Name: Caramel-Drizzled Apple Cinnamon Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup brown sugar, packed; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 cup diced apple (about 1 medium apple, peeled and cored); ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional, for a thinner drizzle)

Can I use any type of apple for these cookies?

Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in diced apples.
Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes to help prevent spreading.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Bake: Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Add the Caramel Drizzle: In a small bowl, mix caramel sauce with heavy cream (if using) for a thinner drizzle. Drizzle over the cooled cookies before serving.

Yes, you can use any type of apple, but firmer, slightly tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji are ideal. They hold their shape well in baking and add a nice contrast to the cookie’s sweetness.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes if it’s too firm to scoop.

Is it possible to make these cookies without the caramel drizzle?

Yes, the cookies are delicious even without the drizzle. The caramel adds a rich, extra layer of sweetness, but you can skip it or use a different topping like melted white chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes is key to preventing excessive spreading. Additionally, make sure your baking sheet is not warm when placing dough on it, as a cool sheet will help keep the cookies thick and chewy.