Autumn is a time for warm flavors and comforting desserts, and nothing captures the essence of the season quite like caramel apple cookies. These delicious treats are a twist on the classic caramel apple, bringing together the tartness of dried apples and the rich, buttery taste of caramel in a soft, chewy cookie. Whether you’re looking for a new recipe to impress guests or simply want to enjoy a cozy baking session, these cookies are sure to hit the spot. Let’s explore how to make this delightful dessert and discover some helpful tips to ensure they turn out perfect every time.
What Makes Caramel Apple Cookies So Special?
Caramel apple cookies are a unique blend of sweet and tart flavors. The dried apples provide a chewy texture and a slight tartness that balances the sweetness of the caramel. Meanwhile, the caramel bits melt into gooey pockets of flavor, making each bite a delightful experience. Adding spices like cinnamon and nutmeg gives these cookies a warm, comforting flavor that’s perfect for fall.
But it’s not just the taste that makes these cookies special. They’re also incredibly easy to make, using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Plus, they’re a great way to use up any leftover dried apples you might have from your last baking project.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these caramel apple cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup caramel bits
- 1 cup dried apples, chopped
For the Caramel Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
These ingredients work together to create a cookie that is both chewy and soft, with a perfect balance of flavors. The caramel bits and dried apples add texture and interest, while the spices bring warmth and depth.
Step-by-Step Directions
Preparing Your Cookie Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure the cookies don’t stick.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps to ensure that the eggs are fully incorporated and that the batter is smooth. Add in the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This step ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed before mixing them with the wet ingredients.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tougher cookies.
Adding the Caramel and Apples
- Fold in the caramel bits and chopped dried apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. These add-ins give the cookies their signature flavor and texture.
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This allows room for the cookies to spread as they bake.
Baking to Perfection
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, but the centers remain soft. The key to perfect caramel apple cookies is not to overbake them, as this keeps them chewy and soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Preparing the Caramel Drizzle
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel sauce and heavy cream. Microwave on high for 20-30 seconds, or until the mixture is smooth and pourable. Stir well to ensure it’s evenly mixed.
- Drizzle the caramel over the cooled cookies. Allow the drizzle to set for a few minutes before serving.
Expert Tips for Perfect Caramel Apple Cookies
- Chill the dough: If you have time, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents them from spreading too much.
- Use a cookie scoop: This ensures all your cookies are the same size, which helps them bake evenly.
- Check your caramel bits: Make sure to use caramel bits that are designed for baking, as they hold up better in the oven than regular caramel candies.
- Store properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to enjoy them warm, a quick 5-second zap in the microwave does the trick.
Nutritional Information & Health Benefits
While caramel apple cookies are a treat, they do offer some nutritional benefits. The dried apples provide fiber, which is essential for digestive health, and the spices like cinnamon and nutmeg are known for their antioxidant properties.
Nutrition Details
- Serving: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
- Vitamin A: 250IU
- Calcium: 20mg
- Iron: 0.8mg
Why Choose Caramel Apple Cookies Over Other Fall Desserts?
With so many fall desserts to choose from, why pick caramel apple cookies? These cookies offer a unique blend of flavors that are both comforting and sophisticated. The combination of sweet, salty, and tart makes them a standout treat, perfect for everything from casual family dinners to holiday gatherings. Plus, they’re a breeze to make, requiring just a handful of pantry staples and a bit of mixing. If you’re looking for something a little different this fall, these cookies are a fantastic choice.
FAQs
While fresh apples could work, they contain a lot of moisture, which might change the texture of the cookies. Dried apples are recommended for the best results to keep the cookies chewy and prevent them from becoming too soggy.
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to layer parchment paper between the cookies to prevent them from sticking together.
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for a gluten-free version. Make sure to check all other ingredients for gluten as well.
If you can’t find caramel bits, you can chop up soft caramel candies into small pieces. Just make sure they are well distributed in the dough to prevent clumping.
Now that you have all the details on how to make these irresistible caramel apple cookies, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start baking. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is simple to follow and guarantees delicious results. So, grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy one of the best fall treats around!
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Caramel Apple Cookies
Caramel Apple Cookies are a delightful blend of chewy dried apples and rich caramel bits, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg for a perfect fall treat. These cookies are soft, buttery, and drizzled with a luscious caramel sauce, making them an irresistible addition to any autumn gathering.
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup caramel bits
- 1 cup dried apples, chopped
For the Caramel Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for creating the perfect texture.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they’re fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. These spices add a warm, cozy flavor that pairs perfectly with the apples and caramel.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
- Fold in caramel and apples: Gently fold in the caramel bits and chopped dried apples until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape the cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. This will give the cookies a perfect chewy texture.
- Cool and prepare the drizzle: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel sauce and heavy cream, then microwave on high for 20-30 seconds until smooth and pourable.
- Drizzle with caramel: Drizzle the caramel over the cooled cookies and let it set for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Chill the dough: If you have time, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents them from spreading too much.
- Use a cookie scoop: This ensures all your cookies are the same size, which helps them bake evenly.
- Check your caramel bits: Make sure to use caramel bits that are designed for baking, as they hold up better in the oven than regular caramel candies.
- Store properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to enjoy them warm, a quick 5-second zap in the microwave does the trick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Fall cookie recipes, Chewy apple cookies, Caramel dessert ideas