The sweet aroma of spiced apples and warm cinnamon has a way of wrapping around you like a cozy blanket, doesn’t it? With my Shortcut Apple Pie Cookies, you can indulge in that comforting essence without spending hours in the kitchen. These delightful cookies feature a flaky, buttery lattice crust filled with juicy apple pie filling—making them not just quick treats, but also perfect for fall gatherings and the Thanksgiving dessert table. Thanks to pre-made ingredients, this recipe is a breeze to whip up, so even the busiest home chefs can enjoy a taste of homemade goodness. Why settle for fast food when you can have these scrumptious bites ready in no time? Curious about how to bring these autumn-inspired cookies to life in your kitchen? Let’s dive in!
Why Are These Apple Pie Cookies So Great?
Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time, you can have these cookies ready in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings.
Deliciously Versatile: While spiced apple filling steals the show, feel free to swap it for other fruit fillings like cherry or blueberry to switch things up!
Beautifully Impressive: The gorgeous lattice design elevates them from simple cookies to show-stopping treats that will impress your family and friends.
Perfect for Any Occasion: From cozy autumn afternoons to festive Thanksgiving tables, these cookies are the ideal sweet addition to any gathering, similar to classic Homemade Apple Pie.
Stay Fresh: Easily store them for snacks later on, or freeze for longer enjoyment—there’s no need for fast food when you have a stash of these delightful bites!
With so much to love, these Shortcut Apple Pie Cookies are sure to become a regular in your baking lineup.
Apple Pie Cookies Ingredients
For the Crust
- Pie Crusts – Use pre-made refrigerated crusts for an effortlessly flaky texture that saves you time.
- Egg – This acts as a wash to help bind the lattice crust and give it a beautiful, shiny finish.
For the Filling
- Apple Pie Filling – Choose a high-quality brand with real fruit chunks to provide the sweet, spiced flavor that makes these apple pie cookies irresistible.
For Finishing Touches
- White Sanding Sugar – A sprinkle on top adds a delightful crunch and enhances the cookie’s presentation, making them perfect for any gathering.
With these simple ingredients, you’re just moments away from baking up a batch of these delightful Apple Pie Cookies!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Shortcut Apple Pie Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This step ensures that your Shortcut Apple Pie Cookies will bake evenly and come off the tray smoothly, setting you up for success right from the get-go.
Step 2: Roll and Cut Crusts
Unroll two refrigerated pie crusts onto a clean surface and gently roll them out to smooth any creases. Using a round cookie cutter, cut out circles about 3 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Visualize the spacing so that each cookie has room to expand while baking, adding to their lovely, flaky charm.
Step 3: Fill with Apple Pie Filling
Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of apple pie filling into the center of each circle, leaving about half an inch of crust around the edges. This will give your Shortcut Apple Pie Cookies a luscious filling while avoiding any overflow during baking. Marvel at the sight of the scrumptious filling, enticing you to create the next layer of these delightful treats.
Step 4: Create the Lattice Topping
Roll out the remaining pie crusts and slice them into thin strips, around half an inch wide, to form a lattice pattern. Carefully weave these strips over the filled circles, creating a beautiful crisscross design that not only looks stunning but also allows steam to escape while baking, ensuring a perfectly cooked cookie.
Step 5: Egg Wash for Shine
In a small bowl, beat one egg, which will act as an egg wash. Brush this mixture gently around the edges of each cookie, ensuring that no filling touches the crust edges. The egg wash will help bind the lattice to the base and give your Shortcut Apple Pie Cookies a rich, golden finish once baked.
Step 6: Seal and Trim Cookies
Press the ends of the lattice strips into the egg-washed edges to seal them securely. To ensure a neat appearance, use the same cookie cutter to trim the edges of the cookie, enhancing their round shape. Paying attention to these details will elevate your treats from simple cookies to stunning desserts.
Step 7: Final Touches with Sugar
Brush the top of each cookie with the remaining egg wash and generously sprinkle white sanding sugar over them. This final touch adds both a sweet crunch and a sparkling finish, making your Shortcut Apple Pie Cookies even more irresistible, ready to catch everyone’s eye at your next gathering.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown and the crust is flaky. Keep an eye on them, as the beautiful aroma will fill your kitchen, signaling that your delightful apple pie cookies are almost ready to come out.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling step is important, as it allows the filling to set and the crust to maintain its proper shape. After they’re cooled, enjoy your homemade Shortcut Apple Pie Cookies that deliver the nostalgic flavors of traditional apple pie in a convenient, bite-sized format!
Expert Tips for Apple Pie Cookies
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Prevent Leakage: Ensure the apple pie filling doesn’t touch the edges of the crust when filling. This keeps your cookies intact and mess-free during baking.
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Uniform Cookies: Use the same cookie cutter for both the base and to trim lattice tops for a consistent and visually appealing shape.
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Cool Down: Allow your cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. This helps them retain their shape and crispiness for the perfect bite.
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Tasty Swaps: Feel free to experiment with different fruit fillings or spices. This can personalize your Apple Pie Cookies and keep things exciting!
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Egg Wash Importance: Don’t skip the egg wash before baking—the beautiful, shiny crust it creates will elevate your cookies from delicious to stunning!
What to Serve with Shortcut Apple Pie Cookies?
Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall by pairing these delightful treats with complementary sides that enhance their sweet, spiced goodness.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a rich, contrasting temperature and flavor that perfectly pairs with warm cookies.
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Coffee or Tea: A steaming cup of coffee or spiced chai will elevate your snack time, harmonizing with the cookie’s cozy cinnamon notes.
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Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, a dollop of whipped cream on top brings a touch of elegance and extra sweetness to each bite.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel over the cookies creates a decadent experience, balancing out the apple filling with its buttery sweetness.
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Cheese Platter: Soft cheeses such as brie can introduce a sophisticated savory flavor, providing a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the apple pie cookies.
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Mixed Berries: Fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries add a burst of tartness that beautifully offsets the sweetness of the cookies.
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Apple Cider: Serving these cookies with hot apple cider will amplify the fall experience, enhancing all the warm, spiced flavors of the season.
Storage Tips for Apple Pie Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain their flaky texture and delightful flavor.
Fridge: If you prefer a longer storage option, place the cookies in the fridge, where they can stay fresh for up to 5 days while remaining tantalizingly tasty.
Freezer: For even longer enjoyment, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To enjoy your Apple Pie Cookies fresh, simply reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, restoring their crispy edge and warm filling.
Variations & Substitutions for Apple Pie Cookies
Feel free to mix things up in your kitchen and make these cookies truly your own!
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Fruit Filling Swap: Replace apple pie filling with cherry or blueberry filling for a vibrant twist of flavors. Each fruit brings its unique sweetness that’ll surprise your taste buds!
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Spiced Up: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger into the apple pie filling for an extra layer of cozy fall flavor. These warm spices will create a heartwarming aroma that’ll fill your home while baking.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pie crusts for a delightful alternative that everyone can enjoy. It maintains the delicious flaky texture while ensuring no one feels left out at your gathering.
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Nutty Crunch: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the apple filling for added crunch and depth. The nutty flavor pairs beautifully with the sweet apples, creating a decadent experience.
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Sweet Glaze Drizzle: Drizzle a mixture of powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cookies for a sweet finishing touch. This simple addition will not only make them look fancy but will also elevate their sweetness!
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Chocolate Lover’s Delight: Add chocolate chips to the apple pie filling for a luscious combination of chocolate and apple. The melted chocolate mingles with the spiced apple to create a heavenly taste.
These variations keep your baking fun and exciting while making each batch of Apple Pie Cookies a little different! If you’re looking for more sweet treats, check out these delightful recipes: Festive Cookies Sweet or Double Chocolate Pumpkin Cookies. Enjoy your baking adventure!
Make Ahead Options
These Shortcut Apple Pie Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks who love the convenience of meal prep! You can prepare the cookie bases and cut out the circles up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. Additionally, the apple pie filling can be portioned and refrigerated for up to 3 days, making it easy to assemble them right before baking. To maintain their quality, keep each component covered and separate until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready to serve, simply assemble the cookies with the lattice topping, brush with the egg wash, and bake as directed for delicious results that taste just as fresh!
Shortcut Apple Pie Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of apples are best for apple pie filling?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, opt for a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. This balance of flavors makes the filling more complex and delightful.
How should I store my apple pie cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to 5 days if you want to extend their life a bit. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before storing to maintain their texture.
Can I freeze apple pie cookies?
Yes, you can! After cooling, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container and they’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy edges.
What should I do if my cookies are leaking filling?
Very good question! To prevent leakage, ensure that the apple pie filling does not touch the edges of the pie crust during assembly. If you do experience leakage, check that the lattice strips are pressed firmly into the egg-washed edges to seal them well. If it happens during baking, it’s just a little more deliciousness to savor!
Can I use a gluten-free crust for these apple pie cookies?
Absolutely! If you are gluten-sensitive or have a preference for gluten-free options, many brands offer great pre-made gluten-free pie crusts. Just be sure to check that the filling is also gluten-free, especially if you’re using canned options.
What should I serve with my apple pie cookies?
These delectable cookies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They’re also great with a warm cup of spiced cider or coffee, enhancing the cozy vibe of your fall gatherings!
Irresistible Apple Pie Cookies You Can Make in Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll two pie crusts and cut out circles about 3 inches in diameter, placing them on the baking sheet.
- Fill each circle with 1-2 tablespoons of apple pie filling, leaving a half-inch border.
- Slice the remaining pie crusts into strips and create a lattice pattern over filled circles.
- Beat one egg for an egg wash and brush it around the cookie edges.
- Seal the lattice by pressing the ends into the egg-washed edges and trim excess with the cookie cutter.
- Brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with white sanding sugar.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cookies are golden brown.
- Cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
