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To make caramel apple cookies, gather these items: - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 cup diced apples (peeled and cored) - 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling) - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) - A pinch of sea salt for garnish You can make substitutions if needed. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour. If you prefer vegan cookies, replace butter with coconut oil and eggs with flax eggs. This way, you can still enjoy the treat while adjusting to your needs. Here are some essential baking tools you'll need: - Mixing bowls - Measuring cups and spoons - Electric mixer or whisk - Baking sheet - Parchment paper - Cookie scoop or tablespoon - Cooling rack Having these tools ready will help you bake these cookies with ease. Enjoy the process of mixing and baking! 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step warms your oven for even baking. 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy. 3. Cream the butter and sugars in a large bowl. Mix until it feels light and fluffy. This process helps add air to your cookies. 4. Add the eggs one by one. Mix well after each. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor. 5. Mix the dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Combine flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This keeps your cookies from clumping. 6. Combine wet and dry mixtures. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet one. Stop when you see no flour. 7. Fold in the apples and caramel gently. Make sure they are evenly spread throughout the dough. It’s the secret to delicious bites. 8. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheet. Leave space between each; they will spread. 9. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges. They may seem soft in the center, but they will firm up as they cool. 10. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. 11. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce and add a pinch of sea salt on top. This enhances the sweet flavor. - Baking time: 10-12 minutes. - Temperature: 350°F (175°C). Follow these steps closely for tasty caramel apple cookies. For a full recipe, check the details provided earlier. Happy baking! To bake the best caramel apple cookies, follow these simple steps: - Use room temperature butter. Softened butter mixes well and gives a nice rise. - Measure flour correctly. Scoop it lightly into the cup, then level it off. Too much flour makes cookies dry. - Don’t overmix. Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. This keeps cookies soft. - Chill the dough. If your dough feels too soft, chill it for 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape. Common mistakes can ruin your cookies: - Not preheating the oven. Always preheat to get even baking. - Skipping the parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy. - Baking too long. Check cookies at the lower end of the time range. They should look soft in the center. Make your cookies shine with these fun ideas: - Use a decorative plate. Arrange cookies with space between them for a clean look. - Add a drizzle. Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the cookies for a sweet touch. - Serve with ice cream. Pair cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a tasty treat. For drinks, serve with warm apple cider or a glass of milk. These pair perfectly with the flavors of the cookies. {{image_2}} You can easily change the flavor of your caramel apple cookies. Here are some fun ideas: - Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to warm up the taste. - Chocolate Chips: Mix in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a rich twist. - Peanut Butter: Swirl in some peanut butter for a nutty flavor. - Coconut: Stir in shredded coconut for a chewy texture. These additions can make your cookies even more exciting. Feel free to mix and match until you find your favorite! Making the recipe allergy-friendly is simple. Here are a few tips: - Nut-Free: Omit the nuts or replace them with seeds, like sunflower or pumpkin. - Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter and dairy-free caramel sauce. Your cookies will still taste great! - Gluten-Free: Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it has xanthan gum for better texture. These changes let everyone enjoy your cookies, no matter their diet. So, get creative and cater to all! To keep your caramel apple cookies fresh, store them at room temperature. Place them in an airtight container. This helps to lock in moisture and flavor. Line the container with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking together. They will stay fresh for about a week. If you want to enjoy them longer, consider freezing. Freezing cookies is easy and keeps them tasty. Allow the cookies to cool completely first. Once cool, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. This step stops them from sticking together. After that, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out the air before sealing. They will stay fresh for up to three months. If your cookies lose some freshness, don't worry! You can revive them easily. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 5-10 minutes. This warms them up and softens them. For a treat, drizzle with extra caramel sauce after reheating. Enjoy your delicious cookies like they are fresh from the oven again! What type of apples are best for baking cookies? I like using tart apples like Granny Smith. They add a nice contrast to the sweet caramel. You can also try Fuji or Honeycrisp for a sweeter taste. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce? Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works well. It saves time and still tastes great. Just drizzle some on top of the cookies for extra flavor. How do I know when cookies are done baking? Look for golden edges and slight browning on top. The centers may seem soft, but they will firm up as they cool. How long will the cookies stay fresh? These cookies stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container to keep them soft. Can I make the dough ahead and bake later? Yes, you can make the dough ahead. Chill it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready, scoop and bake as usual. For detailed instructions, check the Full Recipe. It guides you through each step for perfect caramel apple cookies. In this post, you learned how to create delicious Caramel Apple Cookies. We covered essential ingredients and substitutes, along with tools for baking. You followed step-by-step instructions for perfect cookies every time. I shared tips for the best texture and creative ways to present your cookies. We also explored flavor variations and storage methods. Remember, baking is fun and allows for creativity. Enjoy your cookies fresh or stored for later!

Caramel Apple Cookies

Indulge your sweet tooth with these delicious Caramel Apple Cookies! Combining soft, chewy cookies with rich caramel and fresh apples, this recipe is perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights at home. Follow our easy step-by-step instructions to create mouthwatering treats everyone will love. Ready to bake some joy? Click through to discover the full recipe and impress your friends and family with these delightful cookies!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup diced apples (peeled and cored)

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

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

A pinch of sea salt for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

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

      Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

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

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

            Drop rounded tablespoons of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.

              Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden; the centers may look slightly underbaked but will set upon cooling.

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

                  Drizzle with extra caramel sauce and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie for an added flavor boost.

                    Prep Time: 20 min | Total Time: 35 min | Servings: About 24 cookies

                      - Presentation Tips: Arrange the cookies on a decorative plate, and consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with an extra drizzle of caramel for a delightful treat!