Caramel Apple Cookies are the perfect combination of sweet and tart, offering a delightful bite of caramel and fresh apples in every cookie. The addition of cinnamon enhances the warm, cozy flavors, making these cookies ideal for the fall season or any time you’re craving something comforting. With a soft, chewy texture and a delicious caramelized finish, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cups chopped apples
1 cup caramel bits

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined.
Gently fold in the chopped apples and caramel bits, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly browned.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

Apple Varieties: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Fuji and Granny Smith for a balanced flavor.
Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for an extra layer of warmth in the flavor.
Nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
Caramel Drizzle: After baking, drizzle melted caramel over the cooled cookies for an extra indulgent touch.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the cookie dough before baking. Portion the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating: Reheat the cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm, soft texture.

10 FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?
Yes, you can use different apple varieties like Gala, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn depending on your preference. Tart apples like Granny Smith provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the caramel.
Can I substitute the butter for something else?
You can substitute the butter with margarine or a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil, although it may slightly affect the flavor and texture.
Can I use apple sauce instead of chopped apples?
While you can use applesauce, it may change the cookie’s texture, making them softer. It’s better to use chopped apples for added texture.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for later use. Roll the dough into balls and freeze them before baking. This makes it easy to bake fresh cookies whenever you like.
How do I prevent the apples from sinking to the bottom of the cookie dough?
Toss the chopped apples in a small amount of flour before mixing them into the dough to help them stay evenly distributed.
Can I use caramel sauce instead of caramel bits?
While you can use caramel sauce, it may cause the cookies to spread too much and could affect the texture. Caramel bits are the ideal choice for this recipe.
Can I make these cookies without cinnamon?
Yes, if you don’t like cinnamon, you can leave it out or replace it with a different spice like nutmeg or ginger for a slightly different flavor.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour. Be sure to check the other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
Can I make these cookies smaller?
Yes, you can make smaller cookies by using a teaspoon to drop the dough onto the baking sheets. Just reduce the baking time by a couple of minutes.
How can I make these cookies more caramel-flavored?
You can add a bit of caramel extract to the dough or increase the amount of caramel bits for a more intense caramel flavor.

Conclusion

Caramel Apple Cookies are the perfect treat for apple lovers and caramel aficionados alike. With their soft texture, warm cinnamon spice, and sweet caramel chunks, these cookies are ideal for fall, but enjoyable year-round. Whether for a special occasion, a cozy afternoon snack, or a bake sale, these cookies will be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or with a warm cup of tea or coffee for the ultimate indulgence.