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There’s something magical about the sweet, warm aroma of apples and cinnamon baking in the oven, isn’t there? These Caramel-Drizzled Apple Cinnamon Cookies combine the comforting flavors of a classic apple pie with the indulgent touch of rich, salted caramel. They’re perfect for cozy evenings, family gatherings, or anytime you’re craving a little autumn-inspired sweetness.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies aren’t just delicious—they’re versatile, festive, and oh-so-satisfying. Each bite brings together soft, spiced apple chunks, tender cookie dough, and a luscious caramel drizzle that feels like a warm hug. Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for them:
- Incredible flavor: Sweet apples, cinnamon spice, and caramel make for a heavenly combination.
- Perfect texture: Soft and chewy with bursts of tender apple in every bite.
- Great for sharing: These cookies are a crowd-pleaser and an easy dessert to bring to any gathering.
The Taste
Picture the comforting sweetness of baked apples mingling with the richness of butter and brown sugar. Add a hint of cinnamon for a warming spice and finish it all with a gooey caramel drizzle. These cookies are like a bite-sized version of your favorite apple dessert, but better because they’re handheld and perfect for dunking in coffee or tea!
Ingredients
For the Apple Mixture
- Firm Tart Apples (Granny Smith or Honey Crisp): 2 cups (200g), diced into ¼-½ inch cubes
- Dark Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons (30g), packed
- Ground Cinnamon: ¼ teaspoon
For the Cookie Dough
- Unsalted Butter: ½ cup (113g), softened
- Dark Brown Sugar: ½ cup (110g), packed
- Granulated Sugar: ¼ cup (50g)
- Pure Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml)
- Large Egg: 1, at room temperature
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 ⅓ cups (190g), sifted
- Baking Soda: ½ teaspoon
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
Plus
- A generous drizzle of Rich Salted Caramel Sauce
Necessary Tools
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Medium skillet (for cooking apples)
- Cooling rack
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
- Apples: Swap for pears for a unique twist.
- Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to enhance the warm flavors.
- Caramel Sauce: Store-bought works, but homemade salted caramel takes these cookies to the next level.
How to Make Caramel-Drizzled Apple Cinnamon Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Mixture
In a medium skillet, cook diced apples with brown sugar and cinnamon over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until just softened. Let the mixture cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla until fluffy. Mix in the egg until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just combined.
Step 3: Combine
Fold in the cooled apple mixture in two stages, ensuring you don’t add excess liquid. If the dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for 15–20 minutes.
Step 4: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop the dough onto the sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden at the edges. Let the cookies cool on the sheets for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 5: Drizzle with Caramel
Once the cookies are completely cooled, drizzle them generously with salted caramel sauce.
What to Serve with These Cookies
Pair these cookies with a warm cup of spiced tea, a frothy latte, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Tips for Perfect Cookies
- Use firm, tart apples to prevent the mixture from becoming too mushy.
- Allow the cooked apple mixture to cool completely to avoid overly soft dough.
- For even baking, use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough.
Storage Instructions
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Drizzle with caramel sauce just before serving if storing for extended periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-cooked or canned apples?
While fresh apples provide the best texture and flavor, you can use canned apples if drained well and patted dry.
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes! Prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready.
Explore More Delicious Treats
Looking for more sweet inspiration? Check out these mouthwatering recipes:
- Mini Cherry Cheesecakes: A Perfectly Sweet Bite-Sized Treat
- Peppermint Crunch White Chocolate Covered Graham Crackers
- Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe: Festive and Easy to Make
Share Your Baking Creations
If you try these Caramel-Drizzled Apple Cinnamon Cookies, I’d love to see your creations! Snap a photo and share it on Pinterest. Don’t forget to leave a review and let me know how much you enjoyed this cozy autumn treat!
Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Cookie)
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 2g
Enjoy baking these delightful cookies, and don’t forget to check back for more irresistible recipes!
Caramel-Drizzled Apple Cinnamon Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and chewy cookies bursting with the warmth of cinnamon-spiced apples, topped with a decadent salted caramel drizzle. These Caramel-Drizzled Apple Cinnamon Cookies are the perfect treat for cozy autumn days or any time you crave something sweet and comforting.
Ingredients
Apple Mixture:
- 2 cups (200g) diced firm tart apples (Granny Smith or Honey Crisp)
- 2 tablespoons (30g) packed dark brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cookie Dough:
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (110g) packed dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) pure vanilla extract
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 ⅓ cups (190g) all-purpose flour, sifted
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Plus:
- Salted caramel sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Apple Mixture:
In a medium skillet, cook diced apples with brown sugar and cinnamon over medium heat for 5 minutes or until just softened. Set aside to cool completely. - Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add the egg and mix until fully combined. - Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just combined. - Incorporate Apples:
Fold the cooled apple mixture into the dough in two stages, avoiding any excess liquid. Chill dough for 15–20 minutes if too soft. - Bake the Cookies:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop dough onto the sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are golden. Cool on the sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. - Finish with Caramel:
Once cookies are cooled, drizzle with salted caramel sauce. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: Dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Storage: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Customization: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or swapping apples for pears for a unique twist!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg