1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine apples, 0.25 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg, and 2 tablespoons water. Cook, stirring, until apples are soft but not mushy, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Stir in cornstarch and cook for another 1-2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice (if using), and let cool.

4. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, 0.75 cup granulated sugar, and 0.5 cup brown sugar until fluffy.

5. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.

6. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, 1.5 teaspoons cinnamon, and 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg.

7. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

8. Scoop heaping tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.

9. Press a shallow indentation into each dough ball with your thumb or the back of a spoon.

10. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just golden. Remove from oven and let cool for 2 minutes.

11. Spoon cooled apple pie filling into the center of each cookie. Allow to set before serving or enjoy warm.