Vegan Apple Pie Cookies

These Vegan Apple Pie Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic dessert! With their chewy texture and rich apple pie filling, they are perfect for cozy gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. These cookies offer the warm spices of apple pie while being entirely plant-based. You’ll love their unique flavor and versatility as they can be enjoyed as a snack or dessert at any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The straightforward process allows even beginners to enjoy baking these delicious cookies.
• Flavorful Filling: The homemade apple pie filling ensures every bite bursts with sweet and spicy goodness.
• Vegan-Friendly: These cookies are completely eggless and dairy-free, making them suitable for various diets.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 10 large cookies, they’re ideal for parties, family gatherings, or as gifts.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them warm with a scoop of vegan ice cream or as an afternoon snack with tea.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delectable Vegan Apple Pie Cookies, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without spills.
• Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy base for cookies, ensuring even baking.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.

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 ground flaxseed mixed with 3 Tablespoons 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

Begin by cooking the apple filling.
1. In a saucepan, whisk together water and cornstarch until smooth.
2. Add in the chopped honeycrisp apple, brown sugar, vegan butter, lemon juice, and pumpkin pie spice.
3. Cook over medium heat until apples soften and mixture thickens. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

While the filling cools, prepare your cookie dough.
1. In a bowl, cream together vegan butter, sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
2. Mix in the flax egg and vanilla bean paste until combined.
3. In another bowl, combine flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture until just combined.

Step 3: Assemble Cookies

Now it’s time to put everything together!
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Scoop out dough using a tablespoon; flatten each scoop in your hand.
3. Place a spoonful of cooled apple filling in the center of each flat dough piece.
4. Fold dough around filling to create balls and roll them in extra sugar before placing on baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Finally, bake your delicious cookies!
1. Arrange filled cookie balls on parchment-lined baking sheets spaced apart.
2. Bake for about 15-18 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
3. Allow cooling slightly on sheets before transferring to wire racks.

Enjoy your Vegan Apple Pie Cookies warm or at room temperature!

How to Serve Vegan Apple Pie Cookies

These Vegan Apple Pie Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want a cozy dessert after dinner or a sweet snack for your afternoon, these cookies fit the bill.

Pair with Dairy-Free Ice Cream

• Enjoy these cookies warm with a scoop of your favorite dairy-free ice cream for a delicious contrast of textures.

Create a Cookie Sandwich

• Place a dollop of vegan frosting or nut butter between two cookies for an indulgent cookie sandwich.

Serve with Hot Beverages

• Pair the cookies with hot chocolate, tea, or coffee to create a cozy atmosphere perfect for fall.

Add Toppings

• Drizzle with maple syrup or agave for an extra layer of sweetness and flavor.

Use as Dessert Toppers

• Crumble the cookies over a bowl of vegan yogurt or chia pudding to elevate your dessert game.

How to Perfect Vegan Apple Pie Cookies

To achieve the best Vegan Apple Pie Cookies, consider these simple yet effective tips that will enhance your baking experience.

• Use Fresh Apples: Fresh honeycrisp apples provide the best flavor and texture. Avoid using old or mushy apples for the filling.

• Chill Dough: Refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes before baking helps maintain its shape and enhances flavors.

• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Measuring flour correctly prevents dry or overly wet dough. Use the spoon-and-level method for precision.

• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add more spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to personalize the flavor profile that suits your taste.

• Check Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center when done.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Apple Pie Cookies

Vegan Apple Pie Cookies can be complemented by several delicious side dishes. Here’s a list of options that pair well with this sweet treat:

1. Vegan Whipped Cream: Light and airy, this topping adds creaminess without dairy. Perfect for dolloping on top of cookies!

2. Cinnamon Sugar Toast: A slice of toasted bread coated in cinnamon sugar creates a crunchy contrast that’s delightful alongside the soft cookies.

3. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a light balance to the richness of the cookies, enhancing their flavors.

4. Chai Tea: The warmth and spices of chai tea complement the apple pie flavors beautifully, making it an excellent beverage pairing.

5. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle some vegan caramel sauce over your cookies for an extra sweet treat that enhances their flavor profile.

6. Nutty Granola: A handful of nutty granola adds crunch and makes for a nutritious side that pairs well with sweet desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Vegan Apple Pie Cookies, there are a few common pitfalls that can affect the final result. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Ignoring Chilling Time: Skipping the chilling time for the dough can lead to cookies that spread too much. Always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.

• Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can create dense cookies. Mix just until combined for a lighter texture.

• Incorrect Measurements: Using inaccurate ingredient measurements can alter the taste and texture. Always use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.

• Not Prepping the Apples Properly: Failing to peel or chop the apples correctly may lead to uneven cooking. Make sure your apple chunks are uniform in size.

• Baking at the Wrong Temperature: Baking at an incorrect temperature can cause cookies to be undercooked or burnt. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Vegan Apple Pie Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Vegan Apple Pie Cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container; they’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating Vegan Apple Pie Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Heat cookies for about 5-10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 15-20 seconds, being careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Warm cookies in a skillet on low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Vegan Apple Pie Cookies:

Can I make Vegan Apple Pie Cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends to make these cookies gluten-free.

How do I ensure my Vegan Apple Pie Cookies stay soft?

Keeping them stored properly and not overbaking will help maintain their soft texture.

What apples work best for these cookies?

Honeycrisp apples are great, but you can also use Granny Smith or Fuji apples for added flavor.

Can I customize the spices in my Vegan Apple Pie Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different spices like cinnamon or nutmeg according to your taste preference.

Final Thoughts

These Vegan Apple Pie Cookies are a delightful treat that combines classic apple pie flavors with a chewy cookie base. Their versatility makes them perfect for any occasion, whether enjoyed warm or chilled. Feel free to customize them with your favorite nuts or dried fruits for an extra twist!