Caramel Apple Cookies are the perfect combination of sweet, gooey caramel and tart, juicy apples, baked into a soft, chewy cookie. With the flavors of fall spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, these cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion. The soft caramels melt perfectly inside, creating a rich and decadent surprise with every bite.

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The Inspiration Behind Caramel Apple Cookies

This recipe draws inspiration from the iconic caramel-dipped apples, a popular treat during fall festivals and Halloween. The addition of caramel bits inside a spiced cookie dough provides a comforting warmth, while the chunks of apple offer a refreshing contrast. Combining these ingredients into a cookie allows you to enjoy the beloved flavors of caramel apples in a new, handheld form that’s perfect for sharing.

Why You’ll Love These Caramel Apple Cookies

These Caramel Apple Cookies are:

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these cookies quickly, making them a go-to for both beginner and experienced bakers.
• Perfect for Fall: The warm spices, caramel, and apple bring out the best of the fall season in every bite.
• Versatile: You can customize these cookies by adding nuts, swapping the apples for pears, or even using different types of caramel to suit your taste.

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie, Based on 24 Cookies):

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Protein: 2g
• Sugar: 13g
• Sodium: 80mg

These cookies provide a satisfying balance of sweet and spice while maintaining a reasonable calorie count, making them a great option for a sweet treat that doesn’t break the calorie bank.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Caramel Apple Cookies are delightful on their own, but they also pair well with a hot cup of apple cider or a chai latte to bring out their spiced flavors. For a fun twist, serve these cookies with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Shape the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When ready to bake, simply add a minute or two to the baking time.
• Reheating: To reheat cookies and restore their gooey centers, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.

Fun Fact: Caramel’s Origins

Did you know that caramel, a key ingredient in this cookie, dates back to at least the 17th century? It was used in both confections and as a method to preserve fruits. Combining caramel with apples became a popular tradition in the 1950s, and the flavor pairing remains a classic today.

Cooking Tips

• Chop the Apples Finely: Make sure the apples are finely chopped so they integrate well into the dough without making it too wet.
• Use Soft Caramels: For the best gooey center, use soft caramel bits or chopped caramels. They will melt beautifully and create that irresistible caramel pull.
• Don’t Overmix: Once the dry ingredients are added to the wet, mix just until combined to ensure a tender cookie.

Optional Variations

• Add Nuts: Stir in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
• Try Pears: Swap the apples for finely chopped pears for a slightly different fruit flavor.
• Salted Caramel: Use salted caramel bits for a sweet-and-salty combination.

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Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup finely chopped apple (peeled and cored)
• ½ cup caramel bits or chopped soft caramels

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
4. Incorporate the Apples and Caramel: Gently fold in the chopped apples and caramel bits, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5. Chill the Dough: For best results, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to help prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
6. Preheat the Oven: While the dough chills, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Shape the Cookies: Scoop 1-2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie and roll into a ball. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
8. Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Enjoy: Serve the cookies warm for the best gooey caramel experience.

Final Thoughts

These Caramel Apple Cookies bring together the classic fall flavors of caramel and apple in a simple, crowd-pleasing cookie. Perfect for a cozy night in, a bake sale, or as a treat for any fall gathering, they’re easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re a beginner baker or an expert in the kitchen, these cookies are a delicious way to embrace the season.