Gooey Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe: A Sweet Fall Treat

Sweet memories dance through my caramel apple cookies like whispers of autumn’s embrace.

Crisp orchards and cozy kitchens inspire this delightful treat that captures seasonal magic.

Warm spices and golden fruit merge into a delectable cookie experience you’ll adore.

Soft, chewy textures blend perfectly with rich caramel notes and tender apple chunks.

Baking these treats fills your home with incredible aromas that spark joy and comfort.

Nostalgia meets innovation in a recipe that promises to delight every sweet tooth.

Grab your apron and let’s create something magical together!

Why Caramel Apple Cookies Are a Sweet and Spiced Favorite

• Bake with Seasonal Joy: Capture the essence of autumn with these delightful caramel apple cookies that bring warmth and comfort to your kitchen.
• Customize Your Crunch: Easily adapt the recipe by choosing different apple varieties or adjusting caramel intensity to suit your taste preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual get-togethers where everyone craves a sweet, nostalgic treat that reminds them of fall festivities.
• Simple Ingredient Symphony: Minimal kitchen skills required, with basic pantry staples combining to create a mouthwatering dessert that looks and tastes professionally crafted.

Ingredients for Caramel Apple Cookies

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a soft, tender cookie texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness and helps keep cookies moist.
• Granulated Sugar: Contributes to cookie sweetness and helps with crisp edges.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the cookies.
• Flour: Forms the base of the cookie dough and gives the cookies their shape.

• Apples: Adds fresh fruity flavor and natural sweetness to the cookies.
• Caramel Bits: Provides pockets of rich, buttery caramel throughout the cookies.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor and adds warm, sweet aroma.

• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and creates a soft, tender texture.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm, spicy flavor that complements the apple and caramel.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures even baking.

How to Bake Caramel Apple Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Set your oven to 350F (175C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cookie removal.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. The goal is to create a smooth, well-incorporated foundation for your cookies.

Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract to enhance the overall flavor profile of the cookie dough.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and flour. Whisk these dry ingredients until they are evenly distributed. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.

Step 5: Fold in Delicious Mix-Ins

Gently fold in chopped apples and caramel bits. These ingredients will provide bursts of flavor and texture throughout the cookies.

Step 6: Shape and Arrange Cookies

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps maintain their perfect texture and makes them easy to handle.

Pro Tips for Caramel Apple Cookies

• Select crisp, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and tartness in your cookies.
• Dice apples into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution and prevent soggy spots in the dough.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and maintain cookie shape.
• Experiment with different caramel types: soft caramel bits, squares, or homemade caramel sauce for varied flavor intensity.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Delicious Variations of Caramel Apple Cookies

• Salted Caramel Apple Cookies: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of each cookie before baking for a rich, complex flavor profile that balances sweetness.
• Nutty Apple Caramel Cookies: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough for added crunch and depth, enhancing the overall texture.
• Spiced Autumn Cookies: Increase cinnamon and add ground nutmeg or cardamom to create a warm, seasonal taste that captures fall's essence.
• Gluten-Free Apple Caramel Cookies: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious treat.

Suggested Pairings for Caramel Apple Cookies

• Pair with Warm Cider: Brew a steaming mug of spiced apple cider to complement the cookie's caramel and apple flavors, creating a cozy autumn-inspired taste experience.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside these cookies for a delightful contrast between warm, spiced cookies and cool, smooth frozen treat.
• Match with Salted Caramel Latte: Enjoy a rich salted caramel latte that echoes the cookie's caramel notes and provides a luxurious, warming beverage to enhance the dessert's sweetness.
• Complement with Cinnamon Chai Tea: Steep a fragrant cinnamon chai tea that mirrors the cookie's warm spices and adds a comforting, aromatic dimension to the dessert experience.

Storage Advice for Caramel Apple Cookies

• Store cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Keep fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and maintain soft texture.
• Scoop unbaked cookie dough onto a baking sheet, freeze solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Store frozen dough for 2-3 months. Bake directly from frozen state, adding 2-3 minutes to original baking time.
• Place completely cooled cookies in freezer-safe containers with wax paper separating layers. Preserve cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed cookies in microwave for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs About Caramel Apple Cookies

• Can I use green apples instead of red ones?

Yes, green apples work great! They add a tangy flavor and crisp texture that complements the sweet caramel perfectly.

• How do I prevent my caramel bits from burning?

Mix caramel bits gently into the dough and avoid placing them directly on the baking sheet. This helps prevent burning and ensures even distribution.

• Is it okay to skip the cinnamon?

While cinnamon adds wonderful warmth to the cookies, you can omit it if you don’t like the spice. The cookies will still taste delicious with the apple and caramel flavors.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. This can help develop richer flavors.

Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 27-30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet caramel apple cookies bring nostalgic autumn flavors to classic dessert lovers. Crisp edges, gooey centers, and rich caramel drizzle make these cookies an irresistible treat perfect for sharing with friends and family.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups chopped apples
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup caramel bits

Binding Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Seasoning and Leavening Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal cookie release.
2. Combine softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl, whipping until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a smooth base for the cookies.
3. Incorporate eggs individually, thoroughly mixing after each addition to ensure even distribution, then blend in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor depth.
4. Separately sift together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt, creating a uniform dry ingredient mixture that will provide structure and spice to the cookies.
5. Gradually integrate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender cookie texture.
6. Delicately fold chopped apples and caramel bits into the cookie dough, ensuring even distribution of these delightful mix-ins throughout the batter.
7. Scoop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies to allow room for spreading during baking.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges that indicate the cookies are perfectly cooked and crisp.
9. Remove from oven and let cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling and optimal texture development.

Notes

• Enhance apple flavor by briefly sautéing diced apples with a pinch of cinnamon before adding to the cookie dough, which will intensify their sweetness and soften their texture.
• Create gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with a blend of almond and coconut flour, ensuring the same delightful cookie consistency.
• Reduce sugar content by replacing half the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia or using unsweetened applesauce to maintain moisture.
• Elevate presentation by drizzling melted caramel or white chocolate over cooled cookies, adding an extra layer of decadent flavor and visual appeal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 181
• Sugar: 13 g
• Sodium: 94 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 27 mg