Nothing delights quite like the warm, cozy flavors of autumn baked into a perfect handheld treat, which is exactly what the Vegan Apple Pie Cookies Recipe delivers. These cookies combine tender, spiced dough with luscious homemade apple pie filling, bringing together the nostalgic taste of apple pie in a fun, portable form that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re craving a comforting dessert or a sweet snack, these cookies capture that beloved fall magic, all without any animal products. Get ready to embrace a new favorite that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two side-by-side flat lays of baking ingredients on a white marbled surface. On the left, there are six clear or small white bowls and one whole apple arranged neatly: top left contains half a lemon cut to show the inside, top center has light brown sugar with a grainy texture, below that is a clear bowl with cloudy cornstarch and water, bottom left holds creamy vegan butter cubes in a small white bowl, bottom center shows a red and yellow Honeycrisp apple, and in the middle right a small brown bowl contains soft brown pumpkin pie spice powder. On the right side, ingredients sit on a metal tray including a clear bowl with white granulated sugar top left, a bowl with light brown sugar top right, a clear bowl with cut vegan butter chunks in the center, a small white bowl with dark vanilla powder below the sugar, and another small bowl with brown flax egg mixture. There’s also a white bowl filled with all-purpose flour bottom left, a small bowl with mixed pumpkin pie spice, salt, and baking powder in the middle, and a white small bowl with chunky apple pie filling bottom right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are both simple and special, each playing a crucial part in creating the unique flavors and textures that make this cookie irresistible. From the sweet, tart apple filling to the fragrant pumpkin pie spice in the cookies, every element works beautifully in harmony.

Water: The base for the cornstarch slurry, essential for thickening the apple filling.
Cornstarch: Used to create a glossy, thick apple pie filling that holds perfectly inside the cookies.
Honeycrisp Apple: Peeled and chopped for a sweet, crisp fruit surprise.
Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel notes both in the filling and cookie dough.
Vegan Butter: Brings rich, buttery flavor and tender crumb to the cookies without dairy.
Lemon Juice: Brightens the apple filling, balancing sweetness with a crisp tang.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: Infuses warmth and spice, marrying apple and cookie flavors seamlessly.
Sugar: Both white and brown sugar sweeten the dough and help create a delicate crunch when rolled on top.
Flax Egg: A perfect vegan binder made from ground flaxseed and water, keeping the cookies moist and structured.
Vanilla Bean Paste or Extract: Adds depth and a comforting aroma to the dough.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for the spiced cookie dough, creating structure and softness.
Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise just right, giving them a tender lift.
Salt: Enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors, balancing the taste.

How to Make Vegan Apple Pie Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Pie Filling

Start by whipping up a simple cornstarch slurry to thicken the filling to that perfect jam-like consistency. This step is key to ensuring the filling doesn’t seep too much in the cookies. While the slurry rests, peel and finely chop your honeycrisp apple—tiny chunks create delightful bursts of flavor. In a saucepan, combine the apple with brown sugar, vegan butter, lemon juice, and pumpkin pie spice. Cooking this mixture until it bubbles and thickens gives you that rich, glossy filling that tastes just like homemade apple pie, only better because you’re about to tuck it into a cookie!

Step 2: Make the Spiced Cookie Dough

While the filling cools, turn your attention to the cookie dough. Cream the vegan butter and sugars together until fluffy—this step determines the cookie’s tender texture. Then, add your flax egg and vanilla bean paste, mixing until combined. Incorporate the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt next, which provide structure and that irresistible autumnal warmth. Mixing just until a thick dough forms helps keep the cookies soft and slightly chewy. Chilling the dough not only firms it up for easier handling but also lets the flavors marry beautifully overnight or even for just a short while.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare your baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out dough balls and roll them lightly in sugar for a delicate, crisp exterior. Press each dough ball down gently, then create a generous thumb indent in the center—this space is where the magic happens as you spoon in the apple filling. Make sure to leave enough room between cookies for them to spread and bake to golden perfection for about 14 to 16 minutes. Once baked, letting them cool slightly before transferring allows the centers to set without losing that gooey apple filling charm.

How to Serve Vegan Apple Pie Cookies Recipe

A metal baking sheet lined with light brown parchment paper holds nine small round mini pies arranged in three rows. Each mini pie has a light brown crust with a sugar coating on the edges, forming a small shallow bowl to hold the filling. The filling is a glossy, warm amber color with chunky diced apples that are soft yellow and caramel-colored, packed inside each crust. There are scattered sugar crystals on the parchment paper around the pies. The whole scene is viewed from above on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar on top of these cookies for an elegant, snowy finish reminiscent of freshly fallen autumn frost. A light drizzle of vegan caramel sauce adds an irresistible richness that elevates each bite. Fresh cinnamon sticks placed alongside your serving plate provide not only a beautiful decorative touch but also an inviting spicy aroma that enhances the overall experience.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of chai or spiced apple cider to complement their cozy flavors perfectly. A scoop of creamy vegan vanilla ice cream on the side adds a luscious contrast to the warm cinnamon-spiced filling. For a lighter pairing, fresh fruit slices or a simple green tea work wonders to balance the sweetness and spice.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack these cookies to create a rustic “apple pie cookie tower” tied with a ribbon—perfect for gifting or parties. For a fun twist, serve them on a wooden board with small bowls of homemade vegan whipped cream or extra apple pie filling for dipping. Turn them into mini dessert sandwiches by sandwiching vegan cream cheese frosting between two cookies for an indulgent treat that’s sure to wow guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Vegan Apple Pie Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To avoid sticking, layer the cookies between parchment paper sheets. They will stay delicious for up to 48 hours, offering you plenty of time to savor that homemade goodness without sacrificing texture or flavor.

Freezing

If you’d like to enjoy these cookies beyond a couple of days, freeze them for up to one month. Simply place parchment paper between layers in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent sticking and maintain their delightful consistency. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them gently in the fridge or at room temperature.

Reheating

For that freshly baked warmth, reheat your cookies in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. This will soften the dough while bringing the apple filling back to its gooey glory. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it may make the cookies soggy rather than delightfully soft and chewy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for the filling?

Absolutely! While honeycrisp apples offer a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, other firm, crisp apples like Fuji or Granny Smith will work just as well. Keep in mind, sweeter apples may require less brown sugar in the filling.

What if I don’t have flaxseed for the flax egg?

You can substitute the flax egg with a chia egg using the same ratio—1 tablespoon of ground chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit until gelatinous before using. This keeps the recipe fully vegan and just as effective as a binder.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make these gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just be sure it includes xanthan gum to help with texture. Results should be very close to the original delight!

Why is chilling the dough important?

Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to shape and preventing excessive spreading during baking. It also gives the flavors time to meld together, resulting in a richer, more nuanced cookie.

Can I double the recipe for larger batches?

Definitely! Doubling (or even tripling) the recipe works perfectly for holiday gatherings or meal prepping, just be sure to adjust your baking trays accordingly and keep an eye on baking times as larger batches may bake differently.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a heartwarming treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall while being entirely plant-based, this Vegan Apple Pie Cookies Recipe is your new go-to. Each bite bursts with sweet, spiced apple goodness nestled in soft, buttery cookie dough—a nostalgic yet fresh twist on a classic favorite. I genuinely hope you give this recipe a try and experience the joy it brings to your kitchen and taste buds. Happy baking!

Vegan Apple Pie Cookies Recipe