These easy apple pie thumbprint cookies are an amazing addition to your cookie recipe collection! Cinnamon vanilla dough is filled with sweet apple pie filling!
So, not to raise any anxiety levels or anything, but how is gift-getting going? We’re t-minus 2 days and some odd hours away from the day–the big one–and the last-minute shopping crowds are getting restless.
This season sort of flew by, and while I technically have all my shopping done (I still have one thing coming in the mail–I’m sorry, Amazon drivers), I don’t have one single item wrapped. It wouldn’t be Christmas Eve without me wrapping late into the wee hours of the night, though. And, I’m not one to break tradition. 😉
It also wouldn’t be Christmas Eve without platefuls of cookies: Molasses Sugar Cookies, Chocolate Chip, Cutout Sugar Cookies, and thumbprints, like these Apple Pie Thumbprint Cookies.
Thumbprint Cookies are a Christmas staple. While I typically go for the chocolate and caramel thumbprint cookies (because, chocolate and caramel), I couldn’t pass up an apple pie version.
These thumbprint cookies are rich, sweet, and full of cinnamon vanilla flavor. When paired with homemade apple pie filling, these cookies are downright delish. Delish, I tell you.
Plus, these cookies are ridiculously simple to make, which is so convenient for you since you have got to pack these into your last-minute baking schedule. 😉 Was that subtle enough for you?
But really, I’m telling you, this one-bowl dough (no chilling required either) comes together quickly. Roll the dough into balls, then roll them in cinnamon sugar, press your thumb in the center, and bake. Make the homemade apple pie filling, spoon it into the baked cookies, and eat until your heart’s content.
Merry almost Christmas! Hope your cookie dreams come true! (If you make these, there’s a good chance they will…)
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 large apples, chopped finely
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Add in eggs and vanilla extract. Beat until combined.
- Next, add in flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until combined (dough will be thick).
- Shape dough in about 1 to 2" balls, and roll each in cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Place each cookie on the sheet, about 2" apart. Press your thumb in the center of each cookie, pressing down slightly.
- Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until cookies are slightly golden brown.
- Over med-low heat, cook apple pie filling mixture for about 3-4 minutes. Once the apples have softened, pull off heat and allow to cool.
- Spoon a little bit of the filling into each cookie.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired.
- Enjoy!
- Cookies can be left at room temperature overnight, but should be stored in the fridge after that.
Here are some other cookie recipes I love:
Hot Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says
Oh my gosh, these thumbprints are SO genius Michelle! How perfect would these be for a holiday cookie tray??
Katerina @ diethood .com says
Wow! I really love these thumbprint cookies! They are perfect for the holidays!!
Lauren says
Great idea, these look delicious!
Sabrina says
I love the concept of getting apple pie flavors in a cookie! These look so delicious!
Cathy | Lemon Tree Dwelling says
What a GREAT twist on thumbprints!
Abeer Rizvi says
These cookies would be great for Fall and Thanksgiving parties and I love that first pic with the little drip!
Lola Lambrechts says
Didn’t know they would be so simple!! I am definitely going to make them!
Erin says
Looks amazing! What variety of apple do you think works best?