Now that the leaves are turning and the air is crisp, it’s time to bring the flavors of fall into your kitchen with these caramel apple cinnamon cookies. Perfect for cozy nights in or as a sweet treat to share, these cookies are sure to become a seasonal staple.
Why This Recipe Works
- The combination of tart apples and sweet caramel creates a perfect balance of flavors.
- Cinnamon adds a warm spice that complements the apple and caramel beautifully.
- The cookies are soft and chewy, with a slight crunch from the caramel bits.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients, these cookies are a hit with both kids and adults.
- Perfect for gifting or enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup finely chopped apple
- 1/2 cup caramel bits
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. Tip: If you don’t have parchment paper, a light greasing of the baking sheet will do the trick.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This not only combines your dry ingredients but also aerates them, leading to a lighter cookie texture. Tip: For an extra cinnamon kick, consider adding an additional 1/2 teaspoon to the mix.
Cream Butter and Sugars
Using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. The creaming process is crucial for creating the perfect cookie texture, so don’t rush it.
Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Then, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as you no longer see flour streaks.
Fold in Apples and Caramel
Gently fold in the chopped apples and caramel bits until evenly distributed throughout the dough. The apples add moisture and flavor, while the caramel bits create pockets of gooey sweetness. Tip: For best results, use a firm apple like Granny Smith to prevent the cookies from becoming too wet.
Bake to Perfection
Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Tips and Tricks
For those looking to elevate their caramel apple cinnamon cookies, consider these advanced tips. First, toasting the caramel bits before adding them to the dough can deepen their flavor. Second, a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking can enhance the sweet and salty contrast. Lastly, letting the dough chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before baking can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much, resulting in a thicker, chewier cookie.
Recipe Variations
- For a nutty twist, add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough.
- Swap out the caramel bits for white chocolate chips for a different kind of sweetness.
- Add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the dry ingredients for an extra layer of fall flavor.
- For a healthier version, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup.
- Drizzle the baked cookies with melted caramel or a simple powdered sugar glaze for an extra decorative touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of caramel bits?
While you can use caramel sauce, it may make the dough too wet and affect the texture of the cookies. If you choose to use it, consider reducing the amount of chopped apple to compensate for the additional moisture.
How should I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. This can actually enhance the flavors as the ingredients have more time to meld together.
Summary
These caramel apple cinnamon cookies are the perfect way to welcome the fall season. With their delightful combination of flavors and easy preparation, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.
