Description
Soft cinnamon cookies filled with sweet apple pie filling and topped with a salted caramel drizzle. These handheld treats capture all the cozy flavors of apple pie with the convenience of a cookie, making them perfect for fall gatherings, bake sales, or holiday desserts.
Ingredients
Apple Pie Filling:
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4 Gala apples, peeled & sliced
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1/2 cup light or dark brown sugar (100 g)
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2 tbsp unsalted butter (28 g)
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1 tbsp cornstarch (8 g)
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1 tbsp water (15 ml)
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1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Salted Caramel:
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1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 g)
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2 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed (28 g)
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1/4 cup heavy cream (60 ml)
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1/2 tsp salt
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Cinnamon Cookies:
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3 cups all-purpose flour (360 g)
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1 tsp baking powder
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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1 tsp cornstarch
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1 tsp salt
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1 cup melted unsalted butter (227 g)
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1 cup light or dark brown sugar (200 g)
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1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 g)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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2 large eggs
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2 tbsp melted unsalted butter (28 g), for brushing
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1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 g) + 1 tsp ground cinnamon, for coating
Instructions
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Make the Apple Pie Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add apples, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and water. Cook 5–10 minutes until thickened and apples are tender. Let cool completely.
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Make the Salted Caramel: Melt sugar in a saucepan until amber. Remove from heat and whisk in butter and cream (it will bubble). Stir in vanilla and salt. Cool.
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Make the Cookies: Mix flour, cinnamon, cornstarch, salt, and baking powder in one bowl. In another, whisk melted (cooled) butter, sugars, vanilla, and eggs. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Let rest 10 minutes.
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Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop large dough balls (6 per tray). Bake 13–15 minutes. Immediately press centers with a 1/4 cup measure to make wells. Cool.
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Assemble: Brush cookie edges with melted butter, roll in cinnamon sugar. Fill with apple mixture and drizzle with caramel.
Notes
Cool cookies fully before adding filling to prevent caramel from sliding off.
Homemade caramel adds richer flavor, but store-bought works in a pinch.
Mix apple varieties for a balance of sweet and tart.
Filling and caramel can be made ahead and stored separately.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 13–15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American