There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of warm spices, gooey apple filling, and buttery cookie dough. These Apple Pie Spice Cookies are the perfect fusion of two beloved desserts—think of them as mini apple pies with a flaky, spiced cookie crust. Made entirely vegan, they’re a guilt-free indulgence that’ll satisfy your sweet tooth with every bite. The filling is crafted with honeycrisp apples, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice, while the dough is packed with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of vanilla. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or simply craving a cozy treat, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite. Plus, their rustic charm and easy preparation make them ideal for any occasion. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredient Notes
Apple Pie Filling
- Water: Used to create a cornstarch slurry for thickening the filling.
- Cornstarch: Essential for achieving a glossy, jam-like consistency.
- Honeycrisp Apple: Chosen for its tartness and firm texture, which holds up during baking.
- Flavors: Brown sugar, vegan butter, and lemon juice balance sweetness and acidity.
Spice Cookie Dough
- Vegan Butter: Provides a rich, buttery flavor without dairy.
- Flax Egg: A binder made from ground flaxseed and water, perfect for vegan baking.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for depth.
- Sugar: A mix of white and brown sugar for a golden crust and caramelized edges.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Apple Filling: Mix water and cornstarch to form a slurry. Cook chopped apples with sugar, butter, lemon juice, and spices until thickened.
- Cream the Dough: Beat vegan butter and sugars until fluffy. Add flax egg and vanilla, then mix in dry ingredients.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up, preventing excessive spreading during baking.
- Shape and Fill: Roll dough in sugar, press indentations, and fill with cooled apple pie filling.
- Bake: Spread cookies 2 inches apart on parchment paper. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 14-16 minutes.
Tips: For a gooey center, avoid overbaking. If the dough is too sticky, chill it longer. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
FAQ
Can I substitute the flax egg?
Yes, use 1/4 cup mashed banana or 1/2 cup applesauce as a vegan egg substitute.
How long can I refrigerate the dough?
The dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours. For best results, use it within 12 hours.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to an airtight container. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
Conclusion
These Apple Pie Spice Cookies are a testament to the beauty of combining traditional flavors with modern, plant-based ingredients. With their gooey apple filling and spiced cookie crust, they’re a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even easier to love. Whether you’re a vegan baker or simply looking for a new dessert to try, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family, and happy baking!
Apple Pie Spice Cookies
A vegan twist on classic apple pie, these cookies combine spiced dough with a gooey apple filling for a cozy, sweet treat.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 cookies
- Category: Cookies
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Apple Pie Filling: ¼ cup water, ½ tbsp cornstarch, 1 large honeycrisp apple (peeled and cubed), 3 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp vegan butter, 1 tbsp lemon juice, ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
Spice Cookies: ½ cup vegan butter, ½ cup + 2 tbsp sugar, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water), 1 tsp vanilla bean paste, 1 ½ cups + 1 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice, ½ tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
Make the cornstarch slurry by mixing water and cornstarch. Set aside.
Cook apples with sugar, butter, lemon juice, and spices until bubbling. Add slurry and cook 5-10 minutes until thickened.
Cream vegan butter and sugars until fluffy. Add flax egg and vanilla, then mix in dry ingredients.
Chill dough for 30 minutes. Roll in sugar, press indentations, and fill with cooled apple pie filling.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 14-16 minutes until edges are crisp and centers are set.
