These Soft Salted Caramel Apple Cookies are like a warm hug in cookie form! With bits of juicy apples and sweet caramel, every bite is a yummy treat that feels like fall.
Making them is a breeze! I love how the sweet and salty mix makes them so special. They smell amazing while baking, and I usually can’t wait for them to cool down before having a few!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is key for rich flavor. If you need a substitute, you can use margarine, but try to stick with butter for the best taste and texture.
Apples: I recommend using tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance with the sweet caramel. If these aren’t available, any apple you enjoy will work. Just make sure they’re firm to hold up in baking.
Caramel Bits: If you can’t find caramel bits, regular soft caramel candies chopped into smaller pieces will also do just fine. You could also try butterscotch chips for a different flavor twist.
Baking Soda: This gives your cookies lift and helps them spread. If you run out, you can substitute with baking powder, but the texture will be slightly different. Use three times the amount of baking powder.
How Can I Ensure My Cookies Stay Soft and Chewy?
To keep your Soft Salted Caramel Apple Cookies chewy, pay close attention to baking time! Overbaking is a common mistake. The cookies should be slightly underbaked when you take them out, as they will continue cooking on the baking sheet.
- Set a timer for 10 minutes and check for lightly golden edges.
- Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them to firm up but remain soft.
- Storing cookies in an airtight container helps keep them chewy for longer.
How to Make Soft Salted Caramel Apple Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Cookie Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Mix-Ins:
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and finely chopped apple (about 1 medium apple)
- 3/4 cup caramel bits or chopped soft caramel candies
- Flaky sea salt (for sprinkling on top)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 10-12 minutes to bake. Plus, don’t forget to let the cookies cool for another 5 minutes on the baking sheet before moving them. In total, you’re looking at about 30 minutes for a batch of delightful cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat so your cookies don’t stick.
2. Cream Your Butters and Sugars:
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using a mixer, cream these together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add the Egg and Vanilla:
Beat in the egg and the vanilla extract, making sure everything is well combined and smooth. This adds flavor and moisture to your cookie dough!
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture into the bowl with the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to over-mix; we want to keep these cookies soft!
6. Fold in Apples and Caramel:
Gently fold in the chopped apples and caramel bits into the dough until they are evenly distributed. This is where the magic happens—sweet caramel and fresh apple in every bite!
7. Bake the Cookies:
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart for even baking. Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden, but the centers still look soft. This keeps them chewy!
8. Add the Finishing Touch:
As soon as you take the cookies out of the oven, sprinkle each one with a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt to enhance that lovely salted caramel flavor!
9. Cool and Enjoy:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Now, you can serve and enjoy these scrumptious soft salted caramel apple cookies!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Apples in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples work great for their tartness, you can use any variety you enjoy. Just make sure they are firm apples, like Honeycrisp or Fuji, for the best texture in your cookies.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying!
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that your blend contains xanthan gum, as this helps mimic the texture of regular flour in baked goods.
What Should I Do If My Dough is Too Sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky to handle, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help firm it up and make it easier to scoop and shape into cookies. You can also lightly flour your hands when forming the cookies.