How to Make the Best Chewy Caramel Apple Cookies
Make up the best caramel apple cookies. The apple flavor mixed with caramel in these chewy cookies is fall perfection.
More delicious and easy cookie recipes to try: Carrot Cake Cookies, Cherry Pie Cookies, and S’mores Cookie Sandwiches.
Table of Contents
Introduction: What Are Caramel Apple Cookies?
Caramel Apple Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavors of apple pie and caramel in a soft, chewy cookie form. Perfect for any season, but especially fitting for autumn, these cookies capture the essence of a caramel apple in every bite. With a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom, and the sweetness of caramel bits and fresh apples, these cookies are bound to become a favorite in your household. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, they are perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or just a cozy afternoon snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich Flavor Profile
One of the reasons you’ll absolutely love this recipe is the rich flavor profile it offers. The combination of finely diced fresh apples and caramel bits creates a delightful texture contrast, while the blend of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom adds a warm, aromatic depth to each bite. These cookies are not just sweet treats; they are a multi-sensory experience that captures the essence of a homemade apple pie with an added caramel twist.
Easy and Quick to Make
Another reason to fall in love with this recipe is its simplicity and speed. With a prep time of just 5 minutes and a bake time of 12 minutes, the best part is you can have a batch of these delicious cookies ready in less than half an hour. The ingredients are straightforward and likely already in your pantry, making this recipe perfect for those spontaneous baking moments when you crave something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
Before diving into the baking process, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon ginger
- ⅛ teaspoon cardamom
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 apples, peeled and finely diced (I used granny smith apples, but any type of apple you prefer will work in this caramel apple cookies recipe)
- ½ cup caramel bits
How to Make Caramel Apple Cookies
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In the bowl of a stand mixer or in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Cream together until smooth and well blended.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined on low speed.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add in the baking soda, salt, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, and flour. Mix thoroughly, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well incorporated.
- Fold in Apples and Caramel: Gently fold in the finely diced apple chunks and caramel bits until evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
- Scoop and Bake: Using a small ice cream scoop, cookie scoop, or two spoons, scoop out the dough and drop dough on the lined baking sheet, spacing each cookie at least 2 inches apart.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden brown.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Where to Take or Use This Recipe
Perfect for Gatherings
These Caramel Apple Cookies are ideal for sharing at gatherings. Whether it’s a family reunion, a holiday party, or a casual get-together with friends, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Their familiar flavors of apple and caramel appeal to a wide range of palates, making them a crowd-pleaser. Go apple picking and use the fruits of your labor to make up some gooey caramel apple cookies.
Great for Gifting
Consider making a batch of these cookies for a homemade gift. Pack them in a decorative tin or box with a ribbon, and you’ve got a thoughtful and delicious present that’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just to show someone you care.
Variations for the Recipe
Adding Nuts
For an added crunch and an extra layer of flavor, try adding a half cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough. The nuts complement the apples and caramel beautifully.
Spice It Up
If you love spices, you can increase the quantities of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, or even add a pinch of cloves for a more intense spice flavor. This will make the cookies even more aromatic and flavorful.
Caramel Drizzle
For an extra touch of decadence, drizzle the cooled cookies with melted caramel, caramel sauce or even caramel frosting. This not only enhances the caramel flavor but also makes the cookies look more appealing.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Storing the Cookies
If you don’t eat the entire batch in one sitting, these cookies should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their freshness and prevents the apples from making the cookies too soft.
Making Ahead
If you want to make the dough ahead of time, you can prepare it and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. Alternatively, you can scoop out the dough into portions, freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, and then transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer bag. When ready to bake a perfect fall treat, simply place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Common Questions About Caramel Apple Cookies
Can I use any type of apple?
Yes, you can use any type of apple you prefer. However, tart apples like a green apple (Granny Smiths) are a great choice as they balance the sweetness of the caramel and spices. Sweet apples can work too. It really depends on preferences for these chewy caramel apple cookies.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum or another binding agent to ensure the cookies hold together well.
What if I don’t have all the spices?
If you don’t have all the spices listed, you can use a pre-mixed apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice blend instead. These typically contain a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger, which will work well in this recipe.
How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
To prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, make sure your butter is just softened and not melted. Additionally, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help the cookies maintain their shape.
Caramel Apple Cookies
Ingredients
- ¾ c unsalted butter softened
- ½ c brown sugar
- ½ c sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 t vanilla
- 1 t baking soda
- ½ t salt
- ½ t cinnamon
- ¼ t allspice
- ¼ t nutmeg
- ⅛ t ginger
- ⅛ t cardamom
- 2 ½ c flour
- 2 apples peeled and finely diced
- ½ c caramel bits
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line the baking sheet(s) with parchment and set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the butter, sugar and brown sugar. Cream until smooth.
- Add in the egg and vanilla. Mix until combined.
- Add in the baking soda, salt, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, ginger, cardamom and flour. Mix thoroughly – scraping the sides often and mixing again.
- Fold in the diced apple pieces and caramel bits just until distributed. Do not overmix at this step.
- Using a small ice cream scoop or two spoons, scoop out the dough and place on your prepared baking sheets at least 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden brown.
- Allow to cool.
Notes
Conclusion
Caramel Apple Cookies are an easy, quick, and incredibly tasty treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Their rich, warm flavors and delightful texture make them a favorite among both kids and adults for the fall time of year. Whether you’re looking to impress at a party, gift a homemade treat, or simply enjoy a cozy snack, these cookies are the perfect choice.
Try making a batch of Caramel Apple Cookies today! Share your creations with friends and family, and don’t forget to let us know how they turned out in the comments below. Happy baking!
More apple desserts for Fall:
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Hi there!
I’m Emily, a mom and wife with a passion for crafting, celebrating holidays, and creating memorable moments. From Idaho to the world, The Benson Street is a treasure trove of easy, fun DIY projects, delightful printables, and delicious recipes. With over a decade of experience in blogging and a love for all things seasonal, I’m here to share my tips, ideas, and occasional mishaps. Join me in adding a dash of joy and creativity to every day! Read more…
