Vegan Apple Pie Cookies

These Vegan Apple Pie Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic dessert, perfect for any occasion. They blend the comforting flavors of apple pie with the chewy goodness of cookies, making them an irresistible treat. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, celebrating Thanksgiving, or simply craving something sweet, these cookies will satisfy your taste buds. Their unique combination of spiced cookie dough and homemade apple filling sets them apart from typical cookies, ensuring everyone enjoys a delicious bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – With simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can whip up these treats in no time.
• Delicious Flavor – The warm spices and fresh apples create a mouthwatering flavor that feels like a hug in cookie form.
• Versatile Treat – Perfect for dessert tables, holiday parties, or as a cozy snack with tea or coffee.
• Plant-Based Goodness – Made without eggs or dairy, these cookies fit perfectly into a vegan lifestyle while still being rich and satisfying.
• Make Ahead Option – You can prepare the dough in advance and bake fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes!

Tools and Preparation

To make these Vegan Apple Pie Cookies, you’ll need some essential tools to help you along the way.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls – Essential for combining ingredients easily without mess.
• Baking sheet – Provides an even surface for baking your cookies to perfection.
• Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Spatula – Helps you transfer your cookies without breaking them.

Ingredients

These decadent & chewy apple pie cookies combine an eggless spiced cookie dough base with a homemade apple pie filling for the best vegan apple cookies!

For the Apple Filling

• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 Tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 large honeycrisp apple (peeled and cut into small chunks)
• 3 Tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 Tablespoons vegan butter
• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

For the Cookie Dough

• 1/2 cup vegan butter
• 1/2 cup + 2 Tablespoons sugar (½ cup for dough, 2 Tbsp for rolling before baking)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 flax egg (1 Tablespoon (8 grams) ground flaxseed mixed with 3 Tbsp water)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
• 1 1/2 cups + 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

How to Make Vegan Apple Pie Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

Start by making the apple filling:
1. In a small saucepan, combine water and cornstarch over medium heat until smooth.
2. Add chopped apples, brown sugar, vegan butter, lemon juice, and pumpkin pie spice.
3. Cook until apples soften (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

Next, prepare the cookie dough:
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together vegan butter with both sugars until fluffy.
2. Mix in the flax egg and vanilla until well combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture until just combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Cookies

Now it’s time to assemble:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Scoop out about two tablespoons of cookie dough; flatten it in your palm.
3. Add about one tablespoon of cooled apple filling in the center and fold dough over to seal it.
4. Roll into a ball and then roll in extra sugar before placing on parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake

Finally, bake your cookies:
1. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
2. Bake for about 12-15 minutes until golden around the edges.
3. Allow cooling on wire racks before enjoying!

How to Serve Vegan Apple Pie Cookies

Vegan Apple Pie Cookies are versatile and delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dessert experience.

With a Scoop of Vegan Ice Cream

• Pair a warm cookie with a scoop of your favorite vegan ice cream for a delicious contrast of temperatures.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• Add a sweet touch by drizzling homemade or store-bought vegan caramel sauce over the top for extra richness.

Accompanied by Fresh Whipped Coconut Cream

• Serve the cookies with fluffy whipped coconut cream for a creamy, tropical complement to the spiced flavors.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Arrange your cookies on a platter alongside fruit, nuts, and other vegan treats for an impressive dessert spread at gatherings.

With Hot Apple Cider

• Enjoy these cookies with a warm cup of apple cider for a comforting fall-inspired pairing.

How to Perfect Vegan Apple Pie Cookies

Perfecting your Vegan Apple Pie Cookies is all about attention to detail. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Use Fresh Apples: Fresh apples ensure the best flavor and texture in your filling. Honeycrisp apples add sweetness and crunch.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the cookie dough before baking helps it hold its shape and prevents spreading too much during baking.

• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use proper measuring techniques to ensure you get the right balance of dry and wet ingredients for perfect dough consistency.

• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. They should be lightly golden on the edges but still soft in the center when done.

• Store Properly: To maintain freshness, store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Apple Pie Cookies

Pairing side dishes with Vegan Apple Pie Cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options:

1. Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai tea complement the apple pie flavors beautifully, making it an excellent beverage choice.

2. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds freshness and balances out the rich flavors of the cookies, enhancing their appeal.

3. Vegan Cheese Board: Create a savory contrast by serving cookies alongside a selection of vegan cheeses and crackers.

4. Maple Syrup Drizzle: A drizzle of maple syrup can enhance sweetness and bring out the flavors in both the cookies and any accompanying dishes.

5. Chocolate Sauce: For chocolate lovers, offer a side of melted vegan chocolate sauce for dipping or drizzling over the cookies.

6. Cinnamon Spiced Nuts: Crunchy, cinnamon-spiced nuts provide texture and a complementary flavor profile that pairs well with apple desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Vegan Apple Pie Cookies can be fun, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for. Avoiding these will ensure your cookies turn out perfectly!

• Not measuring ingredients accurately – Precision is key in baking. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure you get the right amounts.
• Skipping the flax egg – This egg substitute is crucial for binding. Don’t skip it; instead, prepare it ahead of time to let it thicken properly.
• Using cold ingredients – Room temperature vegan butter and other ingredients help create a smoother dough. Take them out ahead of time!
• Overmixing the dough – Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a softer texture.
• Ignoring baking times – Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Every oven is different, so start checking a few minutes before the suggested time.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store vegan apple pie cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Vegan Apple Pie Cookies

• Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Vegan Apple Pie Cookies

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5-7 minutes for a warm, soft texture.
• Microwave – Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds; enjoy that gooey goodness!
• Stovetop – Warm cookies in a skillet over low heat for about 1-2 minutes, flipping once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Vegan Apple Pie Cookies.

Can I make Vegan Apple Pie Cookies gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup.

How do I store leftover Vegan Apple Pie Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Can I use other fruits in these vegan cookies?

Absolutely! Pears or berries can be great alternatives to apples for different flavors.

How long do Vegan Apple Pie Cookies last?

They last about 5 days at room temperature or up to 3 months in the freezer if stored properly.

Final Thoughts

These Vegan Apple Pie Cookies are not only delicious but also offer versatility with their flavor options. Feel free to customize them by adding nuts or different spices! Enjoy baking and savoring these comforting treats.