Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies Irresistible Treat
If you love the warm flavors of fall, you’ll adore these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies! They blend sweet apples, gooey caramel, and a hint of salt to create a treat you can’t resist. In this guide, I’ll walk you through easy steps for baking cookies that taste like a slice of pie. So grab your apron, and let’s get started on this delicious journey!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of sweet apples with rich caramel and a hint of spice creates a mouthwatering treat that’s hard to resist.
- Perfectly Portable: These cookies are easy to take on-the-go, making them a great snack for school, work, or picnics.
- Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, you can whip these cookies up quickly, even on busy days.
- Customizable Treat: Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or even more spices to tailor these cookies to your taste!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1 cup diced apples (preferably Granny Smith, peeled and cored)
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Flaky sea salt for topping
– Optional: additional caramel sauce for drizzling
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if needed. Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a healthier choice. If you want a dairy-free option, try vegan butter in place of unsalted butter. Any firm apple works well; Honeycrisp or Fuji can be tasty substitutes.
Special Equipment Needed
You will need basic baking tools like:
– Mixing bowls
– Electric mixer
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Baking sheet
– Parchment paper
– Cookie scoop or tablespoon
– Wire rack for cooling
These tools help create the best results. With the right equipment, you can bake cookies that are both delicious and beautiful.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
This mix makes sure the flavors blend well. Set it aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Mix until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add in:
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Beat until smooth.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix!
6. Fold in:
– 1 cup diced apples (use Granny Smith for tartness)
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce
Make sure the apples are evenly spread in the dough.
Baking Instructions
1. Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet using a tablespoon or cookie scoop. Space each scoop about 2 inches apart.
2. Place the sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Watch for golden edges and set centers.
Cooling and Drizzling
1. Once baked, let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes.
2. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool fully.
3. After cooling, drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over each cookie.
4. Top with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for the perfect sweet and salty mix.
Tips & Tricks
Baking Tips for Perfect Cookies
To bake the best cookies, follow a few simple tips. First, always use room temperature butter. This helps create a soft and fluffy dough. Next, measure your flour correctly. Too much flour can make the cookies dry. Use the spoon and level method to avoid this. When mixing, stop as soon as the dough comes together. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Finally, keep an eye on baking time. Cookies should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
How to Choose Apples
Choosing the right apples is key for flavor. I recommend Granny Smith apples. They are tart and balance the sweet caramel. Look for firm apples with no bruises. The skin should be smooth. Fresh apples will give a crisp bite to your cookies. You can also mix in some Honeycrisp for extra sweetness. Just remember, avoid soft apples. They won’t hold up well during baking.
Storing Leftover Cookies
To keep cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. They should stay good for about a week at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. Wrap each cookie in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them again. This method keeps the cookies soft and tasty!
Pro Tips
- Use Cold Butter: For a flakier texture, consider using cold butter instead of softened. This will create pockets of air in the dough, making your cookies light and airy.
- Choose the Right Apples: Granny Smith apples add a tart contrast to the sweetness of the caramel. You can mix in some sweeter varieties like Fuji for added flavor complexity.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so be gentle when folding in the apples.
- Caramel Temperature: If you’re using homemade caramel, ensure it’s at room temperature before drizzling. This will help it flow nicely over the cookies without hardening.
Variations
Dairy-Free Version
You can make these cookies dairy-free with easy swaps. Use a dairy-free butter or coconut oil instead of unsalted butter. For the caramel, choose a dairy-free version or make your own with coconut milk. This way, you still get that rich flavor without the dairy.
Gluten-Free Option
To make these cookies gluten-free, switch the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that contains xanthan gum. This will help the cookies hold together. Check the baking soda and other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free too.
Adding Nuts or Other Mix-ins
For a crunchy twist, add nuts like walnuts or pecans. Chop them and fold them into the dough with the apples. You can also mix in chocolate chips for a sweet touch. Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins work well too. Customize these cookies to fit your taste!
Storage Info
How to Store Cookies
To keep your salted caramel apple pie cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their softness and flavor. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. You can store them at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing.
Freezing Instructions
Freezing these cookies is easy and great for later enjoyment. First, let the cookies cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. After they are firm, transfer cookies to a freezer-safe bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to eat them, just thaw at room temperature.
Best Way to Reheat Cookies
To reheat your cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes. This warms them up and brings back their fresh-baked taste. You can also use a microwave if you’re in a hurry. Heat one cookie for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy them warm with melted caramel!
FAQs
Can I make these cookies in advance?
Yes, you can make these cookies ahead of time. You can prepare the dough and chill it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you are ready, scoop out the dough, bake, and enjoy warm cookies. You can also bake them and store the cookies in an airtight container. They stay fresh for about a week.
What kind of apples work best?
For these cookies, I recommend using Granny Smith apples. They add a nice tartness that balances the sweetness of caramel. Other good choices are Honeycrisp or Fuji apples, which also hold their shape well when baked. Just make sure to peel and core them before dicing.
How can I make homemade caramel sauce?
Making homemade caramel sauce is easy! You will need:
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– A pinch of salt
1. In a medium saucepan, melt the sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly until it turns a deep amber color.
2. Add the butter and stir until melted.
3. Slowly pour in the cream while stirring. Be careful, as it will bubble up.
4. Add a pinch of salt for flavor. Let it cool before using.
In this blog post, I shared recipes for delicious cookies. You learned about key ingredients and the equipment you’ll need. I offered tips for baking, choosing apples, and storing cookies. We also explored variations for different diets and preferences.
Remember, baking is fun and creative. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors. Enjoy your time in the kitchen and treat yourself to these tasty cookie
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup diced apples (preferably Granny Smith, peeled and cored)
- 1 2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 pinch flaky sea salt for topping
- 1 optional additional caramel sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until they are evenly mixed. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer set to medium speed to cream together the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and beat until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Fold in the diced apples and half of the caramel sauce, ensuring even distribution.
- Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers appear set.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the cooled cookies and finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
