Vegan Apple Pie Cookies

These Vegan Apple Pie Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic dessert, perfect for any occasion. Bursting with flavor and featuring a chewy texture, these cookies combine a spiced cookie dough base with a luscious homemade apple pie filling. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these cookies will satisfy your cravings while keeping it plant-based.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The warm spices and sweet apples create a comforting taste that evokes the essence of fall.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip up this treat.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These cookies are great for parties, holidays, or just an afternoon snack.
• Healthy Ingredients: Enjoy the goodness of fruit and whole ingredients without sacrificing taste.
• Vegan-Friendly: Made without eggs or dairy, these cookies cater to various dietary needs.

Tools and Preparation

To create the best vegan apple pie cookies, you’ll need some essential tools. Gather everything before you start baking to ensure a smooth process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: They help combine wet and dry ingredients efficiently without spilling.
• Baking sheet: A good quality baking sheet ensures even cooking for your cookies.
• Parchment paper: This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier after baking.

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

• In a small saucepan, combine water and cornstarch over medium heat until thickened.
• Add chopped honeycrisp apples, brown sugar, vegan butter, lemon juice, and pumpkin pie spice.
• Stir frequently until apples soften. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 2: Make the Flax Egg

• In a small bowl, mix ground flaxseed with water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes gelatinous.

Step 3: Prepare the Cookie Dough

• In a large mixing bowl, cream together vegan butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
• Add the prepared flax egg and vanilla bean paste. Mix well until combined.
• In another bowl, whisk together flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt.
• Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until fully combined.

Step 4: Assemble Cookies

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Scoop out cookie dough using a tablespoon. Flatten each scoop slightly in your hand.
• Place about one teaspoon of apple filling in the center of each flattened dough piece. Fold edges over to seal.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

• Roll each filled cookie ball in sugar before placing them on a lined baking sheet.
• Bake in preheated oven for about 20–25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool before serving.

Enjoy these delicious Vegan Apple Pie Cookies as an indulgent yet wholesome dessert!

How to Serve Vegan Apple Pie Cookies

These Vegan Apple Pie Cookies are perfect for sharing and enjoying in various ways. Their delightful flavors and chewy texture make them a great addition to any dessert table or casual gathering.

With a Scoop of Dairy-Free Ice Cream

• Pair these cookies with your favorite dairy-free ice cream for a delicious dessert combo. Vanilla or caramel flavors work particularly well.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• A warm drizzle of vegan caramel sauce adds an extra layer of sweetness and richness to the cookies, enhancing their apple pie essence.

Accompanied by Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside fresh slices of apple or pear to bring out the fruity flavors in the cookies. This option adds freshness and crunch.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Include Vegan Apple Pie Cookies on a dessert platter with other treats like brownies or mini tarts for a varied dessert experience at parties.

With Hot Beverages

• These cookies pair wonderfully with hot drinks like coffee or tea. The warmth of your beverage complements the spices in the cookies beautifully.

How to Perfect Vegan Apple Pie Cookies

Perfecting your Vegan Apple Pie Cookies is all about technique and attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your cookies turn out great every time.

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to handle when forming cookies.

• Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices can elevate the flavor profile of your cookies. Consider using fresh cinnamon or nutmeg for an aromatic boost.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to avoid dense cookies. Overmixing can lead to tough results instead of chewy perfection.

• Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on baking time. The edges should be lightly golden, while the centers may look slightly underbaked; they will firm up as they cool.

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

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Apple Pie Cookies

Enjoying Vegan Apple Pie Cookies becomes even better when paired with complementary side dishes. Here are some fantastic options that enhance your dessert experience.

1. Vegan Whipped Cream: A light and fluffy topping that adds a creamy contrast to the chewy texture of the cookies.

2. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts provide a crunchy, salty element that balances the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.

3. Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips: These crispy chips offer a sweet crunch that pairs excellently with the apple flavor in the cookies.

4. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits like berries and melon brightens up your plate and adds natural sweetness.

5. Warm Oatmeal: A cozy bowl of oatmeal topped with fruit and nuts makes for a satisfying breakfast alongside your cookies.

6. Hot Chocolate: Rich hot chocolate, especially one made with almond milk, creates a warm, comforting combination during chilly days.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Vegan Apple Pie Cookies, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Using fresh apples without prep: Be sure to cook your apples in advance with sugar and spices to enhance their flavor and soften them for the filling.
• Skipping the flax egg: A flax egg is crucial for binding the cookie dough. Don’t skip it; mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit until thickened.
• Not chilling the dough: Allowing your dough to chill prevents spreading during baking. Aim for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator before baking.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft, chewy ones.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated properly. An incorrect temperature can affect how evenly your cookies bake.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Vegan Apple Pie Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 2 hours.
• Transfer frozen cookies to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating Vegan Apple Pie Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds. Watch closely to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Warm in a non-stick skillet over low heat for about 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Vegan Apple Pie Cookies that might help you while making them.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

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

How do I enhance the flavor of my apple filling?

Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon along with your pumpkin pie spice for added warmth and flavor.

Can I use different types of apples?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp works well, feel free to experiment with Granny Smith or Fuji apples for varying sweetness and tartness.

How can I customize these Vegan Apple Pie Cookies?

Add nuts like walnuts or pecans, or include raisins or cranberries in the filling for extra texture and flavor.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough feels too sticky, add more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency.

Final Thoughts

These Vegan Apple Pie Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them according to your taste preferences, making them perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe today, and enjoy the delightful combination of chewy cookies with warm apple filling!