Golden, tender, and bursting with fall flavor, these Warm and Buttery Apple Pie Cookies taste just like a slice of apple pie—but in the form of a handheld treat. With their soft sugar cookie base, rich spiced apple topping, and buttery glaze, these cookies are pure comfort food magic.

Imagine biting into a soft cookie and being met with caramelized apples that melt in your mouth, spiced with cinnamon and a hint of nutmeg. Perfect for autumn gatherings, cozy movie nights, or simply when you’re craving something warm and sweet. These cookies are not only delicious but also picture-perfect for your holiday dessert tray.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To create these indulgent cookies, a few key kitchen tools will make the process smoother and more efficient:

Baking Sheet & Parchment Paper – A sturdy baking sheet ensures even baking, while parchment prevents sticking and promotes easy cleanup.
Mixing Bowls – You’ll need a couple of different sizes for making the cookie dough and the apple filling separately.
Small Saucepan – Essential for cooking the apple pie topping to tender, spiced perfection.

Cookie Scoop or Spoon – For evenly portioned cookies that bake uniformly.
Rolling Pin (optional) – If you want a thinner, more uniform cookie base, a rolling pin helps flatten dough quickly and evenly.
Cooling Rack – Vital for allowing the cookies to cool properly without overbaking on the hot pan.

Each tool plays a role in achieving the texture and finish that make these cookies such a standout. While the recipe is easy to follow, having the right equipment ensures they turn out bakery-level every time.

Ingredients for the Warm and Buttery Apple Pie Cookies

Each ingredient in these cookies plays a specific and delicious role. Here’s what you’ll need:

All-Purpose Flour – Forms the base of the cookie dough, giving it structure and softness.

Baking Powder – Helps the cookies rise slightly and stay fluffy.
Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances the warm flavors.
Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and buttery flavor to the dough and topping.

Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookie base just right.
Brown Sugar – Adds depth and a subtle molasses note to the apple topping.
Egg – Binds the dough and ensures a soft, chewy texture.

Vanilla Extract – Brings out the cozy flavors in the cookie base.
Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg – Key spices for that warm, apple pie flavor.
Apples (peeled and diced) – The star of the show, providing juicy, tender bites with every cookie.

Cornstarch – Thickens the apple topping to the perfect consistency.
Lemon Juice – Brightens the apple mixture and prevents browning.

How To Make the Warm and Buttery Apple Pie Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Pie Filling

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir until the apples soften slightly. Mix in cornstarch to thicken. Let cool while you prep the cookies.

In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet until a dough forms.

Step 3: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop dough balls and place them 2 inches apart. Use the back of a spoon to create slight indentations in the center of each dough ball. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.

Step 4: Add the Apple Topping

Once cookies are out of the oven and slightly cooled, spoon a small amount of apple filling into the center of each cookie. Let the cookies set for 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 5: Optional Glaze Drizzle

Drizzle with a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk or a light caramel for an extra indulgent finish.

How to Serve and Store Warm and Buttery Apple Pie Cookies

These cookies are best served slightly warm, when the apple topping is gooey and fragrant, and the cookie base is soft and buttery. You can warm them for 10–15 seconds in the microwave just before serving to bring that fresh-from-the-oven taste back to life.

For storing, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. For longer storage, freeze the cookies (without glaze) in a single layer, then transfer to a sealed bag or container for up to 2 months. Reheat gently before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the cookies from getting soggy?

Let the apple topping cool before adding it to the cookies. Also, avoid adding too much liquid from the apple mixture—use a slotted spoon if needed.

Yes! While homemade dough gives you full control over flavor and texture, store-bought dough is a great shortcut when you’re short on time.

What apples work best for this recipe?

Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are ideal. They hold their shape well and balance sweetness with a touch of tartness.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely. Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just make sure it’s one that includes xanthan gum for the right texture.

Do the cookies need to be refrigerated?

Because of the fruit topping, refrigeration is recommended if you’re storing them for more than a day.

Is the glaze necessary?

Not at all. The glaze is optional but adds a delightful extra sweetness and visual appeal.

If you’re loving these Warm and Buttery Apple Pie Cookies, then don’t miss out on these other delicious cookie creations from the blog:

Whipped Shortbread Cookies for a melt-in-your-mouth classic.
Brownie Mix Cookies when you want rich, chocolatey indulgence with minimal effort.

Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes if you’re craving cookie-sized decadence.
Grape Crush Cupcakes for a vibrant and unexpected twist.
Irresistible Blueberry Lime Cheesecake Cupcakes for bright, tangy sweetness in every bite.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: Life With Olivia on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you keep it traditional or experiment with different apple varieties or a caramel drizzle?

I love hearing how you personalize these recipes. Ask away if you have questions or share your own baking tips—let’s make every cookie better together.

Warm and Buttery Apple Pie Cookies

Author: Olivia McKenney

Print Recipe

Description

These warm and buttery apple pie cookies blend the soft chew of sugar cookies with the comforting, spiced apple filling of a homemade pie. They’re the perfect fall or holiday treat—easy to make, cozy to enjoy, and sure to be a family favorite.

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook for 5–7 minutes until apples soften slightly. Stir in cornstarch to thicken. Remove from heat and let cool.

2. In a large bowl, cream together ½ cup softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually combine with the wet ingredients to form a dough.

4. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

5. Scoop cookie dough into 1.5-inch balls and place 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly and create a small indent in the center of each.

6. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Let cookies cool slightly.

7. Spoon cooled apple filling into the center of each cookie. Let set for 10–15 minutes.

8. If desired, drizzle with glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

Notes

Make sure to let the apple topping cool before spooning onto cookies to prevent sogginess.

If your apples are extra juicy, use a slotted spoon to avoid over-wetting the cookies.

For a crisper base, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.