Caramel Apple Cookies

Caramel Apple Cookies are the perfect blend of sweet, buttery goodness with a touch of spice and fruity flavor. These cookies are a delicious tribute to fall, featuring chewy dried apples, rich caramel bits, and a drizzle of caramel sauce that takes them over the top. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family gathering, a festive party, or just to indulge yourself, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Let’s dive into this easy, delicious recipe that will fill your home with the warm scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and caramel.

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🛒 Ingredients for Caramel Apple Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Butter gives these cookies their rich, tender texture. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature so it creams easily with the sugars.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: This adds sweetness and helps with the structure of the cookies.
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed: Brown sugar adds a deeper, caramel-like flavor and keeps the cookies soft and chewy.
• 2 large eggs: Eggs help bind the dough and add moisture, giving the cookies a soft texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: Flour provides the structure for the cookies. Measure carefully to avoid making the cookies too dense.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Baking powder helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Baking soda aids in spreading and browning, giving the cookies a perfect texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warmth and coziness, pairing beautifully with the apples and caramel.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Nutmeg adds a subtle spiciness that complements the cinnamon.
• 1/2 cup caramel bits: These little pockets of caramel melt into the cookies, adding a deliciously gooey texture.
• 1 cup dried apples, chopped: Dried apples bring a chewy, fruity element to the cookies that pairs perfectly with the caramel.

For the Caramel Drizzle:

• 1/2 cup caramel sauce: Store-bought or homemade caramel sauce works for the drizzle. It adds an extra layer of rich, sweet flavor to the cookies.
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream: This helps to thin out the caramel sauce, making it easier to drizzle over the cookies.

👩‍🍳 Directions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet

• Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cookies bake evenly from the moment they hit the oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup and to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed. Creaming the butter and sugars together properly is key to creating a tender, airy cookie. The mixture should be pale and smooth by the time you’re done.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

• Once your butter and sugar mixture is ready, it’s time to add the eggs. Add them one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they’re fully incorporated. This step helps to emulsify the dough, giving the cookies a smooth texture. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract for that extra layer of flavor.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The cinnamon and nutmeg give these cookies their signature fall flavor. Once the dry ingredients are well mixed, gradually add them to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough instead of tender and soft.

Step 5: Fold in Caramel Bits and Apples

• Now it’s time to fold in the stars of the show—the caramel bits and chopped dried apples. Using a spatula, gently fold these into the dough until they’re evenly distributed. The caramel bits will melt into gooey pockets, and the dried apples add a chewy, fruity texture that balances the sweetness.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

• Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space the cookies about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. A cookie scoop helps ensure that all the cookies are the same size, which means they’ll bake evenly.

Step 7: Bake

• Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. The key to perfectly chewy cookies is to avoid overbaking. Even if the centers look slightly underdone, they will continue to cook as they cool on the baking sheet. Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare the Caramel Drizzle

• While the cookies are cooling, prepare 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 it well to combine. This drizzle adds an extra touch of decadence to the cookies, making them even more irresistible.

Step 9: Drizzle and Serve

• Drizzle the caramel sauce over the cooled cookies. You can use a spoon or a small piping bag to control the drizzle pattern. Let the caramel set for a few minutes before serving. These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container for later.

💡 Tips for Perfect Caramel Apple Cookies:

1. Chill the Dough: If you have the time, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents them from spreading too much in the oven. This step is especially helpful if your kitchen is warm or if you like your cookies on the thicker side.
2. Check Your Caramel Bits: Make sure to use caramel bits that are designed for baking. These bits are formulated to hold up better in the oven than regular caramel candies, which can melt too much and spread.
3. Store Properly: To keep your cookies fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to enjoy them warm (which is always a good idea), just pop them in the microwave for about 5 seconds to reheat them.
4. Use a Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop ensures that all your cookies are the same size, which means they will bake more evenly. If you don’t have a cookie scoop, try to make each dough ball as uniform as possible to avoid some cookies baking faster than others.
5. Customize the Recipe: These cookies are versatile, so feel free to make adjustments based on your preferences. You can add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a salted caramel variation, or try adding a handful of chopped pecans for a bit of crunch.

🎉 Final Thoughts: The Perfect Fall Cookie

Caramel Apple Cookies are a must-try for anyone who loves the flavors of fall. The combination of chewy dried apples, gooey caramel bits, and warm spices makes these cookies a treat that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re enjoying them with a hot cup of coffee or packing them up for a party, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The drizzle of caramel sauce takes them to the next level, adding a final touch of decadence that makes these cookies truly special.

Baking these cookies is a wonderful way to welcome the fall season into your home. The smell of cinnamon, nutmeg, and caramel will fill your kitchen, creating a cozy atmosphere that’s perfect for enjoying the cooler weather. Whether you’re sharing them with friends and family or savoring them on your own, these Caramel Apple Cookies are sure to become a new fall favorite.