Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, sweet treat that bursts with warm flavors and a little bit of gooey surprise in every bite, these Caramel Apple Cookies will quickly become your new favorite. They effortlessly combine tender apples, luscious caramel bits, and comforting spices in a soft, buttery cookie that feels like autumn wrapped up in a deliciously irresistible package. Whether baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these Caramel Apple Cookies bring joy and a touch of magic to every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Caramel Apple Cookies lies in their simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, from the soft, diced apples adding moisture and natural sweetness to the rich caramel bits that create delightful pockets of melty goodness. Together, they build a harmonious flavor and texture that’s nothing short of enchanting.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The perfect foundation that gives the cookies structure while keeping them tender.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft, chewy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a subtle spice that blends beautifully with apples.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature: Creamy and essential for a rich, melt-in-your-mouth base.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Brings deep, caramel-like notes and moisture.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds a bit of crispness and balances the brown sugar’s richness.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together while keeping the dough moist and tender.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the cookies with a fragrant sweetness.
- 1 cup peeled, diced apples: Fresh, juicy, and slightly tart, these brighten up each cookie bite.
- 1 cup caramel bits or chopped soft caramels: Little pockets of buttery caramel that melt into gooey bliss while baking.
How to Make Caramel Apple Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This dry mixture sets the stage for the flavors and ensures even distribution throughout your dough.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both brown and granulated sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for creating a soft, tender cookie texture. The sugars dissolve while creaming with the butter, laying down a sweet, caramel base to complement the apples perfectly.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is smoothly combined. This adds richness and a lovely aroma that makes your kitchen smell like comfort in a bowl.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything comes together. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so take it easy for a tender crumb.
Step 5: Fold in Apples and Caramel Bits
Gently fold in freshly peeled and diced apples along with caramel bits. These additions ensure every bite is filled with juicy sweetness and gooey caramel pockets that melt beautifully when baked.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of your dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving ample space to let these cookies spread slightly. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the centers remain soft and delicate.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for five minutes before moving them onto a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps the cookies firm up just right while keeping the centers chewy and tender.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Cookies
Garnishes
For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over warm Caramel Apple Cookies. The contrast between sweet and salty heightens the caramel flavors. A light drizzle of warm caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar also makes for an elegant finish that’s sure to impress.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for an unforgettable dessert experience, especially during chilly afternoons. A hot cup of chai tea or spiced apple cider perfectly complements the cinnamon and apple notes, making for a cozy snack or after-dinner delight.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these cookies on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh apple slices and small caramel squares for an inviting dessert platter. You can even sandwich two cookies together with a smear of cream cheese frosting or caramel spread for a delicious twist that’s perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Caramel Apple Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Layer them between parchment paper to prevent sticking and to keep their soft, chewy texture intact.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these treats later, freeze the baked and cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight for a fresh-baked feel any time you crave a sweet, seasonal treat.
Reheating
To bring your cookies back to their warm, gooey state, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. You can also microwave them for about 10 seconds, but watch closely to avoid overheating.
FAQs
Can I substitute the apples with another fruit?
While apples add a distinct crispness and sweetness that define this cookie, pears or even diced peaches could work in a pinch. Just be mindful that the texture and sweetness level may vary slightly.
Do I have to use caramel bits, or can I make my own caramel?
You can definitely use chopped soft caramels from the store or homemade caramel pieces. Just make sure they’re small enough to fold into the dough easily and melt well while baking.
What type of apples work best in Caramel Apple Cookies?
Firm, slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal because they hold their shape and provide a nice contrast to the sweet caramel.
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This actually helps the flavors meld and can enhance the texture.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The traditional recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can try a gluten-free baking blend in the same amount to make them gluten-free, though the texture might differ slightly.
Final Thoughts
These Caramel Apple Cookies are a genuine crowd-pleaser with every comforting bite sprinkled with warm spices, tender apple, and melty caramel. Baking them brings an inviting aroma that transforms your kitchen into a cozy haven. So go ahead—gather your ingredients, and let these cookies usher in the flavors of the season. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll want to bake them over and over!
Print
Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Caramel Apple Cookies combine tender, cinnamon-spiced dough with sweet chunks of apple and gooey caramel bits, creating a perfect balance of fruity and rich flavors. Ideal for fall or any time you crave a comforting, delicious treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 cup peeled, diced apples
- 1 cup caramel bits or chopped soft caramels
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature unsalted butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a tender cookie.
- Add egg and vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully blended to ensure the dough is moist and flavorful.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough which can lead to tough cookies.
- Fold in apples and caramel bits: Gently fold in the peeled and diced apples along with the caramel bits, distributing them evenly throughout the dough for bursts of flavor.
- Scoop dough onto baking sheets: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them well apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake cookies: Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges are golden brown while centers remain soft, an indication of perfectly baked chewy cookies.
- Cool cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely to avoid sogginess.
Notes
- You can substitute Granny Smith apples for a tart contrast or Fuji apples for a sweeter taste.
- For extra gooey caramel, add a few caramel bits on top of each cookie before baking.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking may help prevent excessive spreading.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: caramel apple cookies, fall cookies, apple dessert, caramel dessert, cinnamon cookies
