Experience the nostalgic essence of apple pie in a new, innovative form with our Rustic Apple Pie Cookies. This recipe meticulously combines the warm, spiced flavors of a traditional apple pie filling with the crisp, buttery texture of homemade cookies, creating a unique treat that bridges the gap between pie and cookie with delicious elegance. Each cookie serves as a miniature pie, complete with a tender apple filling and optional caramel drizzle for an extra touch of decadence.
Why You'll Love This: For those who revel in the comfort of apple pie but crave the convenience of a cookie, these apple pie cookies offer the perfect solution. The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves in the dough pairs seamlessly with the sweetly spiced apple filling, offering a complex flavor profile that's as delightful to the palate as it is aromatic. Each bite delivers a burst of autumnal bliss, making these cookies not just a treat, but a multi-sensory experience to savor.
Perfect Occasion: These cookies are a splendid choice for fall gatherings, holiday parties, or any occasion where you'd like to offer a unique, comforting dessert. They're particularly suited for events like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or autumn festivals, where traditional flavors are celebrated and cherished. Additionally, they make for wonderful gifts, lovingly packaged in festive tins for friends, teachers, or colleagues to enjoy.
Decoration Tips:
- Present these cookies on a rustic wooden board or a vintage plate to enhance their homemade appeal.
- Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar over the cookies before serving to mimic a frosty autumn morning.
- Garnish each cookie with a small sprig of mint or a thin slice of fresh apple for a touch of freshness and color.
- For a more decadent presentation, drizzle caramel sauce in a fine lattice pattern over the cookies once they've cooled.
Ingredients for Apple Pie Filling:
- 2 large apples, peeled and finely chopped
- 40 grams of salted butter
- 50 grams of brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons of cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon of cornstarch
- 3 teaspoons of cold water
Ingredients for Cookies:
- 125 grams of salted butter (reduce to 105 grams if not browning)
- 120 grams of caster sugar
- 60 grams of light brown sugar
- 1 egg at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 200 grams of plain flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 2 teaspoons of cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon each of nutmeg and allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves
Method for Filling:
- In a saucepan, combine apples, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Simmer until apples are tender.
- Create a slurry by mixing cornstarch with cold water. Stir this into the apple mixture until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
Method for Cookies:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns golden brown; let cool for 15 minutes.
- Whisk together the cooled butter, brown sugar, and caster sugar. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Gently fold in the flour, spices, and baking soda until combined.
- Scoop the dough into balls (about 50-60 grams each) and chill in the freezer for 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 160°C. Place the dough balls on a baking sheet and bake for 12-17 minutes.
- Press a tablespoon into the center of each cookie to create an indent. Fill with the cooled apple mixture once the cookies are just warm.
- Optionally, finish with a drizzle of caramel sauce for added flavor.
Enjoy these delightful Rustic Apple Pie Cookies, a perfect blend of classic and comfort in every bite!
