Irresistibly Gooey Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe for Fall Baking

Sweet caramel apple cookies bring cozy autumn memories rushing back to my kitchen.

Crisp apples mingle with rich, golden caramel in every delightful bite.

Warm spices dance through soft, chewy dough promising comfort and nostalgia.

Baking these treats fills our home with irresistible fragrance that draws everyone near.

Seasonal ingredients create magic when combined with simple baking techniques.

Soft centers and slightly crisp edges make these cookies impossible to resist.

What Makes Caramel Apple Cookies So Comforting

• Savor Seasonal Delight: Capture the essence of autumn with these irresistible caramel apple cookies that bring together the warmth of cinnamon and the sweetness of fresh apples.
• Bake with Ease: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps that make creating delicious cookies a breeze.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: These cookies are a guaranteed hit at family gatherings, potlucks, or as a special after-school snack that both kids and adults will absolutely love.
• Versatile Dessert Option: Adaptable for various occasions, from holiday parties to casual weekend baking, these cookies offer a delightful twist on traditional cookie recipes.

Ingredients for Caramel Apple Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cookies.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and create a soft, chewy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender cookie base.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and contribute to the cookie's golden color and soft texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor to the cookies.

• Apples, Caramel Bits: Bring a delightful autumn-inspired twist with sweet and fruity notes to the classic cookie recipe.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy undertone that complements the apple and caramel flavors.

How to Bake Caramel Apple Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350°F. 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 softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This creates a smooth, rich foundation for your cookies.

Step 3: Add Moisture and Flavor

Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined and looks smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Develop Dry Ingredient Blend

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon

Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to keep the cookie texture tender.

Step 5: Fold in Fruity Goodness

Gently stir chopped apples and caramel bits into the cookie dough. Distribute them evenly to ensure each cookie has a perfect balance of flavors.

Step 6: Shape and Arrange Cookies

Use a spoon to drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave some space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for lightly browned edges as a sign of doneness.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to set. Transfer them to wire cooling racks to cool completely. The cookies will develop a delightful texture as they cool.

Pro Tips for Caramel Apple Cookies

• Chop apples finely to ensure even distribution and prevent large chunks from disrupting cookie texture.
• Use room temperature butter and eggs for smoother, more consistent cookie dough that blends easily.
• Store caramel bits in freezer briefly before adding to prevent melting during mixing and maintain distinct caramel pockets.
• Let cookies cool completely to allow caramel bits to set and develop a delightful chewy texture without falling apart.
• Swap regular caramel bits with dairy-free caramel for vegan-friendly version, maintaining the same delicious flavor profile.

Variations to Enhance Caramel Apple Cookies

• Nutty Caramel Apple Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cookie dough for extra texture and nutty flavor.
• Salted Caramel Apple Drizzle: After cooling, drizzle melted caramel with a pinch of sea salt over the cookies for a gourmet touch.
• Oatmeal Caramel Apple Comfort: Mix rolled oats into the dough for a heartier, more rustic cookie with added wholesome goodness.
• Spiced Maple Caramel Apple: Replace vanilla with maple extract and add a touch of nutmeg for a warm, autumnal flavor profile.

Pairing Suggestions for Caramel Apple Cookies

• Savor Complementary Flavor Companions: Enhance your caramel apple cookies experience with these delightful pairings.
• Brew a Warm Spice Companion: Pair with chai latte or cinnamon-infused coffee to amplify the cookie's warm, autumnal notes and complement the sweet caramel and apple flavors.
• Match with Creamy Indulgence: Serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream to balance the cookie's rich texture and provide a cool, smooth contrast.
• Create a Beverage Harmony: Enjoy with a cold glass of crisp apple cider or a smooth butterscotch-flavored milk to echo the cookie's fruity and caramel undertones.

Storage Tips for Caramel Apple Cookies

• Store cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent caramel from melting.
• Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.
• Place cookies in sealed container at room temperature. Consume within 3 days for best taste and texture. Keep away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
• Warm cookies for 10-15 seconds on medium power. Check frequently to prevent overcooking. Restore softness and enhance caramel's gooey texture with gentle heating.

FAQs on Caramel Apple Cookies

• How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps control cookie spread and maintains a better shape during baking.

• Can I use fresh or dried apples in this recipe?

Fresh chopped apples work best. Dried apples might change the moisture content and texture of the cookies, so stick with fresh for optimal results.

• What if I don't have caramel bits?

You can substitute with caramel squares chopped into small pieces or use caramel chips available in most baking sections. Just ensure the pieces are small enough to distribute evenly.

Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 25-27 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet and spiced caramel apple cookies blend autumn’s warmth with classic comfort. Crisp apple chunks and smooth caramel swirls create a delightful seasonal treat you’ll crave with every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruit and Produce:

• 2 cups chopped apples
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Dry Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients and Extras:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup caramel bits

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and arrange parchment paper on baking sheets to prevent sticking.
2. Using an electric mixer, whip butter and both sugars until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cookies.
3. Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to ensure even distribution of wet ingredients.
4. Sift together dry ingredients – flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon – to eliminate potential lumps.
5. Gradually fold dry mixture into the creamed butter mixture, stirring until a cohesive dough forms.
6. Gently fold chopped apples and caramel bits into the cookie dough, distributing evenly throughout.
7. Scoop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie for spreading.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges as an indicator of doneness.
9. Remove from oven and let cookies rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes to set their structure.
10. Transfer cookies to wire cooling racks, allowing them to cool completely and develop their final texture.

Notes

• Use firm, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for maximum flavor and texture retention in the cookies.
• Chop apples into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution and prevent soggy cookie centers.
• Pat chopped apples dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and prevent cookies from becoming too wet.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining the same measurements.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 214 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1.2 g
• Protein: 2.5 g
• Cholesterol: 28 mg