Perfect Apple Pie Cookies

$To make perfect apple pie cookies, gather these simple ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 cups peeled and diced apples (like Granny Smith) - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1 egg wash (1 egg whisked with 1 tablespoon water) - Powdered sugar for dusting (optional) Using the right measurements is key. If you need to make changes, here are some tips: - Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, if needed. - You can replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a healthier option. - Unsalted butter can be swapped for margarine, but the flavor may change slightly. Certain ingredients boost the flavor of these cookies: - Granny Smith apples give a tartness that balances sweetness. - Ground cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and depth to the filling. - A touch of lemon juice brightens the apple flavor and keeps them fresh. These ingredients work together to create a delicious and comforting treat. For the full recipe, follow along with the instructions provided. To start, gather your ingredients. In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Stir well until all the dry ingredients blend. This step builds a solid base for your cookies. Next, add 1/2 cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter to the bowl. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the flour mix. Aim for a texture like coarse crumbs. It should feel like sand, not dough. Now, in a small bowl, whisk together 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the flour mix. Stir gently until just combined; don’t overmix. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic, and chill it for 30 minutes. While the dough chills, prepare the apple filling. In a medium bowl, mix 2 cups of peeled and diced apples, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Stir until the apples fully coat. Let this sit for about 10 minutes. This helps the apples release their sweet juices. Once your dough is chilled, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Flour your work surface and roll out half of the dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut out circles using a cookie cutter, about 3 inches in diameter. Place a spoonful of the apple filling in the center of half the circles. Be careful not to overfill. Use the remaining circles to cover the filled ones. Press the edges together gently to seal, then use a fork to crimp the edges for a nice touch. Place the cookies on the prepared sheet and brush the tops with the egg wash made from 1 egg whisked with 1 tablespoon of water. This gives them a golden finish. Bake the cookies for 18-20 minutes, or until they turn lightly golden. Once done, let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. If you like, dust them with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy this tasty treat! For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section above. To get the best texture in your apple pie cookies, focus on your dough. Use cold butter when mixing. This helps create a flaky crust. Don't overmix the dough; just stir until it's combined. After making the dough, chill it for at least 30 minutes. This makes it easier to roll out and keeps the cookies from getting tough. One big mistake is overfilling the cookies. Too much filling can make them leak and lose shape. Another common error is skipping the egg wash. This step gives your cookies a beautiful golden color. Lastly, make sure your oven is preheated. A hot oven helps the cookies bake evenly. Serve these cookies warm for the best taste. They go well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also pair them with a cup of hot cider or tea. For a fun twist, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon on top before serving. If you want the full recipe, it’s easy to follow and packed with flavor. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your apple pie cookies. Try adding raisins or chopped nuts. Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. You can also mix in some dried cranberries for a sweet twist. If you like spice, try adding ginger or cardamom. These spices can give a warm flavor to the cookies. If you prefer to use different sweeteners, you have options. Honey or maple syrup can replace granulated sugar. Use less if you switch to liquid sweeteners. You can also try coconut sugar for a richer taste. It adds a slight caramel flavor that pairs well with apples. Just remember to adjust the amount to keep the right sweetness. Toppings can make your cookies stand out. Try a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. Drizzle it on top for a sweet finish. For a fun twist, sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking. You could also add a crumb topping for extra texture. Mix some flour, butter, and sugar together for that delightful crunch. For the full recipe, check the details above! Enjoy experimenting with these variations. To keep your apple pie cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking. They stay good for up to five days at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigeration. This can help keep them soft and tasty. You can freeze apple pie cookies for up to three months. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking. When you’re ready to enjoy frozen cookies, reheating is key. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10 minutes. This makes them warm and soft, just like fresh out of the oven. For a quick fix, you can also use the microwave. Heat them for about 15 to 20 seconds. Enjoy your tasty treat! You will know that the cookies are done when they turn a light golden brown. Look for a slightly firm texture on the edges. The center may look soft, but it will set as they cool. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking. This can help you catch them at just the right moment. Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time! Simply prepare the dough as instructed. Then wrap it in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It can stay fresh for up to two days. When you're ready to bake, just roll it out as directed. Granny Smith apples are a great choice for apple pie cookies. They are tart and hold their shape well during baking. You can also mix them with sweeter apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for extra flavor. Experimenting can lead to delicious results! For the full recipe, refer to the Perfect Apple Pie Cookies section above. This blog covered the key steps to making apple pie cookies. We explored the ingredients needed, from basic staples to special flavors. Next, I shared the method for preparing the dough and filling. We discussed tips for the perfect texture and common mistakes to avoid. Variations allowed you to customize your cookies, and I provided storage info to keep them fresh. Try these tips and enjoy your baking journey! Your apple pie cookies will impress everyone.$

Unleash your inner baker with these perfect apple pie cookies! This fun twist on classic apple pie combines a crunchy exterior with a warm, spiced filling, making them the ideal treat for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy step-by-step instructions, you’ll be whipping up these tasty delights in no time. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your family and friends with these irresistible cookies!

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups peeled and diced apples (such as Granny Smith)

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 egg wash (1 egg whisked with 1 tablespoon water)

Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, salt, baking powder, and ground cinnamon. Mix well.

Cut in the Butter: Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Add Egg and Vanilla: In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg and vanilla extract together. Add this to the flour mixture and stir until just combined. Do not overmix. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Prepare the Apple Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, lemon juice, and ground nutmeg. Stir until the apples are well coated and let it sit for about 10 minutes.

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out half of the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut out circles using a cookie cutter (about 3 inches in diameter).

Fill the Cookies: Place a spoonful of the apple filling in the center of half of the circles. Be careful not to overfill. Using the remaining circles, create the tops for the cookies.

Seal the Edges: Gently press the edges of the dough circles together to seal the cookies. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and to ensure they are sealed well.

Apply Egg Wash: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the egg wash for a golden finish.

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden.

Cool and Dust: Let the cookies cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. If desired, dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Prep Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 12 cookies