Apple Pie Cookies Recipe (Easy Mini Snack Dessert)
If you love classic apple pie but want a fun handheld dessert, these Apple Pie Cookies are the perfect solution. Made with buttery pie crust, warm cinnamon apples, and a rich brown butter glaze, these mini apple pies are perfect for fall baking, holiday dessert tables, and special occasions.
They're easier to serve than traditional pie and always disappear fast.
Why You'll Love These Apple Pie Cookies
Easy mini apple pie recipe
Perfect for fall baking
Great holiday dessert
Homemade apple pie filling
Delicious brown butter glaze
Perfect for parties and potlucks
Ingredients
Apple Pie Filling
2-3 large apples, peeled and diced
2 tablespoons butter
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon water
½ tablespoon cornstarch
Cookies
Store-bought pie crust dough
1 egg, beaten for egg wash
Brown Butter Glaze
¼ cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
⅔ cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon cinnamon
How To Make Apple Pie Cookies
Step 1: Make The Apple Pie Filling
Add butter to a skillet over medium heat.
Add diced apples and cook for 5 minutes.
Stir in:
Brown sugar
Cinnamon
Lemon juice
Water
Simmer for 5 minutes.
Add cornstarch and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until thickened.
Allow filling to cool.
Step 2: Prepare The Cookies
Using a mason jar lid or round cookie cutter, cut circles from pie dough.
Roll out scraps and cut into thin strips for the lattice tops.
Step 3: Assemble
Place a spoonful of apple filling in the center of each pie dough circle.
Arrange pie dough strips on top to create a lattice pattern.
Brush with egg wash.
Step 4: Bake
Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
Allow cookies to cool completely.
Step 5: Make The Brown Butter Glaze
Melt butter over medium heat until golden brown and nutty.
Whisk in:
Vanilla extract
Powdered sugar
Milk
Cinnamon
Drizzle glaze over cooled cookies.
What Apples Are Best For Apple Pie Cookies?
The best apples for baking include:
Honeycrisp
Granny Smith
Pink Lady
Fuji
Braeburn
These varieties hold their shape while baking and provide the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
How To Store Apple Pie Cookies
Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned apple pie filling?
Yes, but homemade apple pie filling gives these cookies a fresher flavor and better texture. If using canned filling, chop the apple slices into smaller pieces so they fit neatly inside each cookie.
Can I make Apple Pie Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cookies up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container and add the brown butter glaze just before serving for the freshest taste.
Do Apple Pie Cookies need to be refrigerated?
Because these cookies contain cooked fruit, they can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Can I freeze Apple Pie Cookies?
Yes. Freeze the baked cookies (without the glaze) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and drizzle with fresh brown butter glaze before serving.
Can I use homemade pie crust?
Definitely! Homemade pie crust creates an even flakier, more buttery cookie, but refrigerated store-bought pie crust is a great time-saving option.
Why did my cookies leak while baking?
Overfilling the cookies can cause the apple filling to bubble out during baking. Use about 1 tablespoon of filling per cookie and leave a small border around the edges.
Can I make these cookies without the lattice top?
Yes! The lattice adds a beautiful bakery-style appearance, but you can also leave the filling exposed or top each cookie with another pie crust circle and crimp the edges like mini hand pies.
How do I keep the bottom crust from getting soggy?
Allow the apple filling to cool completely before assembling the cookies. Cooling thickens the filling and helps prevent excess moisture from soaking into the crust.
Can I serve these warm?
Yes! Apple Pie Cookies are delicious warm or at room temperature. Warm them for about 10 seconds in the microwave and serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra-special dessert.
Final Thoughts
These Apple Pie Cookies combine everything people love about traditional apple pie in a fun handheld dessert. With flaky pie crust, warm cinnamon apples, and a sweet brown butter glaze, they're guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Nutrition Information
Estimated Nutrition (Per Apple Pie Cookie)
(Based on approximately 12 cookies.)
Calories: 245
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 28mg
Sodium: 145mg
Potassium: 95mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 18g
Vitamin A: 5% DV
Vitamin C: 4% DV
Calcium: 2% DV
Iron: 5% DV
Nutrition Disclaimer: Nutrition information is automatically estimated and may vary depending on the brands of ingredients used, portion sizes, and substitutions.