As the leaves turn and the air gets crisp, I find myself craving the warm, cozy 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 them fresh from the oven without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, your loved ones will be asking for seconds!
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CARAMEL APPLE COOKIES: Discover a Sweet Sensation!
- 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 well.
- 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 taste buds dance! They’re incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy moms like me who need a quick dessert solution. Plus, the sweet caramel and juicy apples create 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 with moisture, it gives the cookies a chewy texture and a hint of caramel flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps the cookies spread nicely while baking.
- Large eggs: They bind the ingredients together and add moisture, making the cookies soft and fluffy.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of this adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie, providing structure and stability.
- Baking soda: This leavening agent helps the cookies rise and become light and airy.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Ground cinnamon: This spice brings a cozy warmth, perfect for fall baking.
- Diced apples: Fresh, peeled apples add a juicy tartness that pairs beautifully with the caramel.
- Caramel bits: These little morsels melt into gooey pockets of sweetness, making each bite a delightful surprise.
For those looking to mix things up, consider adding chopped nuts for a crunchy texture or using a mix of apple varieties for a more complex flavor. You can find the exact measurements for these ingredients at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make CARAMEL APPLE COOKIES
Now that we have our 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, your cookies might spread too much or not rise properly. Trust me, a well-preheated oven is the secret to cookie perfection!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. This process is essential for creating a light and fluffy texture. The sugar crystals help to aerate the butter, which gives your cookies that delightful lift. Aim for a creamy consistency, and don’t rush this step!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture. These ingredients not only enhance the flavor but also add moisture to the dough. The eggs act as a binding agent, ensuring everything holds together beautifully. Mix until everything is well combined, and you can almost smell the warmth of the vanilla!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Each of these dry ingredients plays a vital role. The flour provides structure, while the baking soda helps the cookies rise. The salt balances the sweetness, and the cinnamon adds that cozy fall flavor we all love.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. You want to see a few flour streaks; it’s okay! This will keep your cookies soft and chewy.
Step 6: Fold in Apples and Caramel
Gently fold in the diced apples and caramel bits. This step is where the magic happens! Make sure the apples and caramel are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Each bite should be a delightful surprise of gooey caramel and juicy apple. Yum!
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave enough space between each cookie, about two inches, to allow for spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them; you want that perfect golden hue!
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This helps them set up nicely. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cooling process is essential for achieving that perfect texture. Warm cookies are delightful, but cooled cookies are a treat!
Tips for Success
- Always use softened butter for easy creaming and a better texture.
- Don’t skip the preheating step; it’s key for even baking.
- Measure your flour correctly; too much can lead to dry cookies.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet briefly before transferring them.
- Experiment with different apple varieties for unique flavors.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls: A large bowl for mixing and a smaller one for dry ingredients.
- Electric mixer: A hand mixer works well, but a whisk can do the job too.
- Baking sheet: Use a standard cookie sheet or a stoneware pan.
- Parchment paper: This helps prevent sticking; silicone mats are a great alternative.
- Cookie scoop: A spoon works, but a scoop ensures even-sized cookies.
Variations of CARAMEL APPLE COOKIES
- 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 for a delicious alternative.
- Spiced Up: Incorporate a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for an extra layer of warmth and flavor.
- Oatmeal Twist: Mix in rolled oats for a heartier cookie that adds chewiness and fiber.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled cookies for a decadent finish.
Serving Suggestions for CARAMEL APPLE COOKIES
- Warm with Ice Cream: Serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
- Pair with Coffee: Enjoy them alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Festive Platter: Arrange cookies on a decorative platter for a beautiful presentation at gatherings.
- Drizzle with Caramel: Add an extra touch by drizzling caramel sauce over the cookies before serving.
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FAQs about CARAMEL APPLE COOKIES
Can I use different types of apples for these cookies?
Absolutely! Using a mix of sweet and tart apples can enhance the flavor. I love using Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness. It’s a delicious combo!
How should I store my CARAMEL APPLE COOKIES?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh 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.
What can I substitute for caramel bits?
If you can’t find caramel bits, you can chop up soft caramel candies. Just make sure to adjust the size so they melt nicely in the cookies!
Are these cookies suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes! You can easily make these CARAMEL APPLE COOKIES gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
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. They’re not just a dessert; they’re a way to create memories and share love. So, roll up your sleeves and let the baking begin—your taste buds will thank you!