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To make these salted caramel apple pie cookies, you will need the following ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - 3/4 cup packed brown sugar, light or dark - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 cup Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced into small chunks - 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce (either store-bought or homemade) - Sea salt flakes, for a finishing touch Each ingredient plays a key role in making these cookies taste amazing: - All-purpose flour gives the cookies structure. - Baking soda helps them rise and stay soft. - Salt enhances the flavor of the cookies. - Ground cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and spice, making them feel cozy. - Unsalted butter keeps the dough rich and creamy. - Brown sugar adds moisture and a deep sweetness. - Granulated sugar balances the flavors and helps with browning. - Egg binds everything together for a perfect texture. - Vanilla extract brings a lovely aroma and flavor. - Granny Smith apples add tartness and moisture, making each bite fresh. - Salted caramel sauce contributes sweetness and a hint of saltiness. - Sea salt flakes finish the cookies with a touch of crunch and flavor. If you need to swap ingredients, here are some options: - Gluten-free flour can replace all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version. - Baking powder can be used instead of baking soda, but adjust the amount. - Coconut oil can substitute for butter if you prefer a dairy-free option. - Maple syrup can replace brown sugar, but it may change the texture. - Any tart apple, like Honeycrisp or Fuji, can work in place of Granny Smith. - Homemade caramel sauce is easy to make and can replace store-bought sauce. Experimenting with these alternatives can lead to fun twists on this classic recipe! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grab two baking sheets. Line them with parchment paper. This step helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier. Next, let’s mix the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together these items: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg Make sure everything is well combined. Setting this aside will keep your cookies light. Now, it’s time to cream the butter with sugars. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer. Beat 1 cup of softened butter with: - 3/4 cup packed brown sugar - 1/2 cup granulated sugar Mix on medium speed for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy. This step adds air, giving your cookies a nice rise. After creaming, add the egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture. Beat until smooth. Then, gradually add the dry mixture. Mix just until combined. Avoid overmixing. This keeps your cookies tender and chewy. Next, fold in the diced apples and caramel sauce. Use 1 cup of peeled, diced Granny Smith apples and 1/2 cup of salted caramel sauce. Gently mix until evenly spread throughout the dough. You want to keep those apple chunks intact for great texture. Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto your baking sheets. Leave space between each scoop to allow room for spreading. Drizzle some extra caramel on top for that sweet touch. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. They should be golden at the edges and soft in the middle. After baking, cool the cookies on the sheets for 5 minutes before moving them to wire racks. For the final touch, sprinkle sea salt flakes on top. This brings out the flavor of the caramel. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. Enjoy your delicious salted caramel apple pie cookies! To get the best cookie texture, start with room-temperature butter. It helps to mix well with sugars. Creaming the butter and sugars for three minutes makes the cookies light and fluffy. Use a cookie scoop for even drops of dough. This gives uniform cookies that bake at the same rate. Avoid overmixing when adding dry ingredients. This keeps the cookies tender and soft. Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and moist for days. You can also layer parchment paper between cookies to avoid sticking. If you want to freeze them, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge before enjoying again. Serve these cookies warm for the best taste. Drizzle extra salted caramel on top for a sweet touch. Pair them with vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. You can even add a side of warm apple cider for a cozy feel. For a fun twist, try adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips. These small changes can elevate your cookie experience. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. {{image_4}} You can easily make these cookies gluten-free! Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Make sure your blend contains xanthan gum for the right texture. The cookies will still be soft and chewy, just like the original. To switch up the flavor, try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts. You can also mix in chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Adding a teaspoon of almond extract gives a nice nutty flavor. Get creative with spices, too! A pinch of ginger or cloves can enhance your cookies. Embrace the seasons with fun changes. In fall, add pumpkin spice to the mix. For winter, consider dried cranberries or orange zest. In spring, use fresh berries for a fruity touch. Each season brings new flavors for your cookies, making them special all year round. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions listed above. To keep your salted caramel apple pie cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in but prevents them from becoming too soft. Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to avoid sticking. You can also add a slice of bread to absorb extra moisture, keeping cookies chewy. Freezing cookies is easy and a great way to save some for later. First, let the cookies cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Seal it tightly and label it with the date. These cookies can last up to three months in the freezer. When stored properly at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for about a week. If you keep them in the fridge, they can last a bit longer, about 10 days. However, for the best taste and texture, enjoy them within the first few days. For those who love to indulge, I suggest you check out the Full Recipe for more tips on enjoying these delightful treats! Yes, you can. While Granny Smith apples work best, you can also use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples. These apples add sweetness and juiciness. If you prefer tart flavors, stick with Granny Smith. Each type of apple will change the taste and texture of your cookies slightly. Making salted caramel sauce at home is easy. You'll need sugar, butter, cream, and sea salt. Start by melting the sugar over medium heat until it turns golden. Add in the butter and stir until smooth. Carefully pour in heavy cream and mix well. Finally, add a pinch of sea salt for that salty kick. Let it cool before using. To keep cookies from spreading too much, chill the dough before baking. You can place it in the fridge for 30 minutes. Also, make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Using a good quality baking sheet and parchment paper helps too, as it gives support to the cookies while they bake. Yes, you can! Make the dough and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can also freeze the dough for up to three months. When you’re ready, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before baking. This way, you can enjoy fresh cookies anytime! This guide covered everything you need for perfect cookies. We explored key ingredients and their roles. I shared tips for texture, storage, and serving ideas. Plus, you learned variations and common questions. Remember, each step matters to create delightful cookies. Enjoy the process, and have fun experimenting with flavors! Happy baking!

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Indulge in the sweet delight of Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies that combine the comforting flavors of fall in every bite! These easy-to-make cookies feature fresh Granny Smith apples and rich salted caramel sauce, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy treat at home, these cookies are a hit! Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dessert game today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

3/4 cup packed brown sugar, light or dark

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced into small chunks

1/2 cup salted caramel sauce (either store-bought or homemade)

Sea salt flakes, for a finishing touch

Instructions
 

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

    Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until well combined. Set the bowl aside for later.

      Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Continue mixing on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.

        Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the large egg and pure vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until the ingredients are well blended and smooth.

          Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the previously prepared dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. It’s important not to overmix to maintain the cookies' tenderness.

            Add Apples and Caramel: Delicately fold in the diced Granny Smith apples along with 1/4 cup of salted caramel sauce, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough without breaking up the apple pieces.

              Form Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, drop heaping tablespoons of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring to leave about 2 inches of space between each mound of dough for spreading while baking.

                Drizzle with Caramel: Take the remaining salted caramel sauce and drizzle a small amount over the tops of each cookie dough mound for that extra touch of sweetness.

                  Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The cookies should be golden brown on the edges while remaining soft in the center.

                    Cool and Garnish: After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Just before serving, sprinkle lightly with sea salt flakes for that enticing salted caramel finish.

                      Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve the cookies on a rustic wooden board. Consider drizzling extra salted caramel on top and placing a few diced apples around for a beautiful fall-themed display. Enjoy!