Even though Christmas is already far behind us, it doesn't mean that we can't have a little treat. My apple pie cookies take the best from the traditional American apple pie and puts it into a cookie. This classic combination of flavours is simply unbeatable. Rich caramel combined with aromatic apple and cinnamon make this a snack sized cookie memorable. No one will be able to resist it!
what are apple pie cookies?
Who doesn't love a good apple pie? Especially the one made by our grandmothers! However, sometimes a pie is a bit too much for the occasion. Imagine that you want to serve a little sweet something with your afternoon tea or coffee. Now, naturally there are any number of biscuits you can buy, but it's just nicer to have something homemade. Although chocolate chip cookies are lovely, they're also a little boring - a bit of 'been there, done that' type of thing. Apple pie cookies are a thing you probably haven't seen before, and chances are neither have your guests.
Don't worry though, they are not complicated to prepare at all. All you need is a simple shortcrust pastry topped with caramel and apple filling. Then close the cookies with strips of pastry. These strips will keep the filling in place and makes the cookies look appealing. Putting the old familiar flavours into a new context allows you to enjoy them in a new way. The apple pie cookies can be served as a snack for coffee or you can take it with you to work and have a little dessert with your lunch.
the shortcrust pastry
A good shortcrust pastry dough is the base of many a good dessert. If you are in a hurry you can buy frozen sheets in the supermarket. Admittedly, this is a quite practical option. Especially for me, since I am not the best baker around. Not only do you not need to spend time making the pastry, you can also be much more spontaneous in your cooking. A major advantage of the apple pie cookies is that you can actually make them from things that will keep very long in your cupboard. This means you might have all the ingredients in stock already.
That being said, you can also choose to make your own homemade shortcrust pastry. This is actually simple too and the result will taste much better when you taste the fruits of your labour. Some people prepare their shortcrust pastry in a food processor but I prefer to do it by hand. I find that you have better control this way. The secret to making a good shortcrust pastry is not to overwork it. If you do, the pastry will be dry and difficult to work with. If you donβt make your own, use a good store bought one for the apple pie cookies.
caramel
You need a lovely, rich caramel to smear on the pastry for the apple pie cookies. Opt for good quality store bought caramel sauce, or you can make you own. Being an ambassador of cooking with fresh ingredients, I'd say try making your own caramel. Caramel is actually easy to make.
All you need to do is to melt butter with sugar. The trick is to heat the mixture up gently, starting at low temperature. You are looking for a nice golden brown colour on the caramel, but keep a sharp eye on it. If you take the caramel too far it will acquire a bitter taste. Trust me, burnt caramel will not make the apple pie cookies a success, so be careful if you attempt to make your own caramel. The best bit about making your own caramel is that you control its intensity.
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apple pie filling
As for the apple pie filling, there are some good ready-made ones you can get in the store. This is one of the things that make this recipe so practical. You can put together a batch of apple pie cookies relatively easily, using premade ingredients. On the other hand, you can make the apple pie filling yourself if you have the time. This is also a good way to make use of any leftover apples you might have. If you have apple trees in your garden, you probably know how plentiful the harvest can be.
To make your own apple pie filing you will need to peel, core and slice about four big apples. Next, melt two tablespoons of butter in a sauce pan on low heat then adding a teaspoon of cinnamon. Stir in the apples along with three tablespoons of water and sugar, as much as you desire. Cook for a while until you have that mushy texture.
By the way, the apple pie filling can be frozen for later use or conserved in sterilised jars. I love how these ingredients are so practical!
variations
As mentioned shortcrust pastry is quite versatile and so is this recipe. Instead of the apple pie filling, you can use compote of your favourite fruit, such as berries or apricot. This is your opportunity to get creative. Personally, I love using rhubarb when in season, or even red currants. I wouldn't pair these with the caramel though and omit the sauce altogether. What is your favourite pie filling?
If rhubarb is for you, check out these Rhubarb Cookies!
topping and serving
As we all know, we also eat with our eyes. Since we have now taken the effort to make these pastry strips that give the apple pie cookies their unique look, you need to give it the last touch. Brush the finished cookies with egg wash before baking and they will turn beautifully golden. If you want to make it a little fancier, you can add some chopped almonds on top after you take the apple pie cookies out of the oven. If you serve the apple pie cookies with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, you have a simple yet very tasty dessert!
P.S. Don't throw away the leftovers. You can reuse them as topping for other desserts such as the peppermint crisp tart or you can just eat them as they are.
What is your favourite type of cookie?
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A special thanks to Kelly Reeve for assisting with the recipe shoot.
sharon martin
rhubarb crumble and custard, like fresh baked raspberry muffins too
michelle
yummmm
Cassandra D
In a cake,pudding or pie form.
michelle
nice!
Jayne Kelsall
Must admit I love baking desserts with my kids, messy but fun, we make biscuits and cookies regularly but it's a chocolate cake with freshly whipped cream that's a firm favourite .x
michelle
I can understand that π
Natalie Crossan
Oh these sound delicious!!
michelle
Thanks Natalie π
Katherine Lawson
There's something very therapeutic about creaming butter and sugar for cakes! It starts off a bit hopeless but once it starts to come together, it's very satifying!
michelle
VERY TRUE!
Margaret Clarkson
I love to make (and eat) almost any desserts. My favourite is probably Tarte au Citron.
michelle
ooo, with a lovely meringue π
melanie stirling
I love so many desserts but I really like hot puddings with custard,apple strudel is one of my favourites.
michelle
also one of my favourites π especially with warm vanilla custard :))
Solange
I love desserts with cream or ice-cream.
michelle
same here π
Anthony Harrington
I don't make many desserts, my late Mother-in-Law made the most amazing Upside-down Pineapple Pudding with hot pineapple sauce, it was superb! My preparation is normally to pre-heat the oven and warm up apple pies.
michelle
oooo myyyyy. Soundsss sinful. I want some!
Tania Atfield
I love making crumbles with my frozen blackberries I picked.
michelle
sounds lovely π I love crumbles too
Leila Benhamida
I love a cold dessert like a Lemon cheesecake my favourite or my favourite flan patissier made with custard and pastry stray in the oven. Let it cool.down and leave it in the fridge to set.
michelle
that sounds lovely Leila!
Tracy Nixon
These sound gorgeous! O love desserts served either custard, cream or ice-cream - naughty I know - but nice!
michelle
haha, me too π
JaneAFR
I love apple pie! These bite-sized cookies look amazing. Never thought of making them so small, will try this weekend for sure. Thanks for the recipe! π
michelle
You're welcome Jane!
cheryl hadfield
I love to make apple scones
michelle
these sound delicious
Hayley f
Subscribed to your newsletter x
michelle
fantastic. Welcome Hayley xx
Hayley F
I look to see whatβs in the cupboard and hopefully make something out of it. Angel delight is on standby x
michelle
nice!
Amanda tanner
I donβt really prepare making dessert I kind of just throw it all togeather and hope for the best.
michelle
haha. love this approach π
Tracey Peach
Wow! well what can you say about those babies! I've got a "thing" for jam tarts at the moment have no idea why but I find them comforting sweet & filling just the job on a rainy day in Feb!
michelle
jam tarts sound lovely Tracey π
sam macaree
cookies are amazing, especially chocolate chip. i like to leave the dough in the fridge for 24 hours to get added flavour
michelle
thanks for the tip Sam!