Caramel Apple Cookies

Introduction

Caramel Apple Cookies are the perfect fall treat, combining the sweetness of caramel with the tartness of apples for a warm, cozy flavor experience. These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with pieces of fresh apples, making them ideal for enjoying with a cup of hot cider or coffee. The caramel drizzle on top adds a sweet finishing touch, creating a balance of flavors that will make these cookies a new favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, need a sweet snack for the kids, or just want to treat yourself, these Caramel Apple Cookies are easy to bake and always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of cinnamon, brown sugar, and apple makes them perfect for the season, and they can be stored and enjoyed for days. Ready to bake? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Ingredients of Caramel Apple Cookies

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup apple, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1/2 cup caramel bits or caramel pieces
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• Caramel sauce for drizzling (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this step.
4. Add the egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Add apples, caramel bits, and nuts: Gently fold in the diced apples, caramel bits, and chopped nuts (if using). The dough will be thick, but that’s exactly what you want!
7. Scoop and bake: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. The cookies will continue to set as they cool.
9. Cool and drizzle: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled, drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Kcal: 150-180 kcal per cookie (depending on size and caramel sauce used)

Variations of Caramel Apple Cookies

• Apple Varieties: Use your favorite type of apple for these cookies. Tart apples like Granny Smith will give a tangier contrast to the sweet caramel, while sweeter apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp will make the cookies even sweeter.
• Add More Spice: If you love a spiced flavor, try adding a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg to the dough for extra warmth.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace the butter with a dairy-free margarine and use dairy-free caramel bits or sauce to make these cookies dairy-free.
• Chocolate Drizzle: For a twist, replace the caramel drizzle with melted chocolate for a rich, chocolaty touch.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store your Caramel Apple Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to stay fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing: To freeze, allow the cookies to cool completely, then layer them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months. You can also freeze the cookie dough (before baking) for up to 2 months. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.

Reheating: Warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes to restore their chewy texture.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of caramel bits? Yes! If you don’t have caramel bits, store-bought caramel sauce works just as well. Just drizzle it over the cookies after baking.

2. Can I add other fruits to this recipe? Yes, pears, peaches, or dried cranberries can also complement the caramel and apple flavors in this cookie.

3. How can I make these cookies crunchier? To achieve a crunchier texture, bake the cookies for an extra minute or two, but be careful not to overbake them.

4. Can I use a gluten-free flour blend? Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Be sure to check that the caramel bits are also gluten-free.

5. How do I know when the cookies are done baking? The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown, but the centers are still soft. They will firm up as they cool.

6. Can I skip the caramel drizzle? You can skip the caramel drizzle if you prefer a less sweet cookie, but it adds a lovely finishing touch that makes the cookies extra special.

7. Can I use pre-made cookie dough? You can use store-bought dough, but homemade dough yields a fresher and more flavorful result.

8. How can I make these cookies more indulgent? For a richer taste, add a handful of mini chocolate chips or drizzle the cookies with both caramel and melted chocolate.

9. How do I store leftover caramel sauce? Leftover caramel sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Warm it up before using it on desserts or in drinks.

10. Can I double the recipe? Yes! Simply double the ingredients and bake in batches if necessary. The baking time should remain the same, but you may need to rotate the trays if baking multiple sheets at once.

Conclusion

These Caramel Apple Cookies are an irresistible treat that brings together the best flavors of fall in one delicious bite. The chewy texture, warm cinnamon notes, and sweet caramel drizzle make them a perfect dessert for any occasion, from cozy nights at home to festive gatherings. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful combination of apples and caramel in every cookie!