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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 cup unsalted butter - 1 cup packed brown sugar - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 cup diced apple - 1/2 cup caramel bits - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) For a great cookie, select quality ingredients. Fresh apples give the best flavor. I like using Granny Smith for a tart bite. You can also mix in other apple varieties for added flavor. - Gluten-free flour alternatives: Use almond flour or a gluten-free blend. - Dairy-free butter options: Coconut oil or vegan butter can work well. - Sugar alternatives for healthier cookies: Try using coconut sugar or stevia. When you make these swaps, remember that textures may change a bit. Always check your dough as you mix. You want it to be soft but not too sticky. For the full recipe, check the details above. Happy baking! - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps cookies not stick. - In a bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. - Whisk these together until they are mixed well and set aside. - Take another bowl and cream together 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. - Mix until the blend is light and fluffy, which takes about 2-3 minutes. - Next, add in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. - Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mix. Stir on low speed until just combined. - It's alright if you see a few flour streaks. - Now, gently fold in 1 cup of diced apple and 1/2 cup of caramel bits. If you want, add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch. - Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet. - Space each cookie about 2 inches apart. - Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes. Look for golden edges and slightly soft centers. - The cookies will firm up as they cool. Following these steps will lead you to delicious homemade caramel apple cookies. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. For the best cookie texture, you may need to adjust the baking time. Start checking your cookies at 12 minutes. If the edges are golden brown, they are ready. The centers will look a bit soft, but they will firm up as they cool. Using room temperature ingredients is key. When butter and eggs are at room temperature, they mix better. This helps create a light and fluffy dough. Softened butter blends easily with sugars, adding air to your mix. To boost flavor, consider adding spices or extracts. A pinch of nutmeg can make a great addition. You can also use almond extract for a unique twist. Different types of apples can change the taste too. Tart apples like Granny Smith add a nice contrast to the sweet caramel. Sweeter apples, such as Fuji or Honeycrisp, will give a different balance. Try mixing different apples for a fun flavor profile. For a beautiful presentation, serve these cookies warm on a rustic wooden board. This adds charm and makes them inviting. Drizzling warm caramel sauce over the cookies can elevate your dish even more. It adds shine and extra sweetness. Garnish with a few slices of fresh apple for color and freshness. This makes your cookies look as good as they taste! {{image_4}} You can make your caramel apple cookies even better with some fun add-ins. Try adding dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for a chewy bite. They bring a nice contrast to the sweet caramel and apple. You can also mix in chocolate chips for extra sweetness. The rich taste of chocolate pairs well with the apples, making every bite a treat. Let’s spice things up! Adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice can bring a warm flavor. These spices work well with the apple and caramel. You can also add citrus zest, like lemon or orange. A little zest gives your cookies a bright, fresh taste. It makes them stand out and adds a lovely aroma. Want to change things for your diet? You can make a vegan version of these cookies. Swap the butter for coconut oil and use a flax egg instead. This keeps the cookie moist while being plant-based. If you are into health, you can try low-sugar options. Use a sugar substitute, like stevia or monk fruit, to cut down on sugar. These changes help you enjoy cookies while sticking to your dietary goals. For the full recipe, check out the Caramel Apple Delights section. To keep your caramel apple cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This will help prevent them from drying out. You can also use plastic wrap or a resealable bag. Make sure to press out as much air as possible before sealing. Store your cookies at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. You can freeze both the cookie dough and the baked cookies. If you freeze the dough, scoop it into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze them for a few hours, then transfer to a bag. This way, you can bake fresh cookies anytime. To freeze baked cookies, let them cool completely. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place the wrapped cookies in a freezer-safe container. They will stay good for up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, thaw them in the fridge for a few hours. You can also warm them in the oven for a few minutes to regain their fresh-baked taste. For the best texture, avoid microwaving them. For these cookies, I recommend using sweet and tart apples. Good choices include: - Granny Smith - Honeycrisp - Fuji - Gala These apples add a nice crunch and balance the sweet caramel. Granny Smith gives a tartness that pairs well with the sweet cookie dough. Honeycrisp adds a juicy sweetness. Yes, you can make these cookies ahead of time. Here’s how: - Dough Storage: You can keep the cookie dough in your fridge for up to 3 days. Just wrap it tightly. - Baked Cookies: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For the best taste, I suggest baking them fresh. But if you need to plan ahead, dough or cookies will work fine. You can tell when the cookies are done by looking for these signs: - The edges should be golden brown. - The centers may look slightly soft, which is okay. To test doneness, gently touch the center of a cookie. If it springs back, it's ready. If it leaves an indent, give it a minute more in the oven. Perfectly baked cookies will be warm and chewy! These cookies combine simple ingredients for maximum flavor and texture. We explored basic steps to make them, added tasty variations, and shared storage tips. You can also adjust for dietary needs or preferences. Remember, the best cookies come from experimenting and having fun. Use this guide to create your perfect batch. Enjoy the warmth and delight these cookies bring to any gathering!

Caramel Apple Cookies from Scratch

Indulge in the sweet flavors of fall with these Caramel Apple Delights! These cookies combine soft apples and rich caramel for a delicious bite that’s perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a batch in no time. Ready to bake some smiles? Click through to discover the full recipe and treat yourself today! Grab your apron and let the baking fun begin!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup diced apple (about 1 medium apple, peeled and cored)

1/2 cup caramel bits (or finely chopped soft caramel candies)

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

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

    Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Use a whisk to ensure the ingredients are well blended, then set this mixture aside.

      Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until the mixture is light in color and fluffy in texture, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

        Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: Add in the egg and pure vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat well until both ingredients are fully combined and the batter appears smooth.

          Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few flour streaks.

            Fold in Apples and Caramel: Gently fold in the diced apple and caramel bits into the dough using a spatula. If you’re using walnuts or pecans, add them at this stage, ensuring they are evenly dispersed throughout the cookie dough.

              Scoop Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop generous rounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space each cookie about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.

                Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The edges of the cookies should turn golden brown, while the centers may appear slightly underbaked; they will continue to firm up as they cool.

                  Cool Down: Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. After that, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve these delightful cookies warm on a rustic wooden board. For an extra treat, drizzle some warm caramel sauce over the cookies and garnish with a few slices of fresh apple for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.