Candy Apple Cookies

ByMia Harper
Delicious Candy Apple Cookies featuring caramel and apple flavors
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Candy Apple Cookies combine the nostalgic flavors of a classic candy apple with the comforting warmth of freshly baked cookies. With their sweet, buttery aroma and delightful combination of apples and caramel, these cookies become the perfect treat for any occasion. They are easy to make and sure to impress friends and family with their unique flavor profile reminiscent of fall fairs and sugary delights.

Recipe Information

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Servings: 24 cookies
  • Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

  • Calories per serving: 180
  • Protein: 2g per serving
  • Carbohydrates: 25g per serving
  • Fat: 8g per serving
  • Fiber: 1g per serving
  • Sugar: 12g per serving
  • Sodium: 120mg per serving

Why Make This Candy Apple Cookies

Candy Apple Cookies offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures that evoke fond memories of autumn festivities. With bits of juicy apples, creamy caramel, and a hint of cinnamon, these cookies provide a sweet bite that is chewy on the inside while crispy on the edges. They not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also bring a unique twist to traditional cookie recipes. Whether for a family gathering, a fall festival, or simply to indulge, these cookies are a must-try!

How to Make Candy Apple Cookies

Making Candy Apple Cookies is a straightforward process that requires basic baking skills. Follow these simple steps, and you will have a delicious batch of cookies ready in no time!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chopped apples
  • 1 cup caramel bits
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

  • Step 1: Preparation

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly once the dough is ready.

  • Step 2: Mixing

    In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs and vanilla until well combined, creating a fluffy mixture that will give your cookies a rich texture.

  • Step 3: Cooking

    In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Next, fold in the chopped apples, caramel bits, and optional nuts. Make sure everything is well incorporated.

  • Step 4: Finishing

    Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden. Allow to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Candy Apple Cookies

Serve your Candy Apple Cookies warm, fresh from the oven for the best experience. You can pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert. These cookies also make a fantastic snack with a cup of hot apple cider or warm tea, perfect for cozy evenings.

How to Store Candy Apple Cookies

Store your Candy Apple Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to place parchment paper between layers if stacking, so they don’t stick together.

Expert Tips for Perfect Candy Apple Cookies

  • Choose the Right Apples: Use crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balance between sweetness and tartness.
  • Caramel Melts: If you can’t find caramel bits, you can chop up soft caramel candies. Just make sure to coat them lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
  • Do Not Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep your cookies tender.
  • Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too soft, chilling it for 30 minutes can help with shaping and prevent spreading while baking.

Delicious Variations

  • Nut-Free Option: Omit nuts for a nut-free version. You can also mix in chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
  • Spiced Up Version: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon for a spicier flavor.
  • Drizzled Cookies: Once cooled, drizzle with melted white or dark chocolate for a decadent touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
    Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but your cookies may turn out denser. Consider using half all-purpose flour and half whole wheat for a better texture.

  • What can I substitute for caramel bits?
    You can chop regular caramel candies into small pieces. Just be sure to coat them with a little flour to help avoid sticking.

  • How do I know when the cookies are done?
    They should be golden around the edges and slightly soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

  • Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
    Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just bring it back to room temperature before baking.

  • What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
    This may happen if the butter is too soft. Be sure to let the dough chill or reduce the baking time slightly if this occurs.

Conclusion

Candy Apple Cookies are a delightful adventure that brings a touch of nostalgia to your baking routine. With their unique combination of flavors and textures, they serve as a great treat for any occasion or a cozy dessert enjoyed at home. Try this recipe and fill your kitchen with the sweet aroma of baking cookies, and watch how they quickly become a favorite among family and friends! Happy baking!

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Candy Apple Cookies

  • Author: mia-harper
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

Candy Apple Cookies combine the nostalgic flavors of a classic candy apple with the comforting warmth of freshly baked cookies.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chopped apples
  • 1 cup caramel bits
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs and vanilla until well combined.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped apples, caramel bits, and optional nuts.
  4. Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden. Allow to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Store your Candy Apple Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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