1. Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- Cream Butter and Sugars:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla:
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in Apples and Caramel Bits:
- Gently fold in the chopped apples and caramel bits, being careful not to overmix.
2. Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Scoop the Dough:
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake:
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. The cookies may look slightly underdone, but they will firm up as they cool.
- Cool:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Add the Caramel Drizzle:
- Drizzle with Caramel Sauce:
- Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle each one with caramel sauce. For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of coarse sea salt over the top (optional).
4. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve:
- Enjoy these cookies warm or at room temperature. They pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee.
Tips for Success:
- Apple Choice: Use a tart apple like Granny Smith for a nice contrast to the sweet caramel, or a sweeter apple like Honeycrisp for a milder flavor.
- Storing: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate or freeze the dough for later use.
- Caramel Bits: If you don’t have caramel bits, you can use soft caramel candies, chopped into small pieces. Just make sure they are well distributed in the dough to prevent clumping.
Conclusion:
Caramel Apple Cookies are a delicious combination of two beloved flavors—caramel and apple—in cookie form. The soft, chewy texture, the warmth of the spices, and the burst of apple and caramel in every bite make these cookies an irresistible autumn treat!