Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe is one of those sweet treats that hits all the right notes: a little tart, a little sweet, and a whole lot of cozy. If you love the combo of caramel and apple but want it in cookie form, you’re going to have a blast with this recipe. It’s like fall in your mouth, no pumpkin spice required.
Why You Should Try Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe
Ever get that craving for something soft, chewy, and packed with flavor? These cookies check all those boxes. The caramel adds a gooey richness that pairs perfectly with the fresh apple chunks. Plus, they’re super easy to make, even if you’re not a seasoned baker. I whipped these up on a lazy Sunday afternoon, and trust me, they disappeared faster than I expected. Who knew apple and caramel could be such a match made in cookie heaven?
Variations I’ve Tried And Loved
I like to mix things up a bit depending on my mood or what’s in the pantry. Here are a few tweaks that have worked well:
- Add cinnamon or nutmeg: A sprinkle of warm spices really brings out the apple flavor.
- Use different types of apples: Granny Smith for tartness, Fuji for sweetness, or even a mix.
- Swap caramel bits for homemade caramel sauce: If you want that extra ooey-gooey factor.
- Toss in some chopped nuts: Pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch.
- Drizzle melted chocolate on top: Because chocolate makes everything better, right?
Caramel Apple Cookies
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in the diced apples and caramel bits.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Serving Ideas for Caramel Apple Cookies
These cookies are fantastic on their own, but why stop there?
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert.
- Pair with a hot cup of apple cider or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack.
- Wrap a few in wax paper and pack them for a sweet treat on the go.
- Crumble over plain yogurt or oatmeal for a bit of texture and sweetness.
Helpful Tips for Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe
Want your cookies to turn out just right? Here are some pointers from my kitchen to yours:
- Use fresh apples, not canned, for the best texture and flavor.
- Don’t overmix the dough once you add the flour; it keeps cookies tender.
- If your caramel bits melt too much and spread, try chilling the dough before baking.
- Keep an eye on baking time; underbaking slightly keeps the cookies soft and chewy.
- Feel free to experiment with apple varieties to find your favorite combo.
Leftovers and Storage
If you somehow have leftovers (big if), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for about 3 days, but honestly, mine rarely last that long. For longer storage, pop them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking these cookies is pretty straightforward, but watch out for these slip-ups:
- Using apples that are too watery or mushy can make your dough soggy.
- Forgetting to soften the butter properly can lead to uneven mixing.
- Overbaking will dry out the cookies, so keep a close eye near the end.
- Skipping the parchment paper can cause sticking and broken cookies.
- Adding too many mix-ins can overwhelm the cookie structure, so stick to the suggested amounts.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 18 g