If you adore the classic comfort of apple pie but want a fun, handheld twist, this Apple Pie Cookies Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. Imagine tender, spiced cookies bursting with a luscious vegan apple curd center, topped with a crumbly streusel and finished with a delicate drizzle of apple-infused icing. Every bite is a cozy hug of cinnamon and apple goodness that feels like autumn on your tongue. These cookies are not only delicious but also crafted with accessible ingredients and straightforward steps, making them a delightful project whether you’re baking for a crowd or just yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor profile of the Apple Pie Cookies Recipe. From the warm spices that evoke nostalgic feelings to the creamy vegan butter that ensures softness, these ingredients are simple yet indispensable.
- Vegan apple curd: The star filling that offers a tangy-sweet burst inside every cookie bite.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough perfectly without overpowering the spices.
- Vegan butter (melted and cooled): Adds moisture and richness to keep the cookies tender.
- Vegan Greek-style yogurt (or skyr): Provides a slight tang and helps with the cookie’s soft texture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm aromatic note.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy but tender base for the dough and crumble.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Give the cookies just the right rise and lightness.
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Classic warming spices that create that unmistakable apple pie flavor.
- Sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Brown sugar: Adds a deeper caramel-like sweetness in the crumble topping.
- Rolled oats: Provide a lovely crunch and texture contrast in the crumble.
- Apple cider vinegar (or apple juice): Reduces to form part of the tangy, smooth icing.
- Non-dairy milk: Used to blend and smooth the apple icing glaze.
- Powdered sugar: For that perfect sweet, silky finish on top.
How to Make Apple Pie Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough
Begin by whisking melted vegan butter and granulated sugar in a bowl until silky smooth. Next, stir in 50 grams of the apple curd, vegan Greek-style yogurt, and vanilla extract, which brings depth of flavor and keeps the dough moist. In another bowl, mix the dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt—ensuring all spices are evenly distributed. Combine the wet and dry mixtures gently with a spatula to keep the dough tender. Cover and chill this dough for 30 minutes to help it firm up and make the next steps easier.
Step 2: Prepare Oven and Baking Trays
While your dough chills, preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F). Line two baking trays with parchment paper so your cookies bake evenly and release effortlessly after baking. This step ensures a smooth baking process, saving you from any sticky surprises later.
Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping
Combine brown sugar, flour, rolled oats, cinnamon, and melted vegan butter in a medium bowl. Use your fingers to rub the butter into the dry mix until it resembles a crumbly texture like wet sand. This topping will add an irresistible crunch and burst of cinnamon sweetness on top of every cookie, perfectly complementing the soft, tangy center.
Step 4: Make the Apple Icing
Simmer apple cider vinegar in a saucepan for 15-20 minutes until it reduces and thickens. This concentrated tang is the secret ingredient for a bright and flavorful icing. Once reduced, whisk it together with non-dairy milk, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until silky smooth. Set this delightful glaze aside, it will bring the perfect finishing touch to your Apple Pie Cookies Recipe.
Step 5: Shape, Fill, and Assemble Cookies
Use a 2.4-inch (6 cm) cookie scoop to portion out 8 generous balls of dough, spacing them well on the baking sheet because they will spread while baking. Gently flatten each ball slightly, then create a small indentation in the center with a teaspoon—not too deep to avoid breaking through. Take a spoonful of the reserved apple curd and fill each indentation. Carefully mold the dough around the curd so it’s fully sealed inside the cookie. Finally, press the crumble topping on gently, readying each cookie for baking perfection.
Step 6: Bake and Shape
Bake these beauties for 12-14 minutes or slightly less if you opt for smaller cookies. When they come out, use a large cookie cutter or glass to gently round their edges while still warm—it makes every cookie look professionally done and irresistibly inviting. Let them cool on the tray briefly before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Frost the Cookies
Fill a piping bag with the prepared apple icing and snip off the tip. Pipe a lattice pattern or drizzle the icing casually over each cookie for a rustic finish. Allow the icing to set for about 10-20 minutes before serving so that every bite has that just-right balance of sweet glaze and tender cookie.
How to Serve Apple Pie Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A light sprinkling of extra cinnamon or a few finely chopped toasted walnuts adds a warm, textural contrast that brings out the apple and spice notes even more. Consider adding a small mint leaf for a pop of color if you want to elevate presentation without fuss.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of coconut whipped cream. A hot cup of spiced chai tea or apple cider also makes a delightful companion, perfect for cozy autumn afternoons or holiday indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Apple Pie Cookies Recipe on a wooden board with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks for an inviting rustic platter. For a festive twist, arrange them in a cookie box layered with parchment paper and tied with twine as a charming homemade gift that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, your Apple Pie Cookies Recipe can be stored in an airtight container. They last best in the refrigerator for up to a week due to the moist apple curd filling, which helps maintain freshness and prevents spoilage without losing their tender texture.
Freezing
Freezing is a fantastic way to keep these cookies on hand for future cravings. Place cooled cookies in a freezer bag or airtight container, using parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. They’ll keep well for up to a month and can be pulled out for an effortless snack or dessert.
Reheating
To bring your frozen or refrigerated cookies back to their soft, warm glory, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 5-8 minutes. This gently warms the apple curd filling and reactivates the spices, making each bite taste freshly baked again.
FAQs
Can I make the Apple Pie Cookies Recipe without vegan butter?
If you don’t have vegan butter on hand, coconut oil is a suitable substitute that will also keep the cookies moist and tender. However, it may add a slight coconut flavor, which can complement the apple spices nicely.
Is it possible to use regular yogurt instead of vegan yogurt?
Yes, regular unsweetened yogurt works perfectly well in this recipe and will have minimal impact on taste or texture. The key is to choose an unsweetened variety to keep the sweetness balanced.
Can I prepare the dough in advance and bake later?
Absolutely! The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. This resting time actually enhances the flavor and texture, making your cookies even more delicious.
What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar for the icing?
You can replace apple cider vinegar with apple juice, but keep in mind the reduction time may vary and the icing might be a little less tangy. Both options add a lovely fruit essence to the glaze.
How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much while baking?
Chilling the cookie dough before baking is crucial to prevent excessive spreading. Also, spacing the balls well apart on the baking sheet gives them room to expand without merging together, keeping their shape neat and tidy.
Final Thoughts
Baking these Apple Pie Cookies Recipe is like capturing the very essence of fall in each bite, with its perfect blend of warm spices, tender crumb, and tangy apple curd. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, these cookies bring comfort and joy with every mouthful. Give this recipe a try and watch how it becomes a fast favorite in your baking repertoire.
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Apple Pie Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 23 minutes
- Yield: 8 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Delight in these vegan Apple Pie Cookies, featuring a tender spiced cookie dough filled with tangy apple curd, topped with a crunchy oat crumble and drizzled with a smooth apple cider vinegar icing. This charming treat combines classic pie flavors into a handheld cookie perfect for cozy gatherings or an autumn-inspired snack.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 200 g granulated sugar
- 115 g vegan butter (block-style), melted and cooled to room temperature
- 50 g apple curd (from half batch vegan apple curd, see notes)
- 20 g vegan Greek-style yogurt or skyr (or regular unsweetened soy or coconut yogurt)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 220 g all-purpose flour (plain flour)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Crumble Topping
- 25 g brown sugar
- 15 g all-purpose flour (plain flour)
- 20 g rolled oats
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter (block-style), melted and cooled to room temperature
Icing
- 80 ml apple cider vinegar (or apple juice)
- 1 tablespoon non-dairy milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 150 g powdered sugar (icing sugar)
Instructions
- Make the cookie dough: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted vegan butter and granulated sugar until combined. Add 50 g of apple curd, vegan yogurt, and vanilla extract, whisking to incorporate. Freeze the remaining apple curd until needed. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and sea salt evenly.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture using a spatula until evenly incorporated. Cover the bowl with clingfilm or a plate and chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 180°C (356°F). Line two large baking trays with parchment paper for baking.
- Prepare the crumble topping: In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, rolled oats, cinnamon, and melted vegan butter. Rub the butter into the dry ingredients with your fingers until crumb-like. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Make the icing: Simmer the apple cider vinegar in a saucepan for 15–20 minutes until reduced to about 30 ml (2 tablespoons). Transfer to a mixing bowl and whisk in non-dairy milk, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until smooth. Cover and set aside.
- Shape and portion the cookies: Use a 2.4-inch (6 cm) cookie or ice cream scoop to divide dough into 8 portions (or smaller portions for 12 cookies). Place dough balls on prepared trays, spacing them at least 2.5 inches apart because they will spread while baking.
- Fill and crumble: Flatten each cookie slightly, then use a teaspoon to create an indentation in the center without puncturing through. Fill each indentation with a teaspoon of chilled apple curd, then fold and seal the cookie dough completely around the filling. Press crumble topping onto each cookie’s surface.
- Bake the cookies: Bake for 12–14 minutes (reduce to 10–12 minutes if smaller cookies). Using a cookie cutter or glass, gently round the edges of the cookies while warm. Let them cool on the baking trays for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack lined with parchment to cool completely.
- Frost the cookies: Fill a piping bag with the prepared icing and snip the tip. Pipe a lattice pattern or drizzle the icing over each cookie. Allow the icing to set for 10–20 minutes before serving.
- Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or refrigerated up to one week due to the curd filling. For longer storage, freeze cookies in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to one month, separating them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Notes
- Note 1: Vegan apple curd can be prepared ahead of time or sourced commercially; freeze half to use as the cookie filling.
- Note 2: When filling, ensure the cookie dough fully encloses the apple curd to prevent leakage during baking.
- Using vegan yogurt keeps these cookies dairy-free without compromising texture.
- The apple cider vinegar reduction for the icing intensifies the apple flavor while balancing the sweetness.
- Spacing cookies well on the tray is crucial since they will spread significantly during baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
