Caramel Apple Cookies – Capture the essence of autumn with these Caramel Apple Cookies, where the timeless combination of tangy apple and luscious caramel comes together in a soft comforting cookie. Enhanced with a touch of apple pie spice and topped with a nutty frosting these cookies are an absolute delight, for those brisk fall days.
It was on an October afternoon that the aroma of baked apples and caramel wafted through our home signaling the arrival of autumn. Our children eagerly observed as I carefully removed the batch from the oven their edges beautifully golden and enticing. Enticed by the scent my husband couldn’t resist being the first to sample one his smile widening as he savored the blend of apple and caramel flavors that evoked fond memories of our trips to orchards. Each bite became a moment to celebrate marking the birth of a family tradition in our kitchen. From that day these cookies were eagerly requested for every gathering during this season.
What makes these Caramel Apple Cookies truly special?
The Caramel Apple Cookies offer a twist on fall flavors by combining rustic charm reminiscent of homemade cookies with an air of refinement found in decadent desserts. Each cookie embodies warmth at its finest – boasting a moist and tender bursting, with delicate shreds of fresh tart apples – all encased in a perfectly crisp golden brown exterior. The frosting made from scratch with salted peanut butter adds a creamy touch, to these cookies. It brings out a contrast. Adds a hint of sophistication with its delicate sprinkle of sea salt. These cookies are remarkable because they strike the balance, between sweetness and spice. The comforting chewiness of oats makes them more enjoyable and the fact that there is a gluten-free option means that everyone can delight in the pleasures of autumn baking.
What You Need To Make This Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe?
Butter: It’s that foundation that adds richness, to your cookies ensuring they have that texture that melts in your mouth. If you’re going vegan using a high-quality vegan buttery stick will do the trick without compromising on flavor.
Brown Sugar: It’s the sweetener that brings a caramel note mingling with the apple and spices to create a warm and comforting backdrop like receiving a cozy autumn hug.
Baking Soda & Apple Pie Spice: These are the ingredients for rise in your batter almost as delicate as an autumn breeze. Paired with a spice blend that captures the essence of fall it adds a touch of magic to your cookies.
Salt & Egg: A pinch of salt provides contrast enhancing the sweetness of your cookies. Like a trusty binder the egg holds together all your hopes and dreams for perfectly formed and delicious cookies.
Apple Juice: This ingredient isn’t for hydration; it pays homage to the flavors of an orchard. Infuse the dough with fruity undertones that perfectly complement the apple pieces.
All-Purpose Flour: It serves as the foundation for transforming from powdery to structured. Giving the shape and substance of your cookie acting as a canvas, for all those diverse flavors.
Tart Apple: Tangy and juicy the tart apple takes the stage in these cookies. It’s shredded coarsely ensuring that every bite is filled with bursts of apple goodness.
Peanut Butter & Coconut Oil (For Caramel): For the caramel, we combine peanut butter and coconut oil to create a topping that not only adds creamy richness but also leaves a smooth finish.
Powdered Sugar: To transform the caramel into a frosting powdered sugar works its magic. It delicately sets atop the cookies creating a cloud of deliciousness.
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Toasted Pecans: Let’s not forget about the toasted pecans. They’re not there, for decoration; they add a crunch and nutty flavor that lingers even after you’ve finished your cookie. They’re like the finale, in an autumn-flavored symphony.
Steps To Make Caramel Apple Cookies:
Step 1: Start by preheating your oven to that cozy 350-degree warmth, lining your cookie sheets with parchment as if tucking in a blanket for your soon-to-be-baked treats.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whip the butter until it’s as fluffy as those first fall clouds. Dance in the brown sugar, baking soda, apple pie spice, and salt, and beat them into a sweet harmony. Crack in the egg, and then gently mix in the apple juice — it’s like adding a little bit of the orchard into your dough. Gradually, sift in the flour until it’s all folded into a soft, welcoming dough, and finally, tenderly stir in the shredded apple with love and anticipation.
Step 3: Scoop out generous tablespoons of dough onto your cookie sheets, leaving room for them to spread into golden-edged beauties. Bake them just until they hint at a crisp edge but still dream of soft centers, about 8 to 10 minutes. Let them rest on the sheets — a brief pause to gather themselves — before moving them to a wire rack to cool and await their crowning glory.
Step 4: For the frosting, conjure up a caramel magic by melting brown sugar, butter, and apple juice together. When the sugar whispers its last grain, take it off the heat and whisk in the powdered sugar to create a frosting that’s the color of autumn leaves. Spread it over your cooled cookies with the care of draping a fall scarf, and sprinkle them with toasted pecans like scattering fallen leaves.
Tip:
To create cookies with the texture of being both chewy and crisp it’s important to prepare your apples. The secret is to grate the apples in a manner, which allows for the balance of moisture and flavor without making the cookie dough soggy. Once grated gently squeeze out any juice from the apples. You can save this juice for use. Add it to the measurement of apple juice needed for the dough. This way your cookies will have apple pieces in every bite without compromising the dough structure. Remember, paying attention to these details is what takes a cookie and turns it into an amazing one making your Caramel Apple Cookies a hit, at any fall gathering.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What if my frosting starts to harden too quickly?
No need to worry! Just gently mix in some water adding a teaspoon at a time until it returns to a spreadable consistency.
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! You can use any variety of apples. Just make sure it’s fresh and crisp, for the best texture.
How should I store these cookies?
You can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best enjoyed within a couple of days. Trust me they won’t last that long!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Caramel Apple Cookies
Ingredients
Cookies:
- ½ c. butter softened
- 1 ¼ cups packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp apple pie spice
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 egg
- ½ c. apple juice
- 2 ½ c. all-purpose flour
- 1 large tart apple peeled and shredded
Frosting:
- ½ c. packed brown sugar
- 3 tbsp. butter
- 3 tbsp. apple juice
- 2 ⅔ c. powdered sugar
- ½ c. pecans finely chopped and toasted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Prepare a cookie sheet by lining it with parchment paper and lightly greasing it.
To make the Cookies:
- In a bowl beat half a cup of softened butter until it becomes smooth which usually takes 45 seconds.
- Add one and a quarter cups of sugar, one teaspoon of baking soda, one teaspoon of apple pie spice and a quarter teaspoon of salt, to the butter. Beat the mixture until everything is well blended.
- Next mix in one egg and half a cup of apple juice until they are thoroughly combined.
- Gradually beat in two and a half cups of all-purpose flour.
- After that stir in the apple into the dough.
- Using tablespoons as measurements drop portions of dough onto the cookie sheet. Bake them for 8 to 10 minutes. Allow them to cool slightly before transferring them to a cooling rack.
For the Frosting:
- In a saucepan heat half a cup of sugar, three tablespoons of butter and three tablespoons of apple juice over medium heat until the butter has melted and the sugar has dissolved.
- Remove from heat. Whisk, in two and two-thirds cups of sugar until you achieve a smooth consistency.
- Apply frosting onto cooled cookies. Sprinkle them with half a cup of toasted chopped pecans.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
