Get ready to indulge in sweet and chewy goodness with these delectable Caramel Apple Cookies! Perfect for a cozy fall day or any time you’re craving a delicious treat.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup diced apples
– 1 cup caramel bits
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Gently fold in the diced apples and caramel bits.
7. Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
8. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
**Nutrition Information:**
– Calories: 180
– Fat: 9g
– Carbohydrates: 25g
– Protein: 2g
**Popular questions:**
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
– Yes, you can, but adjust the salt added accordingly to avoid the cookies being too salty.
2. Can I use a different type of sugar instead of brown sugar?
– You can substitute with coconut sugar or white sugar, but the taste and texture may differ slightly.
3. Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?
– Yes, you can use any type of apple you prefer, but crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best.
4. Can I use homemade caramel sauce instead of caramel bits?
– Yes, you can, but ensure it is thick enough to hold up in the cookie dough.
5. Can I freeze the cookie dough before baking?
– Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months before baking for later use.
6. Can I add nuts or raisins to the cookie dough?
– Yes, you can customize the recipe by adding nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
7. How can I prevent the apples from making the cookies soggy?
– Pat dry the diced apples with a paper towel before adding them to the dough to reduce excess moisture.
8. Can I make smaller or larger cookies with this recipe?
– Yes, adjust the size of the cookie dough balls to make smaller or larger cookies, but ensure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
9. Can I add a drizzle of caramel on top of the baked cookies?
– Yes, you can drizzle some extra caramel on top for added sweetness and aesthetics.
10. How should I store the leftover cookies?
– Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze them for longer storage.
**Helpful tips:**
1. Use cold diced butter for a flakier cookie texture.
2. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for a sweet and salty flavor combo.
3. Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for thicker cookies.
4. Add a dash of nutmeg or ginger for extra fall spice flavor.
5. Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
6. Drizzle melted chocolate on top of the baked cookies for a decadent touch.
7. Experiment with different types of apples for varying tastes and textures.
8. Store the caramel bits in the fridge before adding to the dough to prevent melting too quickly.
9. Press extra caramel bits on top of the cookie dough balls before baking for extra gooey caramel pockets.
10. Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a heavenly dessert experience.
**Expert Secrets:**
1. Cream the butter and sugar for longer for a lighter and airier cookie texture.
2. Use room temperature eggs for better incorporation into the dough.
3. Sift the dry ingredients to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
4. Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies that bake uniformly.
5. Mix in the diced apples gently to prevent overmixing and maintain apple chunks in the cookies.
6. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set before transferring to a wire rack.
7. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for even browning.
8. Store the cookies with a slice of bread to retain moisture and freshness.
9. Experiment with different spices like cardamom or cloves for unique flavor profiles.
10. Customize the cookies with a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top before baking for added crunch and sweetness.