Name: Salted Apple Pie Cookies (Easy Cookie Recipe) Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup salted butter, browned; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup packed brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup apple pie filling, diced (try ED Smith’s apple pie filling for convenience)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 87 reviews

If you have a sweet tooth and love that cozy, nostalgic feeling of apple pie but want something a bit more portable and bite-sized, you are absolutely going to fall head over heels for this Salted Apple Pie Cookies (Easy Cookie Recipe) Recipe. These cookies capture the warm spices, tender apple filling, and a salt-kissed buttery dough that creates an irresistible blend of flavors and textures. They’re perfect for sharing with friends, packing in lunchboxes, or just enjoying with a cup of tea on a chilly afternoon. Let me walk you through all the simple steps to bring this delightful treat to life!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up of four thick pale yellow blocks of butter melting in a light cream enamel pot, the butter starting to bubble and foam slightly around the edges, with smooth and soft textures visible on the melting butter pieces, all inside the pot which sits on a dark surface replaced by white marbled texture in the scene photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe keeps things straightforward with essential ingredients that work together to create a beautifully balanced cookie. Each component plays an important role, whether it’s adding richness, that perfect chewiness, or a punch of classic apple pie flavor.

Salted butter (1 cup, browned): Browning the butter gives the dough a deep, nutty flavor that elevates the whole cookie experience.
Granulated sugar (½ cup): Adds the right amount of sweetness while keeping the dough texture just right.
Brown sugar (½ cup, packed): Brings moisture and a subtle caramel note that complements the browned butter beautifully.
Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and provide structure for the cookies.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the overall aroma and rounds out the flavors.
All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): The sturdy foundation that holds the dough’s shape with a soft crumb.
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Lightens the texture, making these cookies tender and delicate.
Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Helps give a gentle rise for a soft yet sturdy cookie.
Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Adds a little lift and fluffiness without making the dough cakey.
Apple pie filling (1 cup, diced): The star ingredient—sweet, spiced apples bring warm, familiar flavors in every bite. I recommend using ED Smith’s apple pie filling for convenience and consistent quality.

How to Make Salted Apple Pie Cookies (Easy Cookie Recipe) Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Butter and Mix Sugars

Start by melting your salted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Keep an eye on it and swirl occasionally until it turns a rich golden brown and develops that irresistible nutty aroma. Remove from heat and immediately blend in both the granulated and brown sugars, stirring until smooth and combined. This step is where the dough begins to develop its complex flavor profile that makes these cookies unique.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Once your butter and sugars are slightly cooled but still warm, add in the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition to keep the mixture smooth and creamy. Then stir in the vanilla extract. Your dough is now ready for the dry ingredients, with all the essential moisture and flavor locked in perfectly.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and baking powder. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents so your cookies will bake up consistently every time.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients Into Wet

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until you achieve a uniform dough. Be careful not to overmix as you want the cookies to stay tender rather than tough.

Step 5: Fold in the Apple Pie Filling

Now here’s the best part: gently folding diced apple pie filling into your dough. The juicy apple pieces combined with fragrant spices will wow your taste buds and create pockets of warm apple goodness inside each cookie. Use a spoon or spatula to evenly distribute so every cookie gets a bit of that luscious filling.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets into roughly tablespoon-sized mounds. Leave space between each cookie to accommodate spreading. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set but still soft. Let cool for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks. The aroma alone will have you ready to dig in!

How to Serve Salted Apple Pie Cookies (Easy Cookie Recipe) Recipe

A white plate holds six round cookies arranged in a loose circle. Each cookie has a light golden-brown base with a soft, slightly cracked texture. At the center of each cookie is a glossy, chunky filling made of diced golden pieces that look like cooked fruit in syrup. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and in the background, frosted green pine branches add a festive touch. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These cookies are fantastic on their own, but a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking really amplifies the salted butter notes and balances the sweetness beautifully. You could also dust with a touch of cinnamon sugar for an extra warm, spicy topping that echoes the apple pie spices.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to turn these cookies into an indulgent dessert. For a cozy snack, a hot cup of chai tea or a freshly brewed latte complements the apple and spice flavors wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

Wrap a stack of these cookies in parchment paper tied with twine for a charming gift. Or sandwich two cookies together with cream cheese frosting or caramel filling to transform them into mini apple pie cookie sandwiches. They also shine beautifully on a festive dessert platter, adding a rustic, homemade charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Salted Apple Pie Cookies (Easy Cookie Recipe) Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They maintain their chewy texture for up to 4 days, perfect for nibbling throughout the week.

Freezing

You can freeze both baked cookies and unbaked dough. For baked treats, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a ziploc bag or airtight container. For dough, scoop onto a parchment-lined tray and freeze before storing in a bag. This way, you can bake a fresh batch anytime you crave these delightful cookies.

Reheating

Warming frozen or stored cookies in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5-7 minutes revives their soft, melty texture, making every bite taste freshly baked. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave for 10-15 seconds will do the trick if you’re in a hurry.

FAQs

Can I use fresh apples instead of apple pie filling?

Absolutely! If using fresh apples, peel and dice them finely, then cook them down with sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg until tender and syrupy. Let cool before folding into the dough to keep your cookies from getting too wet.

Is it necessary to brown the butter?

Browning the butter is highly recommended because it adds a wonderful depth of flavor and a slight nuttiness that regular melted butter doesn’t provide. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in this recipe.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum. The cornstarch will help with texture, but keep an eye on baking times as gluten-free doughs sometimes bake faster.

How large should I make each cookie?

A tablespoon-sized scoop is ideal for these cookies. This size provides the perfect balance between crispy edges and a soft, chewy interior with pockets of apple filling in every bite.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch and pair beautifully with the apple and spices. You can also sprinkle in some raisins or dried cranberries for a burst of fruity sweetness.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Salted Apple Pie Cookies (Easy Cookie Recipe) Recipe that makes it a standout in any cookie collection. The marriage of browned butter, tender spiced apples, and a hint of salt feels like a warm hug on a plate. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making these cookies—they’re sure to become one of your seasonal favorites, and I bet they’ll bring a little extra joy to your baking adventures.