As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, my kitchen fills with the irresistible scent of freshly baked treats. That’s when I found myself craving the warm, familiar flavors of fall. So, I decided to whip up something truly special: Chewy Vegan Apple Pie Cookies! These delightful morsels capture the essence of classic apple pie within a chewy cookie, blending a spiced dough with a luscious homemade apple filling that’s bound to make every bite a comforting experience.
What makes these cookies even better is that they’re completely vegan, eggless, and dairy-free—perfect for those times when you want something sweet without the guilt. The star of this recipe is the Honeycrisp apple, which not only adds a pop of natural sweetness but also enhances the cookie’s texture. Whether you’re cozied up with a cup of tea or sharing them at a gathering, these cookies promise to bring a slice of fall joy right to your table. Let’s dive into this heartwarming recipe and transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary!
Why love Chewy Vegan Apple Pie Cookies?
Unforgettable flavor: Each bite offers a delightful blend of spiced cookie and gooey apple filling that will transport you to a cozy autumn day.
Vegan and guilt-free:Enjoy all the indulgence without compromising your dietary choices—these cookies are eggless and dairy-free!
Baking made simple: With easy-to-follow steps, you’ll whip up these treats quickly, perfect for even novice bakers.
Crowd-pleaser: Serve warm to delight family and friends at gatherings, or enjoy them solo with a comforting cup of tea.
Customizable options: Feel free to swap in different apples or spices to make this recipe uniquely yours! For more cozy desserts, check out our delicious Vegan Pumpkin Spice Muffins.
Chewy Vegan Apple Pie Cookies Ingredients
For the Apple Filling
• Honeycrisp Apple – Provides natural sweetness and texture; peel and chop into small chunks for ideal consistency.
• Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and depth of flavor, enhancing the apple pie essence.
• Vegan Butter – Mimics traditional butter for a luscious filling; can substitute with other plant-based butters.
• Lemon Juice – Balances the sweetness and enhances the apple flavor.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice – Infuses warm, comforting spice notes into the filling.
For the Cookie Dough
• Ground Flax Seed – Acts as a vegan egg substitute to bind the dough.
• All-Purpose Flour – The structural base for the cookies; can swap with gluten-free flour as a perfect alternative.
• Baking Powder – Ensures the cookies rise for that chewy texture.
• Salt – Enhances the overall flavor balance of the cookie dough.
• Vegan Butter – Provides the needed fat to create a rich cookie; any plant-based butter works great!
• Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and a caramel-like depth; perfect for that comforting cookie taste.
For Topping
• Granulated Sugar – Rolling the cookie dough balls in sugar gives a lovely sweet crust for added texture.
These Chewy Vegan Apple Pie Cookies promise an irresistible fall treat that everyone can enjoy!
How to Make Chewy Vegan Apple Pie Cookies
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Prepare the Apple Pie Filling: In a saucepan, mix together the chopped Honeycrisp apple, lemon juice, brown sugar, vegan butter, and pumpkin pie spice. Cook over medium heat until bubbling, then stir in a cornstarch slurry and simmer until thickened. Set aside to cool.
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Make the Cookie Dough: Cream the vegan butter with brown sugar until fluffy. Add the ground flax seed (flax egg) and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until a thick, well-combined dough forms.
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Chill Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This chilling step is essential for achieving the perfect cookie texture.
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Shape Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Scoop chilled dough into small balls, roll in granulated sugar, and create an indent in the center of each with your thumb. Fill each indent with the cooled apple pie filling.
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Bake: Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking tray and bake for 14-16 minutes, until the edges are crisp and lightly golden. Allow them to cool on a wire rack before enjoying.
Optional: Serve warm with a scoop of vegan ice cream for a delightful twist!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Chewy Vegan Apple Pie Cookies Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine as you explore these fun twists on the classic recipe!
- Apple Swap: Use Granny Smith apples for a tart contrast that balances the sweetness of the filling beautifully.
- Nutty Delight: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans into the cookie dough for a delightful crunch and added flavor. These nuts add a warm depth, making each bite even more satisfying.
- Spice It Up: Adjust the spices by adding extra cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg for an aromatic boost. This simple tweak can elevate your cookies to a whole new level of warmth.
- Choco-Lover’s Twist: Add vegan chocolate chips to the dough for a rich, decadent surprise inside each cookie. Chocolate and apple is a classic pairing that elevates flavors wonderfully.
- Coconut Flair: Substitute half of the flour with desiccated coconut for an exotic texture and taste that complements the apple filling. This tropical twist brings an unexpected yet pleasing flavor profile.
- Maple Sweetness: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup for a more complex sweetness in both the cookie and filling. The maple flavor harmonizes delightfully with the apples and spices.
- Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to keep everyone at the table happy without compromising taste. They’ll be just as chewy and flavorful!
- Heat It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes to the apple filling for a surprising kick that pairs well with the sweetness! Balancing heat with sweetness creates a unique flavor explosion.
Let the baking adventure begin!
Expert Tips for Chewy Vegan Apple Pie Cookies
• Chill the Dough: It’s crucial to chill the dough to prevent overly flat cookies; this step helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
• Avoid Overfilling: When adding the apple filling, don’t overfill the indents. Too much filling can cause spillage during baking, leading to messy cookies.
• Use Fresh Apples: For the best texture and flavor, opt for fresh Honeycrisp apples. They provide the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch for your chewy Vegan Apple Pie Cookies.
• Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; they should be lightly golden on the edges. Overbaking can result in a dry texture.
• Layer for Storage: To keep cookies from sticking together, store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Enjoy their chewy delight days later!
What to Serve with Chewy Vegan Apple Pie Cookies?
Enhance your baking experience with delightful pairings that complement these chewy cookies beautifully!
- Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of ice cream adds a luscious creaminess to contrast the chewy cookie texture.
- Hot Cinnamon Tea: The warm spices in the tea will echo the flavors of the cookies, creating a cozy atmosphere.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light, refreshing fruit salad provides a bright, tangy contrast to the rich apple filling.
- Maple Glaze: Drizzling a maple glaze over the cookies adds a sweet, sticky finish that elevates the flavor profile.
- Chai Latte: Pairing with a spiced chai latte warms you from the inside out, enhancing the fall vibes.
- Nutty Oatmeal: A bowl of creamy, nutty oatmeal on the side offers wholesome comfort that matches the cookies’ heartiness.
For a truly cozy night, consider serving these cookies with some warm spiced beverages or a comforting dessert to make lasting memories!
Storage Tips for Chewy Vegan Apple Pie Cookies
Fridge: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 days. This keeps them fresh while maintaining their chewy texture.
Freezer: Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for up to 1 month. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, ensuring to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen cookies in the fridge overnight. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their fresh-baked quality.
Room Temperature: For the best taste and texture, let cookies sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes after reheating. Enjoy these delightful Chewy Vegan Apple Pie Cookies warm!
Make Ahead Options
Chewy Vegan Apple Pie Cookies are perfect for busy cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the apple pie filling up to 3 days in advance—simply make the filling as directed, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its fresh flavor and prevent browning. The cookie dough can also be prepared ahead of time; chill it for up to 24 hours in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, scoop the chilled dough into balls, fill with the apple filling, and bake as instructed. Even with this advance prep, these cookies will turn out just as delicious and comforting!
Chewy Vegan Apple Pie Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of apples work best for the filling?
Absolutely! Honeycrisp apples are my go-to for this recipe as they provide the perfect sweet and tart balance along with a satisfying crunch. However, you can also use Granny Smith apples for a bit more tartness, or try a mix of both for a more complex flavor.
How should I store Chewy Vegan Apple Pie Cookies?
For short-term storage, place your cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, freeze the cookies for up to 1 month. Just be sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I freeze the cookies? If so, how?
Yes, you can! First, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and pop them in the freezer until they are firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, again making sure to separate the layers with parchment paper. This method will help keep them fresh and delicious!
What if my cookie dough seems too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky to work with, try adding a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough reaches a manageable consistency. Also, ensure that you’ve chilled the dough properly, as this helps firm it up and makes it easier to handle.
Are these cookies safe for those with nut allergies?
Indeed! This specific recipe does not contain nuts, but always check the labels on all your ingredients to ensure they haven’t been processed in a facility that handles nuts. If you wish to add crunch, consider using seeds, like pumpkin or sunflower seeds, as alternatives.
Can I use a different sweetener instead of brown sugar?
Certainly! Coconut sugar or maple syrup can be used as substitutes, although they might slightly alter the flavor and texture. If you choose maple syrup, remember to reduce other liquid ingredients slightly to maintain the consistency of the cookie dough.
Chewy Vegan Apple Pie Cookies That’ll Warm Your Heart
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a saucepan, mix together the chopped Honeycrisp apple, lemon juice, brown sugar, vegan butter, and pumpkin pie spice. Cook over medium heat until bubbling, then stir in a cornstarch slurry and simmer until thickened. Set aside to cool.
- Cream the vegan butter with brown sugar until fluffy. Add the ground flax seed and mix well. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until a thick dough forms.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Scoop chilled dough into small balls, roll in granulated sugar, and create an indent in each with your thumb. Fill each indent with the cooled apple pie filling.
- Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking tray and bake for 14-16 minutes, until the edges are crisp and lightly golden. Cool on a wire rack.