As I pulled these Chewy Vegan Apple Pie Cookies from the oven, the warm aroma of cinnamon and apples wafted through the kitchen, instantly transporting me to cozy autumn days. Crafted with wholesome ingredients, this delightful treat is not only delicious but also eggless and dairy-free—a guilt-free indulgence for everyone to enjoy! These cookies combine the rustic charm of fall flavors with the convenience of bite-sized goodies, making them a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table or simply as a sweet pick-me-up. Plus, they’re quick to make, ensuring you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to experience the joy of homemade comfort. Ready to dive into a cookie that feels like a warm hug? Let’s get baking!
Why Are These Cookies a Must-Try?
Irresistible Flavors: The combination of warm cinnamon, sweet Honeycrisp apples, and rich vegan butter creates a heavenly bite that you’ll crave all season long.
Easy to Make: You’ll appreciate how simple the steps are, making this an effortless recipe even for beginners.
Guilt-Free Indulgence: These cookies are eggless and dairy-free, allowing everyone to savor a comforting treat without compromise.
Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for gatherings or family dessert, these cookies have a crowd-pleasing appeal that everyone will love!
Fall Favorite: With seasonal ingredients and a warm aroma, these vegan apple pie cookies are a beautiful homage to fall that you won’t want to miss.
Whether you’re whipping up a batch for Thanksgiving or just indulging yourself, these cookies make every moment feel special!
Vegan Apple Pie Cookies Ingredients
For the Apple Pie Filling
- Honeycrisp Apple – Provides natural sweetness and texture; other sweet apples can also be substituted.
- Brown Sugar – Adds caramel flavor and moisture; coconut sugar can be used for a refined sugar-free option.
- Vegan Butter – Adds richness and moisture; coconut oil is a good substitute, though texture may vary.
- Lemon Juice – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness; no substitution recommended as it is essential for brightness.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice – Adds warmth and spice; can be substituted with a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg.
For the Spiced Cookie Dough
- Vegan Butter – Provides structure and moisture; use coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative.
- Sugar – Adds sweetness and aids browning; coconut sugar or cane sugar can be used.
- Flax Egg – Binds ingredients without eggs; 1 tablespoon of applesauce is a possible substitute, but texture may change slightly.
- Vanilla Bean Paste – Adds depth of flavor; vanilla extract can be used as an acceptable substitute.
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; for a gluten-free option, replace with gluten-free all-purpose flour.
- Baking Powder – Helps cookies rise; ensure it’s fresh for the best results.
- Salt – Enhances flavors; can be adjusted to taste.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Vegan Apple Pie Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Apple Pie Filling
In a medium saucepan, combine chopped Honeycrisp apples, brown sugar, vegan butter, lemon juice, and pumpkin pie spice. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until the mixture begins to bubble and the apples soften. Stir continuously, then add a cornstarch slurry to thicken for an additional 2 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Step 2: Make Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the vegan butter, and both sugars until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Next, incorporate the flax egg and vanilla bean paste until the mixture is well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt—mixing until a thick dough forms, then chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Step 3: Assemble Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Once the dough is chilled, scoop out small portions and roll them into balls, coating each ball lightly in sugar. Place them on the baking tray and use your thumb to make an indentation in the center of each ball, ensuring there’s enough space for the apple pie filling.
Step 4: Bake
Carefully fill each thumbprint with the prepared apple pie filling before baking. Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake the Vegan Apple Pie Cookies for 14-16 minutes. Look for edges that are crisp while the centers remain slightly gooey. Once baked, cool them on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Vegan Apple Pie Cookies
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Chill the Dough: Properly chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading during baking, resulting in a perfectly textured cookie that holds its shape.
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Don’t Overfill: When adding the apple pie filling, avoid overfilling the thumbprint. This prevents the filling from bubbling over and ensures a delightful balance in every bite.
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Fresh Ingredients: Make sure to use fresh baking powder and spices to enhance the flavors of your Vegan Apple Pie Cookies. Stale ingredients can impact the texture and taste.
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Even Baking: Rotate the baking tray halfway through the baking time for even cooking. This helps achieve that perfect golden hue on all cookies.
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Storage Tips: Store your cookies between layers of parchment paper in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent them from sticking together.
How to Store and Freeze Vegan Apple Pie Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to enjoy their soft, chewy texture.
Fridge: If you want them to last a bit longer, keep the Vegan Apple Pie Cookies in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just be sure to place them between layers of parchment paper.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cookies for up to 1 month in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked taste!
What to Serve with Vegan Apple Pie Cookies
Indulging in these comforting cookies? Let’s elevate your treat experience by creating a delightful meal around them!
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Cinnamon Ice Cream: This creamy delight complements the warm spices in the cookies beautifully, adding an extra layer of richness.
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Maple Syrup Drizzle: A touch of maple syrup brings a natural sweetness that perfectly enhances the flavors of the apple pie filling.
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Hot Apple Cider: Embrace the fall vibes with a steaming cup of spiced apple cider. The warmth and spices will harmonize wonderfully with your cookies.
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Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their caramelized edges and earthy flavor create a fantastic contrast to the sweet cookies, creating a balanced plate.
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Chai Tea: The spiced notes of chai resonate with the flavors of the cookies, providing a cozy beverage option for a complete experience.
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Walnut Topping: Sprinkle some toasted walnuts over the cookies for added crunch and nutty flavor, reinforcing the dessert’s fall-inspired theme.
Imagine a table filled with these delicious offerings, where every bite is a warm embrace of autumn, ensuring your gathering is one to remember.
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Vegan Apple Pie Cookies are perfect for making ahead, making your meal prep effortless! You can prepare the apple pie filling up to 3 days in advance; simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. For the cookie dough, mix and chill it for up to 24 hours before baking—this step helps prevent spreading and enhances the flavor. When ready to bake, scoop and roll the chilled dough into balls, create thumbprint indents, and fill with your prepped apple pie filling. These cookies will turn out just as delicious with minimal effort on your busy weeknight!
Vegan Apple Pie Cookies Variations
Customize these delightful cookies to suit your taste buds and dietary preferences!
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Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly treat. Enjoyably tender and equally delicious!
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Nuts & Raisins: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or raisins to the dough for extra texture and flavor. The crunch of nuts and chew of raisins elevate each bite!
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Spice It Up: Swap pumpkin pie spice for a mix of ground ginger or allspice for a zesty twist. This adds an exciting new depth to the warm flavors.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled cookies for a sweet, decadent finish. The contrast of rich chocolate and apple is simply divine!
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Maple Flavor: Substitute 1/4 of the brown sugar with pure maple syrup in the dough for a delightful maple twist. The result is a subtly sweet and flavorful cookie!
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Apple Variations: Use different apple varieties like Fuji or Granny Smith for a unique flavor profile. Each variety brings a different sweetness and tartness to your cookies.
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Coconut Bliss: Replace vegan butter with softened coconut oil for a tropical spin. They will have a subtle coconut flavor, perfect for those beachy vibes!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas! If you love unique flavor combinations, be sure to check out my recipe for Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cookies and my delicious Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bars for more fall-inspired treats!
Vegan Apple Pie Cookies Recipe FAQs
How can I select the best apples for the filling?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture in your cookies, I recommend using Honeycrisp apples as they provide a natural sweetness and hold up well in cooking. If you can’t find them, feel free to substitute with other sweet varieties like Fuji or Gala, but make sure to avoid overly tart apples like Granny Smith.
What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
Very simply, store your Vegan Apple Pie Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to extend their freshness, they can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days—just ensure they’re between layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I freeze my cookies?
Of course! To freeze your Vegan Apple Pie Cookies, let them cool completely after baking. Then, layer them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked taste!
What should I do if my cookie dough feels too sticky?
If your cookie dough feels too sticky to handle, don’t worry! This can happen if your vegan butter is too warm or if the dough isn’t chilled long enough. Just refrigerate the dough for an additional 15-30 minutes, then try again. Chilling helps to firm up the dough, making it easier to roll and shape.
Are there any allergens I should be aware of?
It’s always important to check for allergies! This recipe is naturally free from eggs and dairy, making it suitable for vegans and those with dairy allergies. However, if you’re serving these to someone with nut allergies, be mindful of using a safe brand of vegan butter or consider using coconut oil as a substitute. Always double-check the ingredient labels to ensure they’ve been processed in a nut-free facility.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make your Vegan Apple Pie Cookies gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Be sure to also check that your baking powder is gluten-free. Follow the same instructions for preparation, and you’ll still be treating yourself to those delightful flavors!
Vegan Apple Pie Cookies with Warm Cinnamon Goodness
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Apple Pie Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine chopped Honeycrisp apples, brown sugar, vegan butter, lemon juice, and pumpkin pie spice. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until the mixture begins to bubble and the apples soften. Stir continuously, then add a cornstarch slurry to thicken for an additional 2 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Make Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the vegan butter, and both sugars until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Next, incorporate the flax egg and vanilla bean paste until the mixture is well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt—mixing until a thick dough forms, then chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Assemble Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Once the dough is chilled, scoop out small portions and roll them into balls, coating each ball lightly in sugar. Place them on the baking tray and use your thumb to make an indentation in the center of each ball, ensuring there’s enough space for the apple pie filling.
- Bake: Carefully fill each thumbprint with the prepared apple pie filling before baking. Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake the Vegan Apple Pie Cookies for 14-16 minutes. Look for edges that are crisp while the centers remain slightly gooey. Once baked, cool them on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
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