Caramel Apple Cookies

Fall is the season of warm spices, crisp apples, and comforting baked goods. Caramel Apple Cookies perfectly capture the essence of autumn with their blend of soft apples, gooey caramel, and cozy spices. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or simply craving a delightful treat, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy recipe brings the taste of fall right to your table.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 1/2 cups peeled, diced apple (about 1 large apple)

For the Caramel Drizzle:

• 15-20 soft caramel candies
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.

2. Make the Cookie Dough

1. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
2. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
4. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the diced apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

3. Bake the Cookies

1. Shape the Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
2. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers remain soft.
3. Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Prepare the Caramel Drizzle

1. Melt Caramels: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the soft caramel candies and heavy cream. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until the caramels are fully melted and smooth. Alternatively, you can melt them on the stovetop over low heat.
2. Drizzle: Once the caramel is smooth, drizzle it over the cooled cookies using a spoon or a piping bag.

5. Serve

Allow the caramel to set for a few minutes before enjoying these delectable Caramel Apple Cookies. Serve them alongside a warm cup of cider or your favorite fall beverage.

Tips

• Add Nuts: For an extra crunch, stir in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the cookie dough.
• Apple Varieties: Use firm apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to maintain texture in the cookies.
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the dough balls and bake as needed.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Caramel Apple Cookies are the epitome of fall baking, combining the sweetness of caramel with the tartness of apples and the warmth of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. These cookies are not only delicious but also quick and easy to make, perfect for busy bakers who still want to indulge in homemade treats. Their soft texture and rich flavors make them an ideal snack for any time of the day.

Try It Today!

Ready to embrace the flavors of autumn? Bake a batch of these Caramel Apple Cookies and experience the perfect harmony of soft apples, gooey caramel, and aromatic spices. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and bring a taste of fall into your kitchen. Don’t forget to share your baking creations and let us know how they turned out!