Introduction to Vegan Apple Pie Cookies
Picture this: a busy day at the office ends, and all you want is to sink into a cozy couch with something sweet. Enter Vegan Apple Pie Cookies! These delightful treats merge the comforting flavors of apple pie with the ease of a cookie. They’re not only a delicious solution for busy young professionals but also a fantastic way to satisfy that sweet tooth without compromising your dietary choices.
Why These Cookies Are a Game Changer for Young Professionals?
Many of us juggle work, social commitments, and self-care, often leaving little time for preparation. These Vegan Apple Pie Cookies come to the rescue! They're quick to make, and the recipe allows for some flexibility—perfect for when you have limited time but crave homemade goodness. Plus, they showcase wholesome ingredients that nourish rather than deplete your energy.
Bringing a batch to the office or a gathering ensures you have a unique, plant-based dessert that everyone can enjoy, bridging gaps between dietary preferences (for more tips, check out this resource on mindful eating). Next time you need a sweet fix after a hectic day, these cookies will be your go-to solution!
Ingredients for Vegan Apple Pie Cookies
When it comes to crafting delightful Vegan Apple Pie Cookies, you’ll want to pay special attention to both the apple pie filling and the cookie base. Let’s break down the essential components!
Essential components for apple pie filling
Creating the perfect apple pie filling is key to a successful cookie experience. For this scrumptious filling, you will need:
- Honeycrisp Apple: This apple variety is known for its crisp texture and balanced sweetness.
- Brown Sugar: Helps to add a deep, caramel-like flavor.
- Vegan Butter: Adds richness, keeping it plant-based.
- Cornstarch: Acts as a thickener, giving the filling its desired consistency.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavor and complements the apples beautifully.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger for that quintessential autumn spice.
Key ingredients for spice cookies
The spice cookie base is where the magic truly happens. You’ll need these key ingredients:
- Vegan Butter: For a buttery flavor without dairy.
- Flax Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the cookie dough together.
- Sugar and Brown Sugar: These sweeteners not only add sweetness but also enhance texture.
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of your cookie, giving it structure.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: Reinforces that warm, cozy flavor.
- Baking Powder and Salt: Ensures your cookies rise properly while enhancing overall taste.
By gathering these ingredients, you’re well on your way to baking unforgettable Vegan Apple Pie Cookies! Curious about how to assemble everything? Stay tuned for the detailed instructions!
Step-by-step preparation of Vegan Apple Pie Cookies
Prepare the apple pie filling
Let’s kick things off with a delightful homemade apple pie filling! This part is simple yet so flavorful. Start by whisking together ¼ cup of water and ½ tablespoon of cornstarch in a small bowl until a cloudy, smooth slurry forms. Set this aside. Next, peel and chop a large honeycrisp apple into small chunks, which will infuse your cookies with that warm apple goodness.
In a saucepan, combine the chopped apple with 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of vegan butter, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and ½ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. Cook over medium heat until everything starts bubbling and the vegan butter melts. When it starts bubbling, stir in your cornstarch slurry and keep cooking for another 5-10 minutes until the mixture thickens and turns glossy. Once done, set it aside to cool while you prepare the cookie dough.
Create the spiced cookie dough
Now, let’s whip up the spiced cookie dough that will cradle that delicious filling. In a mixing bowl, beat together ½ cup of room temperature vegan butter, ½ cup of sugar, and ¼ cup of brown sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Then add your flax egg (made by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water) and 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract). Mix everything for another 30 seconds.
Time to add the dry ingredients! Gradually mix in 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, and ¼ teaspoon of salt until you form a thick dough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour for the best texture.
Chill the cookie dough
Chilling the cookie dough isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a crucial step! This helps firm up the butter, making the cookies less likely to spread too much during baking. If you’re in a rush, chilling for just 30 minutes will be good enough, but if you can manage to wait up to 24 hours, the flavors will deepen wonderfully.
Assemble and bake the cookies
Before you remove the dough, preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper. When you’re ready, scoop out about 10 evenly sized balls of dough and roll them in sugar for that lovely finish. Make sure to leave enough space between the cookie balls, as they will spread while baking.
Gently press each dough ball down with your palm, creating a little indent with your thumb. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cooled apple pie filling into each indent. Bake for 14-16 minutes until the edges are just crisp and the centers remain gooey.
Cool and enjoy your delicious cookies
After baking, let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to set properly. Once cooled, you can savor the deliciousness of your Vegan Apple Pie Cookies! Trust me, the combination of the spiced cookie with the warm apple filling is simply irresistible. Enjoy every crumb!
Variations on Vegan Apple Pie Cookies
Gluten-Free Version
For those with gluten sensitivities or preferences, making gluten-free Vegan Apple Pie Cookies is a breeze. Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Be sure to check that your baking powder is also gluten-free. You might even consider adding a tablespoon of ground almond or oat flour for added texture and a nutty flavor.
Adding Nuts or Dried Fruits
Elevate your Vegan Apple Pie Cookies by incorporating nuts or dried fruits. Chopped walnuts or pecans provide a delightful crunch, while raisins or dried cranberries can enhance the cookie’s sweetness. Just fold in about half a cup of your favorite mix into the dough to personalize your cookies! Consider experimenting to discover your favorite combination.
Happy baking!
Cooking Tips and Notes for Vegan Apple Pie Cookies
Tips for Perfecting the Filling
To create the ultimate Vegan Apple Pie Cookies, pay attention to the apple filling. Opt for a firm variety like Honeycrisp for a delightful crunch. Don’t skimp on the spices; adding extra cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the flavor. Ensure you simmer the filling until thick and glossy, making it easier to hold its shape in the cookie dough.
How to Store Cookies for Freshness
For long-lasting freshness, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 48 hours. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them for up to a month. Be sure to layer parchment paper between them to prevent sticking! This way, you can enjoy your Vegan Apple Pie Cookies anytime the craving hits!
Serving suggestions for Vegan Apple Pie Cookies
Pairing with dairy-free ice cream
For a delightful treat, serve your Vegan Apple Pie Cookies warm alongside a scoop of your favorite dairy-free ice cream. The creamy texture of the ice cream perfectly complements the soft, spiced cookie and sweet apple filling, making each bite a little slice of joy. Consider flavors like vanilla, cinnamon, or even caramel to elevate the experience—a delicious antidote to any autumn chill!
Serving alongside herbal tea or coffee
Another delightful way to enjoy your Vegan Apple Pie Cookies is with a comforting cup of herbal tea or coffee. A warm chai or peppermint tea adds a cozy note, while a rich coffee can enhance the spices. This combination not only satisfies your sweet cravings but also sets the perfect mood for a relaxed afternoon or casual gathering with friends. Enjoy the little things!
Time Breakdown for Making Vegan Apple Pie Cookies
Preparation time
For these delightful Vegan Apple Pie Cookies, you'll need about 30-60 minutes for preparation, which includes making the apple pie filling and chilling the cookie dough. If you have a busier schedule, you can always prepare the filling ahead of time!
Baking time
Once your cookie dough is ready, the baking process takes just 14-16 minutes. Keep an eye on the edges for that perfect crispiness!
Total time
In total, you're looking at approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to indulge in these sweet treats, with a little extra time if you chill the dough longer. Enjoy the cozy aroma that fills your kitchen as the cookies bake!
For more tips on perfecting your baking skills, check out Baker’s Central, where you can find all the insights on baking delicious vegan desserts!
Nutritional facts for Vegan Apple Pie Cookies
Calories per cookie
Each delightful Vegan Apple Pie Cookie contains approximately 278 calories. It’s a satisfying treat that feels indulgent without compromising on your plant-based lifestyle.
Key nutrients
These cookies offer a balanced profile, featuring 2g of protein, 42g of carbohydrates, and 12g of fat per serving. They also provide a small dose of essential nutrients, including calcium and iron.
Allergen information
These Vegan Apple Pie Cookies are free from dairy and eggs, but they contain gluten from all-purpose flour. If you have a corn allergy, be cautious with the cornstarch. Always check labels for any potential allergen cross-contamination! For those looking for alternatives, consider using gluten-free flour to customize the recipe.
FAQs about Vegan Apple Pie Cookies
Can I substitute the vegan butter?
Absolutely! If you're looking for a different option, coconut oil works well as a substitute for vegan butter. Just keep in mind that it may give your cookies a slight coconut flavor. Additionally, some brands offer plant-based margarine that could be a suitable alternative.
How do I store leftover cookies?
To keep your Vegan Apple Pie Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you need to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Layering the cookies with parchment paper can help prevent them from sticking together.
Are there alternatives to flax eggs?
Yes, you can use chia seeds as an alternative! Simply mix one tablespoon of ground chia seeds with three tablespoons of water and let it sit for about 10 minutes until it forms a gel-like consistency. This works just as great in baking and will help bind your ingredients beautifully.
Feel free to share your baking experiences or any other questions you may have! Happy baking!
Conclusion on Vegan Apple Pie Cookies
These Vegan Apple Pie Cookies offer a delightful twist on the classic dessert, combining comforting apple pie flavors with the sweet charm of cookies. Perfect for any occasion or simply as a treat for yourself, they promise a warm, gooey filling wrapped in a scrumptious spice cookie. Enjoy baking!
Vegan Apple Pie Cookies
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- electric mixer
- Saucepan
- Baking tray
- parchment paper
- cookie scoop
Ingredients
Apple Pie Filling
- 0.25 cup water
- 0.5 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 large honeycrisp apple peeled and cut into small chunks
- 3 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons vegan butter
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Spice Cookies
- 0.5 cup vegan butter
- 0.5 cup sugar ½ cup for dough, 2 tablespoons for rolling before baking
- 0.25 cup brown sugar
- 1 flax egg 1 Tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour plus 1 Tablespoon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Make the apple pie filling
- Make the cornstarch slurry by mixing together the cold water and cornstarch until a cloudy paste forms. Set aside.
- Peeled and finely chop your apple into small cubes. Then, add the apple to a saucepan with the brown sugar, vegan butter, lemon juice, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix together and cook over medium heat until the butter melts and mixture starts bubbling.
- Once bubbling, add in the cornstarch slurry and mix together. Continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes until it thickens and becomes glossy. Set aside to cool while you make the cookie dough.
Make the spiced cookie dough
- Add room temperature vegan butter, ½ cup of white sugar, and brown sugar to a mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Add the flax egg and vanilla bean paste to the bowl and mix together for about 30 seconds.
- Add in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Mix everything together until a thick cookie dough forms.
- Cover the bowl of dough with plastic wrap and add the bowl to the fridge to chill for 30 minutes-1 hour.
Assembling & baking the cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350F and line a baking tray with parchment paper about 10 minutes before removing the dough from the fridge.
- Remove the dough from the fridge and use a cookie scoop to scoop out 10 evenly sized cookies. Roll each cookie dough ball in sugar.
- Place the cookie dough balls onto the baking sheet and slightly press each dough ball down with your palm.
- Make an indent in the center of each cookie and spoon about 1 Tablespoon of the cooled apple pie filling into the center.
- Ensure the cookies are at least 2 inches apart on the baking tray. Bake for 14-16 minutes until edges are crisp.
- Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to continue cooling.
Leave a Reply