Spiced Cookie Dough

1. In a stand mixer, add butter and sugar and mix for 5 minutes until light and fluffy.
2. Add in egg and vanilla and mix until just combined.
3. Add in flour, baking powder, and spices. Mix just until the dough has come together and everything is combined.
4. Scoop out cookie dough with a cookie scoop onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. In a medium bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon. Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon and sugar. Place back on the cookie sheet and repeat with all the dough balls.
6. With a half-tablespoon round measuring spoon or wooden spoon, gently press a round circle divet in the middle of each dough ball. Do not press all the way down to the bottom, but just enough to create a hole for the filling to fit in. If the dough cracks around the edge, press it back together with your fingers. Place in the fridge and chill for at least an hour (or up to 24 hours).

Apple Pie Filling

1. While the dough is chilling, finely dice the apples into small pieces. Dice as small tiny squares as possible so that they will fit in the center of the circle. You do not need to peel the skin off. 
2. Place the diced apples in a skillet with the butter, sugars, and spices. Cook on medium for 5-10 minutes until the butter is melted and the apples have cooked and softened. Remove from the heat until needed.

Assembly

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Place 12 cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spoon about a 1/2-1 teaspoon of apple filling in the middle hole of each dough ball - filling as much of it as it will hold.
3. Place in the oven to bake for 11-12 minutes.
4. Remove and let cool for 5 minutes on the cookie sheet, then move to a cooling rack to finish cooling.