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Chewy Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe

Chewy Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe

The Chewy Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe combines the juicy sweetness of fresh apples with rich, gooey caramel in a soft and chewy cookie perfect for autumn. This easy recipe uses simple pantry staples to create a tender yet satisfyingly chewy texture complemented by warm cinnamon spice and buttery caramel pockets—ideal for a cozy snack or festive treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix-Ins

  • 1 ½ cups fresh diced apples (preferably firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 1 cup caramel bits or chopped caramel candies

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined. This ensures balanced flavor and proper leavening throughout the dough.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air to create tender yet chewy cookies.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract. These ingredients add moisture and depth of flavor to the dough.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until fully blended. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough instead of chewy.
  5. Fold in Apples and Caramel: Gently fold in the diced fresh apples and caramel bits or chopped caramel candies, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough for consistent bursts of flavor.
  6. Bake to Perfection: Scoop the cookie dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown while the centers remain soft. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh, crisp apples to prevent soggy cookies and maintain texture.
  • Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to reduce spreading and enhance flavor.
  • Do not overbake; remove cookies when edges are set but centers still look slightly underdone to keep them chewy.
  • Cut apples into uniform small pieces for even distribution and texture balance.
  • Choose high-quality caramel bits that melt smoothly without burning for gooey caramel pockets.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caramel Apple Cookies, Chewy Cookies, Autumn Cookies, Soft Cookies, Caramel Cookies, Apple Dessert, Fall Treat, Homemade Cookies