Apple Pie Cookies with Caramel Recipe

If you adore the cozy flavors of autumn wrapped in a delightful cookie, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Apple Pie Cookies with Caramel Recipe. Imagine tender, buttery cookies bursting with tender bits of cinnamon-spiced apple and finished with a luscious drizzle of caramel that adds the perfect touch of gooey sweetness. This recipe turns familiar pie flavors into a fun and irresistibly portable treat, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying with a warm cup of tea. Get ready for a baking experience that fills your kitchen with comforting scents and your heart with joy!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients may seem simple, but each one plays an important role in creating the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and richness in your Apple Pie Cookies with Caramel Recipe. From the tender all-purpose flour to the fragrant almond extract, every element comes together for a treat that tastes like a warm hug.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and tenderness to the cookies, making them soft and chewy.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds that essential warm spiced note synonymous with apple pie.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Gives richness and moistness, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies while helping to create a slightly crisp edge.
• 1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds depth and a hint of molasses flavor that complements the apples.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and complexity to the cookie dough.
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract: Offers a subtle nutty twist that pairs wonderfully with the apple.
• 1 egg: Binds everything together and contributes to a tender crumb.
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced: The star of the show – fresh apples bring juiciness and natural sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Prevents the apples from browning and adds a touch of brightness.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for apples): Enhances the fruit’s flavor with a comforting spice kick.
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for apples): Balances the tartness of the fruit, making it tender and sweet.
• Pre-made caramel sauce for drizzling: The finishing touch that brings indulgent gooeyness to every bite.

How to Make Apple Pie Cookies with Caramel Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. It’s a simple step that sets the stage for perfect cookies every time.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mixing these dry ingredients separately helps distribute the cinnamon evenly throughout your cookie dough, so every bite has that cozy apple pie warmth.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aeration creates the tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that will make you want to bake these cookies over and over.

Step 4: Add Vanilla, Almond Extract, and Egg

Beat in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and egg. The almond extract adds a subtle nutty note that’s surprisingly beautiful alongside the apple and caramel, while the egg helps bind all your ingredients together.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. Overmixing here can make cookies tough, so be gentle and stop as soon as the dough comes together.

Step 6: Prepare the Apple Mixture

In a small bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar. This keeps the apple pieces fresh and juicy, while the cinnamon and sugar add that unmistakable apple pie flavor.

Step 7: Fold Apples into Dough

Gently fold the apple mixture into the cookie dough, making sure the apple pieces are spread evenly throughout. This step ensures that every bite has a delightful burst of fruitiness.

Step 8: Scoop and Space the Dough

Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This gives your cookies room to spread and develop that perfect golden edge.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown. Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Cooling this way helps them set perfectly without breaking apart.

Step 10: Drizzle With Caramel

When your cookies have completely cooled, drizzle each one generously with your pre-made caramel sauce. This final step takes these Apple Pie Cookies with Caramel Recipe from delicious to downright unforgettable.

How to Serve Apple Pie Cookies with Caramel Recipe

Garnishes

To add an extra festive touch, sprinkle a little powdered sugar or finely chopped toasted pecans on top alongside the caramel drizzle. These simple garnishes elevate presentation and add delightful textures that complement the tender cookie.

Side Dishes

Pair your Apple Pie Cookies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a truly indulgent treat. Hot spiced cider or a creamy latte also complement the warm spices perfectly, creating a cozy snack or dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging these cookies on a rustic wooden platter alongside fresh apple slices and small bowls of caramel sauce for dipping. You can even stack them as mini towers tied with twine for a charming gift idea or festive party centerpiece. It makes sharing them even more special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Apple Pie Cookies with Caramel Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed ensures they stay soft and flavorful, just like freshly baked ones.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these cookies later, you can freeze the baked and cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer into a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving and add your caramel drizzle fresh.

Reheating

Warm the cookies for about 10-15 seconds in the microwave to bring back that freshly baked softness. For a slight crisp on the edges, pop them in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for 5 minutes. Add the caramel after reheating for the best taste.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?

Absolutely! Granny Smith apples give a tart contrast, while Fuji or Honeycrisp apples offer more sweetness. Just be sure to dice them finely to blend well into the cookie dough.

Is it possible to make the cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This actually helps enhance the flavors and tender texture of the cookies.

Can I substitute homemade caramel sauce?

Definitely! Homemade caramel sauce works beautifully and lets you customize the sweetness and texture, but store-bought caramel is a perfectly delicious shortcut.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

If you’re out of almond extract, you can leave it out or add a splash of maple syrup or a pinch of nutmeg for a slightly different but still lovely flavor profile.

How do I prevent the apples from making the cookies soggy?

Tossing the apples in lemon juice and sugar helps to firm them up and control moisture. Also, don’t add too many apples; just enough for bursts of flavor without excess moisture is key.

Final Thoughts

These Apple Pie Cookies with Caramel Recipe truly feel like a slice of fall joy transformed into a portable, bite-sized delight. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or craving a sweet treat, this recipe delivers warmth, comfort, and that little bit of magic that makes homemade cookies so memorable. I can’t wait for you to bake a batch and share the happiness that comes with each caramel-drizzled bite!

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