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If you are craving a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavors of spiced apple pie with the fun of a cookie, then you have come to the right place. This Vegan Apple Pie Cookies Recipe is a beautiful blend of tender, buttery vegan cookies filled with warm, fragrant apple pie filling, topped with fluffy dairy-free cream and a drizzle of caramel. Each bite is like a cozy hug, perfect for sharing with friends or indulging on your own. Ready to bring a little slice of fall magic into your kitchen? Let’s dive right in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several small round tarts with thick, soft cookie crusts that are light golden brown in color. Each tart is filled with a mix of chunky apple pieces in a shiny, dark brown spiced sauce. On top of some of the tarts, there is a swirl of white whipped cream, while others have a light caramel drizzle over the apples and cream. The tarts are arranged closely on a piece of parchment paper with text, and there are bright red apple pieces and a single orange flower petal placed around them. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

It’s incredible how such a simple mix of pantry staples and fresh ingredients can come together to create these stunning Vegan Apple Pie Cookies. Each component plays an important role, from the spices that add warmth, to the apples that bring brightness and texture.

Dairy-free butter, 115g (cubed/softened): This adds richness and helps create that tender cookie texture.
Caster sugar, 80g (plus extra for rolling): Provides sweetness and a slight crispiness when rolling the dough.
Light brown sugar, 60g: Adds a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
Dairy-free milk, 30ml: Keeps the dough moist and easy to work with.
All purpose/plain flour, 210g: The base that holds everything together.
Baking powder, 3/4 teaspoon: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft crumb.
Bicarbonate of soda, 1/4 teaspoon: Leavens the dough for a lighter result.
Ground all spice, 1 teaspoon: Adds a wonderfully cozy note reminiscent of classic apple pie.
Ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon: A must-have spice for that signature warm flavor.
Ground nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon: Brings a subtle, nutty warmth.
Chopped apples, 120g (preferably red, diced small): The star of the filling, bringing sweetness and tender bites.
Ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon (for filling): Enhances the apple filling with its distinct aroma.
Ground all spice, 1/4 teaspoon (filling): Adds complexity to the apple mixture.
Ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon (filling): Balanced warmth for the filling.
Caster sugar, 30g (filling): Sweetens and caramelizes lightly while cooking the apples.
Cornflour/cornstarch, 2 teaspoons: Thickens the apple filling perfectly.
Juice of 1 lemon: Adds brightness and prevents the apples from browning.
Dairy-free whipping cream, 150ml: For piping the lovely vegan cream topping.
Vegan caramel sauce (optional): Adds that luscious finishing touch and a caramel apple vibe.

How to Make Vegan Apple Pie Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 180°C fan and line two baking trays with greaseproof paper. This setup makes sure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, setting you up for success right from the start.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cookie Dough

Start by combining the dairy-free butter with both caster sugar and brown sugar in a bowl or stand mixer. Whip them together until the mixture becomes light and creamy – this is what gives your cookies that irresistible soft texture. Next, add the dairy-free milk and whip once more to incorporate everything evenly.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine

Sift together all purpose flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and all the wonderfully aromatic spices: all spice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Folding these into the wet mixture gently will give you the perfect cookie dough base that’s rich in flavor but still light.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Now scoop out about 45g portions of dough using a spoon or ice cream scoop. Roll each ball in extra caster sugar to create a subtle crunch. Flatten the dough balls slightly and press a well in the center with the back of a spoon or your fingertip. This well is critical as it’s where all that delicious apple filling will nestle, making each bite a burst of homemade apple pie goodness.

Step 5: Cook the Apple Pie Filling

In a saucepan over low to medium heat, combine diced apples with spices, sugar, cornflour, and lemon juice. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens and the apples soften tenderly, about 5 to 8 minutes. Let it cool slightly so it’s ready to fill those cookie wells without melting your dough.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Fill each cookie well generously with the warm apple filling. You can sprinkle a little more caster sugar on top for extra sweetness if you like. Arrange the cookies with enough space on the trays since they’ll spread just a bit while baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 7: Shape and Cool

Once baked, use a round cookie cutter to gently reshape the cookies if needed. Let them cool right on the baking trays so they firm up perfectly, ready for the next exciting step.

Step 8: Whip Cream and Decorate

While the cookies cool completely, whip up your dairy-free cream until it’s thick and luscious. Transfer it into a piping bag fitted with a pretty star nozzle. Pipe a swirl of cream on top of each cookie for that classic look and feel. If you want to elevate these cookies from amazing to unforgettable, drizzle with some vegan caramel sauce for that spellbinding caramel apple twist.

How to Serve Vegan Apple Pie Cookies Recipe

A close-up view of small apple pies with three main layers: a rough-textured light brown crust on the bottom and sides, filled with a chunky mixture of cinnamon-coated apple pieces in caramel sauce, topped with a swirl of white whipped cream sprinkled with cinnamon on top. One pie slice is held by a woman's hand, showing the layers and glossy caramel dripping slightly. In the blurred background, there are apples and a white cup on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkle of crushed walnuts adds an extra layer of texture and aroma that pairs beautifully with the creamy topping and warm apple filling.

Side Dishes

These cookies shine alongside a warm cup of chai tea or a comforting mug of spiced apple cider. Both drinks complement the cookie’s warm spices perfectly, creating an inviting teatime spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these cookies on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra vegan caramel sauce and whipped cream for dipping. Alternatively, stack a few in a decorative jar for a charming gift idea that friends and family will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer cooled cookies to an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps their texture soft and the apple filling deliciously moist.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked cookies without cream or caramel drizzle in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag once solid. They keep beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To revive a bit of freshly-baked warmth, pop your thawed cookies in a preheated oven at 160°C for 5–7 minutes. Just add the whipped cream and caramel drizzle after warming to keep their textures intact.

FAQs

Can I use any type of apple for the filling?

Absolutely! While red apples are preferred for their sweetness and color, you can use Granny Smith for a tarter, firmer bite or any other apple you love. Just adjust cooking time if needed based on apple softness.

Is it necessary to add the caramel drizzle?

Not at all! The caramel is optional but it beautifully enhances the “apple pie” taste. You can enjoy these cookies perfectly well just with whipped cream on top.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that measures cup for cup. The cookies might be a bit more delicate, but the flavors remain just as incredible.

Do I have to pipe the cream on top?

Not necessarily. You can simply spoon or dollop the dairy-free whipped cream on top if you prefer a more rustic look or want to save time.

How long will these cookies last once decorated?

Once you’ve added the whipped cream and caramel drizzle, they’re best eaten within 24 hours as the toppings can soften the cookies over time.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Apple Pie Cookies Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites because it perfectly captures the nostalgic essence of autumn in a wonderfully bite-sized vegan treat. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or spoiling yourself, every step brings joy and every bite brings comfort. I can’t wait for you to make them and share your delicious moments!

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