Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe
Caramel apple cookies bring together the best of both worlds with the sweet flavor of caramel and the tartness of apples. This delightful treat combines chewy cookie dough with soft caramel pieces and diced apples, creating an irresistible dessert that is perfect for fall gatherings or any sweet occasion.
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Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe
These caramel apple cookies are not just delicious; they’re also incredibly easy to make. Perfect for a cozy family dessert, they offer a wonderful blend of flavors that will remind you of caramel apples but in a cookie form.
The chewy texture and rich taste make them a hit with kids and adults alike, ensuring that everyone will love them. You can easily customize the recipe to add your favorite nuts or spices, making them uniquely yours.
How to Make Caramel Apple Cookies
Ingredients:
- 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 2 1/2 teaspoons apple pie spice or ground cinnamon, divided
- 21 soft caramel candies (e.g., Kraft Baking Caramels)
- 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 (3.4-ounce) box of instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 large or 2 medium Honeycrisp apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare Butter and Sugar Coating: Begin by taking the softened butter and mixing it with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice until it becomes light and fluffy.
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the prepared butter and sugar mixture. Then, add in the dark brown sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Mix well until combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, instant vanilla pudding mix, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring until you have a smooth dough.
- Add Apples: Gently fold in the diced Honeycrisp apples and the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1 1/2 teaspoons of apple pie spice. Make sure the apples are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape and Fill the Cookies: Take small portions of the dough and flatten them in your hand. Place a piece of caramel in the center and fold the dough around it to seal the caramel inside. Place the cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. The centers may look a little underbaked but will firm up as they cool.
- Repeat: Continue the process with the remaining dough until all cookies are baked.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Cookies
These caramel apple cookies are best served warm, straight from the oven. The gooey caramel filling makes them extra special, so consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a delightful dessert. They can also be paired with coffee or hot apple cider for a cozy autumn treat. For an appealing presentation, dust the cookies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzle some caramel sauce on top.
How to Store Caramel Apple Cookies
To keep your caramel apple cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just place the cooled cookies in a freezer bag or container and store them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the oven for that fresh-baked feel.
Tips to Make Caramel Apple Cookies Perfect
- Choose the Right Apples: Use Honeycrisp apples for their sweet and tart balance. You can also experiment with Granny Smith apples for extra tartness.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix until just combined to keep the cookies tender.
- Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes before baking.
- Check for Doneness: The cookies will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven, so look for lightly golden edges while keeping the centers soft.
Flavor Variations
Feel free to add nuts like chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch. You can also experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg or ginger, to enhance the autumn flavors. For a bit of tanginess, consider adding dried cranberries or raisins alongside the apples.
Pro Tips for Success
- Work with Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and egg are at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Use Good Quality Caramels: The flavor and texture of your cookies will depend greatly on the quality of the caramel candies used.
- Don’t Skip Pudding Mix: The instant vanilla pudding mix keeps the cookies moist and adds a wonderful texture.
FAQs About Caramel Apple Cookies
Can I use other types of apples?
Yes, you can use other apple varieties based on your taste preference. While Honeycrisp are excellent, feel free to try Fuji, Gala, or Granny Smith apples for different flavor profiles.
How can I make my cookies chewy?
To keep your cookies chewy, avoid overbaking them. They should be taken out of the oven when the edges are golden, and the center looks a bit underbaked.
Can I make these cookies in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just allow it to come to room temperature before baking for the best results.
Final Thoughts
Caramel apple cookies offer a unique twist on a classic favorite, blending the rich flavors of caramel with the freshness of apples. They are simple to make, perfect for any occasion, and will surely impress your family and friends. Enjoy creating these delightful cookies and savor each bite of this delicious fall-inspired treat!
Caramel Apple Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Begin by taking the softened butter and mixing it with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice until it becomes light and fluffy.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the prepared butter and sugar mixture. Then, add in the dark brown sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Mix well until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, instant vanilla pudding mix, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring until you have a smooth dough.
- Gently fold in the diced Honeycrisp apples, remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of apple pie spice.
- Take small portions of the dough, flatten them in your hand, place a piece of caramel in the center, and fold the dough around it to seal the caramel inside.
- Place the cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool slightly before enjoying.
