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- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 1/2 cups peeled and diced apples - 1/2 cup caramel sauce - 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional) - 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting) I love using fresh, diced apples in these cookies. They add a nice crunch and natural sweetness. I often choose Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. Both give a great balance of tartness and sweetness. The caramel sauce brings a rich flavor. You can use store-bought or homemade. If you're in a hurry, store-bought works well. However, if you have time, homemade caramel is a treat! The nuts are optional, but I recommend adding them. Walnuts or pecans give a nice texture. They also add a nutty flavor that pairs well with apples and caramel. For the best results, use room temperature butter. It mixes well with sugars and helps the cookies become light and fluffy. Finally, don’t forget the powdered sugar! A light dusting makes these cookies look lovely. It’s the finishing touch that says, “Enjoy me!” These ingredients come together to create a cookie that is easy to make and hard to resist. Each bite is a perfect mix of flavors. - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). - Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. - In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. - Beat in one large egg and one teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. - In a separate bowl, whisk together two cups of all-purpose flour, one teaspoon of baking soda, one teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and half a teaspoon of salt. - Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. - Fold in one and a half cups of peeled and diced apples and half a cup of caramel sauce. - If desired, add half a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. - Using a cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. - Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. - Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for five minutes. - Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. - Once cooled, drizzle with extra caramel sauce and dust with powdered sugar for a sweet finish. To get soft and chewy cookies, follow these tips: - Use room-temperature butter for easy mixing. - Don’t overmix the dough; stop when ingredients are just combined. - Let the dough chill for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape. - For the best results, use dark metal baking sheets. They heat evenly and give nice color. You can use homemade or store-bought caramel sauce. - For homemade, melt brown sugar, butter, and cream over low heat. Stir until smooth. - If using store-bought, choose a thick sauce for easy drizzling. To drizzle without a mess: - Use a squeeze bottle or a spoon. - Drizzle over cookies while they are still warm. This helps the caramel spread. Change up the flavor of your cookies easily: - Add spices like nutmeg or ginger for a warm twist. - Try different apple types for unique tastes. Granny Smith adds tartness, while Honeycrisp gives sweetness. Experimenting with flavors makes baking fun and personal! {{image_2}} To make nut-free caramel apple cookies, simply skip the walnuts or pecans. This keeps the cookies safe for those with nut allergies. You can also use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option. For an egg-free version, use flaxseed meal mixed with water. This will keep the cookies moist and chewy. You can add oats for a hearty texture. Try mixing in a cup of rolled oats to the dough. Chocolate chips are another great addition. Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a rich flavor. Dried fruits, like cranberries or raisins, can add a fun twist. Different nuts, like almonds or macadamia nuts, also work well and add crunch. For fall, sprinkle in nutmeg or allspice for a warm flavor. In winter, try adding peppermint extract for a festive touch. For spring, consider using lemon zest for a fresh twist. You can also decorate cookies with colored icing for holidays. These little changes can make your cookies shine in every season. Store your caramel apple cinnamon cookies at room temperature. Use an airtight container to keep them fresh. Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. If you want to save cookies for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each cookie in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This will help keep them soft and tasty for up to three months. To rewarm your cookies, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This method keeps them soft and warm. If you want to keep cookies soft after reheating, cover them with a damp paper towel while microwaving. A few seconds in the microwave will also do the trick. At room temperature, these cookies last about 4-5 days in an airtight container. In the fridge, they can stay fresh for a week. If frozen, they can last for up to three months. Signs that your cookies are no longer fresh include a dry texture or a hard bite. Always check for any odd smells too. Yes, you can use different apple types. Granny Smith apples give a nice tart taste. Honeycrisp apples are sweet and crunchy. Both work well in these cookies. You could also try Fuji or Gala apples for a sweeter option. Just make sure to peel and dice them small. This helps them blend into the cookie dough. You can easily make these cookies gluten-free. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Look for a mix that includes xanthan gum. This helps with texture. You can also use almond flour for a nutty flavor. Just remember, each gluten-free flour can change the cookie's texture. So, experiment a bit to find what you like best. To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a piece of bread inside. This keeps the cookies soft. If you want to save them longer, freeze them. Wrap each cookie in plastic wrap. Then, put them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time. After mixing the dough, scoop it into balls. Place the balls on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about two hours. Once frozen, transfer the balls to a bag. When you want fresh cookies, bake them straight from the freezer. Just add a minute or two to the baking time. This blog post covered all the steps to make caramel apple cookies. We went through the ingredients, mixing methods, baking tips, and storage options. I hope you feel ready to bake your own batch. Remember, you can adjust the recipe to fit your tastes and needs. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and textures. Each bite of these cookies will remind you of cozy fall days. Happy baking!

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Cookies

Indulge in the sweet and comforting flavors of Caramel Apple Cinnamon Cookies! These delightful treats combine soft, chewy cookies with juicy apples and a rich caramel drizzle. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a special dessert, they are simple to make with just a few ingredients. Follow our easy recipe and enjoy a batch that will impress your family and friends. Click through to discover the full recipe and start baking today!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups peeled and diced apples (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)

1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional)

1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

    In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

      Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

        In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

          Fold in the diced apples, caramel sauce, and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

            Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers might look slightly underbaked; they will continue to cook as they cool.

                Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

                  Once cooled, drizzle some extra caramel sauce over the cookies and dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies

                      - Presentation Tips: Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter and place a small bowl of caramel sauce in the center for dipping. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flair.