Apple Pie Cheesecake Cookies: A Cozy Fusion of Two Classic Desserts

Sharing is caring!

Few desserts capture the essence of home-baked comfort quite like apple pie and cheesecake. Each stands strong on its own—apple pie with its spiced, tender fruit and flaky crust, and cheesecake with its luscious, creamy richness. Now imagine those two comforting favorites blended into one handheld delight. That’s exactly what Apple Pie Cheesecake Cookies offer: a dessert mash-up that’s soft, spiced, creamy, and packed with cozy flavors in every bite. These cookies are an ideal treat for the fall season, but they’re also perfect year-round when you want something a little special yet still familiar. Whether you’re baking for a party, sharing treats with family, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these cookies are a surefire way to impress without needing complicated techniques or advanced baking skills. Best of all, they’re beginner-friendly and easy to customize, so even if you’re new to baking, this recipe will guide you step by step.

Ingredients and Preparation

This recipe is divided into three parts: the cookie dough base, the apple pie filling, and the optional caramel drizzle. Here’s everything you need.

For the Cookies:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• About ¾ cup Lotus Biscoff cookie crumbs (or any spiced cookie alternative)

For the Apple Pie Filling:

• 2 medium apples (such as Gala, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith), peeled and finely diced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water (add more if the mixture is too thick)

Optional Topping:

• ⅓ cup caramel sauce, for drizzling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order to make the cookies from scratch. The recipe includes cooling time, so plan ahead.

1. Prepare the Apple Pie Filling

• 1.1 Peel and finely dice your apples into small cubes so they cook quickly and fit nicely in the center of the cookies.
• 1.2 In a medium saucepan, combine the apples, lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
• 1.3 Stir in the cornstarch and water to help thicken the filling during cooking.
• 1.4 Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the apples soften and the mixture thickens—about 5 to 10 minutes.
• 1.5 Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature while you make the cookie dough.

2. Make the Cookie Dough

• 2.1 In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
• 2.2 In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy.
• 2.3 Add the granulated sugar and beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
• 2.4 Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined.
• 2.5 Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
• 2.6 Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle and helps prevent spreading during baking.

3. Assemble the Cookies

• 3.1 Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• 3.2 Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to scoop out dough balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them at least 2 inches apart.
• 3.3 Flatten each dough ball slightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon to create a small indentation in the center.
• 3.4 Add a spoonful of the cooled apple pie filling into the center of each cookie.
• 3.5 Sprinkle Biscoff cookie crumbs around the apple filling for texture and flavor.

4. Bake the Cookies

• 4.1 Bake for 13 to 16 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden and the centers are set.
• 4.2 Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Add the Caramel Drizzle (Optional)

• 5.1 Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle caramel sauce over the tops.
• 5.2 You can use a spoon or piping bag for more precise decoration.
• 5.3 Allow the caramel to set for a few minutes before serving or storing.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• Use the Right Apples: Firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work best as they hold their shape during cooking.
• Don’t Skip Chilling the Dough: Chilling helps control spreading and makes shaping easier.
• Cut Apples Small: Smaller apple pieces help with even cooking and easier shaping in the cookie centers.
• Customize the Spices: Feel free to adjust the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to suit your preference.
• Make Ahead Tip: You can prepare the apple pie filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge.
• Measuring Flour Properly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it with a knife to avoid a dry dough.
• Test One Cookie First: Bake a single cookie to test for spreading or texture. Adjust if needed by chilling longer or tweaking the flour.

Print

Serving Suggestions

• With Coffee or Tea: These cookies are perfect with a hot cup of coffee or spiced tea on a chilly day.
• As a Dessert Platter Star: Add these to a holiday cookie tray for a standout treat.
• Paired with Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Gift-Worthy Cookies: Pack them into a gift box with parchment paper and a ribbon for a sweet homemade gift.
• Brunch Addition: Great addition to fall brunch tables alongside muffins, cinnamon rolls, or scones.
• Make It a Sundae: Break one cookie over a bowl of ice cream and drizzle extra caramel for a creative sundae.
• Try Other Fillings: Experiment with other fruit fillings like pear or cherry if apples aren’t in season.

Engagement Features

• Ask the Reader: Have you ever combined two desserts into one recipe? What’s your favorite dessert mash-up?
• Encourage Variation: Try swapping the Biscoff crumbs for graham cracker or gingersnap crumbs for a twist.
• Invite Feedback: Made this recipe? Let us know how it turned out in the comments below or share your version on social media.
• Suggestions for Next Time: If you love these, you might also enjoy baking cheesecake-stuffed pumpkin cookies or cinnamon roll cookies next.
• Try it with Kids: This is a great recipe to try with kids—let them spoon in the filling and drizzle the caramel for hands-on fun.
• Make It Seasonal: Use apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice blends for easy flavoring depending on the season.