Name: Vegan Apple Pie Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup water; 1/2 Tablespoon cornstarch; 1 large honeycrisp apple, peeled and cut into small chunks; 3 Tablespoons brown sugar; 2 Tablespoons vegan butter; 1 Tablespoon lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; 1/2 cup vegan butter, room temperature; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 flax egg (1 Tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 Tablespoons water); 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups + 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 Tablespoons sugar (for rolling the cookie dough balls before baking)

If you adore the cozy flavors of fall and love bite-sized treats that pack a flavorful punch, then you’re going to be head over heels for this Vegan Apple Pie Cookies Recipe. Imagine tender, spiced cookie dough wrapped around a luscious, gooey apple pie filling that tastes just like grandma’s classic dessert—but in perfectly portable cookie form. These cookies are nothing short of a celebration of warmth, sweetness, and that unmistakable apple pie aroma, all while being 100% vegan and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view of a white bowl filled with small, uniform light yellow and light brown diced pieces soaked in a thin brown sauce. The pieces are spread evenly inside the bowl, which is placed on a white marbled surface. The diced pieces have a soft, slightly shiny texture from the sauce, giving the dish a warm and cooked appearance. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe shines because of its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that delightful balance of texture and flavor. From the buttery vegan butter that keeps the dough tender to the pumpkin pie spice that gives it a heartfelt hint of autumn, every element works together to make this dessert truly special.

Water: Needed to make the cornstarch slurry that thickens the apple filling perfectly.
Cornstarch: Key to achieving that glossy, thick apple pie filling texture you love.
Honeycrisp apple: The star of the show, offering crispness and natural sweetness.
Brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes both in the filling and cookie dough.
Vegan butter: Provides rich flavor and tender crumb for the cookie dough.
Lemon juice: Helps balance sweetness and brightens up the apple filling.
Pumpkin pie spice: Delivers that warm, cozy spiced flavor perfect for fall-inspired treats.
Sugar: Used in two parts—within the dough to sweeten and as a crunchy coating before baking.
Flax egg: An egg substitute that binds the cookie dough together without compromising texture.
Vanilla bean paste or extract: Enhances all the sweet flavors with a smooth, aromatic touch.
All-purpose flour: The structural foundation of the cookie dough, providing that perfect chew.
Baking powder: Ensures the cookies rise just enough to stay soft but hold their shape.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Vegan Apple Pie Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Make the apple pie filling

Start by whisking together cold water and cornstarch until a smooth paste forms—this will become the magical thickener for our filling. Peel and finely chop your honeycrisp apple into small cubes; this ensures every bite bursts with that fresh apple texture. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the apple chunks with brown sugar, vegan butter, lemon juice, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir gently until the butter melts and the mixture begins to bubble.

Now it’s time to add the cornstarch slurry. Pour it in and stir steadily as the filling takes on a thick, glossy consistency after 5-10 minutes on the heat. This filling encapsulates every comforting note of traditional apple pie, cooked just enough to keep each apple piece tender but intact. Set it aside to cool while you prepare the cookie dough.

Step 2: Make the spiced cookie dough

In a mixing bowl, cream together room temperature vegan butter with half a cup of sugar and a quarter cup of brown sugar using an electric mixer until fluffy and light—this airiness will be the key to tender cookies. Next, add the flax egg and vanilla bean paste, mixing just to combine. Now, layer your dry ingredients on top: all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.

Mix until all ingredients form a thick, spiced dough. It’s important to get the flour blended well so your cookies have the perfect chewy texture. Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time helps the dough firm up, making it easier to shape.

Step 3: Assemble and bake the cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Remove the chilled dough and scoop out 10 equal-sized balls. Roll each ball between your palms to create smooth spheres, then coat them with 2 tablespoons of sugar to add a delightful sparkle and crunch on the outside once baked.

Arrange the dough balls on your lined tray, spacing them at least 2 inches apart. Use your thumb to create a deep indent in each ball, carefully spreading the dough to enlarge the well without breaking the outer edges. Spoon about a tablespoon of the cooled apple pie filling into each indent—this is the heart of the cookie that makes every bite sing deliciously.

Bake for 14 to 16 minutes until the edges are crisp and golden, while the centers remain soft and gooey. Let them cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling—resisting eating them immediately is the hardest part!

How to Serve Vegan Apple Pie Cookies Recipe

A woman's hand is holding a round, sugar-coated dough ball with a grainy texture. In the background, there is a clear glass bowl filled with more rough-textured dough, and a black utensil resting inside it. The setting includes a white marbled surface underneath, and a blurred peach is visible in the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your vegan apple pie cookies with a light dusting of cinnamon sugar or a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce. These simple additions elevate each bite and add a pretty finishing touch if you’re serving guests or looking to make the cookies feel extra special.

Side Dishes

These cookies shine on their own but pair wonderfully with a hot cup of chai tea, vanilla almond milk, or a fresh-brewed coffee. For a more indulgent treat, serve alongside a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast of warm and cold.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging these cookies on a rustic wooden board with sliced fresh apples, a small bowl of vegan whipped cream, and a sprinkle of chopped pecans. You can also create mini dessert plates by adding a cookie alongside a dollop of cinnamon-spiced coconut yogurt and a drizzle of maple syrup—a feast for the eyes and the palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover vegan apple pie cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They remain soft and fresh, making for a perfect next-day treat with your morning coffee.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 2 months—ready to thaw and enjoy whenever a sweet craving hits.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked warmth, reheat your cookies in a preheated oven at 325°F for 5-7 minutes or pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The filling will soften beautifully, and the edges crisp up slightly, just like fresh out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for this Vegan Apple Pie Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! While honeycrisp apples offer perfect sweetness and texture, Granny Smith or Fuji apples can also work well. Just choose apples that hold their shape when cooked so the filling isn’t too mushy.

What if I don’t have vegan butter on hand?

You can substitute vegan butter with coconut oil, but keep in mind it may add a slight coconut flavor and change the dough’s texture a bit. Make sure the coconut oil is solid (not melted) when creaming with sugar.

Is pumpkin pie spice necessary?

Pumpkin pie spice is the secret ingredient that gives this recipe its warm autumnal flair, but if you don’t have it, you can blend your own with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to achieve a similar effect.

How do I make a flax egg?

Simply mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it gels up. This creates a perfect vegan binder for the cookie dough.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in a 1:1 ratio to substitute the regular flour. You might want to add a little extra baking powder for the best rise and texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly heartwarming about sharing a dessert that combines the familiar comforts of apple pie with the fun and convenience of a cookie—especially when it’s vegan and easy to make! I can’t recommend this Vegan Apple Pie Cookies Recipe enough for cozy gatherings, seasonal celebrations, or just a sweet afternoon treat. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your favorite fall indulgences that you’ll want to bake again and again.

Vegan Apple Pie Cookies Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need