As the leaves turn and the air gets crisp, I find myself craving the warm, comforting flavors of fall. That’s where these CARAMEL APPLE COOKIES come in! They’re the perfect treat to whip up on a busy afternoon or to impress friends at a gathering. With the delightful combination of sweet caramel and tart apples, these cookies are a hug in dessert form. Plus, they’re quick to make, so you can enjoy a homemade treat without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
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CARAMEL APPLE COOKIES that Will Delight Your Taste Buds!
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious caramel apple cookies that combine the flavors of sweet caramel and tart apples for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup diced apples (peeled)
- 1 cup caramel bits
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the diced apples and caramel bits.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use brown butter instead of regular butter.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Feel free to add nuts for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Caramel Apple Cookies, Dessert, Fall Treats, Cookies
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This CARAMEL APPLE COOKIES
These CARAMEL APPLE COOKIES are a delightful blend of flavors that will make your heart sing. They’re incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy moms like me who need a quick dessert solution. Plus, the combination of chewy caramel and juicy apples creates a taste sensation that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around!
Ingredients for CARAMEL APPLE COOKIES
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these scrumptious CARAMEL APPLE COOKIES. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Unsalted butter: This adds richness and helps create a tender cookie. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Brown sugar: Packed brown sugar gives these cookies a deep, caramel-like flavor and moisture.
- Granulated sugar: This balances the sweetness and helps achieve a nice texture.
- Large eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and add moisture, making the cookies chewy.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor, making each bite more delightful.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the cookies, providing structure and stability.
- Baking soda: This leavening agent helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Ground cinnamon: This warm spice adds a cozy, fall-like aroma and flavor.
- Diced apples: Fresh, peeled apples bring a juicy tartness that pairs beautifully with caramel.
- Caramel bits: These little morsels melt into gooey pockets of sweetness, making every bite a treat.
For those looking to customize, consider adding chopped nuts for a delightful crunch or using brown butter for a richer flavor. You can find the exact measurements for each ingredient at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make CARAMEL APPLE COOKIES
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part: making these delicious CARAMEL APPLE COOKIES! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of warm cookies in no time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly. If you skip this step, you might end up with cookies that are too soft or burnt on the edges. So, let that oven warm up while you prepare the dough!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step is vital for achieving the right texture. The air you incorporate while creaming helps the cookies rise, making them light and chewy. Aim for a pale, creamy consistency!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add in the large eggs and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. The eggs act as a binder, holding the ingredients together, while the vanilla adds a lovely depth of flavor. Trust me, this step is where the magic begins!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mixing the dry ingredients separately is important to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent. This way, your cookies will rise perfectly and have that delightful cinnamon aroma throughout.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them to be soft and chewy. A few flour streaks are okay; they’ll disappear as you fold in the next ingredients.
Step 6: Fold in Apples and Caramel
Time to fold in those diced apples and caramel bits! Use a spatula to gently incorporate them into the dough. This ensures that every cookie gets a delightful burst of apple and gooey caramel. Just be gentle; we want to keep that fluffy texture intact!
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This helps them set and makes transferring them easier. After that, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cooling process is essential for achieving that perfect chewy texture. Now, grab a glass of milk and enjoy your homemade CARAMEL APPLE COOKIES!
Tips for Success
- Always use softened butter for easy mixing and a tender cookie.
- Don’t skip the preheating step; it’s key for even baking.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes and even baking.
- Let the cookies cool completely for the best texture before storing.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls: A large bowl for wet ingredients and a medium bowl for dry ingredients.
- Electric mixer: A hand mixer works well, but a whisk can do the job too.
- Baking sheet: Use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Cookie scoop: A spoon works too, but a scoop ensures even sizes.
Variations
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture that complements the soft cookies.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
- Spiced Up: Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for an extra layer of warmth and spice.
- Chocolate Lovers: Fold in chocolate chips along with the caramel bits for a decadent twist.
- Vegan Version: Replace butter with coconut oil and use flax eggs for a plant-based treat.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your CARAMEL APPLE COOKIES with a warm cup of spiced chai or apple cider for a cozy treat.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
- For a festive touch, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Arrange on a decorative platter for a beautiful presentation at gatherings.
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FAQs about CARAMEL APPLE COOKIES
Can I use different types of apples for these cookies?
Absolutely! While I love using tart apples like Granny Smith, you can experiment with sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp. Each type will bring its unique flavor to your CARAMEL APPLE COOKIES.
How do I store leftover cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping and baking. This is a great time-saver for busy days!
What can I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread too much, it could be due to warm butter or not enough flour. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and consider adding a bit more flour next time to achieve the perfect texture.
Can I add chocolate chips to the CARAMEL APPLE COOKIES?
Definitely! Adding chocolate chips is a delicious twist. Just fold them in along with the caramel bits for a delightful combination of flavors in your CARAMEL APPLE COOKIES.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about baking CARAMEL APPLE COOKIES. The aroma fills your home, wrapping you in warmth and nostalgia. Each bite is a delightful blend of sweet caramel and tart apples, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing them with family or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, these cookies bring joy and comfort. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and create some delicious memories in the kitchen. Trust me, these cookies will become a cherished favorite in your home!
