Apple Pie Cookies
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Apple Pie Cookies turn a box of vanilla cake mix into a cookie that tastes like a mini pie. They are the kind of treat that makes your kitchen smell like a cozy fall afternoon, even if you’re baking them in the middle of July. They’re quick to make, adorable on a dessert plate, and perfect for any time you want apple‑pie comfort without the fuss of rolling out a crust.
I love to make delicious apple recipes for my family Apple Cinnamon Cream Cheese is a favorite for bagels and my Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a real crowd pleaser for pot lucks.
Why my Apple Pie Cookies Recipe is a Keeper
These cookies taste like fall in just one bite. Here’s why they’re worth keeping in the rotation.
- Just 4 Ingredients: Everything comes from the pantry, no special baking aisle trip needed.
- 30-Minute Treat: These are mixed, baked, and iced in about half an hour.
- Tastes Like Apple Pie: Applesauce and pie filling give real apple flavor without rolling out a crust.
- Great for Fall Gatherings: These cookies are an easy addition to any potluck or party table.
- More Fun Cookies to Try: My Easy Twix Cookies or my Chocolate Mint Cookies.
Can I Substitute a Different Cake Mix Flavor?
Yes, this recipe works well with butter cake mix or spice cake mix instead of vanilla. Spice cake mix adds extra cinnamon flavor without any added effort.
Stick to a similarly sized box so the dough texture stays the same. Avoid mixes with pudding already added, since they can make the dough too soft to roll.
What Reader’s Are Saying…
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
These are seriously addictive. Perfect with a cup of coffee or just as a snack whenever you’re craving something sweet!” — Ana
Ingredient Notes to Make Apple Pie Cookies
With only four ingredients, each one matters here.
This is an overview of key ingredients. Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Vanilla Cake Mix: Any standard 15.25-ounce box works fine. This is the base of your cookie and has the flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract already in the mix.
- Apple Pie Filling: Chop large apple pieces in the apple filling into smaller pieces so they distribute evenly through the dough. You can make your own homemade apple pie filling if you like but store bought works great.
- Icing: Use a store-bought container, or make a simple powdered sugar glaze instead.
Variations and Substitutions to Bake the Cookies
This cookie dough takes well to a few easy add-ins to the apple mixture. These soft and chewy cookies can be enhanced with white chocolate chips or spice up the easy apple pie filling with nuts.
➡️ Add Nuts: Stir in a tablespoon or two of chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch to the apple cookie.
➡️ Spice it Up: Roll the apple dough balls in cinnamon sugar before baking to make an apple cinnamon cookie.
➡️ Drizzle with Caramel: Swap the icing for a warm caramel drizzle instead. Mix butter and light brown sugar together and cook until a delicious caramel forms.
➡️Top: Top the apple pie cookies with a thin slice of fresh granny smith apples.
Kitchen Tools To Make Cake Mix Cookies Easier
A cookie scoop makes portioning this dough fast and even. Along with your standard measuring equipment and baking sheets, I recommend using the following
- Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop keeps every cookie the same size so they bake evenly.
- Cooling Rack: This keeps cookies from overbaking, getting soggy, or turning greasy by letting steam escape and air circulate all around them.
How to Make the 4 Ingredient Apple Pie Cookie Recipe
These easy and delicious apple pie cookies taste just like mini apple pies without the pie crust.
These are just highlights. Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Whisk Together: First, mix the cake mix, applesauce, and apple pie filling together in a bowl.
- Scoop: Next, scoop out the dough and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake until cracks form on top, then let the cookies cool on a wire rack.
- Frost: When cookies have completely cooled, spread icing over the cooled cookies.
Prep Ahead and Short Cut Tips for Mini Apple Pie Cookies
A little planning makes this easy four ingredient apple pie cookie even faster. Make these apple cookies in advance and finish the apple dessert later by frosting.
➡️ Scoop Ahead: Portion the cookie dough onto a tray and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
➡️ Freeze the Dough: Freeze scooped dough balls, then bake a few extra minutes straight from frozen.
➡️ Ice Right Before Serving: Wait to add icing until serving day so the cookies don’t get soggy.
Alternate Cooking Methods for Classic Apple Pie Cookies
Don’t want to heat up the whole oven? Try the air fryer instead.
- Air Fryer: Bake the dough balls at 320 degrees F for 6 to 8 minutes, checking a minute or two early.
Why Do My Apple Pie Filling Cookies Get Too Soft or Cakey?
Apple brings moisture. If the filling is too wet or the apples weren’t cooked down enough, the cookies will puff instead of set. Aim for apples that are tender but not juicy — almost like the texture of pie filling after it cools.
How to Store Apple Pie Cookies, Freeze, and Use Leftovers
- Storing: Room temperature (best for 2–3 days): Let cookies cool completely on a cooling rack so steam escapes. Store in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Freezing: Cool completely. Arrange in a single layer on a sheet pan and freeze for 30–45 minutes. Transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container with parchment between layers. Freeze for up to two months.
- Using Leftovers: Crumble extra cookies over vanilla ice cream, yogurt, or oatmeal for a fast topping.
Expert Tips for Making Homemade Apple Pie Cookie Recipe
➡️ Don’t Overmix: Stir just until combined so the cookies stay tender instead of tough.
➡️ Use a Scoop for Even Sizing: Same-sized balls bake more evenly and finish at the same time.
➡️ Try a Spice Cake Mix: Swapping the vanilla mix for spice cake mix adds warmth without extra ingredients.
➡️ Add a Crunchy Topping: A sprinkle of chopped pecans on the wet icing adds texture.
We Recommend You Try These
4 Ingredient Apple Pie Cookies
Equipment
- Silicone spatula
- Baking sheets
- 1½-tablespoon cookie scoop
- Wire cooling rack
- Offset spatula or butter knife
Ingredients
- 15.25 ounces Vanilla cake mix, 1 box
- 1 cup Unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup Apple pie filling, finely chopped
- 16 ounces Prepared vanilla frosting, 1 container
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Add the vanilla cake mix, applesauce, and finely chopped apple pie filling to a large mixing bowl. Stir with a silicone spatula until no dry cake mix remains and a thick, sticky dough forms.
- Using a 1½-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart.
- Lightly flatten the tops of the dough portions with the back of the scoop or damp fingertips.
- Bake for 7 to 9 minutes, or until cracks appear on top and the edges look set. The cookies will remain pale and should still be soft in the centers.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes. Transfer them to a wire cooling rack and cool completely.
- Spread the vanilla frosting over the cooled cookies before serving.
Christina’s Notes
- Finely chop the apple pie filling before measuring it. Smaller apple pieces distribute more evenly and make the dough easier to scoop.
- The dough will be soft and sticky. Use a cookie scoop rather than rolling it with your hands.
- Watch for cracks instead of browning. These cookies remain pale even when they are fully baked. The original recipe also identifies surface cracks as the main doneness cue.
- Do not frost warm cookies. Even slightly warm cookies can cause the frosting to melt and slide off.
- For a different flavor, replace the vanilla frosting with prepared cream cheese or caramel frosting.
- Store frosted cookies in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.
- To make the cookies ahead, bake and cool them up to 1 day before serving. Store them covered at room temperature and add the frosting before serving.
- Freeze the unfrosted cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
- Place parchment paper between layers. Thaw at room temperature, then frost before serving.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, scroll up on the page.
