Delight in the irresistible combination of sweet and salty with these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies. Perfect for gatherings, holiday parties, or a cozy night in, these cookies bring together spiced apples and buttery crust with a luscious salted caramel drizzle. With their unique flavor profile, they stand out as a must-have treat for any occasion!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The blend of sweet apples, buttery crust, and rich salted caramel creates an unforgettable taste.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps ensure that even beginner bakers can achieve delicious results.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a party or a quiet evening at home, these cookies are suitable for all.
- Fall-Inspired Treat: Embrace the flavors of autumn with spiced apples and warm spices in every bite.
- Versatile Dessert: Great as a standalone treat or served with ice cream for an extra special dessert.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies, gather some essential tools to make the process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without mess.
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon: Ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
- Baking sheets: Provides the right surface for baking cookies evenly.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
For the Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Filling and Topping
- 1 ½ cups apples, peeled and diced (about 2 medium apples)
- ½ cup salted caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
- Flaky sea salt, for garnish
How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and egg, mixing until well incorporated.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, blending until combined.
Step 3: Fold in Apples
Gently fold the diced apples into the cookie dough.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to an hour until slightly firmed.
Step 5: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 6: Scoop the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop the chilled dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 8: Drizzle with Caramel
Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled, drizzle salted caramel sauce generously over each cookie and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Serve these delightful cookies warm or at room temperature for a delicious treat any time of year!
How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
Serving Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delightful ideas to enjoy these cookies in various ways.
Pair with Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that complements the warm flavors of the cookies.
- Caramel Swirl Ice Cream: Enhances the salted caramel theme and adds extra richness.
Create a Dessert Platter
- Mixed Cookie Platter: Include other cookie varieties for a fun dessert spread.
- Fruit and Cheese Board: Combine with apple slices and sharp cheddar for a sweet-savory contrast.
Enjoy with Beverages
- Hot Apple Cider: Perfect for fall, this drink pairs beautifully with the spiced flavors.
- Coffee or Latte: The warmth and bitterness of coffee balance the sweetness of the cookies.
Gift Presentation
- Gift Box: Arrange cookies in a decorative box as a thoughtful gift for friends or family.
- Cookie Jars: Fill jars with cookies as charming gifts for holiday celebrations or special occasions.
How to Perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
To ensure your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thicker cookies.
- Use Fresh Apples: Opt for firm, fresh apples to maintain texture and flavor within each cookie.
- Adjust Spices to Taste: Feel free to tweak cinnamon and nutmeg amounts based on personal preference for a customized flavor profile.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time; remove them when edges are golden for soft cookies.
- Drizzle Generously: Add extra salted caramel sauce after baking for a more decadent treat.
- Store Properly: Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness; they can last up to a week.
Best Side Dishes for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
These side dishes complement the deliciousness of Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies beautifully. Consider serving them together for a well-rounded dessert experience.
- Cheddar Cheese Slices: The sharpness of cheddar balances the sweetness of the cookies, creating a delightful flavor contrast.
- Spiced Pumpkin Muffins: These muffins echo autumn flavors and add variety to your dessert table.
- Caramelized Pears: Sweet, soft pears caramelized in butter enhance the cookie’s taste while adding elegance to your serving.
- Whipped Cream Topping: A dollop of whipped cream adds lightness and creaminess alongside the rich cookies.
- Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookies into warm chocolate for an indulgent treat that guests will love.
- Fresh Berry Salad: A mix of berries offers tartness that cuts through sweetness while adding freshness to your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies, certain mistakes can hinder your baking experience and the final product. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using cold butter: Cold butter will not cream properly with sugars, leading to dense cookies. Always use softened butter for a light texture.
- Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the dough can result in cookies that spread too much during baking. Always refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes.
- Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can create tough cookies. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a tender bite.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Incorrect measurements can throw off the cookie’s texture and flavor. Use proper measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
- Ignoring oven temperature: An oven that is too hot or too cool can affect baking times. Always preheat your oven and consider using an oven thermometer.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
- Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes until soft.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on medium power for about 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop: Warm cookies in a skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes, flipping once.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies special?
These cookies combine spiced apples with rich salted caramel, creating a perfect balance of flavors that celebrate autumn.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
How do I make salted caramel sauce?
You can make it at home by melting sugar until it turns amber, then carefully adding cream and salt. Alternatively, store-bought salted caramel works great!
Can I add nuts to the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would add a delightful crunch and enhance the overall flavor profile.
How should I serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies?
Serve them warm or at room temperature, drizzled with extra salted caramel sauce for an indulgent treat any time of year!
Final Thoughts
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts or different spices according to your taste. This recipe is sure to be a hit during fall gatherings or any time you crave something sweet. Give it a try and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies, a perfect treat for any occasion! These cookies marry the sweetness of spiced apples with a buttery crust and rich salted caramel drizzle, creating an irresistible sweet and salty experience. Ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy nights, they are easy to make and sure to impress your friends and family. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special dessert that captures the essence of fall.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
- ½ cup salted caramel sauce
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract and egg.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually blend into wet mixture until combined.
- Gently fold in diced apples.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes to an hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Drop chilled dough onto prepared sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Drizzle cooled cookies with salted caramel sauce and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
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