1-Getting started with apple pie cookies: Getting started with apple pie cookies is simple and fun, beginning with prepping your ingredients and oven. First, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Then, make the apple filling by combining 3 cups cored, peeled, diced apples, ¼ cup light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons butter, 2 teaspoons cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves, then bring to a simmer for about 5 minutes until the apples are tender, and cool completely in the refrigerator.

2-Creating the Cookie Dough: Next, focus on the cookie dough to build a solid base for your apple pie cookies. Beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 1 cup light brown sugar and ½ cup granulated sugar until fluffy. Add 2 large eggs at room temperature and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ¼ teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt, then gradually add this to the wet mixture. Chill the dough to make it easier to handle, which helps prevent spreading during baking.

3-Assembling and Baking: Now, roll the dough into 2-tablespoon balls and place them on the prepared sheets. Make a shallow indentation in each ball, fill with 1 tablespoon of the cooled apple filling, and top with about 1 tablespoon of streusel. For the streusel, whisk 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup light brown sugar, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon, then drizzle with 6 tablespoons cooled melted unsalted butter and toss until clumpy. Bake the cookies for 13-14 minutes until the edges turn light golden, then cool completely on a rack.

4-Finish up with the buttercream and glaze: Finish up with the buttercream and glaze for that extra touch. Beat ½ cup softened unsalted butter, ⅛ teaspoon salt, and 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste until smooth, then gradually add 3 cups powdered sugar to form a stiff dough for rolling into balls. For the glaze, whisk 1 cup powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons whole milk and ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste until smooth, drizzle over cooled cookies, and top with a tablespoon-sized buttercream scoop. Let it harden for the best presentation, and enjoy your homemade apple pie cookies in about 43 minutes total.