Name: Vegan Apple Pie Cookies
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 37 min
Ingredients: 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled and finely diced); 2 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder; A pinch of salt; 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup vegan butter (or refined coconut oil, softened); ½ cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar); ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Why You’ll Love These Vegan Apple Pie Cookies

Vegan apple pie cookies are more than just a trendy alternative to the classic dessert. They’re:

Deliciously warm and spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg
Soft and chewy, with just the right balance of crispy edges
Stuffed or topped with apple filling that adds moisture and flavor
Made with simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have
A treat you can feel good about sharing with both vegans and non-vegans alike

These cookies are perfect for the holidays, weekend baking, or any time you’re craving something sweet, spiced, and comforting without compromising on your values or dietary choices.

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Ingredients for Vegan Apple Pie Cookies

Before we dive into the recipe, here are the key ingredients you’ll need:

For the Cookie Dough:

All-purpose flour (can sub gluten-free 1:1 blend)
Baking powder and baking soda
Ground cinnamon and nutmeg
Salt
Vegan butter or coconut oil
Brown sugar or coconut sugar
Unsweetened applesauce (acts as an egg substitute)
Vanilla extract

For the Apple Pie Filling:

Fresh apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
Brown sugar or maple syrup
Lemon juice
Ground cinnamon
Cornstarch or arrowroot powder
A pinch of salt

These ingredients work together to create a soft, flavorful cookie dough that pairs beautifully with a warm, gooey apple filling.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Vegan Apple Pie Cookies

1. Prepare the Apple Filling

Start by peeling, coring, and finely dicing your apples. In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the apples, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cook until the apples soften, then stir in cornstarch to thicken the mixture. Allow it to cool completely before using.

2. Make the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream the vegan butter and sugar until fluffy. Add applesauce and vanilla extract, then mix in the dry ingredients gradually until you form a soft dough. Chill the dough for 20–30 minutes to make it easier to handle.

3. Assemble the Cookies

Scoop out the dough and flatten it slightly. Add a spoonful of the cooled apple filling in the center, then either fold and seal (like a filled cookie) or press another disc of dough on top and seal the edges. You can also simply place a small dollop on top for a more rustic look.

4. Bake

Place the cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden. Let them cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

5. Serve

These cookies are best enjoyed warm, when the filling is still soft and gooey. Pair with a hot cup of tea or almond milk for the perfect cozy treat.

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Tips for Perfect Vegan Apple Pie Cookies

Chill the dough: This helps prevent spreading and keeps the cookie shape intact.
Use tart apples: Granny Smith apples hold their shape and offer a nice contrast to the sweet dough.
Don’t overfill: Too much filling can cause leakage and make the cookies soggy.
Spice it up: Add a dash of cardamom or allspice for an extra flavor twist.
Use parchment paper: This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Room temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: Keeps well for 5–6 days in the fridge.
Freezing: Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. You can also freeze the unbaked dough and bake fresh when needed.

FAQs About Vegan Apple Pie Cookies

Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well in this recipe without altering the texture too much.
What apples are best for the filling?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn apples are ideal because they hold their shape and offer a balanced flavor.
Can I use store-bought apple pie filling?
Yes, but check that it’s vegan-friendly and not overly sweetened.
How do I make these oil-free?
You can use unsweetened almond butter or mashed banana in place of vegan butter, but the texture will be slightly different.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge before using.
Can I skip the filling?
Yes. The cookies are still delicious as apple-spiced cookies without the filling, though they won’t have the “apple pie” effect.
Are these cookies kid-friendly?
Definitely! They’re sweet, soft, and filled with familiar flavors.
How do I make them extra chewy?
Use brown sugar instead of white and slightly underbake them for a chewier texture.
Can I add nuts or raisins?
Yes! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or golden raisins add great texture and flavor.
What’s the best way to reheat them?
Warm them in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds.
Are these cookies healthy?
They’re healthier than traditional cookies thanks to plant-based ingredients and minimal processing, but still a treat.
Can I use coconut oil instead of vegan butter?
Yes, use refined coconut oil for a more neutral taste. The result will be slightly crispier.
How long does the apple filling last?
Store extra filling in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze it for later use.
Can I make these into bars instead?
Yes. Press half the dough into a pan, layer with filling, and top with the rest of the dough. Bake longer—about 20–25 minutes.
Can I make this recipe refined sugar-free?
Use coconut sugar or maple syrup in place of refined sugar for a naturally sweetened version.

Final Thoughts

Vegan apple pie cookies are a delightful way to combine the flavors of a classic dessert with the convenience of a grab-and-go snack. They’re warm, comforting, and perfectly spiced—ideal for cozy nights, family gatherings, or a guilt-free indulgence during the holidays. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to try something new, this recipe is sure to impress.

Try them today, and don’t forget to share your results with your friends or blog readers. Once they see how easy and delicious these cookies are, they’ll be asking for the recipe in no time.

Vegan Apple Pie Cookies

These Vegan Apple Pie Cookies are soft, spiced, and bursting with warm apple cinnamon flavor in every bite. Imagine the comforting taste of homemade apple pie wrapped in a chewy, golden cookie that’s both dairy-free and egg-free. Each cookie is filled or topped with gooey apple pie filling, lightly dusted with cinnamon sugar, and baked to perfection. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just craving something sweet and wholesome, these cookies are a plant-based delight that taste as good as they look.

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Prep Time 25

Cook Time 12

Total Time 37

Course Cookies, Dessert

Cuisine American, Vegan

Servings 18 cookies

Ingredients

For the Apple Pie Filling:

2 medium apples Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled and finely diced
2 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder
A pinch of salt

For the Cookie Dough:

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup vegan butter or refined coconut oil, softened
½ cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Apple Pie Filling

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine diced apples, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to coat.
Cook for about 5–7 minutes until apples are tender but not mushy.
Mix in the cornstarch and stir until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, cream the vegan butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
Add applesauce and vanilla extract, mixing well.
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir until a soft dough forms.
Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble the Cookies

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough, flatten it slightly, and add a small spoonful of cooled apple filling in the center.
Cover with another small piece of dough or simply press more dough around the edges to seal.
Optional: Sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top for extra flavor.