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- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - 1 cup packed brown sugar - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 large egg, at room temperature - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 cup diced fresh apples (about 1-2 medium apples, peeled and cored) - 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans The main ingredients create a rich base for the cookies. The butter gives them a soft texture, while the brown sugar adds depth. The egg and vanilla bring it all together with great flavor. The dry ingredients provide structure. All-purpose flour is the core, and baking soda helps them rise. Salt balances the sweetness, and cinnamon adds warmth. For flavor enhancers, diced apples bring freshness and moisture. Caramel sauce adds that sweet, sticky goodness. If you want crunch, toss in some walnuts or pecans. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions in our recipe section! - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. - In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes until fluffy. - Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and well mixed. - In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. - Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; this keeps the cookies tender. - Fold in 1 cup of diced fresh apples and, if you like, 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans. Add half of the caramel sauce for extra flavor. - Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded dough onto the baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie. - Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. They should be golden on the edges and set in the center. - Let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes. Then, move them to wire racks to cool fully. - After cooling, drizzle the remaining caramel sauce on top. Add a pinch of flaky sea salt for a tasty touch. You can find the Full Recipe for these delicious treats. To make the best caramel apple cookies, avoid over-mixing the dough. Over-mixing can lead to tough cookies. Stir just until the dry and wet ingredients blend. This keeps the cookies soft and tender. Ensure proper spacing on the baking sheet. Leave about two inches between each cookie. This allows them to spread without sticking together. If cookies touch, they lose their shape and texture. To achieve a tender cookie, use room temperature butter and eggs. This helps create a smooth batter and improves the mix. Also, be gentle when folding in the apples. This keeps the pieces intact and adds nice bites of fruit. For drizzling caramel sauce, wait until the cookies cool. Use a spoon or squeeze bottle for even coverage. A light drizzle brings a sweet touch to each cookie without overwhelming them. For a decorative touch, display the cookies on a pretty platter. You can use a tiered stand for height and charm. Add a few sliced apples next to the cookies for a colorful pop. A light dusting of cinnamon on the platter can enhance the look and aroma. Try adding flaky sea salt on top for a nice contrast. This little touch balances the sweetness of the caramel and apples. It makes each bite even more delightful. For the full recipe, see the earlier section. {{image_4}} If you want to try new things, consider gluten-free options. You can swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. This makes the cookies just as tasty. Using different types of apples can also change the flavor. For a tart taste, use Granny Smith apples. If you prefer sweet, go for Fuji or Honeycrisp. Each choice gives a new twist to your cookies. Want to make these cookies even more fun? Try adding chocolate chips. The mix of chocolate and caramel is a hit. You can use milk or dark chocolate, depending on your taste. Spices like nutmeg or ginger can add warmth, too. Just a pinch can elevate the taste. Experiment with your favorite spices to find your perfect flavor. You can also adapt this recipe for different diets. For vegan cookies, replace the egg with a flax egg. Just mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit until it thickens. If you need nut-free options, skip the walnuts or pecans. You can also replace the butter with coconut oil. This keeps the cookies moist and delicious. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy making these yummy caramel apple cookies! To keep your caramel apple cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their soft texture and rich flavor. You can stack them in layers, but place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. For best results, store cookies at room temperature. Avoid putting them in the fridge, as this can make them dry. You can freeze unbaked dough for later use. To do this, scoop the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to bake, take them out and let them thaw for about 30 minutes before baking. For baked cookies, let them cool completely before freezing. Place them in an airtight container and separate layers with parchment paper. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for about an hour. These cookies last about a week at room temperature in an airtight container. If stored properly, they can last up to three months in the freezer. If you notice the cookies becoming hard or stale, that’s a sign they are past their prime. Look for changes in texture and smell to know when to toss them. Enjoy your cookies at their best! To get chewy cookies, use more brown sugar than white sugar. Brown sugar has moisture. This helps keep cookies soft. Also, chill the dough before baking. This slows down how fast they spread. Finally, take them out of the oven when they look slightly underbaked. They will continue to cook on the tray. Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce. It saves time and is easy to use. Just drizzle it over your cookies. However, store-bought sauce may be less flavorful than homemade. If you have the time, I suggest making your own. It adds a special touch to your cookies. For baking, I recommend using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. Granny Smith apples are tart and hold their shape. Honeycrisp apples are sweet and juicy. Both types will add great flavor to your cookies. You can mix different types for a unique taste. Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Chill it in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to bake, scoop the dough onto trays. You can also freeze the dough for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge before baking. This makes it easy to enjoy fresh cookies anytime. For the full recipe, refer to the section above. In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious caramel apple cookies. We covered the main ingredients needed, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for great results. You learned about variations to suit your taste and how to store your cookies properly. Baking these cookies can be a fun way to enjoy fall flavors. With a bit of care, you can create a treat that friends and family will love. Happy baking!

The Best Caramel Apple Cookies

Indulge in the deliciousness of The Best Caramel Apple Cookies that combine the sweetness of apples and rich caramel for a treat you can't resist! With a blend of warm spices and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Discover the simple steps to make this delightful recipe in just 30 minutes. Click through to explore the full recipe and treat yourself to these mouthwatering cookies that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg, at room temperature

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup diced fresh apples (approximately 1-2 medium apples, peeled and cored)

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

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional but recommended)

Flaky sea salt for topping

Instructions
 

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

    In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, about 2-3 minutes.

      Add the large egg and pure vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugars. Beat until fully incorporated and smooth.

        In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined; avoid over-mixing to keep the cookies tender.

          Carefully fold in the diced apples and, if using, the chopped nuts along with half of the caramel sauce. Reserve the other half of the caramel for drizzling later.

            Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring there's about 2 inches of space between each cookie for spreading during baking.

              Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers appear set.

                Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

                  After your cookies have cooled, elegantly drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the tops of each cookie. Finish by sprinkling a delicate pinch of flaky sea salt atop each one to enhance the flavor profile.

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

                      - Presentation Tips: Display the cookies on a decorative platter or a charming tiered stand for an eye-catching appeal. For an added festive touch, consider placing a few neatly sliced apples alongside the cookies, and add a light dusting of cinnamon for a delightful visual and aromatic experience.