As a seasoned baker, I’ve discovered that combining two beloved desserts – soft cookies and warm apple pie – creates an irresistible treat that captures the essence of fall baking. These Apple Pie Cookie Bites feature a buttery cookie exterior filled with tender, spiced apples and rolled in a crunchy cinnamon-nut coating. The recipe transforms traditional apple pie flavors into convenient, portable bites that are perfect for holiday gatherings, bake sales, or simply enjoying with afternoon tea.
Why This Recipe Works
The secret to these exceptional cookie bites lies in the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The cookie dough is specifically formulated to wrap easily around the filling while maintaining its shape during baking. The apple filling is pre-cooked to ensure the perfect consistency and prevent any unwanted moisture from seeping into the cookie dough. The final roll in cinnamon-sugar and nuts adds a delightful crunch and extra warmth from the spices.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (230g) butter, softened to room temperature
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (165g) packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 medium apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and finely diced
- 2 tablespoons (30g) butter
- ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
For the Coating:
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ cup (50g) finely chopped walnuts or pecans
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Apple Filling:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it begins to foam.
- Add the finely diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender but still hold their shape.
- Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate until completely cooled.
Making the Cookie Dough:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- In a large bowl using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter with both sugars for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
Assembly and Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the coating ingredients: granulated sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts.
- Take approximately 1 tablespoon of chilled cookie dough and flatten into a disc.
- Place a small spoonful (about 1 teaspoon) of cooled apple filling in the center.
- Carefully wrap the cookie dough around the filling, ensuring it’s completely sealed.
- Roll into a ball and coat thoroughly in the cinnamon-sugar-nut mixture.
- Place on prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cookie Bites
- Ensure the apple pieces are cut uniformly small for even cooking and easy wrapping
- Don’t skip chilling the dough – it makes it much easier to work with
- If the dough becomes too soft while working, return it to the refrigerator for a few minutes
- Use a light hand when sealing the cookies to maintain their tender texture
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing to maintain their texture
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days
- Freeze unbaked cookie balls for up to 3 months
- Bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time
Nutritional Information
(Per cookie bite, based on 24 servings)
- Calories: 225
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 145mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 2g
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 24-30 cookie bites
These Apple Pie Cookie Bites are the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of apple pie in a convenient, hand-held form. Whether served at a fall gathering, packed in lunch boxes, or enjoyed as an after-dinner treat, they’re sure to become a family favorite.
