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Caramel Apple Cookies: A Taste of Fall in Every Bite

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Introduction

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Caramel Apple Cookies are a delightful combination of flavors and textures that evoke the warmth and comfort of fall. These cookies feature a soft and chewy base infused with apple pie spice and shredded apple, topped with a luscious caramel frosting and crunchy pecans. They’re perfect for enjoying on a crisp autumn day, sharing with friends and family, or adding a touch of fall to your holiday baking.

Anecdotal Story (Optional)

Fall is my favorite season, and I love incorporating its flavors into my baking. One year, I was looking for a unique cookie recipe that captured the essence of fall, and these Caramel Apple Cookies were born. The combination of the soft apple cookie, the sweet and tangy caramel frosting, and the crunchy pecans was a revelation. These cookies quickly became a staple in my fall baking repertoire, and they’re always a hit with everyone who tries them.

Ingredient Descriptions

Cookies

  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the cookies. Make sure the butter is softened for easy creaming.
  • Packed Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a deep molasses flavor to the cookies.
  • Baking Soda: This leavening agent helps the cookies rise and become soft and chewy.
  • Apple Pie Spice: This blend of warm spices, typically including cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves, adds a delicious fall flavor to the cookies.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies and balances the sweetness.
  • Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness to the cookies.
  • Apple Juice: Adds moisture and a subtle apple flavor to the cookies.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure and texture of the cookies. Make sure to spoon and level the flour for accurate measurements.
  • Tart Apple: Adds a fresh apple flavor and a slightly chewy texture to the cookies. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are good choices.

Frosting

  • Packed Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a caramel flavor to the frosting.
  • Butter: Adds richness and creaminess to the frosting.
  • Apple Juice: Adds moisture and a subtle apple flavor to the frosting.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it a smooth and creamy texture.
  • Finely Chopped Pecans: Adds a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor to the frosting. Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor.

Equipment/Tools

  • Baking Sheet: For baking the cookies.
  • Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheet and prevent the cookies from sticking.
  • Large Bowl: For mixing the cookie dough.
  • Electric Mixer: For creaming the butter and sugar and mixing the dough.
  • Spatula: For scraping down the sides of the bowl and incorporating the ingredients.
  • Cookie Scoop: For portioning the dough onto the baking sheet.
  • Wire Rack: For cooling the cookies.
  • Small Saucepan: For making the caramel frosting.
  • Whisk: For mixing the frosting ingredients.

Complete Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements

Cookies

  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • 1 ¼ cups packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup apple juice
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 large tart apple, peeled and coarsely shredded

Frosting

  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons apple juice
  • 2 ⅔ cups powdered sugar
  • ½ cup finely chopped pecans, toasted
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Step-by-Step Instructions

Cookies

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, beat the butter until smooth, about 45 seconds. Add the brown sugar, baking soda, apple pie spice, and salt. Beat on medium speed until well blended.
  3. Add the egg and beat just until combined. On low speed, beat in the ½ cup apple juice. Beat in the flour until well blended. Stir in the apple.
  4. Drop by rounded tablespoons 3 inches apart onto the cookie sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are light brown. The tops will look underbaked.
  5. Allow to cool on the cookie sheet for 3 to 4 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Frosting

  1. Over medium heat, cook and stir the ½ cup brown sugar, butter, and apple juice until the sugar is dissolved and the butter is completely melted. Remove from the heat.
  2. Whisk in the powdered sugar gradually, working quickly.
  3. Use the frosting immediately. If it begins to harden, stir in hot water a teaspoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
  4. Frost cooled cookies and sprinkle with pecans.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

  • Cookies are flat: Make sure the butter is softened but not melted. Avoid overmixing the dough. Chilling the dough for 20-30 minutes before baking can also help.
  • Cookies are dry: Don’t overbake the cookies. Check for doneness at the minimum baking time.
  • Cookies are spreading too much: Chill the dough for a longer time before baking.
  • Cookies are burning: Make sure the oven is calibrated correctly and rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking.
  • Frosting is too thick: Add a teaspoon of hot water at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
  • Frosting is too thin: Add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Tips and Variations

  • Use different apples: You can use any type of tart apple, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
  • Add different mix-ins: Chopped walnuts, raisins, or dried cranberries would be delicious additions to the cookie dough.
  • Make them gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free cookies.
  • Drizzle with caramel: Drizzle melted caramel over the frosted cookies for an extra touch of sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve the Caramel Apple Cookies at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
  • Arrange them on a platter or in a basket for a beautiful presentation.
  • Serve them with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Pairing Recommendations

  • Drinks: Milk, coffee, hot apple cider, or even a caramel latte are all perfect pairings.
  • Desserts: Serve alongside apple pie, apple crisp, or other fall-themed desserts for a delicious dessert spread.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

Print
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Caramel Apple Cookies: A Taste of Fall in Every Bite


  • Author: Jessica

Description

These Caramel Apple Cookies are a delicious and unique treat that captures the essence of fall! With a soft and chewy cookie base, a sweet and tangy caramel frosting, and crunchy pecans, they’re perfect for any occasion. Get the full recipe and enjoy the flavors of autumn!


Ingredients

Scale

Cookies

  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • 1 ¼ cups packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup apple juice
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 large tart apple, peeled and coarsely shredded

Frosting

  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons apple juice
  • 2 ⅔ cups powdered sugar
  • ½ cup finely chopped pecans, toasted

Instructions

Cookies

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, beat the butter until smooth, about 45 seconds. Add the brown sugar, baking soda, apple pie spice, and salt. Beat on medium speed until well blended.
  3. Add the egg and beat just until combined. On low speed, beat in the ½ cup apple juice. Beat in the flour until well blended. Stir in the apple.
  4. Drop by rounded tablespoons 3 inches apart onto the cookie sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are light brown. The tops will look underbaked.
  5. Allow to cool on the cookie sheet for 3 to 4 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Frosting

  1. Over medium heat, cook and stir the ½ cup brown sugar, butter, and apple juice until the sugar is dissolved and the butter is completely melted. Remove from the heat.
  2. Whisk in the powdered sugar gradually, working quickly.
  3. Use the frosting immediately. If it begins to harden, stir in hot water a teaspoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
  4. Frost cooled cookies and sprinkle with pecans.

Comprehensive FAQ

  • Can I use margarine instead of butter? Yes, you can use margarine, but the flavor of the cookies may be slightly different.
  • Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time? Yes, you can make the cookie dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
  • How do I store leftover cookies? Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

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