Ultimate Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies: A Fall Dessert Dream

When salted caramel apple pie cookies combine the best of autumn’s flavors into one irresistible treat, magic happens in your kitchen. Picture this: you’re walking through a crisp October evening, the smell of cinnamon and apples wafting from a nearby bakery window.

Now imagine capturing that exact moment in a cookie that melts in your mouth with layers of spiced apple filling, rich salted caramel, and a buttery crumble topping.

These aren’t just any ordinary cookies – they’re a celebration of fall’s most beloved dessert transformed into a handheld masterpiece.

Each bite delivers the comforting warmth of apple pie spices, the indulgent sweetness of homemade caramel, and that perfect hint of sea salt that makes everything sing. Whether you’re planning a cozy family gathering or need the perfect treat for your next bake sale, these cookies will become your new autumn obsession.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Last year, I found myself desperately trying to recreate my grandmother’s famous apple pie for Thanksgiving, but with a house full of guests and limited oven space, traditional pie seemed impossible. That’s when inspiration struck – why not transform all those beloved flavors into cookies that everyone could enjoy without the fuss of plates and forks?

The result exceeded every expectation. These cookies capture all the soul-warming comfort of classic apple pie while adding an extra layer of luxury with that silky salted caramel sauce. The best part? You can make them ahead of time, they travel beautifully, and watching people’s faces light up with that first bite never gets old. Discover more irresistible baking recipes here to expand your autumn dessert repertoire.

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to create these show-stopping cookies, organized by component for easy preparation:

Find more morning treat inspirations here to complement your baking adventures.

Step-by-Step Directions

Making the Salted Caramel (15 minutes):
Start by heating granulated sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it melts into a deep amber color. Remove from heat and immediately whisk in the cubed butter until smooth. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking (it will bubble vigorously), then add a pinch of flaky sea salt. Set aside to cool while you prepare the other components.

Preparing the Apple Filling (10 minutes):
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and apple cider. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender but still hold their shape. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

Making the Cookie Dough (10 minutes):
Cream the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and all spices. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.

Preparing the Crumble Topping (5 minutes):
Mix melted butter with brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.

Assembly and Baking (25 minutes):
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop cookie dough into 2-tablespoon portions and place on parchment-lined baking sheets. Create a small well in each cookie center and fill with apple mixture. Drizzle with salted caramel, sprinkle with crumble topping, and dust with cinnamon sugar mixture. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden.

Exact Timing to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes (including component preparation)
• Cooling Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 24 large cookies

Nutritional Information

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the nutritional content per cookie (based on 24 servings):

Nutritional data is calculated based on standard ingredient values and may vary depending on specific brands used. The high sugar content reflects the indulgent nature of this dessert recipe, making portion control important for balanced nutrition.

Healthier Alternatives

Transform your salted caramel apple pie cookies into a more nutritious treat with these thoughtful substitutions:

Additional Modifications:

• Gluten-Free: Replace all flour with 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend
• Sugar-Free: Use monk fruit sweetener at 1:3 ratio to original sugar amounts
• Portion Control: Make mini cookies using 1 tablespoon portions for 48 smaller treats at 142 calories each

Explore more quick & easy recipes here for balanced meal ideas that complement your dessert indulgences.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect Pairings: Serve these warm salted caramel apple pie cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a drizzle of extra caramel sauce for an elevated dessert experience. The contrast between the warm, spiced cookie and cold, creamy ice cream creates an irresistible combination that guests will remember long after the last bite.

Beverage Companions: These cookies pair beautifully with hot beverages – try them with spiced apple cider, chai tea, or a rich coffee drink. For evening entertaining, consider serving with a glass of dessert wine or bourbon that complements the caramel and apple flavors.

Presentation Ideas: Arrange cookies on a rustic wooden board with fresh apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and small bowls of extra caramel sauce for dipping. This creates an interactive dessert station that’s perfect for fall gatherings and holiday parties.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the Cookie Dough: One of the biggest mistakes when making salted caramel apple pie cookies is overmixing once you add the flour. This develops too much gluten, resulting in tough, dense cookies instead of the tender, crumbly texture you want. Mix just until the ingredients are combined – a few streaks of flour are perfectly fine.

Skipping the Apple Cooling Step: Adding hot apple filling directly to your cookie dough will cause the butter in the dough to melt, leading to spreading cookies that lose their shape. Always let your cooked apple mixture cool completely before assembly to maintain the perfect cookie structure.

Caramel Temperature Issues: Making caramel can be tricky – cooking the sugar too quickly leads to bitter, burnt flavors, while not cooking it enough results in grainy texture. Use medium heat and be patient, allowing the sugar to melt gradually into that perfect amber color before adding the butter and cream.

Storing Tips

Room Temperature Storage: Store your finished salted caramel apple pie cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent the caramel from making them stick together. Keep them away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain optimal texture.

Freezer Storage for Longevity: These cookies freeze beautifully for up to 3 months when properly stored. Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving, or warm briefly in a 300°F oven for that fresh-baked taste.

Make-Ahead Component Strategy: Prepare the salted caramel sauce and apple filling up to 3 days in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. The cookie dough can be made 24 hours ahead and chilled, making assembly day much easier for busy baking schedules.

FAQs

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

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• Author: Mia
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 24 large cookies

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Description

These Ultimate Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies blend all the cozy flavors of fall into one irresistible dessert. Each bite delivers warm spiced apples, buttery cookie base, rich salted caramel, and a crunchy crumble topping—just like a slice of homemade apple pie in cookie form.

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Ingredients

• Cookie Base: 1 cup salted butter (softened), 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp allspice, 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• Apple Filling: 4 large apples (peeled and diced), 1/4 cup salted butter (cubed), 2 tbsp apple cider, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• Salted Caramel: 1 cup granulated sugar, 6 tbsp salted butter (cubed), 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp heavy cream, pinch of flaky sea salt
• Cinnamon Sugar: 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 3/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1/8 tsp allspice, 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• Crumble Topping: 1/4 cup melted salted butter, 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar, 1 1/2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp all-purpose flour, 3/4 tsp cinnamon, pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Make the Salted Caramel: Heat granulated sugar in a heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring until melted and deep amber. Remove from heat and whisk in butter, then slowly add heavy cream while whisking. Stir in sea salt and let cool.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and apple cider. Cook 6–8 minutes until tender but not mushy. Let cool.
3. Make the Cookie Dough: Cream butter with sugars until fluffy (3–4 minutes). Beat in eggs and vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices. Mix dry ingredients into wet just until combined.
4. Prepare the Crumble: Combine melted butter, sugars, flour, cinnamon, and salt until coarse crumbs form. Set aside.
5. Assemble and Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop dough (2 tbsp portions) onto lined baking sheets. Create a small well, fill with apple mixture, drizzle caramel, top with crumble, and sprinkle cinnamon sugar. Bake 12–15 minutes until golden.

Notes

Let cookies cool slightly before serving for the perfect gooey caramel center. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a firmer texture.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: salted caramel, apple pie cookies, fall dessert, autumn baking, caramel apple, cookie recipe