Indulge in the delightful flavors of fall with these Caramel Apple Cookies. Soft, chewy, and packed with fresh apple pieces and warm cinnamon, these cookies are drizzled with rich caramel sauce for a sweet twist on a classic treat. Perfect for autumn gatherings, these cookies will become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup finely chopped apple (such as Granny Smith)
1/2 cup caramel bits (or melted caramel sauce for drizzling)
Directions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Cream Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until well mixed.
Mix the Dough:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in the finely chopped apple and caramel bits (if you plan to drizzle melted caramel sauce later, set it aside for now).
Bake the Cookies:
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
Cool and Drizzle:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If using melted caramel sauce, drizzle it generously over the cooled cookies.
Serving Tips:
Presentation:
Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter and drizzle additional caramel sauce over them for an eye-catching display.
Consider serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert pairing.
Beverage Pairings:
These cookies pair wonderfully with warm beverages such as apple cider, chai tea, or a rich cup of coffee.
For a festive touch, consider serving with a spiced hot chocolate.
Serving Size:
Each cookie is approximately 150 calories, making them a great treat for indulging without overdoing it.
Offer them as part of a dessert buffet during gatherings or as a sweet snack option for guests.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This will help maintain their soft, chewy texture.
To prevent sticking, consider layering the cookies with parchment paper in the container.
Refrigeration:
If you prefer, you can refrigerate the cookies, which can help extend their freshness for a few extra days. Just ensure they are in a well-sealed container to prevent drying out.
Freezing:
For longer storage, freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer bag.
They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or heat them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up.
Reheating:
If you want to enjoy your cookies warm, you can reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. For a slightly crispy edge, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I use other types of apples in this recipe?
Yes! While Granny Smith apples provide a nice tartness that complements the sweetness of the cookies, you can experiment with other apple varieties such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala. Just make sure the apples are finely chopped to blend well into the cookie dough.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Caramel Apple Cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, including baking powder and baking soda, are gluten-free as well.
Can I make the cookie dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. For longer storage, you can freeze the dough in individual portions, wrapping each portion in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer bag. When ready to bake, simply thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
What should I do if my cookies turn out too dry?
If your cookies come out dry, it may be due to overbaking or using too much flour. To ensure the right texture, watch the baking time closely and remove the cookies from the oven as soon as the edges are golden and the centers are just set. If you find the dough is too dry, you can add a tablespoon of milk or water to help moisten it before baking.
Conclusion:
This Caramel Apple Cookie recipe is a must-try this fall! The combination of soft cookies, fresh apples, and rich caramel creates a delicious treat that everyone will love. So gather your ingredients and enjoy baking these scrumptious cookies that capture the essence of caramel apples in every bite!
📖 Recipe:
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Caramel Apple Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
As autumn arrives and the leaves start to change, there’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting flavors of caramel apples to get you in the seasonal spirit. Our Caramel Apple Cookies combine the classic taste of caramel-dipped apples with the soft, chewy goodness of homemade cookies. Bursting with apple pieces and warm cinnamon spices, these delightful treats are perfect for sharing at fall gatherings or enjoying with a cozy cup of tea.
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup finely chopped apple (such as Granny Smith)
1/2 cup caramel bits (or melted caramel sauce for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped apple and caramel bits (if using caramel sauce for drizzling, save it for later).
- Bake Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
- Cool and Add Caramel Drizzle: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. If using melted caramel sauce, drizzle it over the cooled cookies.
Notes
For best results, use finely chopped apples to ensure even distribution throughout the cookie.
You can substitute caramel bits with melted caramel sauce for a decadent drizzle.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 cookies
- Calories: 150 kcal
