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Caramel Apple Pie Cookies – Irresistible Fall Treats

Imagine the sweet, spiced flavors of classic apple pie wrapped up in the ease of a cookie—these Caramel Apple Pie Cookies deliver just that! With a buttery pie crust, gooey apple pie filling, warm cinnamon and nutmeg, and a drizzle of caramel, they’re everything you love about fall desserts in a handheld bite. These cookies are perfect for holiday trays, bake sales, or as a fun weekend baking project. Best of all, they use a refrigerated pie crust and apple pie filling, making them simple enough for busy bakers while still tasting homemade.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
bake time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 cookies
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 refrigerated pie crust or homemade, if preferred
  • ¾ cup apple pie filling chopped into small pieces
  • ¼ cup caramel sauce
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • 1 large egg for egg wash
  • 1 tbsp coarse sugar for sprinkling

Equipment

  • Rolling Pin
  • Round cookie cutter or glass (2–3 inch)
  • Mixing bowl & whisk
  • Pastry brush
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

Step 1: Prep the oven & filling
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Chop apple pie filling into small bite-sized pieces. Mix with cinnamon and nutmeg.
Step 2: Roll & cut dough
  1. Roll out pie crust slightly thinner. Use a cookie cutter or glass to cut circles.
Step 3: Assemble cookies
  1. Place half the dough circles on parchment-lined baking sheet.
  2. Add ~1 tsp apple filling and a drizzle of caramel to each.
  3. Top with another dough circle, press edges with fork to seal.
Step 4: Add egg wash
  1. Whisk egg and brush tops of cookies. Sprinkle with coarse sugar.
Step 5: Bake
  1. Bake 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool slightly on rack.
Step 6: Finish
  1. Drizzle extra caramel over baked cookies if desired.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temperature: Store in airtight container up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps 4–5 days.
Freezer: Freeze baked cookies up to 2 months. Reheat in oven for crispness.
Reheating: Warm in oven at 325°F for 5 minutes for that fresh-baked flavor.
🥄 Variations
Apple Pie Spice: Use apple pie spice instead of cinnamon + nutmeg.
Cheese-Twist: Add a sprinkle of sharp cheddar to filling (classic apple pie combo!).
Mini Hand Pies: Make larger circles and fold into half-moons.
Nutty Caramel: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to filling.
Glazed Version: Drizzle with vanilla glaze instead of caramel.
Gluten-Free: Use GF pie crust.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use homemade pie crust?
Yes, it makes them even flakier.
Do I have to use store-bought apple pie filling?
No, homemade works perfectly—just dice apples small.
Will they get soggy?
Not if eaten within a few days—store airtight.
Can I use puff pastry instead of pie crust?
Yes, they’ll be lighter and flakier.
Do they taste like real apple pie?
Yes, but with a fun, portable twist.
Can I make them ahead?
Yes, assemble and freeze unbaked cookies, then bake from frozen.
What kind of caramel works best?
Thick caramel sauce or homemade caramel (not too runny).
Can I make these bigger?
Yes, just adjust baking time slightly.
Do kids enjoy these?
Absolutely—they’re sweet, handheld, and fun.
Can I add extra filling?
Careful not to overfill or they’ll burst in the oven.
🏁 Conclusion
These Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are the perfect fusion of two favorite desserts—apple pie and cookies. With their golden crust, gooey apple-caramel filling, and cozy spice, they’re festive, comforting, and guaranteed to disappear fast.
Bake a batch for fall gatherings, holiday dessert trays, or just to enjoy with a warm mug of cider.