Apple Caramel Cookies

These Fall-inspired Caramel Apple Cookies blend the cozy tastes of autumn with gooey caramel and chunks of apple. They're great for fall parties or as a tasty treat to share with your loved ones. The cookie base has a nice cinnamon kick that brings that autumn feeling, while bits of caramel and apple pieces create an interesting bite. You can whip these up in less than 40 minutes, and they taste great either warm from the oven or cooled down. If you want to make them extra special, try pouring some melted caramel on top after they've cooled – it really captures that fall vibe.

INGREDIENTS

• Unsalted butter: ½ cup, softened
• Brown sugar: ¼ cup, packed
• Granulated sugar: ½ cup
• Egg: 1 large
• Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
• All-purpose flour: 1 ¾ cups
• Baking soda: ½ tsp
• Salt: ¼ tsp
• Cinnamon: ½ tsp
• Caramel bits: 1 cup
• Apples: 1 cup, peeled and chopped

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 9:

Cool cookies completely on a wire rack before eating.

Step 8:

Bake until edges turn golden brown, about 10-12 minutes.

Step 7:

Scoop dough onto lined baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.

Step 6:

Mix in the apple chunks and caramel bits until well distributed.

Step 5:

Slowly mix dry ingredients into wet mixture until barely combined.

Step 4:

Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until smooth.

Step 3:

Beat butter with both sugars until the mixture gets fluffy and light.

Step 2:

Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.

Step 1:

Get your oven hot at 350°F (175°C) and put parchment paper on your baking sheets.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature and eat within 3 days.
• Pour some melted caramel over cooled cookies to make them extra fancy.

Helpful Notes

• Try using Granny Smith apples for a tart flavor that works well with the sweet caramel.
• Let the dough chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes if you don't want your cookies spreading too much.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Chef's Tip: Sprinkle a tiny bit of sea salt on your caramel topping to create a taste contrast.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of caramel bits?

You can totally use store-bought sauce for topping instead of putting caramel bits in the cookie dough.

How do I prevent the apples from making the dough too wet?

Cut your apples into tiny, even pieces and pat them with a paper towel before you mix them in.

Can I freeze the dough?

Sure thing! The dough freezes well for up to 3 months. Just let it thaw in your fridge before baking.

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Summary

Soft and cozy, Apple Caramel Cookies bring together fresh apple bites with gooey caramel chunks for a perfect fall dessert. A bit of cinnamon and vanilla make the flavor feel warm and comforting. Serve them fresh out of the oven or later at room temp. For an extra touch of sweetness, top them with a caramel drizzle once they’ve cooled. Easy to make and perfect for gatherings or when you’re just craving something sweet and autumn-inspired!