If you’re anything like me and love the warm, cozy flavors of fall desserts, you are going to completely adore these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies. Imagine the perfect marriage of tender apple pie filling, a soft cinnamon-spiced cookie, a buttery crumble topping, and the irresistibly luscious allure of salted caramel drizzled right on top. Every single bite bursts with festive autumn flavors that feel both nostalgic and delightfully new. These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are the kind of treat you’ll want to bake again and again, whether it’s a holiday gathering or just an ordinary day that deserves a little extra joy.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and that beautiful golden color we crave. From spices that bring warmth to the fresh apples that add natural sweetness and the salted caramel that gives a rich, indulgent finish, every element is essential.

Salted butter: Provides a rich, creamy base and enhances the overall flavor with its slight saltiness.
Granulated sugar: Helps create the perfect balance of sweetness and texture in the cookie dough.
Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle molasses undertone for depth.
Vanilla extract: Elevates every bite with a warm, fragrant aroma.
Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to that tender crumb.
All-purpose flour: The foundation for the cookie dough, providing structure without toughness.
Baking soda and baking powder: Work together to give a gentle lift and light texture.
Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves): Infuse the cookies and filling with classic apple pie warmth.
Fresh apples (peeled and diced): The star filling, offering natural sweetness and a juicy bite.
Apple cider (or lemon juice): Adds acidity that brightens the apple filling perfectly.
Salted caramel sauce: A luscious drizzle that brings that signature sweet and salty finish.
Heavy cream: Creates a creamy consistency in the caramel sauce.
Crumble topping ingredients: Butter, sugars, flour, and spices to add a delightful crunch and contrast.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Start by creaming softened salted butter with both granulated and light brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy—that magic moment where you know your cookies will be tender and flavorful. Then, add in vanilla and eggs to tie the dough together with silky smoothness. Afterward, incorporate the flour mixed with baking soda, baking powder, salt, and those perfectly blended spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. This fragrant, spiced dough forms the cozy base for our cookies. Once combined, chilling the dough for 30 minutes helps it firm up, making it easier to scoop into perfect balls later.

Step 2: Create the Apple Filling

Peeling and dicing four large apples brings fresh, juicy goodness into this cookie. Combine them with salted butter, brown sugar, apple cider, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a pan. Gently cook over medium-high heat while stirring lazily for about 15 to 18 minutes until the apples are tender and infused with spice sweetness. Let this fragrant filling cool completely before it’s ready to nestle inside your cookies. The homemade apple filling is the heart of the Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies, capturing the essence of a classic apple pie in every bite.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

The salted caramel sauce is pure magic—made by melting granulated sugar until golden, then whisking in butter and heavy cream until velvety smooth, finished with a pinch of flaky sea salt for that special savory hint. Allow it to cool until thick but still drizzle-worthy. This sauce will add that indulgent, sticky sweetness that pulls everything together, turning these cookies from great to unforgettable.

Step 4: Scoop and Chill the Dough Balls

Once your dough has had its initial chill, scoop it out into generous 65-gram balls using a large cookie scoop. This step is key for uniform cookies that bake evenly. Chill these dough balls well—either a few hours in the fridge or a quick chill in the freezer so they hold their shape and don’t spread too much in the oven. Trust me, this patience pays off with beautiful texture and flavor development.

Step 5: Prepare the Crumble Topping

While the dough chills, mix melted butter with a sprinkle of sugars, flour, and spices to create a buttery, golden crumble topping. Spread it on a baking sheet and bake until it turns a rich golden brown and crisps up. This sweet and spiced crumble adds a satisfying crunch that perfectly complements the tender cookie and juicy apple filling.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 365°F and get those dough balls rolled in a sparkling cinnamon sugar mixture. Arrange them spaced out on parchment-lined sheets. The baking time is just right when the edges feel set but the center still looks soft—the centers puff up under your touch and set as they cool. Press a gentle indent in the center of each cookie while they’re warm to create the perfect little nest for your apple filling.

Step 7: Assemble the Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Now for the fun part—spoon that cooled apple pie filling into the centers of each cookie, sprinkle generously with the crumble topping, and finish with a generous drizzle of that gorgeous salted caramel sauce. The layers of flavor and texture make these cookies a sensational treat to savor immediately or share with friends and family.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Garnishes

A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the salted caramel drizzle enhances the sweet and salty contrast beautifully. For an extra touch of elegance, a small fresh apple slice or a dusting of cinnamon on top can add visual appeal and an inviting aroma.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a luscious dessert experience. A warm cup of cinnamon-spiced tea or a rich coffee also complements the fall flavors perfectly, making any gathering feel cozy and festive.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies on a rustic wooden board with small jars of extra caramel sauce for dipping. Or create a dessert platter featuring these cookies alongside mini apple tarts and spiced nuts for a charming autumn-inspired spread that’ll wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your cookies deliciously fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Because of the fresh apple filling, refrigeration is essential to maintain texture and safety without sacrificing flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking for up to a month. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge when ready to bake. The cooked and assembled cookies freeze well too—wrap them individually and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, making these cookies perfect for prepping ahead.

Reheating

To enjoy your cookies warm, reheat gently in a low oven or microwave for 20-30 seconds until just heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as the apple filling and caramel can become overly soft, but a little warmth brings back that just-baked comfort.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for the filling?

Absolutely! Tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet ones like Fuji both work beautifully. Just adjust your cooking time if your apples are particularly firm to ensure a tender filling.

Is it necessary to chill the dough balls before baking?

Yes, chilling helps control spreading and lets the flavors meld, which results in perfectly textured cookies. If you skip this step, the cookies may turn out flatter and less flavorful.

Can I make salted caramel from scratch, and how hard is it?

Making salted caramel is easier than it seems! With a bit of patience and careful attention to sugar melting, you get a rich sauce that beats store-bought by miles. The recipe here is straightforward and perfect for home cooks.

What’s the best way to store assembled Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?

Because of the fresh apple filling, it’s best to keep assembled cookies in the fridge in an airtight container, ideally eaten within 4-5 days for peak freshness and safety.

Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?

They are not naturally vegan, but you can substitute dairy and eggs with plant-based alternatives and vegan butter. The flavors might shift slightly, but with good-quality substitutes, you can still enjoy a delicious version.

Final Thoughts

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies truly capture the essence of fall with every bite, combining all the best parts of your favorite apple pie and richer, indulgent salted caramel in a cozy, handheld treat. They’re perfect for sharing, gifting, or keeping all to yourself on a crisp afternoon. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a beloved staple in your recipe collection—so go ahead and give them a try today!

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 29 reviews

Author: Simon
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: About 18–20 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies combine the best of apple pie and cookies into one delightful treat. Soft, cinnamon-spiced cookie dough balls encase tender apple filling, topped with a crunchy crumble and drizzled with luscious homemade salted caramel sauce. Perfect for fall or any time you crave a comforting, sweet dessert with a touch of salty caramel goodness.

Instructions

Make the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium-high speed. Add the granulated and light brown sugars and mix until fully combined and creamy, about 1 minute. Incorporate the vanilla extract and eggs, mixing until just combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves), mixing until a cohesive dough forms. Cover and chill the dough for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle. Note: The dough can be portioned into balls and frozen for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Make the Apple Filling: Peel and dice the apples into bite-sized pieces. In a medium pan over medium-high heat, combine the diced apples, salted butter, apple cider (or lemon juice), brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves. Cook for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until apples are tender to your liking. Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl and cool completely at room temperature or in the fridge. This filling can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
Make the Salted Caramel Sauce: Prepare the salted caramel sauce following an easy 10-minute homemade caramel sauce recipe: melt sugar over medium heat until amber, add cubed butter stirring until combined, then slowly add heavy cream and a pinch of flaky sea salt. Allow the sauce to cool at room temperature for about 20 minutes until thickened. Store refrigerated in a jar for up to 2 weeks if not using immediately.
Scoop & Chill the Dough: Using a large cookie scoop, portion the dough into 65-gram balls. Place the balls in an airtight container and chill them in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or freeze for 2 hours, or refrigerate up to 48 hours. Important: Scoop the dough into balls before chilling; this makes rolling and baking easier. If chilling before scooping, dough becomes hard and warms again during shaping.
Make the Crumble Topping: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). In a medium mixing bowl, melt the butter, then add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Spread the crumbs evenly over a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12 to 14 minutes until deep golden brown. Allow to cool completely; crumble further with a spatula as desired. This topping can be made 1-2 days ahead and stored at room temperature or frozen for 1-2 months.
Bake the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 365°F (185°C). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ground cloves) for coating. Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. Arrange about 6 cookies per sheet, spacing to allow spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set and centers are puffy but slightly underdone. Allow cookies to rest on the sheet for 1-2 minutes, then gently press an indent into the center of each cookie using the back of a tablespoon. Cool a few more minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Assemble Cookies: Once cookies are completely cooled, fill each indent with a spoonful of the apple pie filling. Sprinkle crumble topping generously over the filling, then drizzle with the salted caramel sauce.
Serve & Store: Serve immediately for best texture and flavor. Store assembled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Due to fresh fruit, avoid leaving cookies at room temperature overnight to maintain freshness and safety.

Notes

Dough can be frozen in balls for up to 1 month and thawed in the fridge overnight before baking.
Apple filling can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored refrigerated.
Salted caramel sauce can be made up to 2 weeks ahead and stored refrigerated.
Chilling dough balls before baking helps maintain cookie shape and texture.
Make crumble topping 1-2 days ahead for convenience; it freezes well.
Use apple cider (not apple cider vinegar) or lemon juice as a substitute for acidity in the filling.
Cookies are best stored refrigerated once assembled because of the fresh fruit filling.

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 320
Sugar: 30g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 43g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: salted caramel, apple pie, cookies, autumn dessert, cinnamon cookies, caramel sauce, crumble topping