Apple Pie Cheesecake Cookies
Apple Pie Cheesecake Cookies combine the warm, spiced flavors of apple pie with the creamy richness of cheesecake in a single, irresistible bite. These cookies deliver the best of both worlds—soft, chewy, and packed with cinnamon-spiced apples and a tangy cheesecake swirl. If you love classic apple pie but crave something more indulgent, this recipe is a must-try.
Ingredients for Apple Pie Cheesecake Cookies
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Apple Pie Filling:
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
For the Cheesecake Swirl:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Apple Pie Filling
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry.
- Pour the slurry into the apple mixture, stirring until thickened. Let it cool completely.
2. Make the Cheesecake Swirl
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Set aside while preparing the cookie dough.
3. Prepare the Cookie Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
4. Assemble the Cookies
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop 1 ½ tablespoon-sized portions of cookie dough onto the baking sheet.
- Make a small indentation in the center of each dough ball.
- Spoon a small amount of apple pie filling into the center.
- Swirl a small dollop of cheesecake mixture on top.
- Gently swirl using a toothpick for a marbled effect.
5. Bake and Cool
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until edges are golden brown.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Apple Pie Cheesecake Cookies
- Use the right apples: Granny Smith apples provide a tart contrast, while Honeycrisp or Fuji adds natural sweetness.
- Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes helps control spreading.
- Don’t overbake: The cookies will continue to set as they cool, so remove them when the edges turn golden brown.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Reheat for a fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them with a few serving ideas:
- Warm them slightly and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra decadence.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours before baking.
Can I use store-bought apple pie filling?
While homemade filling is best, you can substitute store-bought apple pie filling for convenience.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour in a 1:1 ratio.
Do these cookies need to be refrigerated?
Since they contain cheesecake filling, they last longer when stored in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
Apple Pie Cheesecake Cookies bring together classic fall flavors and rich cheesecake goodness in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a unique dessert for the holidays or a sweet treat for any time of the year, these cookies are guaranteed to impress. Give this recipe a try and indulge in a cookie that truly has it all!
