cornstarch – Thickens the apple filling ensuring a delicious bite in every cookie.
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For the Topping
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Salted Caramel Sauce – Adds that irresistible sweet and salty richness; drizzle generously for maximum indulgence!
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s bring the fall flavors to life with these indulgent Soft And Chewy Apple Pie Cookies!
How to Make Soft And Chewy Apple Pie Cookies
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Brown the Butter: In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat, stirring frequently until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. Allow it to cool slightly before using.
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Mix Sugars: In a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and the cooled brown butter. Blend them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
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Add Eggs and Vanilla: Crack in the eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Stir until everything is fully combined, creating a rich, glossy mixture.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cornstarch, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until well mixed.
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Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to keep the dough soft and chewy.
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Prepare Apple Filling: In a small bowl, toss the diced apples with cinnamon and cornstarch until evenly coated. This will enhance their flavor while thickening the filling.
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Form Cookies: Use a cookie scoop to place dough portions onto a baking sheet, then add a spoonful of the apple filling on top of each dough ball.
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Bake: Preheat your oven and bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, while the centers remain soft.
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Cool and Drizzle Caramel: Once out of the oven, allow the cookies to cool. Finish by drizzling a generous amount of salted caramel sauce over the top.
Optional: Serve warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Soft and Chewy Apple Pie Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate to keep it fresh. The apple filling can also be made a day ahead—just toss diced apples with cinnamon and cornstarch, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, allow the dough to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before forming the cookies and adding the chilled apple filling. This way, you’ll have delicious, freshly baked cookies with minimal effort—ideal for cozy gatherings or those well-deserved treats!
Soft And Chewy Apple Pie Variations
Feel free to put your own spin on these delightful cookies with endless possibilities!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a tasty alternative that everyone can enjoy.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg for a warm, aromatic kick that dances on your taste buds.
- Higher Heat: Craving a little indulgence? Sprinkle a few crushed red pepper flakes to introduce a surprising warmth to the sweetness.
- Nutty Delight: Toss in chopped pecans or walnuts for an added crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, chewy texture.
- Fruit Fusion: Incorporate dried cranberries or cherries alongside the apple filling for bursts of tangy juiciness in every bite.
- Maple Drizzle: Swap out the salted caramel sauce with a warm, maple glaze to drench your cookies in autumnal sweetness.
- Coconut Twist: Mix in shredded coconut for a chewy texture boost and a hint of tropical flair that complements the classic apple flavor.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: For a nutty flavor explosion, incorporate a swirl of creamy peanut butter into the cookie dough before baking.
Choose your favorites and make these cookies uniquely yours!
What to Serve with Soft And Chewy Apple Pie Cookies?
As you savor these delightful cookies, consider pairing them with complementary dishes and drinks that enhance the cozy fall experience.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream brings a luscious creaminess that perfectly balances the spiced cookies.
- Hot Apple Cider: The warmth and gentle spices in hot apple cider echo the flavors of the cookies, making it a fragrant and festive drink.
- Pecan Pie Bars: Introducing another fall favorite, these bars add a crunchy contrast to the soft and chewy texture of the cookies.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte: Enjoying a warm pumpkin spice latte alongside your cookies creates a comforting and indulgent afternoon treat.
- Salted Caramel Sauce: Drizzle more salted caramel sauce on top of the warm cookies for an extra layer of sweet and salty goodness.
- Fresh Whipped Cream: A light dollop of whipped cream adds a fluffy element, enhancing every bite with a delightful creaminess.
- Cranberry Relish: The tartness of cranberry relish cuts through the sweetness, providing a refreshing contrast that brightens your dessert experience.
- Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in chai tea complement the cookies beautifully, making it a warming drink to enjoy together.
Storage Tips for Soft And Chewy Apple Pie Cookies
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Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft and chewy texture.
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Fridge: If you want to extend freshness, store cookies in the fridge for up to 1 week. Just be sure to wrap them well to avoid drying out.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
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Reheating: To enjoy them warm, reheat cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until heated through. Enjoy your Soft And Chewy Apple Pie cookies at their best!
Expert Tips for Soft And Chewy Apple Pie Cookies
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Perfectly Browned Butter: Watch your butter closely as it browns. This adds a rich flavor, but burnt butter can ruin your batch.
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Chill the Dough: To enhance the texture, chill the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps maintain a soft and chewy apple pie finish.
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Don’t Overmix: Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, taking away that soft and chewy apple pie experience.
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Use Fresh Apples: Opt for crisp, fresh apples like Honeycrisp or Gala for the filling. They provide a sweet-tart flavor that complements the spiced cookie beautifully.
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Careful with Caramel: Allow cookies to cool off before drizzling with salted caramel. This prevents it from melting completely into the cookies.
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Check for Doneness: Pay attention to baking time. Remove cookies when the edges are golden brown while the centers still look soft for that perfect chewy texture.
Soft And Chewy Apple Pie Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of apples are best for the filling?
I recommend using Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith apples. They’re sweet, tender when cooked, and hold their shape well, creating the perfect balance of flavors in your apple pie filling.
How should I store Soft And Chewy Apple Pie Cookies?
To keep these cookies at their best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 1 week or freeze them for up to 3 months!
Can I freeze Soft And Chewy Apple Pie Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze, first place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, just reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
What should I do if my cookie dough is too dry?
If your dough seems dry, try adding a tiny bit of milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. Be careful not to overmix, as you still want to maintain that soft and chewy texture!
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can make Soft And Chewy Apple Pie Cookies gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum for the best texture and structure.
How can I enhance the flavors in the cookie?
You can play with spices! Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can provide a wonderful depth of flavor. Additionally, incorporating nuts like chopped pecans or walnuts can add a delightful crunch that complements the apple filling beautifully.
Soft And Chewy Apple Pie Cookies with Salted Caramel Drizzle
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat, stirring frequently until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. Allow it to cool slightly before using.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and the cooled brown butter. Blend them until smooth and creamy.
- Crack in the eggs and add the vanilla extract. Stir until fully combined to create a rich mixture.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cornstarch, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until well mixed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
- In a small bowl, toss the diced apples with cinnamon and cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Use a cookie scoop to place dough portions onto a baking sheet, adding a spoonful of apple filling on top of each dough ball.
- Preheat your oven and bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Once out of the oven, allow the cookies to cool. Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the top.