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To make these tasty caramel apple cookies, gather the following ingredients: - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - 1 cup packed brown sugar - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs, at room temperature - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 cup peeled and diced apples (preferably Granny Smith for tartness) - 1/2 cup caramel bits or finely chopped soft caramel candy - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional for a nutty crunch) Each ingredient plays a key role in the cookie's flavor and texture. Here are some notes: - Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over salt levels. If you only have salted butter, reduce salt slightly. - Sugars: Brown sugar gives moisture and a rich taste. You can use all granulated sugar if needed, but it will change the texture. - Eggs: Room temperature eggs mix better, helping the batter become smooth. - Flour: Stick with all-purpose flour for a nice chew. Avoid cake flour as it makes cookies too soft. - Apples: Granny Smith apples add a lovely tartness. Honeycrisp or Fuji are also great choices if you want sweetness. - Caramel Bits: You could use chocolate chips as a fun twist. Just keep in mind, the flavor will change. - Nuts: Nuts add crunch. If you prefer, skip them for a softer bite. When picking apples, it’s key to choose the right kind. Here are my top picks: - Granny Smith: Tart and firm, these apples hold well in baking. - Honeycrisp: Sweet and crunchy, they add a nice flavor to cookies. - Fuji: These are sweet and juicy, making cookies extra delicious. - Braeburn: They offer a balance of sweet and tart, perfect for cookies. Using the right apples ensures your caramel apple cookies are full of flavor. For the full recipe, check the earlier sections. To start, gather your ingredients. You need butter, sugars, eggs, and spices. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking. In a large bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Next, add the eggs one at a time. Mix well after each egg goes in. After that, pour in the vanilla extract and blend until smooth. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Slowly add this dry mix to your wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix; this keeps the cookies soft. Now, fold in the diced apples and caramel bits. If you want a nutty crunch, add chopped walnuts or pecans. Make sure everything is well mixed. You can check that by looking at the dough. It should be thick and sticky. Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, place mounds of dough on the baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart. This space allows them to spread without sticking together. Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. They should have lightly golden edges but soft centers. Keep a close eye on them. You want them set but still soft to touch. Once baked, take them out and let them sit on the sheets for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up a bit. After that, move the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. For the best taste, let the cookies cool completely on the rack. This allows their flavors to settle. To serve, arrange the cookies on a nice plate. A drizzle of caramel sauce on top adds a special touch. You can also sprinkle a little sea salt for extra flavor. Consider serving slices of fresh apple on the side. They add a nice crunch and balance the sweet cookies. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. To get that soft and chewy texture, use room-temperature butter. This helps create a smooth dough. Avoid overmixing when combining the dry and wet ingredients. Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Keep an eye on the baking time; cookies should be golden at the edges but soft in the middle. One common mistake is not measuring ingredients accurately. Use measuring cups and spoons for best results. Another mistake is using cold butter, which makes dough hard. Ensure your apples are diced small so they cook evenly in the cookies. Lastly, don’t skip the cooling time. Letting cookies cool helps them set and improves their flavor. You can add a pinch of nutmeg for warmth. Try using different types of apples for a unique taste. Substitute caramel bits with chocolate chips for a twist. To add more crunch, toss in some oats. If you like a nutty flavor, walnuts or pecans work well. For a fun touch, drizzle melted chocolate on top after they cool. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide to making these delicious treats! {{image_4}} You can change the nut content in your caramel apple cookies. If you love nuts, try walnuts or pecans. They add a nice crunch and flavor. If you prefer no nuts, that's fine too! Just leave them out and enjoy the soft texture. The cookies will still taste great and be full of apple and caramel goodness. Want to make these cookies gluten-free? Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Many blends work well, but look for one that contains xanthan gum. This helps to mimic the texture of regular flour. Your cookies will still be soft and chewy, with all the delicious flavors intact. Get creative with flavors! You can add spices like nutmeg or ginger for a warm twist. Consider mixing in chocolate chips for a sweet addition. Dried fruit, like cranberries or cherries, can also enhance the flavor. Each variation will give you a fun new cookie to enjoy. Check out the Full Recipe to see how these changes affect the cooking steps! To keep your caramel apple cookies fresh, place them in an airtight container. This will help keep them soft and chewy. You can stack them in layers with parchment paper in between. This prevents them from sticking together. Store the container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to save cookies for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the cookies cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once firm, move the cookies to a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. You can freeze them for up to three months. To maintain freshness, avoid exposing your cookies to air. Keep them in a cool, dry place. If you live in a humid area, consider adding a slice of bread to the container. This helps absorb moisture and keeps cookies soft. For the best taste, enjoy your caramel apple cookies within the first few days after baking. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps above. To keep your cookies soft and chewy, use more brown sugar. Brown sugar has molasses, which adds moisture. Also, avoid overbaking them. Pull them from the oven when the edges are golden, but the centers look soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This helps them stay chewy. Yes, you can use salted butter. Just cut back on the added salt in the recipe. Salted butter adds flavor, but it can change the taste. If you prefer a sweeter cookie, stick with unsalted butter. It gives a more balanced flavor. Leftover caramel bits are great for many treats! You can melt them for drizzling over ice cream. They also work well in brownies or as toppings for popcorn. Try mixing them into pancake batter for sweet breakfast treats. Use your creativity! Check your cookies at the 10-minute mark. The edges should be golden brown, while the centers remain soft. If they look shiny, give them another minute. They will firm up as they cool. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking. Happy baking! Caramel apple cookies combine sweet caramel and tart apples. We explored key ingredients, helpful tips, and variations to suit your taste. By using the right apples and following the steps, you’ll bake perfect cookies every time. Remember, achieving the right texture is crucial for excellent results. Don't forget to store extras properly to keep them fresh. I hope these tips inspire your baking journey and delight your friends and family. Enjoy the sweet moments you create with every batch!

CARAMEL APPLE COOKIES

Indulge in the ultimate fall treat with these Sweet & Chewy Caramel Apple Cookies! With a delightful blend of tart apples and rich caramel bits, every bite promises deliciousness. This easy recipe features simple ingredients like butter, sugar, and cinnamon, making it perfect for any baking enthusiast. Click to explore the full recipe and learn how to create these irresistible cookies that will warm your heart and home!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup peeled and diced apples (preferably Granny Smith for tartness)

1/2 cup caramel bits or finely chopped soft caramel candy

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

Instructions
 

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

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat them together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth, airy, and light in color, approximately 2-3 minutes.

      Add the eggs to the mixture one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract until everything is well combined and creamy.

        In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could affect the cookie's texture.

          Carefully fold in the diced apples, caramel bits, and optional chopped nuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough for a delightful burst of flavor in every bite.

            Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop mounds of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.

              Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, and the centers appear set but soft to the touch.

                Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Afterward, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing the cookies to firm up.

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

                    - Presentation Tips: For an eye-catching display, arrange the cookies on a festive serving plate and drizzle them with an extra swirl of caramel sauce. To enhance the flavors, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top. Serve alongside a few slices of fresh apple to provide a crisp, refreshing contrast to the sweet and chewy cookies.