Description

Apple Pie Cheesecake Cookies combine the rich flavors of apple pie and cheesecake in a soft, chewy cookie. With a spiced apple filling, creamy cheesecake center, and a tender cookie dough, these gooey cookies are the perfect balance of tart, sweet, and indulgent. A delightful treat for fall, holidays, or any occasion!

Ingredients

For the Apple Pie Filling:

1 medium apple (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (to thicken)

For the Cheesecake Center:

4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cookie Dough:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Garnish (optional):

Additional cinnamon sugar for sprinkling

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Instructions

Prepare the Apple Pie Filling:
- In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apple and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften.
- Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and flour. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Make the Cookie Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Assemble the Cookies:
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten it slightly in the palm of your hand.
- Place a small teaspoon of the cheesecake filling in the center, followed by a small spoonful of the apple pie filling.
- Take another tablespoon of dough and flatten it to cover the filling, then press the edges of the dough together to seal it. Roll the dough into a ball and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- Repeat this process for the remaining cookies.
Bake the Cookies:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The center will still be soft but will firm up as the cookies cool.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve:
- Optional: Sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top of the cookies while they are still warm for extra flavor.
- Serve the cookies at room temperature and enjoy!

Notes

Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of sweetness.Use Different Fruit: Instead of apples, try pears or peaches for a different twist on the filling.Mini Cheesecake Centers: For a different presentation, make mini cheesecakes by forming the dough into balls and adding the filling to the center, then gently pressing them into muffin tins.Add a Streusel Topping: For a crunchy texture, top the cookies with a streusel made from oats, butter, and cinnamon before baking.