Soft Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe: Sweet Autumn Joy in Every Bite

Sweet autumn afternoons call for baking something magical, and these caramel apple cookies capture seasonal warmth perfectly.

Soft, chewy cookies burst with delightful caramel apple flavors that dance across your taste buds.

Crisp apples mingle with rich caramel notes, creating an irresistible treat that beckons from the cooling rack.

Each bite promises a delectable blend of spiced sweetness and comforting textures.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this delightful recipe with ease.

The aroma of cinnamon and caramel will fill your kitchen, promising a memorable dessert experience.

Prepare to fall in love with these crowd-pleasing cookies that celebrate the best of fall’s delicious bounty.

Why Caramel Apple Cookies Are a Fall Favorite

• Elevate Comfort Baking: Transform traditional cookie-making into a delightful culinary adventure with this innovative apple-infused recipe that brings warmth and excitement to your kitchen.
• Craft Versatile Dessert: Perfect for casual gatherings, family celebrations, or a sweet treat that appeals to both kids and adults, these cookies offer a sophisticated twist on classic favorites.
• Beginner-Friendly Technique: Designed with simple steps and minimal complex techniques, this recipe welcomes home bakers of all skill levels to create professional-looking, delicious cookies without intimidation.
• Seasonal Flavor Celebration: Capture the essence of autumn with caramelized apples and warm cinnamon, delivering a comforting dessert that connects you to cozy memories and changing seasons.

What You’ll Need for Apple Caramel Cookies

• Apples: Sweet and crisp local favorites.
• Cinnamon: Warm and fragrant spice.

• Butter: Creamy and rich dairy base.
• Dark Brown Sugar: Deep caramel-like sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar: Classic sweet crystals.
• Vanilla Extract: Aromatic flavor enhancer.
• Egg: Binding and richness booster.

• All-Purpose Flour: Classic baking foundation.
• Baking Soda: Leavening agent.
• Salt: Flavor balancer.

• Caramel Sauce: Sweet drizzling complement.

How to Bake Caramel Apple Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Spiced Apple Mixture

Dice fresh apples and combine them in a small pan with dark brown sugar and cinnamon.

Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until apples become slightly soft but maintain their shape.

Transfer the mixture to a separate bowl and let it cool completely.

Step 2: Create Cookie Dough Base

Use an electric mixer to cream together softened butter, white and brown sugars, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes fluffy and light.

Add an egg and mix thoroughly until well blended.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.

Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring until just combined.

Step 4: Fold in Apple Goodness

Gently fold the cooled apple mixture into the cookie dough.

• First half of apples
• Remaining apples

Avoid adding any released liquid from the apple mixture.

If the dough feels too soft, refrigerate for 20 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Use a medium ice cream scoop or two spoons to create evenly sized dough mounds on the sheets.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake cookies for 12-16 minutes.

Look for golden edges and a light top.

Larger cookies might require closer to 16 minutes of baking time.

Step 7: Cool and Finish

Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.

Enjoy your homemade treat!

Tips for Soft and Chewy Cookie Texture

• Pat diced apples dry with paper towels to prevent excess liquid from making cookie dough too wet and soggy.
• Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes before baking to help cookies maintain shape and prevent excessive spreading.
• Use a consistent scoop or measuring tool to ensure uniform cookies that bake evenly and look professionally made.
• Warm caramel sauce slightly and use a spoon or piping bag for precise, elegant drizzling across cookie surfaces.
• Monitor cookies closely during last few minutes of baking, as apple pieces can cause uneven browning and potential burning.

How to Store Caramel Apple Cookies

• Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature.
• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container with wax paper separating each layer. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for best texture and taste.
• Warm cookies briefly in microwave for 10-15 seconds or crisp in oven at 300°F for 3-4 minutes. Avoid overheating to maintain soft, chewy consistency.
• If stored with caramel sauce, gently reheat sauce using microwave or double boiler to restore smooth, drizzling consistency before serving.

What to Pair With These Apple Cookies

• Brew Bold Coffee Companion: Rich, dark roast coffee cuts through the sweetness of the caramel apple cookies, creating a balanced flavor experience that amplifies the warm cinnamon notes.
• Pair with Vanilla Ice Cream Delight: Creamy vanilla ice cream complements the soft cookie texture, enhancing the caramel and apple undertones while providing a cool contrast to the warm baked treat.
• Sip Spiced Chai Tea: Fragrant chai tea with its blend of cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon mirrors the cookie's warm spices, creating a harmonious and comforting flavor profile that elevates the entire dessert experience.
• Serve with Salted Caramel Drizzle: Extra caramel sauce with a pinch of sea salt intensifies the cookie's existing caramel notes, adding depth and a sophisticated sweet-salty dimension to each bite.

Flavorful Takes on Caramel Apple Cookies

• Gluten-Free Variation: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Use certified gluten-free baking soda to ensure complete allergen-free cookies.
• Vegan Apple Cookies: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Replace egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or applesauce.
• Low-Sugar Version: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of brown sugar. Reduce overall sugar content and opt for a sugar-free caramel sauce drizzle to maintain sweetness without excess calories.
• Nutty Crunch Variation: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple mixture for extra texture. Toast the nuts lightly before incorporating to enhance their natural flavor profile.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of apples?

Yes, you can use any apple variety. Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best as they hold their shape during cooking and won’t turn mushy in the cookie dough.

• How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Refrigerate the dough for 20-30 minutes before baking. This helps the butter firm up and prevents excessive spreading. Also, ensure your butter isn’t too soft when creaming with sugar.

• Is it necessary to cook the apples before adding them to the dough?

Yes, cooking the apples with brown sugar and cinnamon helps concentrate their flavor and removes excess moisture, which prevents soggy cookies. Cooling them completely is important to maintain the cookie’s texture.

• Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. The chilled dough can also be frozen for up to 2 weeks, allowing you to bake fresh cookies whenever you want.

Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Luscious caramel apple cookies blend autumn’s sweetest memories with homemade comfort, marrying crisp apple chunks and rich caramel in a perfectly spiced dough. Warm cinnamon and gooey caramel swirls invite you to savor each delightful bite of seasonal bliss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (200g) firm tart apples, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 113 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg, at room temperature

Sugars:

• 1/2 cup (110g) dark brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons (30g) dark brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar

Spices and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

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Instructions

1. Craft a fragrant apple compote by simmering diced apples with dark brown sugar and cinnamon in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until apples become tender yet maintain their structure, approximately 5 minutes.
2. Transfer the apple mixture to a separate container and allow it to cool completely, ensuring no residual heat affects the cookie dough.
3. Using an electric mixer, whip softened butter, sugars, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, typically 1-2 minutes.
4. Incorporate the egg into the butter mixture, blending until smooth and well integrated.
5. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and salt, creating a uniform dry ingredient base.
6. Gradually introduce the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing until just combined to prevent overworking the dough.
7. Gently fold the cooled apple mixture into the cookie dough, being careful to exclude any excess liquid that may have accumulated.
8. If the dough appears too soft, refrigerate for approximately 20 minutes to firm up the consistency.
9. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
10. Portion the dough using a medium ice cream scoop or two spoons, arranging mounds evenly on the prepared sheets.
11. Bake for 12-16 minutes, monitoring the cookies’ color until golden around the edges and lightly bronzed on top.
12. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling.
13. Enhance the cookies by drizzling with caramel sauce, adding a luxurious finishing touch to the delectable treat.

Notes

• Prevent apple browning by tossing diced apples with a splash of lemon juice before cooking to maintain their vibrant color and fresh taste.
• Control moisture by carefully draining excess liquid from cooked apples, ensuring cookies remain perfectly textured and not soggy.
• Enhance flavor complexity by using a mix of apple varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a balanced sweet-tart profile.
• Create gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 175
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg