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Easy Soft Apple Pie Cookies with Homemade Cinnamon Apple Filling

Close-up of a thick slice of classic apple pie showing flaky crust and cinnamon apple filling, reminiscent of apple pie cookies.

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Bake these easy apple pie cookies to capture the cozy flavor of classic apple pie in a perfect cookie shape. This recipe features a soft, buttery cookie base filled with warm, cinnamon-spiced apples, making it a crowd-pleasing fall treat.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 medium apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled and finely diced
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 egg white, lightly beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the apple filling: In a small saucepan, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften slightly, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  2. Stir in the cornstarch and cook for 1 more minute until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely.
  3. Make the cookie dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to form a soft dough.
  5. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This step helps prevent spreading.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. Scoop about 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place about 1 teaspoon of the cooled apple filling in the center.
  8. Fold the dough over the filling to enclose it, pinching the edges to seal completely, forming a ball or a half-moon shape. Roll gently to smooth the edges.
  9. Place the formed cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between them.
  10. Brush the tops lightly with the beaten egg white and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
  11. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
  12. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • For a flakier crust texture, you can substitute 1/2 cup of the butter with cold, cubed butter cut into the dry ingredients before adding the wet ingredients.
  • If you are planning meals for the week, prepare the apple filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days.
  • These cookies pair well with coffee or tea, offering a simple dessert alternative to complex meal planning.

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