These chewy Vegan Apple Pie Cookies are filled with warming spices and a homemade apple pie filling for a truly decadent fall cookie. If you’re searching for the perfect eggless and dairy-free apple cookie that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture, this recipe delivers everything you could want from a seasonal treat. The combination of spiced cookie dough and gooey apple pie filling creates an experience that’s somehow both familiar and exciting.
The genius of these cookies lies in their two-component approach: a tender, spiced cookie base that cradles a pocket of homemade apple pie filling. Unlike many vegan cookies that can feel like compromises, these actually benefit from the plant-based approach. The flax egg provides binding without heaviness, while vegan butter creates the perfect tender texture. The real star is the apple filling—cooked until glossy and thick, it stays perfectly contained within each cookie while delivering that authentic apple pie experience in every bite.
Why You’ll Love These Vegan Cookies
Authentic Apple Pie Flavor – Homemade filling captures the essence of classic apple pie in cookie form.
Perfect Vegan Texture – Achieves the ideal chewy consistency without eggs or dairy.
Seasonal Spice Profile – Pumpkin pie spice blend creates warm, comforting autumn flavors.
Make-Ahead Components – Both dough and filling can be prepared in advance for easier assembly.
Impressive Presentation – Look bakery-professional with their filled centers and glossy apple topping.
Allergy-Friendly – Naturally dairy-free and egg-free, with gluten-free adaptation possible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Apple Pie Filling:
- 1/4 cup cold water – creates cornstarch slurry for thickening
- 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch – thickens filling to perfect consistency
- 1 large Honeycrisp apple, peeled and diced small – provides sweet, firm apple chunks
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar – adds caramel sweetness and helps thicken
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter – creates rich, glossy texture
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice – prevents browning and adds bright acidity
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice – delivers classic apple pie seasoning
For the Spiced Cookie Dough:
- 1/2 cup vegan butter, room temperature – creates tender, rich cookie base
- 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided – sweetens dough and coats cookies
- 1/4 cup brown sugar – adds moisture and caramel depth
- 1 flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) – binds ingredients naturally
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances overall flavor complexity
- 1 1/2 cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour – provides structure
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice – echoes filling spices in cookie base
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – ensures proper rise and texture
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – balances sweetness and enhances flavors
Step-by-Step Instructions
Create the Apple Pie Filling
Mix cold water and cornstarch in a small bowl to create a smooth slurry; set aside. Peel and dice the apple into very small, uniform pieces—this ensures even cooking and proper texture. In a saucepan, combine diced apple, brown sugar, vegan butter, lemon juice, and pumpkin pie spice over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until butter melts and mixture begins bubbling.
Thicken the Filling
Add the cornstarch slurry to the bubbling apple mixture and stir constantly. Continue cooking for 5-10 minutes until the filling thickens significantly and becomes glossy. The mixture should coat a spoon and hold its shape. Remove from heat and set aside to cool completely while preparing cookie dough.
Prepare the Flax Egg
Combine ground flaxseed with water in a small bowl and let sit for 5 minutes until it becomes gel-like. This creates the binding agent that replaces eggs in traditional cookie recipes.
Make the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream room-temperature vegan butter with 1/2 cup granulated sugar and brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the prepared flax egg and vanilla, mixing for 30 seconds until well combined.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Add flour first, then layer remaining dry ingredients (baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt) on top. Mix on low speed until a thick cookie dough forms. Avoid overmixing to maintain tender texture.
Chill the Dough
Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This chilling step is crucial for preventing excessive spreading during baking.
Assemble and Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop dough into 10 equal portions and roll into balls. Roll each ball in the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar for coating. Place on baking sheet and gently flatten. Use your thumb to create an indent, then widen with fingers to form a well. Fill each well with about 1 tablespoon of cooled apple filling.
Bake to Perfection
Bake for 14-16 minutes until edges are crisp and centers are set but still slightly gooey. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Recipe Notes & Tips
Apple Size Matters – Cut apples very small to ensure they cook evenly and fit properly in cookie wells.
Chilling is Essential – Don’t skip the dough chilling step, as it prevents excessive spreading during baking.
Filling Consistency – The apple filling should be thick enough to hold its shape but not so thick it becomes rubbery.
Sugar Coating – Rolling in sugar before baking creates an attractive sparkly finish and adds textural contrast.
Storage Strategy – Layer cookies between parchment paper to prevent sticking due to the gooey apple centers.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 large cookies
- Calories per cookie: ~278 kcal
Perfect Pairings
Hot Apple Cider – Doubles down on apple flavors while providing warming comfort.
Oat Milk Latte – Creamy, plant-based beverage that complements the spiced cookies.
Vanilla Nice Cream – Vegan frozen dessert that pairs beautifully with warm spices.
Herbal Tea – Chamomile or cinnamon spice tea enhances the cozy autumn feeling.
Fresh Apple Slices – Celebrates the seasonal ingredient with a lighter, crisper contrast.
Ideal Occasions
Fall Gatherings – Perfect for apple picking parties, harvest celebrations, or autumn potlucks.
Vegan Entertaining – Impressive dessert that proves plant-based treats can be indulgent and satisfying.
Holiday Cookie Exchanges – Stand out from traditional cookies with unique filled format.
Cozy Afternoons – Ideal for enjoying with warm beverages on crisp fall days.
Gift Giving – Package beautifully for thoughtful homemade presents.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Refrigerator Storage – Store covered for up to 48 hours, layered between parchment paper.
Freezer Option – Freeze for up to 1 month in airtight containers with parchment layers.
Component Prep – Make filling and dough separately up to 24 hours ahead for easier assembly.
Texture Maintenance – Cookies are softer when fresh but develop pleasant chewiness over time.
Creative Variations to Try
Gluten-Free Version – Substitute all-purpose flour with 1:1 gluten-free flour blend like Bob’s Red Mill.
Different Apple Varieties – Try Pink Lady, Cortland, or Braeburn for varied flavor profiles.
Caramel Addition – Drizzle with vegan caramel sauce after cooling for extra indulgence.
Nut Enhancement – Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple filling for crunch.
Mini Cookie Format – Make 15 smaller cookies with reduced baking time (12-14 minutes).
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Cookies Spreading Too Much – Ensure dough is properly chilled and don’t skip the sugar coating step.
Filling Leaking – Make sure filling is completely cooled and thick enough to hold its shape.
Dry Cookie Base – Don’t overbake; cookies should still look slightly underdone in centers when removed.
Sticky Storage – Always use parchment paper between layers to prevent cookies from sticking together.
Why This Recipe Works
These Vegan Apple Pie Cookies succeed because they address the common challenges of both vegan baking and filled cookies. The flax egg provides sufficient binding without the heaviness that can plague vegan baked goods, while the chilling step ensures the cookies hold their shape during baking.
The apple filling technique creates a concentrated apple pie experience that stays put during baking, and the spice blend in both components creates flavor harmony throughout each bite.
Final Thoughts
These Vegan Apple Pie Cookies prove that plant-based desserts can be every bit as indulgent and satisfying as their traditional counterparts. They capture the essence of apple season in a portable, shareable format that’s perfect for anyone following a vegan lifestyle or simply looking to enjoy seasonal flavors in a new way.
The combination of homemade apple filling and perfectly spiced cookie dough creates a dessert that feels both nostalgic and innovative, delivering comfort food satisfaction with thoughtful plant-based ingredients.
