Vegan Apple Pie Cookies: The Ultimate Fall Dessert Recipe

Vegan Apple Pie Cookies: Imagine biting into a miniature apple pie, bursting with warm cinnamon spice and sweet, tender apples, all encased in a perfectly crisp, buttery (yet entirely vegan!) cookie. Sounds divine, doesn’t it? These aren’t your average cookies; they’re a delightful twist on a classic dessert, offering all the comforting flavors of apple pie in a convenient, handheld treat.

Apple pie, in its various forms, has been a beloved dessert for centuries, with roots tracing back to European traditions. While the original versions weren’t always sweet, the apple pie we know and love today has become a symbol of home and comfort, especially in American culture. But what if you’re looking for a plant-based alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture?

That’s where these Vegan Apple Pie Cookies come in! People adore this recipe because it captures the essence of apple pie – the sweet and tart apples, the warm spices, the flaky crust – in a fun, portable format. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a quick dessert or a delightful addition to any gathering. The combination of the soft, spiced apple filling and the crisp, buttery cookie creates a textural symphony that’s simply irresistible. Get ready to experience the magic of apple pie in every bite!

Ingredients:

• For the Crust:
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) vegan butter, cold and cubed
• ½ cup vegetable shortening, cold
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water
• For the Apple Filling:
• 6 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
• 2 tablespoons vegan butter, melted
• For the Egg Wash (Vegan):
• 2 tablespoons plant-based milk (such as almond, soy, or oat)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• For the Optional Topping:
• Turbinado sugar, for sprinkling

Preparing the Dough:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This ensures the salt is evenly distributed throughout the dough, which is crucial for flavor and gluten development.
2. Cut in the Fats: Add the cold, cubed vegan butter and vegetable shortening to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the fats into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The key here is to work quickly and keep the fats cold. If the fats melt, the crust will be tough. You should see some pea-sized pieces of butter and shortening remaining. These pockets of fat will create flaky layers in the baked crust.
3. Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Continue adding water until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this will develop the gluten and make the crust tough. The dough should be slightly shaggy but hold together when pressed.
4. Form Disks and Chill: Divide the dough in half and form each half into a disk. Wrap each disk tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time is essential for relaxing the gluten and allowing the fats to solidify, which will result in a tender and flaky crust.

Making the Apple Filling:

1. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small, even pieces. The size of the dice will affect the cooking time, so aim for consistency.
2. Combine Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Toss gently to coat the apples evenly. The flour will help to thicken the filling as it cooks, and the lemon juice will prevent the apples from browning and add a touch of brightness.
3. Melt Vegan Butter: Melt the vegan butter and pour it over the apple mixture. Toss again to combine. The melted butter will add richness and flavor to the filling.

Assembling the Apple Pie Cookies:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a 3-inch round cookie cutter (or any shape you prefer) to cut out circles. Re-roll the scraps to get as many cookies as possible.
3. Fill the Cookies: Place a spoonful of apple filling in the center of each cookie circle. Don’t overfill them, or the filling will spill out during baking. About 1-2 tablespoons of filling per cookie is usually sufficient.
4. Top with Dough: Roll out the second disk of dough and cut out circles as before. Place each circle on top of the filled cookies. Gently press the edges together to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and to ensure a good seal.
5. Vent the Cookies: Use a sharp knife or a toothpick to cut a small vent in the top of each cookie. This will allow steam to escape during baking and prevent the cookies from bursting.
6. Prepare Vegan Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the plant-based milk and maple syrup.
7. Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the cookies with the vegan egg wash. This will give them a golden-brown color and a slightly shiny finish.
8. Sprinkle with Sugar (Optional): Sprinkle the tops of the cookies with turbinado sugar for added sweetness and a crunchy texture.

Baking the Apple Pie Cookies:

1. Bake: Bake the cookies for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
2. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent them from breaking.

Tips for Success:

• Keep Ingredients Cold: The key to a flaky pie crust is to keep the butter and shortening cold. If they melt, the crust will be tough.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten and make the crust tough. Mix just until the dough comes together.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax and the fats to solidify, which will result in a tender and flaky crust.
• Use a Variety of Apples: Using a mix of apple varieties will add complexity to the flavor of the filling.
• Don’t Overfill the Cookies: Overfilling the cookies will cause the filling to spill out during baking.
• Vent the Cookies: Venting the cookies will allow steam to escape during baking and prevent them from bursting.
• Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Adjust the amount of sugar in the filling to your liking. If your apples are very sweet, you may need to reduce the amount of sugar.
• Add Other Spices: Feel free to add other spices to the filling, such as ginger or cardamom.
• Make Ahead: The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month. The filling can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Storage: Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Variations:

• Add Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for added texture and flavor.
• Add Raisins: Add raisins or dried cranberries to the filling for a chewy texture.
• Use Different Shapes: Use different cookie cutters to create different shapes.
• Make Hand Pies: Instead of making individual cookies, you can make larger hand pies. Simply cut out larger circles of dough, fill them with the apple filling, and fold them over to create a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges to seal and bake as directed.
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle vegan caramel sauce over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the apple filling for a subtle kick.
• Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the dough for a brighter flavor.

Enjoy your delicious vegan apple pie cookies! They’re perfect for a fall treat or any time of year.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Vegan Apple Pie Cookies are truly a must-try for anyone craving the comforting flavors of fall, regardless of dietary restrictions. They capture the essence of a warm apple pie in a convenient, handheld form, making them perfect for a quick snack, a lunchbox treat, or a delightful dessert. The combination of the soft, spiced cookie base and the sweet, cinnamon-infused apple filling is simply irresistible. I promise, even the most ardent non-vegans won’t be able to tell the difference!

But what truly sets these cookies apart is their versatility. While they’re absolutely delicious as is, there are so many ways to customize them to your liking.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Warm with a Scoop of Vegan Ice Cream: For an extra decadent treat, try serving these cookies warm with a scoop of your favorite vegan vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. The contrast between the warm cookie and the cold ice cream is heavenly.
* Drizzle with Vegan Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of homemade or store-bought vegan caramel sauce adds a touch of sweetness and richness that complements the apple pie flavors perfectly.
* Add a Sprinkle of Chopped Nuts: For added texture and flavor, sprinkle the cookies with chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds before baking.
* Experiment with Different Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. A pinch of nutmeg or allspice can add a warm, cozy flavor.
* Glaze them! A simple powdered sugar glaze made with plant-based milk and a touch of vanilla extract will add a beautiful sheen and extra sweetness.
* Make them Gluten-Free: Easily adapt this recipe by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to check that all your other ingredients are also gluten-free.
* Apple Variety: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of apples! Granny Smith apples will give a tart contrast to the sweetness, while Honeycrisp apples will add a burst of juicy sweetness. A mix of apple varieties can create a more complex and interesting flavor profile.
* Cookie Butter Swirl: Before baking, swirl a small amount of vegan cookie butter into the apple filling for an extra layer of deliciousness.

I truly believe that these Vegan Apple Pie Cookies are a game-changer. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for sharing (or not!). The aroma that fills your kitchen while they’re baking is enough to make anyone’s day a little brighter.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of these delightful 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 this recipe, please leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out. Did you make any variations? What was your favorite part? Share your photos on social media and tag me – I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy baking! I hope you enjoy this Vegan Apple Pie Cookies recipe as much as I do!