Homemade Apple Pie Cookies

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 Apple pie is a timeless dessert, beloved for its warm, spiced filling and buttery, flaky crust. But what if you could enjoy all the flavors of a classic apple pie in a bite-sized, portable treat? Enter Apple Pie Cookies – a fun twist on the traditional pie that’s perfect for fall, holiday gatherings, or just as a special treat. These cookies feature a buttery base, a cinnamon-spiced apple filling, and a gorgeous lattice crust topping that looks as good as it tastes.

In this post, I’ll walk you through how to make these delicious cookies, offer some tips for creating the perfect lattice topping, and answer common questions to help ensure your cookies turn out beautifully.

Why You’ll Love These Apple Pie Cookies

• Bite-sized delight: All the flavors of apple pie, but in a single serving.
• Lattice crust topping: Adds a fun and impressive look to each cookie, making them perfect for gatherings or gifting.
• Easy to customize: Play with the spice levels, or even add a little caramel drizzle for extra indulgence.

Tips for Perfect Apple Pie Cookies

1. Use cold butter: When making the dough, keep the butter cold to ensure a flaky, pie-like crust for your cookies.
2. Chill the dough: Chilling the dough before rolling helps it maintain its structure, preventing it from spreading too much while baking.
3. Thin apple slices: Cut the apples thinly for the filling to ensure they cook evenly and soften nicely in the short baking time.
4. Creating the lattice: For a beautiful lattice design, slice thin strips of dough and alternate them over the apple filling. If you’re short on time, you can also use small cookie cutters to create a decorative crust.
5. Baking sheet preparation: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and for easier cleanup.

Apple Pie Cookies Recipe

Ingredients:

For the crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons ice water (plus more if needed)

For the apple filling:

• 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and finely diced
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For assembly:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water and mix until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, wrap each half in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Make the filling: In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and vanilla extract. Set aside.
3. Roll out the dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out one half of the chilled dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter (about 2 ½ to 3 inches in diameter) to cut out circles of dough. Transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
4. Assemble the cookies: Place a spoonful of apple filling in the center of each dough circle. Roll out the second half of the dough and cut it into thin strips for the lattice crust. Create a lattice pattern over the top of the filling by weaving the strips, pressing down gently at the edges to seal them to the base.
5. Egg wash and sugar: Brush the tops of the cookies with the beaten egg and sprinkle with a little granulated sugar for extra crunch and sweetness.
6. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the lattice tops are golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly.
7. Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Common Questions About Apple Pie Cookies

1. Can I make these cookies in advance? Absolutely! You can make the dough and the filling ahead of time. Store the dough in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. The apple filling can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days before using.

2. What kind of apples should I use? Granny Smith apples are a classic choice for pie because of their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the filling. However, Honeycrisp or Braeburn apples work well too, offering a sweeter flavor if you prefer.

3. Can I use store-bought pie crust? Yes! If you’re in a pinch or want to save time, you can use store-bought pie crust. The cookies won’t be quite as flaky, but they’ll still be delicious.

4. How do I keep the lattice crust from burning? If the lattice starts to brown too quickly, cover the cookies loosely with aluminum foil during the last 5-10 minutes of baking. This will help prevent over-browning.

5. Can I freeze the apple pie cookies? Yes! These cookies freeze well. After baking and cooling, place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

Final Thoughts

Apple Pie Cookies with a lattice crust topping are the perfect fusion of a classic apple pie and a convenient, portable cookie. They’re great for sharing, and the intricate lattice design will impress anyone who takes a bite. Whether you’re serving them for a cozy family gathering or packaging them as a homemade gift, these cookies are sure to become a seasonal favorite. Enjoy!

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