Salted Apple Pie Cookies

Salted Apple Pie Cookies deliver everything you love about homemade apple pie in a cookie that is chewy at the center and crisp at the edges with an irresistible buttery and spiced apple aroma. This recipe is a perfect treat for fall gatherings cozy afternoons or those moments when you want something extra special with your tea.

I first made these after a trip to the orchard when I had extra apples and my kids begged for cookies the smell alone brought my neighbors to the door

Ingredients

• Salted butter browned: creates rich nutty flavors opt for a high-quality cultured butter if available
• Granulated sugar and brown sugar: provide crisp edges and chewy texture use fresh brown sugar to avoid hard spots
• Large eggs: bind everything and add tenderness farm-fresh if possible
• Vanilla extract: lifts all the warm flavors go for real extract for superior aroma
• All-purpose flour: forms the structure sift it for a fluffier dough
• Cornstarch: keeps the crumb tender this is the secret to soft cookies
• Baking soda and baking powder: give a gentle rise for the perfect bite
• Apple pie filling: brings the essence of an orchard inside each cookie choose one with real apple chunks and natural spice

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Butter:

Melt salted butter in a medium skillet over medium heat stirring constantly until it turns amber with brown bits at the bottom these bits are the flavor gold let the butter cool in a mixing bowl for 20 minutes if still warm chill briefly so your cookies hold their shape

Prep the Dry Ingredients:

Combine flour cornstarch baking soda and baking powder in a separate bowl whisk thoroughly to distribute evenly and aerate the mixture

Mix Wet Ingredients:

In the cooled brown butter bowl blend in both sugars until you have a smooth paste add eggs one at a time beating each until blended then mix in the vanilla extract for full aromatic depth

Combine Dough:

Fold dry ingredients gently into the wet mixture in stages barely mixing uniI just combined this keeps the finished cookie extra soft avoid overworking to maintain a tender crumb

Chill the Dough:

Wrap dough tightly in plastic and chill for at least one hour this is crucial for flavor and to prevent spreading during baking

Make Cookie Dough Balls and Bake:

Prepare your oven at 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment form dough balls about three ounces each spacing them apart bake for about twelve minutes until edges are golden and centers look just set

Create and Fill the Wells:

While still warm press the center of each cookie with a small glass to form a well spoon in about a tablespoon of apple pie filling into each use a gentle touch to keep edges from cracking

Serve and Enjoy:

Let the cookies rest briefly before transferring to a wire rack enjoy them warm to appreciate the gooey spiced apple and the scent of browned butter

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My favorite part is licking the spoon after mixing the browned butter with vanilla the smell reminds me of baking with my grandmother on chilly afternoons my kids argue over who gets the first cookie out of the oven these have truly become a family legend

How to Store for Freshness

• Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days
• To maintain the soft center reheat for a few seconds in the microwave
• For longer storage freeze baked cookies in single layers with parchment between each they thaw beautifully in just a few minutes

Smart Ingredient Swaps

• You can use unsalted butter and add a good pinch of salt yourself for precise control
• Try fresh homemade apple compote instead of canned filling for a tangier bite
• Gluten free flour blends work nicely here if you choose a brand made for baking

Serving Suggestions

• Pile them onto a platter and dust lightly with cinnamon sugar for a festive look
• For dessert serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
• They pair perfectly with coffee black tea or even a spiced chai

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Apple Pies Origins and the Cookie Twist

Apple pie is a cherished classic across both American and European kitchens dating back centuries these cookies pay homage to that legacy while keeping things simple enough for weeknight baking turning a special occasion dessert into an everyday treat

Recipe FAQs

→ Why brown the butter for this dough?

Browning the butter adds a deep, nutty flavor that enhances the overall richness of the cookies.

→ Can I use homemade apple filling?

Yes, homemade apple filling works well. Dice apples and cook with sugar and spices until tender for best results.

→ How important is chilling the dough?

Chilling is crucial; it helps the dough firm up, meld flavors, and ensures cookies stay thick and chewy when baked.

→ What's the best way to fill the cookies?

After baking, gently press the center of each cookie with a glass to form a well, then spoon in the apple filling.

→ Can these cookies be stored?

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Warm slightly before serving to enjoy their full flavor and texture.

→ Are these suitable for freezing?

Yes, freeze baked cookies or unbaked dough balls. Thaw and warm before serving for best taste.