Vegan Apple Pie Cookies: The Ultimate Fall Treat

Vegan Apple Pie Cookies, a delightful twist on a classic dessert, are about to become your new favorite treat! Imagine biting into a warm, soft cookie that bursts with the comforting flavors of apple pie – the sweet cinnamon, the tender apples, and that hint of spice that makes everything feel cozy. But here’s the best part: these little gems are completely vegan, meaning everyone can enjoy them!

Apple pie itself has a rich history, evolving from early European pies with unsavory fillings to the beloved dessert we know today. It symbolizes home, comfort, and tradition, particularly in American culture. These Vegan Apple Pie Cookies capture that same essence in a convenient, portable form.

What makes these cookies so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures – the soft, chewy cookie base, the tender chunks of apple, and the subtle crunch of a sprinkle of sugar on top. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dessert or a fun baking project with the kids. The warm, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake is an added bonus! Get ready to experience the magic of apple pie in every bite-sized cookie!

Ingredients:

• For the Cookie Dough:
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) vegan butter, cold and cubed
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2-3 tablespoons plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat milk work well)
• For the Apple Pie Filling:
• 3 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• For the Optional Glaze:
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons plant-based milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparing the Apple Pie Filling:

1. Combine the Apples and Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, gently toss the diced apples with the granulated sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure the apples are evenly coated with the mixture. This will help thicken the filling as it cooks and prevent it from being too watery.
2. Cook the Apple Filling: Transfer the apple mixture to a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are softened and the filling has thickened. This usually takes about 8-12 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the apples are tender and the liquid has reduced to a syrupy consistency. Be careful not to overcook the apples, as they will continue to soften in the oven.
3. Cool the Filling: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the apple filling cool completely. This is important because if you use warm filling, it will melt the cookie dough and make the cookies difficult to handle. You can speed up the cooling process by spreading the filling out on a plate or in a shallow dish.

Making the Cookie Dough:

1. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisking ensures that the baking powder and baking soda are evenly distributed, which is crucial for the cookies to rise properly.
2. Cream Vegan Butter and Sugars: In a separate large bowl, using an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer), cream together the cold, cubed vegan butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Make sure the vegan butter is cold, as this will help create a tender cookie. Scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally will ensure that everything is evenly mixed.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the vanilla extract and applesauce until well combined. The applesauce adds moisture and a subtle apple flavor to the cookies.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.
5. Add Plant-Based Milk: If the dough seems too dry, add plant-based milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. You want a dough that is firm but not sticky.
6. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, and wrap each disc in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven and makes them easier to handle.

Assembling and Baking the Cookies:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
2. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use a 3-inch round cookie cutter (or any shape you prefer) to cut out cookies.
3. Place Dough on Baking Sheet: Carefully transfer the cut-out cookies to the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
4. Add Apple Pie Filling: Place a small spoonful (about 1-2 teaspoons) of the cooled apple pie filling in the center of each cookie. Be careful not to overfill the cookies, as the filling may spill out during baking.
5. Top with More Dough (Optional): If you want to make these into sandwich cookies, roll out the second disc of dough and cut out the same number of cookies as before. Place these on top of the filling, gently pressing the edges to seal. You can also use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and to ensure a good seal. If you prefer, you can skip this step and leave the filling exposed.
6. Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on the cookies, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
7. Cool the Cookies: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Optional Glaze:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, plant-based milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more plant-based milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the cookies but thin enough to drizzle.
2. Glaze the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top of each cookie. You can use a spoon, a fork, or a piping bag to apply the glaze.
3. Let the Glaze Set: Let the glaze set completely before serving or storing the cookies. This usually takes about 30 minutes.

Tips for Perfect Vegan Apple Pie Cookies:

• Use Cold Vegan Butter: Cold vegan butter is essential for creating a tender and flaky cookie dough. Make sure the butter is cold right before you start creaming it with the sugars.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven and makes them easier to handle.
• Cool the Filling Completely: Using warm filling can melt the cookie dough and make the cookies difficult to handle. Make sure the filling is completely cool before assembling the cookies.
• Adjust Sweetness to Taste: You can adjust the amount of sugar in the filling and the dough to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the amount of sugar slightly.
• Experiment with Different Apples: Different types of apples will give the filling a slightly different flavor and texture. Try using a combination of apples for a more complex flavor.
• Add a Pinch of Salt to the Filling: A pinch of salt in the filling helps to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
• Store Properly: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you glaze the cookies, they may become slightly softer over time.

Variations:

• Add Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cookie dough or the apple pie filling for added texture and flavor.
• Use Different Spices: Experiment with different spices, such as cardamom, ginger, or allspice, to create a unique flavor profile.
• Make Mini Cookies: Use a smaller cookie cutter to make mini cookies, which are perfect for parties or snacks.
• Add Oats: Add rolled oats to the cookie dough for a chewier texture.
• Use a Different Glaze: Try using a maple glaze or a lemon glaze instead of the vanilla glaze.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Vegan Apple Pie Cookies are truly a must-try for anyone craving the warm, comforting flavors of apple pie in a convenient, handheld form. They’re incredibly easy to make, surprisingly healthy, and bursting with that classic apple cinnamon goodness we all know and love. What’s not to adore?

I know what you might be thinking: “Vegan cookies? Can they really be as good as the real thing?” And to that, I say, absolutely! The combination of the soft, chewy cookie base, the sweet and spiced apple filling, and that optional (but highly recommended!) drizzle of maple glaze creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will have even the most dedicated dairy-lover reaching for seconds. Trust me, you won’t miss the butter or eggs one bit.

But the best part about these cookies, besides their deliciousness, is their versatility. Feel free to get creative and put your own spin on them!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Warm and Cozy: Serve them warm straight from the oven with a scoop of your favorite vegan vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm cookie and the cold ice cream is simply divine.
* Breakfast Treat: Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast treat. They’re the perfect way to start your day on a sweet note.
* Lunchbox Surprise: Pack them in your kids’ lunchboxes for a healthy and delicious surprise. They’re sure to be a hit!
* Holiday Baking: These cookies are a fantastic addition to any holiday baking spread. They’re a crowd-pleaser and a great alternative for those with dietary restrictions.
* Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the apple filling for an extra layer of warmth and spice.
* Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the cookies before baking for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
* Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the cookie dough for a bright and zesty twist.
* Chocolate Chips: Fold in some vegan chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a decadent and irresistible treat.
* Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version of these cookies. Just be sure to use a blend that is designed for baking.
* Cookie Sandwiches: Use two cookies to sandwich a scoop of vegan ice cream or frosting for an extra special treat.

I truly believe that these Vegan Apple Pie Cookies will become a new favorite in your household. They’re the perfect treat for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dessert, a healthy snack, or a festive holiday treat.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible cookies. I’m confident that you’ll love them as much as I do.

And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Once you’ve tried the recipe, please share your photos and comments with me. Let me know what variations you tried and how they turned out. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me to continue creating delicious and accessible recipes for everyone to enjoy. Happy baking! I can’t wait to see your creations!