Apple Pie Cookies

Apple Pie Cookies ingeniously encapsulate the quintessential flavors of classic apple pie within bite-sized treats. These mini delights feature spiced apple filling encased in flaky pastry, topped with a sweet glaze. Perfect for fall gatherings or as a novel dessert option, they promise the comfort of apple pie in a novel, portable form.

Tasting Notes

These Apple Pie Cookies boast a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, with a heavenly aroma of cinnamon wafting through the air. The buttery, golden crust adds a delightful crunch, making these cookies a comforting and satisfying dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup ice water

For the Apple Filling:

• 3 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For Assembly:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

Kitchen Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Pastry cutter or food processor
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutter (2 to 3 inches in diameter)
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
   • Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or food processor to cut it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together.
   • Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. Make the Apple Filling:
   • In a bowl, toss together the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until well combined. Set aside.
3. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
4. Roll out the Dough:
   • On a floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to 1/8-inch thickness.
   • Use a cookie cutter to cut out rounds.
5. Assemble the Cookies:
   • Place a spoonful of the apple filling in the center of half the rounds.
   • Top with the remaining rounds and press the edges to seal.
6. Brush with Egg Wash:
   • Brush the tops of the cookies with beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar for a golden finish.
7. Bake:
   • Transfer the assembled cookies to the prepared baking sheets.
   • Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
8. Cool and Enjoy:
   • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tips

• Make sure the butter for the dough is cold to achieve a flaky texture.
• Experiment with different apple varieties for a unique flavor profile.

Variations

• Add a drizzle of caramel sauce over the cooled cookies for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Sprinkle chopped nuts on top of the apple filling for added crunch.

FAQs