Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

$- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup packed brown sugar - 1/2 cup granulated sugar These simple ingredients create a soft and chewy cookie. The all-purpose flour gives structure. The unsalted butter keeps them rich and moist. Using both brown and granulated sugars adds depth to the sweetness. - 1 cup Granny Smith apples, finely diced - 1 tsp ground cinnamon - 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg Granny Smith apples bring a crisp, tart flavor. Their texture holds up well in baking. Ground cinnamon adds warmth, while nutmeg gives a hint of spice. Together, they create a cozy, comforting taste. - 1/2 cup caramel sauce - Sea salt flakes Caramel sauce makes each cookie special. It adds sweetness and richness. Sprinkling sea salt flakes on top creates a delightful contrast. The salt enhances the caramel flavor, making each bite irresistible. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheating the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly. - Mixing dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk these together well to avoid lumps. Set this bowl aside while you prepare the wet mixture. - Using an electric mixer: In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. - Adding the egg and vanilla extract: Crack in 1 large egg and add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Mix until the egg and vanilla are fully blended into the butter and sugar mixture. - Folding in apples and spices: Gently fold in 1 cup of finely diced Granny Smith apples, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. This adds flavor and texture to your cookie dough. - Dropping dough on baking sheets: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop rounded balls of dough onto two prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart. - Drizzling caramel: Drizzle a small amount of caramel sauce over each mound of dough. This will melt and create a gooey center. - Checking for doneness: Bake your cookies for 10-12 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges. Remove them from the oven and sprinkle sea salt flakes on top while they are warm. Let them cool for about 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks. To make great cookies, avoid overmixing the dough. Mix just until the flour disappears. This helps keep the cookies light. If you mix too much, your cookies can get tough. We want them soft and chewy. To keep cookies tender, always cream the butter and sugars well. This step adds air to the dough, giving it a fluffy texture. Use room temperature butter for the best results. Cold butter does not mix well. Accurate measurements matter when baking. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups correctly. Even a small error can change the cookie's texture. When using apples, choose Granny Smith for their tartness. They balance the sweetness of the cookie. Dice them small for even distribution. This ensures every bite has apple flavor. For the caramel sauce, feel free to use store-bought or homemade. A good quality sauce adds richness. Drizzle some on top before baking for added gooeyness. Experimenting with spices can add a twist to your cookies. Try adding clove or ginger for a cozy flavor. Just a pinch can make a big difference! Pro Tips Chill the Dough: For easier handling and a more structured cookie shape, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Use Fresh Apples: Opt for fresh Granny Smith apples for the best flavor and texture. Avoid pre-packaged diced apples as they can be mushy. Variations on Caramel: Experiment with flavored caramel sauces such as sea salt caramel or apple pie caramel for a unique twist. Storage Tips: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain their freshness. {{image_4}} You can switch up the apples for different flavors. Try using Honeycrisp or Fuji apples. These will add a sweeter touch. You can even mix in some berries. Blueberries or raspberries can bring a nice tartness to the cookies. If you need a gluten-free option, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Look for one that works well for baking. You may also want to use almond flour for a nutty flavor. Adjust the baking powder to ensure your cookies rise well. To make these cookies vegan, replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Use a flax egg instead of a regular egg. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. This will help keep the texture nice and soft. To keep your salted caramel apple pie cookies fresh, use airtight containers. Glass jars or plastic bins work great. Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Store them at room temperature for the best taste. You can freeze these cookies for later. First, let them cool completely. Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. To thaw, remove cookies from the bag. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. You can also warm them in the oven for a few minutes to get that fresh-baked taste. When stored at room temperature, these cookies last about five days. Look for signs of spoilage, such as a hard texture or off smell. If they become dry or stale, it is best to toss them. For the best flavor, enjoy them fresh! To make these cookies, you start with simple steps. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Mix 2 cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt in a bowl. In another bowl, cream 1/2 cup unsalted butter with 1 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until fluffy. Add 1 egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Slowly mix in the dry ingredients. Fold in 1 cup diced Granny Smith apples, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp nutmeg. Scoop the dough onto the sheets, drizzle with caramel, and bake for 10-12 minutes. Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce. It saves time and still tastes great. Just drizzle it over the cookie dough before baking. If you prefer homemade, it only takes a few ingredients and a little time. Either way, the caramel adds a rich, sweet touch to the cookies. If you can't find Granny Smith apples, use Fuji or Honeycrisp apples. Both offer sweetness and a good crunch. Avoid soft apples like Red Delicious, as they won’t hold up in the cookies. Always choose apples that are firm and fresh for the best flavor. These cookies taste best fresh out of the oven. However, you can make the dough ahead of time. Chill the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. This helps the flavors meld together. You can also freeze baked cookies for later enjoyment. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving. To help your cookies spread, make sure your butter is softened but not melted. When mixing, do not overbeat the dough. This keeps the cookies light. Also, space the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. This allows room for spreading as they bake. In summary, this post covers how to make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies. We explored key ingredients like butter, sugar, and spices. Preparing the dough and baking tips help ensure success. Alongside, we shared ways to store and freeze cookies. Remember to experiment with variations for more flavors. With these steps and insights, you can create tasty cookies that impress. Enjoy baking, and share your delicious results!$

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

Delicious cookies filled with diced apples and drizzled with caramel, topped with sea salt for a perfect balance of sweet and savory.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 10

Total Time 30

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 24

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
0.5 tsp baking soda
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup packed brown sugar
0.5 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 cup Granny Smith apples, finely diced
1 tsp ground cinnamon
0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
0.5 cup caramel sauce
to taste sea salt flakes, for garnishing

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together thoroughly to ensure there are no lumps, then set this mixture aside.
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Crack the egg into the mixture and add the vanilla extract, beating until completely blended.
Gradually introduce the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until everything is just combined.
Carefully fold in the finely diced Granny Smith apples, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Drizzle a small amount of the caramel sauce over each dough mound. Then, gently press down on each mound to create a slightly flattened surface.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and immediately sprinkle sea salt flakes over the warm cookies.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Notes

For a delightful presentation, arrange your cooled cookies on a rustic wooden board. Drizzle some additional caramel sauce over the top and finish off with a light sprinkle of sea salt before serving for an enticing and visually appealing treat.

Keyword apple, caramel, cookies, dessert