Vegan Apple Pie Cookies are a delightful treat that brings together the comforting flavors of traditional apple pie in a convenient cookie form. These cookies are perfect for various occasions, from cozy family gatherings to festive celebrations. Their chewy texture and spiced apple filling make them a standout dessert that everyone will love, regardless of their dietary preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – This recipe is simple and requires minimal prep time, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Delicious Flavor – With the combination of sweet apples and warm spices, these cookies deliver an irresistible taste that evokes the essence of fall.
- Vegan Friendly – Enjoy the goodness of apple pie without eggs or dairy, making these cookies suitable for vegan diets.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual snack, these cookies fit right in at any event.
- Customizable Ingredients – Feel free to adjust the spices or add nuts for a personal touch!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools to ensure everything goes smoothly. Having the right equipment on hand can make all the difference in your baking experience.
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, allowing you to mix thoroughly without spilling.
- Baking sheet – Provides a flat surface for even baking; it’s crucial for achieving perfectly baked cookies.
- Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy, ensuring your cookies come off the sheet smoothly.
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 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 creating the flavorful filling that will go inside your cookies.
* In a small saucepan, combine water and cornstarch over medium heat until smooth.
* Add chopped honeycrisp apples, brown sugar, vegan butter, lemon juice, and pumpkin pie spice.
* Cook until apples are tender and mixture thickens. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
Now it’s time to whip up the delicious cookie dough.
* In a mixing bowl, cream together vegan butter, sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
* Add the flax egg and vanilla bean paste; mix well.
* Gradually incorporate all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt until combined.
Step 3: Assemble Cookies
It’s time to bring everything together!
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Scoop out portions of dough and flatten them in your palm.
* Place a spoonful of cooled apple filling in the center of each flattened dough portion. Fold edges over filling and roll into balls.
Step 4: Bake Your Cookies
Finish off by baking these delectable treats!
* Place rolled cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
* Roll each ball in reserved sugar before placing on the sheet.
* Bake for about 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
Enjoy your Vegan Apple Pie Cookies as they cool; they’re sure to be an instant favorite!
How to Serve Vegan Apple Pie Cookies
Vegan apple pie cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to serve them as a dessert or a snack, these cookies can easily be paired with other flavors and textures for an unforgettable experience.
With Vanilla Ice Cream
- A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the warm spices in the cookies, creating a delicious contrast.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- Adding a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce enhances the sweetness and adds a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the apple filling.
Topped with Whipped Coconut Cream
- For a light and airy topping, whipped coconut cream adds a tropical twist and balances the cookie’s richness.
Alongside Hot Apple Cider
- Serving these cookies with hot apple cider makes for a cozy pairing, perfect for fall gatherings.
How to Perfect Vegan Apple Pie Cookies
To achieve the best texture and flavor in your vegan apple pie cookies, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh apples: Fresh honeycrisp apples provide the best flavor and texture for the filling.
- Chill the dough: Letting your cookie dough chill for about 30 minutes can help prevent spreading during baking.
- Don’t skip the spices: Pumpkin pie spice is essential for that classic apple pie flavor; feel free to adjust to your taste.
- Check baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies towards the end of baking to ensure they don’t overbake; they should be golden brown around the edges.
- Store properly: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain their chewiness and freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Vegan Apple Pie Cookies
These vegan apple pie cookies can shine alongside several delightful side dishes. Here are some great options to complement their flavors.
- Vegan Cheese Platter: A selection of nut-based cheeses adds savory notes that balance the sweetness of the cookies.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a light contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies.
- Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts offer crunch and warmth, enhancing your dessert table’s overall experience.
- Maple Glazed Carrots: These sweet and tender carrots bring out similar flavors found in apple pie while adding color to your plate.
- Roasted Pumpkin Soup: A bowl of creamy pumpkin soup pairs beautifully with apple desserts, especially in fall.
- Cinnamon Sugar Pita Chips: These crispy chips add extra crunch and cinnamon goodness that harmonizes well with apple flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Vegan Apple Pie Cookies, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to steer clear of for perfect cookies.
- Skipping the flax egg: This egg replacement is crucial for binding the dough. Without it, your cookies may crumble and fall apart.
- Overmixing the dough: Stirring too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for that chewy texture you desire.
- Not chilling the dough: If you skip this step, your cookies may spread too much while baking. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to maintain shape.
- Ignoring ingredient temperature: Using cold vegan butter can affect the mixing process and texture. Ensure your vegan butter is at room temperature for best results.
- Underestimating spices: The right amount of pumpkin pie spice enhances flavor. Don’t be shy—measure carefully to achieve that warm aroma in every bite.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- These cookies will keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing Vegan Apple Pie Cookies
- Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Vegan Apple Pie Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat them.
- Stovetop: Place a pan on low heat and cover it with a lid. Heat cookies for about 2-3 minutes until warmed gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these Vegan Apple Pie Cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. This will ensure a good texture.
How do I customize my Vegan Apple Pie Cookies?
You can add nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips for an extra twist! Experiment with flavors that suit your taste.
What makes these cookies vegan?
These cookies are made without eggs or dairy products, using ingredients like flax eggs and vegan butter instead.
Can I use other types of apples?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp is great, feel free to use Granny Smith or Fuji apples based on your preference.
How long do these Vegan Apple Pie Cookies last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, they last up to 5 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
These Vegan Apple Pie Cookies are a delightful blend of chewy textures and rich flavors that everyone will love. They’re versatile enough for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy fall afternoon or a festive gathering. Feel free to customize with your favorite ingredients and enjoy this delicious treat!
Vegan Apple Pie Cookies
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: About 12 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the warmth and nostalgia of fall with these Vegan Apple Pie Cookies, a delightful fusion of classic apple pie flavors in a convenient cookie form. With a chewy texture and spiced apple filling, these cookies are perfect for any occasion—from casual snacks to festive celebrations. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, they cater to all dietary preferences, ensuring everyone can savor this sweet treat. The combination of fresh apples and aromatic spices creates an irresistible taste that will have you coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 1 large Honeycrisp apple
- ½ cup vegan butter
- ¾ cup sugar (½ cup + 2 tbsp for dough, 2 tbsp for rolling)
- 1 flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water)
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- Pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a saucepan, mix water and cornstarch over medium heat until smooth. Add chopped apple, brown sugar, vegan butter, lemon juice, and pumpkin pie spice. Cook until apples are tender and mixture thickens. Set aside to cool.
- Make the Cookie Dough: Cream together vegan butter, sugars, flax egg, and vanilla until fluffy. Gradually add flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt until combined.
- Assemble Cookies: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop dough portions, flatten them, add cooled apple filling in the center, fold edges over filling, and roll into balls.
- Bake: Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roll each ball in reserved sugar before baking for about 15-18 minutes until golden.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Use fresh apples for the best flavor. Chill dough for about 30 minutes to prevent spreading. Customize with nuts or different spices as desired.