Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
If you adore the comforting flavors of fall, these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are your new go-to treat. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie bursting with tender apple chunks, warm cinnamon, and gooey caramel, all topped with a sprinkle of coarse sea salt that perfectly balances the sweetness. These cookies combine all the best parts of an Apple Pie into a handheld delight that’s easy to bake and impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon snack, a festive gathering, or simply craving something sweet, these cookies deliver that nostalgic apple pie experience in every bite.
Why This Recipe Is Reliable
What makes this recipe stand out? It’s designed with simplicity and flavor in mind, using everyday ingredients to create something extraordinary. The recipe balances the sweetness of caramel and sugar with the tartness of fresh apples and a hint of cinnamon, while the sea salt adds a sophisticated twist that elevates the overall taste. The dough is soft yet sturdy enough to hold the juicy apple pieces without becoming soggy. Plus, this recipe avoids complicated techniques, so even novice bakers can confidently create stunning cookies. You’ll find consistent, delicious results every time, making it a dependable choice for your baking rotation.
The Essentials
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of our cookie dough, providing structure and tenderness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and a tender crumb to the cookies.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with browning.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds moisture and a subtle molasses flavor.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together, contributing to the cookie’s texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and creates a soft texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- 1 cup diced apples: Fresh, crisp apples bring in that classic pie filling element.
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce: For that luscious, melty caramel flavor inside the cookies.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice reminiscent of apple pie.
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Provides a pleasant crunch and nutty depth.
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling: A final garnish that makes the caramel shine.
What You’ll Need (Gear)
- Mixing bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients separately before mixing.
- Electric mixer or hand whisk: To cream butter and sugars effectively.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient amounts.
- Sharp knife and cutting board: To dice your apples uniformly.
- Baking sheet: To bake your cookies evenly.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Spoon or cookie scoop: For portioning dough consistently.
Mastering Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies: How-To
Step 1: Prepare Your Apples
Start by peeling, coring, and dicing your apples into small, bite-sized pieces. Toss them lightly with the ground cinnamon to infuse that classic apple pie spice flavor. Set aside while you mix the dough.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk, beat until the mixture is light and fluffy – this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial for a tender cookie texture.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. These ingredients add moisture and help bind the dough together.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can result in tough cookies, so be gentle.
Step 5: Fold in Apples, Nuts, and Caramel
Fold in the diced cinnamon apples and chopped nuts if using. Then, drizzle in the caramel sauce, folding gently to distribute it throughout the dough without fully blending, allowing pockets of caramel to remain for gooey bites.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Sprinkle each cookie with a pinch of coarse sea salt to enhance the caramel’s flavor.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps the cookies set perfectly.
Better Choices & Swaps
- Apples: Use firm varieties like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp for the best texture and tartness.
- Butter: You can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative, but expect a slight flavor change.
- Caramel sauce: Use store-bought or homemade caramel. For a quicker option, try caramel-flavored syrup, but the texture may differ.
- Nuts: Swap walnuts or pecans for almonds or hazelnuts, or omit if you prefer nut-free cookies.
- Sugar: Replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.
Behind-the-Scenes Notes
- Apple Preparation: Dicing the apples small ensures they cook through during baking and distribute evenly throughout the cookie.
- Caramel Integration: Folding in caramel rather than mixing thoroughly creates delightful pockets of gooey sweetness.
- Sea Salt: Sprinkling sea salt on top before baking contrasts beautifully with the sweet caramel and adds a gourmet touch.
- Texture Balance: The combination of soft cookie dough, tender apples, crunchy nuts, and smooth caramel makes each bite interesting and satisfying.
Shelf Life & Storage
These cookies store beautifully and maintain their flavor and texture for several days. For best results:
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- If you want to keep them longer, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Avoid refrigerating as this can dry out the cookies.
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies FAQs
Can I use canned or frozen apples instead of fresh ones?
Fresh apples are recommended for the best texture and flavor. Canned or frozen apples tend to be too soft and watery, which can make the cookie dough soggy. If you only have canned or frozen apples, drain and pat them dry thoroughly before adding.
How do I make the caramel sauce from scratch?
Homemade caramel sauce is simple to make by melting sugar until golden brown, then adding butter and heavy cream while stirring continuously. Let it cool before adding to your cookie dough. This homemade version tastes fresher and allows you to control the sweetness.
Can I omit nuts if I have allergies?
Absolutely! The nuts are optional and can be left out without compromising the cookie’s flavor. You can also replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for an allergy-friendly crunch.
What is the best way to dice apples for these cookies?
Cut the apples into small, uniform cubes about 1/4-inch in size. This ensures even distribution and that the apples cook properly during baking. Too large pieces may remain hard or cause uneven baking.
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Let’s Eat
Now that you’ve mastered these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies, it’s time to indulge. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert, or enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. The melty caramel and fresh apple flavors will transport you to cozy autumn afternoons, no matter the season. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or savoring them solo, these cookies promise comfort and delight in every bite.
Baking these cookies is not only about creating a tasty treat but also about capturing the spirit of classic apple pie in a fun, portable form. They make wonderful gifts too—wrapped up in cellophane with a pretty ribbon, they’re sure to brighten anyone’s day. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy one of the best seasonal desserts reimagined as a cookie!
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Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by peeling, coring, and dicing your apples into small, bite-sized pieces. Toss them lightly with the ground cinnamon to infuse that classic apple pie spice flavor. Set aside while you mix the dough.
- In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk, beat until the mixture is light and fluffy – about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be gentle to avoid overmixing.
- Fold in the diced cinnamon apples and chopped nuts if using. Then, drizzle in the caramel sauce, folding gently to distribute it throughout the dough without fully blending.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Sprinkle each cookie with a pinch of coarse sea salt.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are golden but centers remain soft. Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use firm apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture and flavor.
- Folding in caramel instead of mixing creates gooey caramel pockets.
- Sprinkling coarse sea salt on top enhances the caramel's sweetness.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days.
- Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months; thaw before serving.
