Introduction

Autumn scents wafting through the kitchen can only mean one thing: it’s cookie-baking season! These Easy Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies blend the sweet, comforting taste of caramel and apples into a soft and chewy treat that delights all ages. Perfect for cozy gatherings, family nights, or simply a weekend snack, this recipe is one you'll want to keep handy.

What sets these cookies apart is not only their flavor but also their texture. Thanks to a balance of ingredients that keep them light yet satisfyingly chewy, each bite brings a burst of caramel sauce paired with tender apple pieces. A sprinkle of cinnamon ties the flavors together, making them the ideal companion for a warm cup of cider or tea.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, this recipe is straightforward and yields results that will impress your friends and family. Get ready to savor the delightful combination of caramel and apple with each mouthful!

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
Flour provides the structure for cookies; it gives them their shape and affects their density. Using all-purpose flour strikes a perfect balance, resulting in soft, chewy cookies.
1 tsp baking soda
Baking soda acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies rise and become fluffy. It also enhances browning, contributing to a light, golden color.
1/2 tsp salt
Salt amplifies the overall flavor of the cookies, balancing sweetness and bringing out the rich flavors of caramel and apples.
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
Butter contributes moisture, flavor, and richness. Softened butter creamed with sugar will create air pockets that help the cookies stay light.
1 cup brown sugar
Brown sugar adds moisture, chewiness, and a rich, caramel-like flavor that complements the apple pieces beautifully.
1/2 cup granulated sugar
Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps create a crisp exterior, contrasting with the soft interior of the cookie.
1 large egg
Eggs bind ingredients together, providing structure and richness. They also contribute to the cookie's flavor.
1 tsp vanilla extract
Vanilla enhances the overall flavor of the cookies, adding warmth and depth to the sweet profile.
1 cup peeled and diced apples (about 1 medium apple)
Fresh apples add moisture, texture, and a fruity flavor that pairs perfectly with caramel. They also provide a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the cookie.
1 cup caramel bits or chopped soft caramel candies
Caramel bits melt beautifully during baking, creating gooey pockets of sweetness that elevate the cookie experience.
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Cinnamon adds warmth and spice, enhancing the apple flavor and giving the cookies that cozy autumn vibe.

Directions & Preparation

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Preheating the oven ensures that the cookies bake evenly, leading to the proper texture. If the oven isn't hot enough, the cookies can spread too much, leading to flat results. Make sure to set the temperature well before the cookies go in!

Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

Mixing the dry ingredients separately ensures even distribution of the leavening agents. This step prevents any clumping and makes for a more uniform dough. The addition of cinnamon at this stage also allows its flavor to infuse throughout the cookies.

Step 3: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Creaming the butter and sugars together incorporates air into the mixture, creating a light texture in your cookies. This process also starts to dissolve the sugars which helps in combining with the other wet ingredients, ultimately affecting the cookie's final texture.

Step 4: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and mix until combined.

The egg contributes moisture and richness to the dough, helping emulsify the ingredients. Vanilla adds a fragrant quality that enhances the overall taste of the cookies. Mixing well ensures that the wet ingredients are fully incorporated before adding the dry.

Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

This step is crucial to avoid overworking the dough, which can lead to tough cookies. Mixing just until combined helps maintain a soft texture while ensuring all ingredients are incorporated evenly.

Step 6: Fold in the diced apples and caramel bits.

Gently folding in the apples and caramel ensures that they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. This creates those delightful pockets of gooey caramel and bursts of apple flavor in every cookie. Be careful not to overmix at this stage!

Step 7: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Leaving space between the dough balls allows for proper spreading during baking. This ensures each cookie has room to puff up and develop the right shape and texture without blending into one another.

Step 8: Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.

Baking time is crucial for achieving the ideal cookie. Overbaking can lead to hard cookies, while underbaking may result in a doughy center. Watch for the edges turning light golden, which indicates the cookies are ready to come out of the oven.

Step 9: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Cooling on the baking sheet helps the cookies set up, as they continue to cook slightly from residual heat. Transferring them to a wire rack afterward allows for even cooling, preventing sogginess from steam beneath the cookies.

Easy Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies step photo

Incorporating Seasonal Flavors

These Easy Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies celebrate the heart of autumn. By incorporating spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, you deepen the seasonal essence, making them a perfect treat for Thanksgiving or cozy family get-togethers. Including fresh apples not only enhances flavor but also introduces a lovely texture contrast to the soft cookie base.

Choosing the Right Caramel

Selecting the right type of caramel for your cookies can significantly impact the outcome. Caramel bits are ideal as they melt evenly and create a delightful gooey texture. Alternatively, if using soft caramel candies, chop them into small pieces for even distribution. It's important to consider your preference for sweetness when selecting your caramel as well.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are wonderful on their own, but they can be elevated further with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. They also pair exceptionally well with warm beverages like spiced cider or hot chocolate. This versatility makes them ideal for dessert platters or cozy gatherings with friends.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! Varieties like Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness work well. Choose based on your taste preference.

What happens if my dough is too thick?

If your dough seems overly thick, try adding a teaspoon of milk or water to loosen it up a bit. This will help achieve a better cookie consistency.

Can I double the recipe without issues?

Yes, you can double the recipe! Just ensure you have enough mixing capacity. The baking time should remain similar.

My cookies came out too sweet; what can I do?

If your cookies turn out too sweet, consider reducing the granulated sugar slightly in the next batch or increasing the salt to balance the flavors.

Why did my cookies flatten out while baking?

Cookies may flatten if the butter is too warm or if they are not chilled before baking. Ensure your butter is softened and consider chilling the dough if necessary.

Can I add nuts to the recipe?

Yes, adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can provide an interesting texture contrast and enhance the flavor profile. Just be sure to adjust the amount of caramel accordingly.

Conclusion

Baking Easy Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies is a delightful way to bring the flavors of fall into your home. With each batch, you’re sure to impress friends and family with the luscious combination of caramel and apples, making them a seasonal favorite.

The beauty of baking is that you can adapt these cookies easily to suit your tastes, whether it's trying out different apple varieties or adding your favorite nuts. Enjoy your baking journey, and don't forget to savor every delicious bite!

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