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.
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.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve warm with a cup of tea, dairy-free milk, or just as is. They’re comforting, cozy, and impossible to resist.