Caramel Apple Cookies
Who doesn’t love the delicious combination of caramel and apple? These Caramel Apple Cookies are the perfect treat for fall, with a soft and chewy cookie base filled with gooey caramel and sweet chunks of apple.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup caramel pieces
- 1 cup chopped apple
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the caramel pieces and chopped apple.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information:
– Serving size: 1 cookie
– Calories: 180
– Fat: 8g
– Carbohydrates: 25g
– Protein: 2g
Popular questions:
- Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, you can use any variety of apple you prefer in this recipe. Just make sure to chop it into small pieces. - Can I substitute the caramel pieces?
If you don’t have caramel pieces, you can use caramel sauce drizzled over the cookies before baking. - How do I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. - Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough either as individual cookie dough balls or as a whole batch. Just thaw in the fridge before baking. - Can I add nuts to these cookies?
Feel free to add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch. - How do I prevent the caramel from sticking to my baking sheet?
You can use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. - Can I add spices like nutmeg or cloves?
Absolutely, feel free to experiment with different spices to enhance the flavor of the cookies. - Can I drizzle more caramel on top of the baked cookies?
Yes, for an extra caramel flavor, you can drizzle more caramel sauce on top after baking. - Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can try using a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version. - Do I have to peel the apples?
It’s up to personal preference. If you don’t mind the apple peel, you can leave it on for added texture and fiber.
Helpful tips:
- For extra caramel flavor, sprinkle some sea salt on top of the cookies before baking.
- Make sure to chop the apple into small, uniform pieces for even distribution in the cookie dough.
- If you prefer a softer cookie, slightly underbake them and allow them to cool on the baking sheet before transferring.
- Enhance the apple flavor by sautéing the chopped apples in a bit of butter and cinnamon before adding them to the dough.
- Feel free to add a touch of apple cider or apple juice to the dough for additional apple flavor.
- For a festive touch, drizzle melted white chocolate on top of the cooled cookies before serving.
- Experiment with different types of caramels, such as salted caramel or apple-flavored caramel, for a unique twist.
- Store leftover cookies in the refrigerator for up to a week and warm them up in the microwave for a gooey treat.
- Try serving these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Double the recipe and freeze half of the cookie dough for future baking whenever you crave a sweet treat.
Expert Secrets:
- Add a touch of apple cider vinegar to the dough for a subtle tangy flavor that compliments the sweetness of the caramel.
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a well-balanced apple flavor in the cookies.
- Bake the cookies in smaller sizes for bite-sized treats perfect for snacking or gifting.
- Drizzle a caramel glaze made with powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cookies for an extra caramel punch.
- Refrigerate the cookie dough for an hour before baking to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Toast the chopped apples in a skillet with a sprinkle of sugar and cinnamon for a caramelized apple filling in the cookies.
- Add a dash of apple pie spice in addition to cinnamon for a warm, autumnal flavor profile in the cookies.
- Roll the cookie dough balls in cinnamon sugar before baking for a sweet and spicy coating on the cookies.
- For a fun twist, sandwich a spoonful of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a delightful ice cream sandwich treat.
- Experiment with different types of caramel, such as caramel sauce, caramel candies, or homemade caramel for varied flavor profiles.