Ingredients
Scale
- 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