Apple Cookie Pies
Tender cream cheese pastry encasing a warm cinnamon-apple filling, finished with a sweet sugar topping — Apple Cookie Pies are an elegant twist on a classic dessert.
24 Servings
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 6 ounces cream cheese softened
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Filling:
- 1 can apple pie filling
Topping:
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Preheat the oven
- Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
Prepare the dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and cream cheese. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Incorporate flavorings and dry ingredients
- Add the vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Roll out the dough
- Lightly flour a clean, flat surface. Place the dough in the center and roll to a thickness of approximately ¼ inch.
Cut the dough
- Using a 3-inch round biscuit cutter, cut approximately 40 circles from the rolled dough. Re-roll scraps as needed.
Prepare the filling
- Transfer the apple pie filling to a bowl and mash with a fork until no large apple chunks remain, creating an even consistency.
Assemble the cookie pies
- Place a small spoonful of filling in the center of half of the dough circles. Cover each with a second dough circle. Seal the edges by pressing with the tines of a fork.
Bake
- Arrange the prepared cookies on the lined baking sheets. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked.
Add the topping
- In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the warm cookies immediately after baking.
Notes
To prepare this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Verify that the apple pie filling and all spices are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.