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To make delicious caramel apple cookies, gather these essential ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup packed brown sugar - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 1/2 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced - 1 cup caramel bits or soft caramel, cut into small pieces These ingredients create a soft and chewy cookie that bursts with flavor. You can enhance your cookies with these optional ingredients: - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans Adding nuts gives the cookies a nice crunch and extra flavor. Feel free to skip them if you prefer a smoother texture. If you need to make substitutions, here are some ideas: - Use whole wheat flour for a heartier cookie. - Swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a deeper flavor. - Replace Granny Smith apples with any tart apple variety. - Choose dark chocolate chips instead of caramel bits for a twist. These substitutions will still give you tasty cookies while catering to your dietary needs or preferences. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step warms the oven so your cookies bake evenly. While the oven heats, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. The parchment keeps cookies from sticking, making cleanup easy. In a mixing bowl, add 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Use a whisk to mix these ingredients well. This mix of dry ingredients helps the cookies rise and adds flavor. Take 3/4 cup of softened unsalted butter and put it in a large bowl. Add 1 cup of packed brown sugar and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer to cream these together. Beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step adds air to the cookies, making them soft. Now, add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Beat until these ingredients combine smoothly. Next, gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender. Carefully fold in 1 1/2 cups of peeled and diced Granny Smith apples, 1 cup of caramel bits, and 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans if you want extra crunch. Make sure these tasty bits are evenly spread throughout the dough. This mix gives the cookies their signature taste. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded dough portions on the prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart for even baking. Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Look for a light golden brown color on the edges. The centers may look slightly underbaked but will firm up as they cool. After baking, let the cookies rest on the sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. For great cookie texture, focus on mixing. First, cream the butter and sugars well. This adds air and creates fluffiness. Then, mix your dry ingredients carefully. Combine them gently with the wet mix. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. You want a soft dough that holds its shape. Bake until the edges are golden but the centers look soft. They will continue to bake on the tray. To keep your cookies fresh, cool them fully first. Place them in an airtight container. This helps retain moisture and flavor. You can add a slice of bread to keep them soft longer. For added crunch, store cookies with walnuts or pecans separately. Always label your container with the date. Enjoy them within a week for the best taste. Serve your cookies warm for the best flavor. Drizzle warm caramel on top for an extra treat. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt adds a nice contrast. Stack them on a rustic wooden platter for a lovely display. Pair them with warm apple cider or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This makes for a delightful fall dessert that everyone will love! {{image_4}} You can add chocolate chips to your caramel apple cookies for extra sweetness. Use 1 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips. Mix them in with the apples and caramel bits. This combo gives a delightful taste contrast. The chocolate melts and blends with the caramel. You will enjoy a rich flavor with every bite. To make gluten-free caramel apple cookies, swap the all-purpose flour. Use 2 cups of your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Be sure it contains xanthan gum for better texture. The rest of the recipe stays the same. You still get that tasty apple and caramel mix. Your gluten-sensitive friends will love these cookies too! You can easily make these cookies vegan. Replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Use a flax egg instead of a regular egg. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens. All other ingredients can remain the same. You’ll have soft, chewy cookies that everyone can enjoy! To keep your caramel apple cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps to keep moisture in and prevents them from becoming dry. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers if you stack them. This trick stops them from sticking together. For added freshness, you can also add a slice of bread in the container. The bread helps to keep the cookies soft. You can freeze the cookie dough for later use. First, scoop the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the cookie dough balls until they are firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag. Be sure to label the bag with the date. You can freeze the dough for up to three months. When you're ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. When stored properly, caramel apple cookies last about one week at room temperature. If you freeze them, they can last for about three months. Just remember to thaw them in the fridge overnight before enjoying. These cookies are best eaten fresh, but they still taste great after a few days! Yes, you can use other apples. While Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness, you can try Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter taste. Just make sure the apples are firm. Softer apples might turn mushy during baking. To prevent cookies from spreading, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the butter firm up. Also, make sure your baking sheets are lined with parchment paper. This can help keep the shape of your cookies. Absolutely! You can make the cookie dough a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, scoop and bake the cookies straight from the fridge. This keeps them fresh and delicious. If you can't find caramel bits, you can use soft caramel candy instead. Just cut the candy into small pieces. You could also use homemade caramel sauce, but it may make the dough wetter. Yes, these cookies make a great gift! Package them in a nice box or tin. You can add a ribbon to make it special. The taste and look of the cookies will impress anyone who receives them. In this post, you learned about key ingredients for caramel apple cookies. We covered essential and optional ingredients, and even substitutions. The step-by-step guide ensures you bake them perfectly. I shared tips for texture, storage, and serving. You also found variations to try, including gluten-free and vegan options. Remember, baking is fun and rewarding. Enjoy making your cookies and share them with friends!

Caramel Apple Cookies

Indulge in the sweet delight of Caramel Apple Cookies, a perfect autumn treat! These soft, chewy cookies combine fresh Granny Smith apples and gooey caramel for a mouthwatering experience. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you'll have a batch ready in no time. Click through to explore this delicious recipe and impress your friends and family with these irresistible cookies that capture the essence of fall!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced

1 cup caramel bits or soft caramel, cut into small pieces

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional for added crunch)

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

    In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until combined. Set this dry mixture aside for later use.

      In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter along with the packed brown sugar and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

        Add the large egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat these ingredients in until they are fully integrated and the mixture is smooth.

          Gradually incorporate the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix to ensure the cookies remain tender.

            Carefully fold in the diced apples, caramel bits, and the chopped walnuts or pecans—if you are choosing to include them—making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.

              Utilizing a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart for even baking.

                Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for the edges to turn a light golden brown; the centers may appear slightly underbaked, but they will set as they cool.

                  Once baked, allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. After that time, gently transfer them to wire racks to cool completely, ensuring they maintain their shape.

                    Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: Approximately 24 cookies

                      - Presentation Tips: After the cookies have cooled, drizzle some warm melted caramel over the top and finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for an extra punch of flavor. Arrange the cookies on a rustic wooden platter to create a cozy, inviting display that’s perfect for fall gatherings!