Caramel Apple Cookies

These Caramel Apple Cookies are the perfect blend of fall flavors, featuring sweet, juicy apples and rich caramel bits wrapped in a soft, cinnamon-infused cookie. With a golden brown edge and a chewy texture, these cookies are sure to become a seasonal favorite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just indulging in a cozy treat, these cookies will satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

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

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, ground cinnamon, salt, and all-purpose flour. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Gently fold in the chopped apples and caramel bits, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown and the centers are set.
8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: Makes about 24 cookies

Variations

• Apple Variety: Feel free to use different apple varieties depending on your preference. Tart apples like Granny Smith will give the cookies a slight tang, while sweeter apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp will make them even more decadent.
• Spices: If you love spice, you can add a pinch of ground nutmeg or allspice to enhance the flavor profile.
• Glaze: Drizzle a simple caramel glaze over the cookies after baking for an extra caramel touch.
• Nuts: Add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Vegan Version: Substitute the butter with a plant-based butter and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flax meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) for a vegan version of these cookies.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, microwave for a few seconds or place in a warm oven (about 300°F or 150°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their softness.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of sugar? Yes, you can substitute the granulated sugar with coconut sugar or use all brown sugar for a richer flavor.
2. What kind of apples should I use? Any firm apple variety will work, but tart apples like Granny Smith balance the sweetness of the caramel, while sweet apples like Gala or Honeycrisp add extra flavor.
3. How do I prevent the apples from sinking in the dough? To help the apples stay suspended in the dough, toss them in a little bit of flour before folding them into the cookie batter.
4. Can I use caramel sauce instead of caramel bits? While caramel sauce might make the dough too runny, you can melt the caramel sauce and drizzle it on top of the cookies after baking for extra flavor.
5. Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular flour.
6. Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. This will also help the flavors meld together.
7. Do I need to peel the apples? No, it’s not necessary to peel the apples, as the skin adds a bit of texture and flavor. Just make sure to chop them finely.
8. Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Scoop dough balls onto a baking sheet, freeze them, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
9. What can I do if my cookies are too dry? If your cookies turn out too dry, you may have over-mixed the dough or baked them too long. To prevent this, avoid over-mixing and check the cookies at the minimum baking time.
10. Are these cookies suitable for kids? Absolutely! These cookies are kid-friendly and make a great treat for lunchboxes or family gatherings.

Conclusion

Caramel Apple Cookies combine the best of fall flavors in a chewy, sweet treat. With a perfect balance of apples, caramel, and cinnamon, these cookies are sure to delight everyone who tries them. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of hot cider or sharing them at a gathering, they’ll be a hit. So, preheat that oven and bake up a batch of these irresistible cookies for the perfect sweet indulgence.

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