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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal cookie release.
- 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.
- Incorporate eggs individually, thoroughly mixing after each addition to ensure even distribution, then blend in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor depth.
- Separately sift together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt, creating a uniform dry ingredient mixture that will provide structure and spice to the cookies.
- Gradually integrate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender cookie texture.
- Delicately fold chopped apples and caramel bits into the cookie dough, ensuring even distribution of these delightful mix-ins throughout the batter.
- Scoop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies to allow room for spreading during baking.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges that indicate the cookies are perfectly cooked and crisp.
- 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