As autumn's chill begins to bite at the air, I often find myself longing for cozy moments filled with the sweet scents of the season. One delightful discovery that has become a staple in my kitchen is these Dutch Apple Pie Cookies. Imagine buttery pie crust cradling a warm, spiced apple filling bursting with flavor, topped off with a crunchy brown sugar oat streusel. They are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the senses!
The best part? You can whip these up using pre-made pastry for a quick and delicious dessert that impresses at any gathering. Whether it's a festive Thanksgiving feast or a simple family dinner after a day of apple picking, these cookies are your go-to option. Join me in celebrating the essence of fall with a recipe that’s as easy to bake as it is to savor. Let’s get started!
Why Are Dutch Apple Pie Cookies So Irresistible?
Comforting Flavors: These cookies perfectly combine sweet and tart apples, caramelized to create a warm, inviting taste that screams fall.
Easy Preparation: Using pre-made pie crust options means you can enjoy these treats without the fuss of starting from scratch!
Kid-Friendly Fun: Baking these cookies together makes for a fun family activity, perfect for little hands to help with filling and topping.
Versatile Variations: With options to customize your filling, such as adding nuts or swapping apples for pears, the possibilities are endless.
Impressive Yet Simple: They look stunning plated, making them a beautiful addition to any autumn gathering, without requiring advanced baking skills.
Dutch Apple Pie Cookies Ingredients
For the Pie Crust
- Pie Crust – Provides a buttery base for the cookies; can use store-bought or a homemade pie crust for freshness.
For the Apple Filling
- Apples – Offers sweetness and texture with a hint of tartness; Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are excellent choices—peel, core, and finely dice them.
- Sugar – Enhances sweetness in the apple filling; regular granulated sugar works well.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Balances sweetness with acidity; replace with fresh lemon juice if unavailable.
- Corn Starch – Thickens the apple mixture for a satisfying filling; this ingredient is essential for the right texture.
For the Streusel Topping
- Brown Sugar – Adds depth and richness to the streusel topping; light or dark brown sugar can be used—the darker the sugar, the richer the flavor.
- Oats – Provides crunch and texture in the streusel; rolled oats are recommended for chewiness.
- Melted Butter – Binds the streusel ingredients together for a crumbly topping; ensure it's unsalted for balanced flavor.
These delightful Dutch Apple Pie Cookies are a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of fall. Happy baking!
How to Make Dutch Apple Pie Cookies
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a muffin tin by spraying it with baking spray to prevent sticking.
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Roll out the pie dough on a floured surface, then cut it into 2-inch circles. Place each circle into the prepared muffin wells, forming a lovely cookie base.
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Prepare the apples by peeling, coring, and finely dicing them, then set them aside to keep them fresh and ready for mixing.
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Cook the diced apples in a medium saucepan over medium heat with sugar, apple cider vinegar, and corn starch. Stir and let simmer for about 15 minutes until the apples begin to soften and the mixture thickens.
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Fill each pie crust with a tablespoon of the warm apple filling, ensuring even distribution among all the cookie bases for delightful bites.
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Mix the streusel topping by combining flour, brown sugar, oats, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Pour in the melted butter and stir until everything is well combined and crumbly.
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Top each cookie with a generous tablespoon of the streusel mixture, pressing it gently on top of the apple filling to secure it in place.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 17-19 minutes or until the streusel is golden brown and adds a delicious crunch to your cookies.
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Cool them in the muffin tin for about 10 minutes before gently removing and transferring to a wire rack. Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra touch if desired!
Optional: Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon on top before serving for an extra burst of flavor!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Dutch Apple Pie Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative and make these cookies your own with these delightful twists!
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Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel for a delightful crunch that complements the apple filling perfectly. The nutty flavor pairs beautifully with the warm spices!
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Pear-ific Swap: Replace apples with ripe pears for a softer, sweeter filling that brings a new flavor profile to your cookies. Perfect for those who enjoy a different fruit twist!
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Spicy Surprise: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the apple filling to elevate the aromatic experience. This added warmth creates a cozy, inviting scent while baking!
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Maple Syrup Drizzle: Swap granulated sugar for maple syrup in the apple filling to impart a rich, earthy sweetness. So simple, yet this tiny change creates a remarkable depth of flavor!
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Cinnamon Sugar Twist: Before baking, sprinkle the tops with a cinnamon sugar mixture for an extra layer of sweetness and crunch. Just imagine that sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen!
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Berry Boost: Toss in a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries with the apple mixture for a pop of color and a tangy twist. The berries burst with flavor, complementing the apples wonderfully!
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Coconut Flakes: Incorporate shredded coconut into your streusel topping for a subtle tropical flavor that brings a delightful chewiness. Every bite will remind you of sunny days!
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Heat It Up: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeño to the apple filling for a surprising kick! This spicy twist adds an exciting contrast to the sweetness of the apples.
What to Serve with Dutch Apple Pie Cookies?
These delightful treats are perfect for sharing moments and creating memories around the table, making any occasion a little sweeter.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture wonderfully complements the warm, spiced cookies, creating a cozy dessert experience.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle over your cookies for an extra layer of indulgence that enhances the apple flavor beautifully.
- Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, it adds a delightful contrast to the crunchy streusel topping.
- Hot Apple Cider: Embrace the fall spirit with a warm drink that echoes the flavors of the cookies, making it a perfect cozy pairing.
- Coffee or Tea: The rich flavors help balance the sweetness of the cookies, providing a beautiful finish to your dessert course.
- Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: A sprinkle adds extra warmth and spice, enhancing the cookie experience without overpowering it.
A dessert platter featuring these cookies alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a stunning visual and flavor feast!
Tips for the Best Dutch Apple Pie Cookies
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Perfect Pie Crust: Use a chilled pie crust to prevent shrinking during baking. This ensures a neatly shaped cookie and flaky texture.
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Apples Matter: Choose a sweet-tart apple like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor. Avoid mushy varieties that won’t hold up well in the filling.
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Don’t Skip Corn Starch: It’s essential for thickening the apple mixture; omit it at your own risk, as it will result in a runny filling.
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Mind the Streusel: Keep an eye on the streusel while baking to prevent it from becoming too dark. A golden-brown color is ideal for that perfect crunch.
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Cool Correctly: Allow the cookies to cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them set properly, avoiding breakage.
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Serving Suggestion: Pair your Dutch Apple Pie Cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat!
How to Store and Freeze Dutch Apple Pie Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their delightful taste and texture.
Fridge: If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Warm them slightly before enjoying!
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy frozen Dutch Apple Pie Cookies, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.
Make Ahead Options
These Dutch Apple Pie Cookies are a fantastic choice for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the pie crusts and apple filling up to 24 hours in advance. Simply roll out the pie dough and place it in the muffin tin, then refrigerate it. For the apple filling, cook the diced apples and let them cool before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, fill each crust with the apple mixture, top with the streusel, and bake as directed. This way, you'll have delicious, homemade cookies with minimal effort, allowing you to enjoy cozy moments without the rush!
Dutch Apple Pie Cookies Recipe FAQs
What types of apples are best for Dutch Apple Pie Cookies?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. They balance sweetness with a hint of tartness, making your filling burst with flavor. Just peel, core, and finely dice them before use!
How should I store my Dutch Apple Pie Cookies?
You can keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you're planning to enjoy them even longer, they’ll stay fresh for about 5 days in the fridge. Just remember to warm them a bit before serving to restore their delightful gooeyness!
Can I freeze Dutch Apple Pie Cookies?
Yes! For freezing, place your cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and pop them into the freezer until solid. This step prevents them from sticking together. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last for up to 3 months. When you're ready for a treat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.
What common issues should I be aware of when making these cookies?
Very! One common issue is the filling being too runny. This can happen if you skip the corn starch, which thickens the apple mixture. Always use it for the best results! Additionally, keep an eye on your streusel while baking to avoid over-browning.
Are there any dietary considerations for Dutch Apple Pie Cookies?
These cookies can be made to accommodate different dietary needs. If you or someone you're serving has a gluten sensitivity, substitute the pie crust and flour in the streusel with gluten-free alternatives. As for allergies, be cautious about the oats in the streusel—make sure they are certified gluten-free if needed! Always double-check the labels on your ingredients to ensure everyone can enjoy these delightful treats.
Irresistibly Gooey Dutch Apple Pie Cookies (with Video)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a muffin tin by spraying it with baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Roll out the pie dough on a floured surface, then cut it into 2-inch circles. Place each circle into the prepared muffin wells, forming a lovely cookie base.
- Prepare the apples by peeling, coring, and finely dicing them, then set them aside.
- Cook the diced apples in a medium saucepan over medium heat with sugar, apple cider vinegar, and corn starch. Stir and let simmer for about 15 minutes until the apples begin to soften and the mixture thickens.
- Fill each pie crust with a tablespoon of the warm apple filling, ensuring even distribution among all the cookie bases.
- Mix the streusel topping by combining flour, brown sugar, oats, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Pour in the melted butter and stir until everything is well combined and crumbly.
- Top each cookie with a generous tablespoon of the streusel mixture, pressing it gently on top of the apple filling.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 17-19 minutes or until the streusel is golden brown.
- Cool them in the muffin tin for about 10 minutes before gently removing and transferring to a wire rack.
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