If you have a soft spot for all things apple and love the cozy, comforting flavors of your favorite Dutch apple pie, then the Dutch Apple Pie Cookies Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine bite-sized cookies packed with tender apples, just the right hint of cinnamon, and a crumbly oat topping that mimics that classic pie crust texture. This recipe captures all the warmth and nostalgia of a traditional Dutch apple pie but in a fun, portable cookie form that’s perfect for sharing or savoring anytime you crave a sweet treat that feels like home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each playing a vital role in building the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your Dutch Apple Pie Cookies Recipe. Fresh apples bring brightness, while the spices and sugars create warm, inviting notes. The oats and flour combine to give you that crumbly, buttery topping that makes these cookies so addictive.
- 1 pie dough (refrigerated): The base that provides a flaky, buttery cookie structure.
- 5 granny smith apples: Crisp and tart apples that keep each bite fresh and tangy.
- 1/4 cup sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to balance the tartness of the apples.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Warm spice that’s classic in apple desserts.
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (fresh): Keeps apples from browning and adds a fresh zing.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch: Helps to thicken the apple filling.
- 2 1/4 cup flour: Key to the cookie’s structure and crumb.
- 2/3 cup packed brown sugar: Brings a rich, caramel-like sweetness.
- 2/3 cup sugar: Balances with clean, sweet notes.
- 2/3 cup old fashioned oats: Adds texture and that classic crumbly topping feel.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
- 3/4 cup + 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted): Provides moisture and richness for the crumble topping and dough.
How to Make Dutch Apple Pie Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
Start by peeling, coring, and dicing your Granny Smith apples into small, even pieces. Toss them with the fresh lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch in a bowl. This combination ensures your apples stay bright and hold their shape while the cinnamon and sugar develop that classic Dutch apple flavor.
Step 2: Roll Out the Pie Dough
Take your refrigerated pie dough and roll it out onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Aim for an even thickness so that every cookie will bake uniformly. This dough will act as the sturdy but tender base for your delicious apple filling.
Step 3: Assemble the Cookies
Evenly spread the apple mixture over the rolled-out dough, making sure to distribute the filling so each cookie has plenty of that juicy apple goodness. This step is where the magic really starts to come together, hinting at the sweet and spiced treats to come.
Step 4: Prepare the Crumble Topping
Mix together the flour, brown sugar, sugar, oats, salt, and melted butter until crumbly but combined. This topping adds that trademark Dutch crumble texture that perfectly complements the tender apples below. Sprinkle this generous crumble evenly over the apple layer.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your assembled Dutch Apple Pie Cookies Recipe in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 35 to 38 minutes or until the crumble is golden and the filling is bubbling with cozy goodness. Once baked, let it cool slightly before slicing into 30 cookies that will surely become a family favorite.
How to Serve Dutch Apple Pie Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce takes these cookies from delightful to downright irresistible. A sprig of fresh mint can add a lovely contrast and a pop of color that makes the plate feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic pairing that’s simply divine. For a festive brunch, they pair beautifully with a hot cup of spiced chai or freshly brewed coffee.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, arrange Dutch Apple Pie Cookies Recipe on a rustic wooden board with other fall-inspired treats like spiced nuts and dried cranberries. You can also stack them as a charming centerpiece dessert tower or wrap individually in parchment paper tied with twine for lovely homemade gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Dutch Apple Pie Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps preserve their moist filling and crumbly topping without losing any of that homemade charm.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. When ready, thaw at room temperature and enjoy a quick treat anytime.
Reheating
To bring your Dutch Apple Pie Cookies Recipe back to their fresh-baked glory, warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. This refreshes the crumble topping and gently softens the apple filling for a delightful experience every time.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples offer the perfect balance of tartness, you can experiment with Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala for a sweeter twist, just keep an eye on baking times as sweetness changes the moisture content.
Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and substitute oats labeled gluten-free. This ensures everyone can enjoy the Dutch Apple Pie Cookies Recipe without compromising taste.
Can I prepare the dough and filling ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the dough and apple filling a day in advance. Keep the dough refrigerated and assemble right before baking for the freshest results.
What’s the best way to prevent the apples from getting soggy?
Using cornstarch in the filling helps thicken the juices released during baking, keeping the apples tender but not soggy. Also, make sure to thinly slice apples for even cooking.
Can I make mini Dutch Apple Pie Cookies Recipe using a muffin tin?
Yes, using a muffin tin to portion the dough and filling can create adorable mini versions. Just reduce baking time slightly and watch for golden crumble tops to know when they’re ready.
Final Thoughts
I wholeheartedly encourage you to try the Dutch Apple Pie Cookies Recipe because it’s a delightful twist on a classic favorite that brings joy with every bite. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or just treating yourself, these cookies are a warm hug in dessert form, perfect for any occasion or quiet moment at home.
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Dutch Apple Pie Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 38 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 8 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Dutch Apple Pie Cookies combine the classic flavors of a Dutch apple pie into a delightful cookie form. Featuring a crisp and flaky pie dough base, tender apple chunks coated in cinnamon and lemon juice, and a sweet, crumbly oat topping, these cookies offer a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. Ideal for fall gatherings or anytime you crave a comforting treat inspired by traditional apple pie.
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 5 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Cookie Dough
- 1 refrigerated pie dough (about 9-inch size)
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
Crumb Topping
- 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 2/3 cup old fashioned oats
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup + 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Apple Filling: Peel, core, and dice the Granny Smith apples into small pieces. In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples with sugar, ground cinnamon, fresh lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss everything together to coat the apples evenly and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Roll Out the Pie Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the refrigerated pie dough to approximately 1/8 inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles suitable for cookie bases. Place these dough circles onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Add Filling to Dough Bases: Spoon a small amount of the prepared apple filling onto the center of each dough circle, making sure not to overfill to prevent spilling during baking.
- Mix the Crumb Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, sugar, old fashioned oats, a pinch of salt, and melted unsalted butter. Mix thoroughly until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Top the Cookies: Generously sprinkle the crumb topping over the apple filling on each cookie, ensuring the filling is covered well to get that classic Dutch crumble finish.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 35 to 38 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples for their tartness and firm texture that holds up well during baking.
- Chilling the pie dough before rolling helps in achieving a flakier texture.
- You can prepare the apple filling a few hours ahead and refrigerate to let the flavors develop more intensely.
- If you prefer a softer crumble topping, reduce the oats slightly.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
