Brown Butter Apple Pie Cookies Recipe

Autumn calls for warm spices, cozy gatherings, and, of course, delicious baked goods. What could be better than the classic taste of apple pie? How about transforming that iconic dessert into delightful cookies? Today, we bring you a unique recipe for Brown Butter Apple Pie Cookies—a delectable twist that combines the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter with the sweet-tartness of apples and the aromatic spices that embody autumn.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Apple Filling:

• 2 cups peeled, cored, and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the Topping:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Brown Butter

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
2. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the butter turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma—about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown butter and sugars (brown and granulated) until creamy.
2. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well until fully incorporated.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Assemble the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Using a cookie scoop, drop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
3. Make a small indentation in the center of each cookie and fill it with a spoonful of the apple mixture.
4. Take a small amount of dough to cover the apple filling, gently pressing it down.

Step 5: Add the Topping

1. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the topping.
2. Sprinkle a pinch of this mixture over each cookie before baking.

Step 6: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
2. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

These Brown Butter Apple Pie Cookies are delightful on their own but can be even more indulgent when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzled with caramel sauce. Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply enjoying at home with a cup of tea or coffee.

Conclusion

With their warm flavors and comforting texture, these Brown Butter Apple Pie Cookies are sure to become a favorite in your fall baking repertoire. Not only do they capture the essence of classic apple pie, but they also provide a delightful twist that will impress family and friends alike. Happy baking! 🍏✨

Enjoy this new take on apple pie, and let your kitchen fill with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cookies!