f you’re looking for a cozy, fall-inspired dessert that’s both fun and flavorful, Snickerdoodle Apple Pie Bites are the perfect treat. These bite-sized delights combine the soft, cinnamon-sugar goodness of snickerdoodle cookies with the warm, spiced filling of a classic apple pie. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, they’re ideal for autumn gatherings, holiday parties, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth on a crisp evening.
Why You’ll Fall for Snickerdoodle Apple Pie Bites :
- Miniature Perfection: These treats are adorable and easy to serve.
- Flavor Explosion: A burst of warm cinnamon, sugar, and spiced apple filling in every bite.
- Easy Fall Dessert: Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
- Versatile: Serve them warm with ice cream, drizzle with caramel, or enjoy as they are.
Ingredients :
For the Snickerdoodle Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the base for the cookie dough.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the dough rise slightly in the oven.
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar: Adds the signature tangy flavor to snickerdoodles.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses warmth into the dough.
- 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature: Creates a soft, rich texture.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds depth to the flavor.
- Cooking spray: Prevents the dough from sticking to the muffin tin.
For the Apple Pie Filling:
- 4 apples: Peeled and diced into small cubes. (Granny Smith, Gala, or Honeycrisp work well.)
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the apple mixture.
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the filling.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Enhances the apple pie flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
- 2 cups water: Forms the base of the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a touch of sweetness and aroma.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Keeps the apples fresh and adds brightness.
Step-by-Step Instructions :
Step 1: Make the Snickerdoodle Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a mini muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Scoop 1-tablespoon portions of dough, roll them into balls, and coat generously in a cinnamon-sugar mixture (2 tablespoons sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon).
- Place each ball into the prepared mini muffin tin.
Step 2: Bake the Snickerdoodle Cups
- Bake for 10-14 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Remove the muffin tin from the oven and immediately press the back of a tablespoon or a shot glass into the center of each cookie to form a crater.
- Let the cookie cups cool for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Apple Pie Filling
- Peel and dice the apples into small cubes.
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and cornstarch. Stir well.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens (about 2 minutes).
- Add the diced apples to the saucepan and continue cooking for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften.
- Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool completely.
Step 4: Assemble the Snickerdoodle Apple Pie Bites
- Spoon a generous amount of the cooled apple pie filling into each snickerdoodle cup.
- Serve as is, or garnish with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Tips for Success :
- Don’t Skip the Cream of Tartar: It’s essential for achieving the tangy flavor that defines snickerdoodles.
- Chill the Dough: If your dough feels sticky, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Double-Coat the Dough Balls: Roll the dough balls in the cinnamon-sugar mixture twice for extra flavor.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Taste the apple pie filling as it cooks and adjust the sugar to suit your preference.
Variations :
- Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the apple pie filling for added crunch.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the filled bites for an extra layer of decadence.
- Ginger Twist: Add a pinch of ground ginger to the apple pie filling for a warm, spicy kick.
- Sugar Cookie Base: Use sugar cookie dough instead of snickerdoodle dough for a slightly different flavor.
Serving Suggestions :
- Serve these mini apple pies warm, straight from the oven, for a cozy treat.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for the ultimate indulgence.
- Pair with a mug of spiced cider or a pumpkin spice latte for a complete fall experience.
Storage Instructions :
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unfilled snickerdoodle cups for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before filling and serving.
Frequently Asked Questions :
Can I use store-bought apple pie filling?
Yes, you can use canned apple pie filling for convenience, but homemade offers a fresher, richer flavor.
What’s the best type of apple for the filling?
Granny Smith apples are a great choice for their tartness, but Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp work well too.
Can I prepare the components in advance?
Absolutely. Bake the snickerdoodle cups and make the apple pie filling a day ahead. Store them separately and assemble on the day of serving for the best results.
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Snickerdoodle Apple Pie Bites
Enjoy these delightful Snickerdoodle Apple Pie Bites, a perfect blend of cookie and pie flavors for any fall occasion!
Ingredients
- For the Snickerdoodle Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp cream of tartar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Cooking spray
- For the Apple Pie Filling :
- 4 apples, peeled and diced
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp lemon juice