Dutch Apple Pie Cookies

Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie that bursts with spiced apple flavor, topped with a buttery crumb that melts in your mouth. Yep, that’s a Dutch Apple Pie Cookie for you. It’s like your grandma’s apple pie decided to party with a snickerdoodle. The result? Pure autumn magic.

History and Origin

The Roots of Apple Pie

Apple pie has been a symbol of American tradition, but it actually dates back to England. Over time, every culture has given it a little twist.

How Cookies Entered the Scene

Cookies, being the portable, pop-in-your-mouth treat, started stealing the spotlight in modern baking. Combining cookies and apple pie? That’s what we call a win-win.

What Makes Them “Dutch”?

Dutch Apple Pie vs Classic Apple Pie

A traditional apple pie usually has a top crust. Dutch apple pie? It ditches that top crust for a sweet, crumbly streusel topping. So, it’s more texture, more flavor, and way more fun.

Signature Crumb Topping

Think brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, and flour coming together in a delicious, buttery crumble that crowns your cookies with perfection.

Key Ingredients Overview

Apples – Best Varieties for Baking

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn apples work best. They hold up well and balance the sweet and tart vibes.

Cookie Dough Base

A sugar cookie base acts as the perfect vehicle for all the apple goodness.

The Crumbly Topping

Butter, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon – the holy quartet of comfort.

Spices That Bring the Fall Flavor

Cinnamon, nutmeg, and a dash of cloves make these cookies smell like a candle and taste like a cozy evening.

Tools and Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Baking sheet

• Parchment paper

• Apple peeler & corer

• Cookie scoop or spoon

Pro tip: Use a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup and perfect bottoms every time.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

Peel, core, and dice about 2 cups of apples. Cook with a bit of butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a splash of lemon juice until tender.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

Cream together butter and sugar, then add eggs and vanilla. Slowly mix in the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt.

Step 3: Craft the Crumb Topping

In a separate bowl, blend cold butter with flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon using a fork or pastry cutter until crumbly.

Step 4: Assemble the Cookies

Scoop dough onto the baking sheet, flatten slightly, spoon a small amount of apple filling in the center, and top with the crumb mixture.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes. Let them cool (if you can resist).

Baking Tips for Beginners

• Don’t overload with apples – it’ll make the cookies soggy.

• Let the apple filling cool before topping the dough.

• Chill the dough before baking for a thicker, chewier texture.

Flavor Variations

Caramel Apple Twist

Drizzle some caramel over the top right after baking. You’ll thank yourself later.

Nutty Additions: Walnuts & Pecans

Chopped nuts in the crumb topping? Chef’s kiss.

Vegan or Gluten-Free Options

Swap butter for vegan butter, eggs for flax eggs, and use almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly batch.

Serving Suggestions

• Warm them up and serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

• Enjoy with a hot cup of spiced cider or pumpkin latte.

• Serve on a rustic wooden tray for that farmhouse chic vibe.

Storage and Shelf Life

Best Ways to Store Fresh Cookies

Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days.

Can You Freeze Them?

Yep! Freeze them baked or unbaked for up to 3 months. Just thaw and warm before serving.

Making in Bulk for Parties or Gifting

Scaling the Recipe Up

Double or triple the recipe with no problem – just make sure your mixing bowl is big enough!

Wrapping for Gifting

Wrap in parchment, tie with twine, and add a handwritten tag for that charming homemade gift.

Why Everyone Loves These Cookies

They’re nostalgic, comforting, and ridiculously good. Kids love them, adults hoard them, and neighbors might start knocking on your door for more.

Dutch Apple Pie Cookies vs Apple Hand Pies

Texture and Flavor Differences

Cookies are soft and chewy with that golden crumble; hand pies are flaky and filled. Both rock, but cookies win the convenience award.

Which One’s Easier to Make?

Dutch apple pie cookies, hands down. Less fuss, no rolling dough for crusts.

Nutritional Information

One cookie has about 180-220 calories depending on size and toppings.

Healthier Ingredient Swaps

Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar, Greek yogurt for butter (in dough), or applesauce as a sweetener substitute.

Dutch Apple Pie Cookies

Print Recipe

These Dutch Apple Pie Cookies combine the warm, cozy flavors of classic apple pie with the soft chewiness of a cookie. Featuring a sugar cookie base, spiced apple filling, and a crumbly streusel topping, they’re the perfect fall treat that feels homemade and comforting with every bite.

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Apple Filling:

• 2 cups diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1 tsp lemon juice

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ¼ tsp salt

For the Crumb Topping:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• ¼ cup unsalted butter (cold, diced)

• 1 tsp cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
   In a small saucepan, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook for 5–7 minutes until apples are soft but not mushy. Set aside to cool.

3. Make the Cookie Dough:
   In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg and vanilla. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until fully incorporated.

4. Make the Crumb Topping:
   In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter with a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture is crumbly.

5. Assemble the Cookies:
   Scoop cookie dough onto the baking sheet. Slightly flatten each cookie and create a small well in the center using your thumb or spoon. Fill with a spoonful of apple filling and sprinkle generously with crumb topping.

6. Bake:
   Bake for 12–15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

• Author: Aida
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie

Conclusion

Dutch Apple Pie Cookies are a game-changer. They bring the warmth of fall into every bite, without the hassle of making a full pie. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, gifting a batch, or just treating yourself, this recipe will become a forever favorite in your kitchen. So roll up those sleeves, preheat that oven, and let’s turn your home into a bakery full of irresistible smells and flavors.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned apple pie filling?
Yes, in a pinch – just dice it smaller so it sits well on the cookie.

2. What if I don’t have a cookie cutter?
No problem. Just roll into balls and flatten with your fingers or a glass.

3. Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Absolutely. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for future use.

4. How do I make these vegan?
Swap butter with vegan butter and eggs with flaxseed eggs (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water per egg).

5. Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is best for texture, but if you like the skin, go ahead and leave it on – it’s your cookie adventure!