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Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies | Cozy, Spiced & Irresistible

If apple pie and cookies had a baby, it would be these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies. Imagine a chewy cookie base infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, topped with tender spiced apple filling and drizzled with rich salted caramel. Each bite is warm, buttery, and perfectly sweet with just the right balance of spice. These cookies are the ultimate fall and holiday dessert—combining the nostalgic flavors of apple pie with the convenience of a handheld treat. Perfect for bake sales, holiday cookie trays, or cozy nights with hot cider, they’re a showstopper you’ll want to make again and again.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the apple filling
  • 4 large apples peeled and diced
  • ½ cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ⅜ tsp allspice
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 tbsp apple cider
For the cookie dough
  • 1 cup 2 sticks salted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
For the salted caramel sauce
  • ⅞ cup 14 tbsp salted butter
  • 1 ⅓ cups granulated sugar
  • 9/16 cup heavy cream about ½ cup + 1 tbsp
  • Flaky sea salt to sprinkle

✨ Kitchen Essentials You’ll Love

Quick picks I trust for better results, faster prep, and easier cleanup.

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    Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

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  • ⚡

    Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric

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  • 🔥

    CHEFMAN Digital Air Fryer XL 10L

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Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls (large & medium)
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper or silicone mats
  • Saucepan (for caramel)
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

Step 1: Make the apple filling
  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine diced apples, sugars, spices, salt, and apple cider.
  2. Cook until apples are soft and caramelized (about 10 minutes).
  3. Let cool completely.
Step 2: Make the cookie dough
  1. In a large bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture until dough forms.
Step 3: Bake the cookies
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
  2. Scoop dough into balls and flatten slightly.
  3. Bake 10–12 minutes, until golden at edges. Let cool.
Step 4: Make the salted caramel
  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and sugar, stirring constantly until golden brown.
  2. Slowly whisk in heavy cream (careful—it will bubble).
  3. Cook 2–3 minutes until thickened. Stir in a pinch of flaky sea salt.
Step 5: Assemble the cookies
  1. Spoon cooled apple filling onto each cookie.
  2. Drizzle generously with salted caramel.
  3. Sprinkle with extra flaky sea salt if desired.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temperature: Store unfrosted cookies in airtight container 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps 4–5 days with apple topping.
Freezer: Freeze plain cookies up to 2 months; add apples and caramel after thawing.
Reheating: Warm in microwave 10 seconds for gooey caramel.
🥄 Variations
Shortcut Version: Use store-bought caramel sauce.
Apple Pie Crumble Cookies: Add streusel topping before baking.
Nutty Twist: Sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts.
Mini Cookie Cups: Bake in muffin tins, fill with apples and caramel.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Spiced Caramel: Add a pinch of cinnamon to the caramel for extra warmth.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel?
Yes, but homemade gives richer flavor.
Which apples are best?
Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Yes, peeling makes the filling soft and smooth.
Can I make the filling ahead?
Yes, up to 2 days in advance.
Why are my cookies too soft?
They may need more baking time—let them set on the sheet.
Can I skip the apple cider?
Yes, use water or orange juice instead.
Will the caramel harden?
It thickens but stays chewy, not hard.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes—perfect for holiday baking.
Do kids enjoy these?
Absolutely—they’re like mini apple pies in cookie form.
Can I drizzle chocolate too?
Yes, white or dark chocolate pairs beautifully with apple caramel.
🏁 Conclusion
These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies capture everything we love about fall: spiced apples, buttery cookies, and gooey caramel with a sprinkle of sea salt. They’re cozy, festive, and indulgent—a dessert that tastes like apple pie but is easier to share.
Bake them for holiday trays, family gatherings, or just to fill your kitchen with the aroma of fall baking.