If you’re a fan of caramel apples, you’re going to love these caramel apple cookies! Imagine the sweet and tart flavor of fresh apples combined with rich caramel, all wrapped up in a soft, chewy cookie. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying them as a cozy fall treat or sharing them at a holiday party. Easy to make and packed with flavor, caramel apple cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups finely chopped apples (about 1 medium apple)
- 1 cup caramel bits or chopped soft caramels
Optional Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing the dough.
- Fold in the chopped apples and caramel bits until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 2: Bake the Cookies
- Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop rounded dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will set as the cookies cool.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional Step 3: Add the Glaze
- To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies using a spoon or a piping bag. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Conclusion
These caramel apple cookies are a delightful treat that brings together the nostalgic taste of caramel apples with the comforting texture of homemade cookies. Perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying as a special indulgence for yourself, these cookies are sure to please anyone who takes a bite. Don’t be surprised if they disappear quickly!
Recommendations and Substitutions
- Apple Varieties: Use a tart apple like Granny Smith for a more pronounced apple flavor, or go for a sweeter apple like Fuji or Honeycrisp if you prefer a milder taste.
- Caramel Bits: If you can’t find caramel bits, use soft caramel candies chopped into small pieces. Be sure to freeze the caramel pieces for about 15 minutes before adding them to the dough to prevent them from melting too much during baking.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend to make these cookies gluten-free. Make sure your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
- Add-Ins: For extra crunch, consider adding ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough. A handful of raisins or dried cranberries can also add a nice burst of flavor.
These cookies are versatile and easy to customize, so feel free to experiment and make them your own. Enjoy baking and sharing this delicious treat!
