Craving the warm, familiar taste of apple pie but don’t feel like baking a whole pie? These Apple Pie Cookies are the perfect solution! With all the flavors of traditional apple pie wrapped into a small, cookie-sized treat, they’re great for a cozy fall snack or a crowd-pleasing dessert.
Why Apple Pie Cookies Are Perfect for Anytime
These cookies strike a great balance—they’re not high carb, but they’re also not strictly low carb. They offer a lightened-up version of apple pie, making them perfect for when you want something sweet but don’t want to overindulge. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or just want a bite-sized treat, these cookies are sure to satisfy your apple pie cravings.
Simple Ingredients
The beauty of these cookies lies in their simplicity. They feature a buttery, tender crust filled with finely diced apples, sweetener, and a touch of cinnamon. The classic flavors of apple pie shine through in every bite, while a sprinkle of raw cane sugar on top adds just the right amount of sweetness.
Since these cookies are made with gluten-free flour, they’re a perfect fit for anyone following a gluten-free diet, offering the same comforting taste without any gluten.
How to Enjoy These Apple Pie Cookies
These cookies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:
- As a Snack: Perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up with your favorite cup of coffee or tea.
- For Dessert: Serve them warm with a scoop of homemade ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- For Gifting: They make a wonderful homemade gift, packaged up for friends and family.
While these cookies are great on their own, pairing them with a warm drink or even some homemade whipped cream can make them feel even more special.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips for Apple Pie Cookies
One of the best things about these Apple Pie Cookies is how convenient they are to prepare in advance. Whether you’re making them for a party or just want to keep some on hand for when the cravings hit, here’s how to make the most of these tasty treats:
- Prepare in Advance: You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. This makes it easy to whip up a batch of cookies on short notice.
- Freeze for Later: These cookies freeze beautifully, whether baked or unbaked. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. If freezing before baking, you can pop them in the oven straight from the freezer—just add a couple of minutes to the baking time.
- Store Baked Cookies: Once baked, these cookies stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. You can also reheat them in the oven to enjoy that freshly baked taste.
With these easy make-ahead and storage tips, you can always have a batch of Apple Pie Cookies ready to go for whenever the mood strikes!
Apple Pie Cookies
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups gluten-free flour
- 2 tablespoons low carb granulated sweetener
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 4 tablespoons very cold water
Filling
- 2 medium apples peeled and finely diced
- 2 tablespoons low carb granulated sweetener
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Topping
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoons low carb brown sweetener
Instructions
For the crust
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Stir until evenly blended.
- Pour the vegetable oil into the dry ingredients and mix until it starts to clump together.
- Gradually add the cold water, stirring until the dough comes together. It’s okay if a few small crumbles remain; avoid overmixing.
- Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
For the filling
- Peel the apples and dice them finely. The smaller the pieces, the better.
- Toss the diced apples in a small bowl with the sugar and cinnamon, making sure they’re evenly coated.
Assembly
- Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out the chilled dough between two lightly floured pieces of parchment paper until it’s about ¼ inch thick.
- Use a round cutter (around 3 inches in diameter) to cut out as many circles as possible. You can reroll the dough once if needed, but avoid working it too much.
- Place half of the dough rounds on a prepared baking sheet. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the apple mixture onto the center of each round.
- Lightly brush the edges of the dough around the filling with a bit of oat milk or water.
- Top each filled round with another dough circle, pressing down gently around the edges to remove air and seal them.
- Brush the tops with oat milk and sprinkle raw cane sugar over each one. Cut a small vent on the top of each pastry using a sharp knife.
- Chill the assembled pastries in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before baking.
Baking
- Preheat the oven to 375°F about 10 minutes before baking.
- Bake the pastries for 24-27 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool completely before serving.