Easy Apple Pie Cookies Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Easy Apple Pie Cookies Recipe with you because it’s truly one of my favorite cozy treats. These cookies capture all the warm flavors of a classic apple pie but in a perfectly portable, bite-sized form — making them ideal for everything from afternoon snacks to holiday gatherings. What I love is how the buttery, flaky crust pairs with a tender, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, delivering that nostalgic apple pie vibe without any fuss.

Whether you’re baking for a crowd, looking to impress at a potluck, or just craving something sweet and comforting at home, this Easy Apple Pie Cookies Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s dairy-free, which is perfect if you’re cooking for folks with dietary restrictions or simply want a lighter dessert option. Once you try these, I suspect you’ll find yourself reaching for the recipe again and again — just like my family does!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Easy Apple Pie Cookies Recipe come together to create a perfectly spiced, tender cookie with a luscious apple center. I always suggest using fresh, crisp apples and quality dairy-free butter for the best results.

• All-purpose flour: The base for our dough, providing structure while keeping the cookies tender.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to both the dough and the apple filling.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• Cinnamon: A must-have warm spice that brings out the apple’s natural sweetness.
• All-spice and ginger: These spices add depth and a subtle kick to the dough.
• Dairy-free butter: Cold and cubed to help create that flaky texture without dairy.
• Ice water: Just enough to bring the dough together without making it sticky.
• Apples: I recommend diced small for even cooking and a balanced bite of filling.
• Brown sugar: Gives that caramelized flavor to the apple filling.
• Fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness and prevents the apples from browning.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the spice flavors.
• Nutmeg: Just a pinch for that extra cozy aroma.
• Almond milk and agave nectar: Used for the “egg wash” to give the cookies a lovely golden sheen without eggs or dairy.
• Powdered sugar and water: For a simple glaze that adds a sweet finishing touch.

Variations

I love tweaking this Easy Apple Pie Cookies Recipe from time to time — it’s so versatile! You can easily swap out ingredients or add your personal touch based on what you have on hand or your flavor preferences.

• Use different apples: I’ve tried Fuji, Granny Smith, and Honeycrisp — each brings a unique sweetness and texture to the filling.
• Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts mixed into the filling give a lovely crunch and a nutty complement to the apples.
• Make it gluten-free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend designed for baking — just be mindful the texture might be slightly different.
• Drizzle with caramel: For a decadent treat, drizzle caramel sauce over the cooled cookies instead of the powdered sugar glaze.

How to Make Easy Apple Pie Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Make the Crust

Start by pulsing your dry ingredients — flour, sugar, spices, and salt — together in a food processor. This evenly distributes the flavors. Then add in your cold, cubed dairy-free butter and pulse until the mixture looks like sandy crumbs. Slowly add ice water, a tablespoon at a time, just until the dough holds together in a ball. One trick I learned is to avoid adding too much water — the dough should still feel crumbly but come together when gently squeezed. Form it into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic, and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. If you don’t have a food processor, no worries — you can use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the flour by hand.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Pie Filling

While the dough chills, dice your apples small and toss them in a bowl with granulated sugar and fresh lemon juice — this brightens the flavor and prevents browning. In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter then add the apple mixture. Stir often as the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a simmer. Then cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook gently until the apples soften and release juices, about 7 minutes. To get that rich filling texture, strain the cooked apples to remove excess liquid, then simmer the juices until they thicken and caramelize slightly. Toss the apples back with the thickened juices, vanilla, spices, and salt. Let it cool while you finish the dough.

Step 3: Shape and Assemble the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out half the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thick and cut it into circles using a cookie cutter or cup. Brush each circle with a mixture of almond milk and agave nectar — this replaces traditional egg wash and gives a golden finish. Spoon about a tablespoon of the apple filling right in the center of each round. Roll out the remaining dough and cut it into thin strips to create a lattice top for each cookie. Arrange these strips over the filling and press edges firmly, crimping with a fork to seal. Brush the tops with egg wash again, sprinkle with granulated sugar, then bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and inviting.

Step 4: Glaze and Enjoy

While the cookies bake, whisk powdered sugar with a bit of water until smooth to make a simple glaze. Once your cookies are cool, drizzle the glaze over them for a lovely, sweet finish. I absolutely love how this glaze adds just the right touch without overpowering the spiced apple flavors — it’s like a gentle kiss of sweetness!

How to Serve Easy Apple Pie Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I like to add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or extra powdered sugar right before serving for that warm, cozy look. Sometimes, I top the cookies with a little dollop of dairy-free whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream when serving dessert — it’s pure magic.

Side Dishes

These cookies are lovely on their own, but they also complement hot beverages like chai tea, coffee, or a cold glass of almond milk beautifully. For a brunch or tea party, pair them with a simple green salad or a savory quiche for a balanced spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange these cookies in a beautiful circle around a small bowl of caramel or vanilla glaze for dipping. Wrapping them individually in parchment paper and tying with twine makes a charming gift or party favor. I’ve even made mini cookie stacks layered with cream cheese frosting for a playful twist at kids’ parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Easy Apple Pie Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay perfectly soft for about two days. If I want to keep them longer, I pop them in the fridge, where they last up to five days — just bring them back to room temp before enjoying to revive that soft texture.

Freezing

While I haven’t personally frozen these cookies, I’ve heard from readers it works well to freeze them baked and cooled in a sealed container. When ready, thaw at room temperature and briefly warm in the oven for that fresh-baked feel. If you try freezing, definitely let me know how it goes!

Reheating

To reheat, I pop a few cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes — this refreshes the crisp edges and warms the filling nicely without drying them out. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make them soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, the Easy Apple Pie Cookies Recipe is one that I keep coming back to for good reason. It perfectly blends simplicity and comfort with a little touch of magic — those warm spices, tender apples, and flaky crust make every bite feel like a hug. I hope you have as much fun making them as I do, and that they become your go-to treat for cozy days, special occasions, or anytime you need a slice of homemade happiness.

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