Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Apple Pie Cookies with Homemade Filling, Streusel Topping, and Vanilla Glaze Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.3 from 30 reviews

  • Author: Sky
  • Total Time: 43 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies

Description

Apple Pie Cookies combine all the classic flavors of traditional apple pie into a delightful cookie form. This recipe features a homemade apple pie filling nestled inside a soft, lightly spiced cookie dough and topped with a buttery streusel. Optional decorations include a smooth vanilla glaze and a rich buttercream “ice cream” dollop for a fun, a la mode touch. Perfect for dessert lovers wanting a portable, bite-sized twist on a classic favorite.

Ingredients

Filling

  • 3 cups (350 g) cored, peeled, diced apples (preferably Granny Smith)
  • ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar, firmly packed
  • 2 Tablespoons (28 g) butter, salted or unsalted
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, firmly packed
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature preferred
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Streusel

  • 6 Tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 ¼ cups (155 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar, firmly packed
  • ⅓ cup (65 g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Buttercream “Ice Cream” (Optional)

  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
  • 3 cups (375 g) powdered sugar

Glaze (Optional)

  • 1 cup (125 g) powdered sugar
  • 1-2 Tablespoons whole milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Apple Filling: In a medium-sized skillet over medium-low heat, combine the diced apples, light brown sugar, butter, cornstarch, and cinnamon. Stir frequently until the butter is melted and the sugar has dissolved. Increase the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork. Remove from heat and transfer to a heatproof bowl. Refrigerate while preparing the dough.
  2. Make the Cookie Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together. Cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator while preparing the streusel.
  3. Prepare the Streusel: Melt the butter in a small bowl and allow it to cool until it's no longer warm. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Drizzle the cooled melted butter over the flour mixture and use a fork to claw the ingredients together until you form a clumpy streusel texture.
  4. Assemble the Cookies: Remove the apple filling and cookie dough from the refrigerator. Scoop the cookie dough into 2 Tablespoon-sized balls and roll them smooth. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them adequately. Using the back of a cookie scoop or your finger, create a shallow indent in the center of each dough ball—avoid making it too deep to prevent instability after baking. Fill each indent with about one level tablespoon of the apple filling. Gently nestle approximately one tablespoon of the streusel over the filling to cover completely.
  5. Bake: Transfer the baking sheet to the center rack of the preheated oven and bake for 13-14 minutes, or until the cookie edges turn a light golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely before decorating.
  6. Prepare the Buttercream “Ice Cream” (Optional): Beat the softened butter, salt, and vanilla bean paste in a large bowl with an electric mixer until the butter is smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, ½ cup at a time, mixing fully between each addition, until the buttercream is very stiff, similar to play-dough. Adjust consistency with more powdered sugar if needed. Set aside.
  7. Make the Vanilla Glaze (Optional): In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of milk, and vanilla bean paste until smooth. Add additional milk in small splashes to reach a smooth glaze that ribbons off your whisk.
  8. Decorate: Drizzle the vanilla glaze over cooled cookies. Then, using a tablespoon scoop, place a dollop of the buttercream atop the glaze to simulate ice cream. Allow the glaze to harden before serving.

Notes

  • Apples: Use about 4 small Granny Smith apples for best results as they are tart and firm. Alternatively, another tart, firm apple is suitable. Avoid softer apples like McIntosh as they do not hold up well.
  • Cookie Indents: Do not make the indent in the cookie dough too deep, as insufficient dough at the bottom can cause instability and breakage after baking.
  • Storing: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to one week.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 13 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://skysrecipes.com/apple-pie-cookies-with-homemade-filling-streusel-topping-and-vanilla-glaze-recipe/