Caramel. Apple pie. Cookies. I struggled to name these at first—are they cookies, mini pies, or bite-sized cobblers? In the end I called them Caramel Apple Pie Cookies, but you can also think of them as apple pie bites. With warm apple, cinnamon, buttery crust, and a drizzle of melted caramel, these little treats smell amazing and taste even better.
Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
With Thanksgiving approaching, I decided to host this year for the first time. My family will be traveling in from out of state and since I’ll be preparing most of the meal, I wanted make-ahead options that still taste homemade. A few weeks earlier we went apple picking, and I made a batch of freezer-friendly apple pie filling that I used in these cookies. They’re a great addition to a holiday spread because you can prepare parts in advance and finish them quickly on the day of the event.
Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
For best results use apple pie filling with diced apples rather than large slices, since each cookie only needs about one tablespoon of filling. If you only have sliced filling, simply chop the slices into smaller pieces so they fit neatly into the pastry cups.
Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
Need More Thanksgiving Inspo? Here are my absolute favorites
Thanksgiving is about comforting, classic dishes that bring people together. If you’re planning a menu, consider these tried-and-true favorites that pair well with the apple pie cookies:
- Roast turkey with crispy skin and juicy meat
- Maple-glazed ham for guests who prefer pork
- Green beans tossed with garlic, breadcrumbs, and toasted almonds
- Soft, homemade crescent rolls or dinner rolls
- Savory ham and cheese scones for a brunch or side option
- Honey-roasted carrots with garlic and thyme
- Deviled eggs for an easy appetizer
- Seasonal sugar cookies to round out the dessert table
Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups apple pie filling (diced apples preferred)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 tablespoon salted butter
- 6 individually wrapped caramel candies, unwrapped and melted
- Special equipment: 3 5/8 inch round cutter and a muffin tin
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Using a 3 5/8 inch round cutter, cut 12 circles from the pie crusts. You will use scraps to make two of the circles.
- Place one circle of dough into each cup of a muffin tin and gently press down to form a shallow cup.
- Fill each pastry cup with about 1 tablespoon of apple pie filling, being careful not to overfill.
- In a small bowl combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the butter with a fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of the crumb mixture over each filled crust.
- Bake for 19–20 minutes, until the crusts are golden and the filling is bubbling slightly.
- While the cookies bake, unwrap the caramels and place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt them according to the package instructions, stirring until smooth.
- When the cookies come out of the oven, drizzle each one with the melted caramel.
- Allow the cookies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then gently remove them using a fork or small spatula.
Notes: If your apple pie filling is made with sliced apples, chop them into smaller pieces so they fit neatly in the pastry cups. These cookies freeze well before baking—assemble them, freeze on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, add a few minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.
Disclosure: This post contains general recommendations and recipe notes. Any affiliate or promotional references have been removed for clarity.