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Apple Pie Cookies: A Cozy Twist on a Classic Dessert

Apple Pie Cookies

These cozy apple pie cookies combine flaky refrigerated pie crust with a thick cinnamon apple filling and a sparkling sugar topping. They make about 12 individual hand pies and are especially delicious served slightly warm.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 1 minute
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cookies
  • 2 crusts, about 14-16 ounces total Refrigerated 9-inch pie crusts
  • 1 Large egg
  • 1 tablespoon Milk or water
  • 2 tablespoons Coarse or granulated sugar
For the Apple Filling
  • 2 about 1 1/2 cups Medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup Packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon All-purpose flour or cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon juice
  • 1/8 teaspoon Salt

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour or cornstarch, lemon juice, and salt.
  2. Cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring often, until the apples are slightly softened and the mixture is thickened. Do not cook the apples until completely mushy, then cool the filling to room temperature.
  3. Unroll the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface and cut approximately 24 rounds, usually 3 to 3 1/2 inches in diameter. Add slits, lattice strips, or decorative shapes to half of the rounds if desired.
  4. Place about 1 tablespoon of cooled filling in the center of 12 pastry rounds. Cover with the remaining rounds, press the edges together, and crimp with a fork; cut one or two vents in solid tops.
  5. Arrange the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes. Whisk the egg with the milk or water, brush the tops, and sprinkle with coarse or granulated sugar.
  6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18-22 minutes, until golden brown and visibly crisp. Cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Cool the apple filling completely before assembling so it does not soften the pastry. Keep the dough cold, avoid overfilling, and leave space between cookies on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Pink Lady, or a tart-sweet combination all work well.