CARAMEL APPLE COOKIES

Caramel Apple Cookies a delicious and unique twist on the classic cookie recipe. This cut out sugar cookie recipe combines the flavors of a soft sugar cookie and rich creamy caramel to create a delectable treat that is perfect for any occasion.

To be clear, this caramel cookie does not actually contain any apples. This is just a fun recipe to take what we love about caramel apples and then turn them into a festive cookie. These fall sugar cookies are delicious and are a portable dessert!

What are Caramel Apple Sugar Cookies?

To make these delightful caramel apple cookies, bakers start by preparing a basic sugar cookie dough. Then cut the dough into apple shapes and bake! Next, you decorate and top each cookie with a smooth caramel coating and add some fun candy and sprinkles! The result is a cookie that is bursting with flavor and perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth.

Whether you are a seasoned baker or a beginner, caramel apple cookies are a great recipe to try. With their unique flavor and easy preparation, they are sure to become a new favorite among cookie lovers everywhere.

Why You Will Love This Caramel Cookie Recipe

• Easy to make: This recipe is simple and easy to follow, even for those who are not experienced bakers. You can make a batch of these cookies in no time.
• Soft and chewy texture: These cookies have a soft and chewy texture that will melt in your mouth. The caramel adds a gooey and sweet flavor that complements the sugar cookie perfectly.
• Great for sharing: These cookies are perfect for sharing with friends and family. They are sure to be a hit at any gathering or party.

Caramel Apple Cookies ingredients

Sugar: You will need ½ cup of granulated sugar to make the cookies chewy and sweet.

Butter: Use ¼ cup of softened butter, or margarine, to make these cookies rich in taste.

Shortening: Adding in ¼ cup of shortening will help to give the cookies more fats to stay moist and soft. If you do not have shortening, add another ¼ cup of butter.

Vanilla extract: Use 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to help balance all the wonderful flavors in these cookies.

Egg: You need 1 egg to help bind the ingredients in this dough together well.

Flour: The base of the cookie dough recipe is 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour.

Baking soda: Using ½ teaspoons of baking soda will help the cookies puff up nicely as they bake.

Salt: Adding in ¼ teaspoon of salt will help to enhance the flavors in this cookie dough.

Topping

Caramel ice cream topping and flour: You can use ½ cup of your favorite ice cream topping caramel and 1 ½ tablespoon of flour to thicken it up to a good consistency.

Caramel squares and water (alternate option): If you would rather unwrap 24 squares of caramel and mix in 2 tablespoons of water, you can go that route instead.

Candy & sprinkles: Use a candy or sprinkles of your choice to add some more deliciousness to these festive cookie pops.

Wooden sticks: While these are not an actual “ingredient” you will need 18 wooden sticks like popsicle sticks or wide craft sticks to help make these cookies fun and portable.

Step by step on how to make Caramel Apple Cookies

Prep

First, you want to get the oven preheating to 400 degrees F.

Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, or grease it with non-stick cooking spray, and set it aside.

Cookie dough

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and shortening with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. This generally takes about 2-3 minutes.

Next, add in the vanilla extract and the egg and mix again on medium speed to combine well.

After that, stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt until the dough comes together.

Shape

Proceed to roll the cookie dough out onto a lightly floured surface so that it is ⅓ of an inch thick.

Cut the dough with an apple-shaped cookie cutter. If you do not have an apple shaped cookie cutter, use a pumpkin-shaped one and turn it upside down as I did. No one will ever know it is not an apple shaped cookie!

Bake

Then, place the cookie cutouts two inches apart on your prepared baking sheet.

Next, carefully insert 1 inch of the wooden stick into the side of each cookie (where the stem will be). Use a light-handed touch to not disturb the cookie too much. You should be able to feel exactly where the stick is as you are doing this.

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 6-8 minutes or until the edges are a light brown in color.

Let the cookies cool for 2 minutes on the pan before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

Add caramel

If you are using the caramel ice cream topping, add in the flour and mix well until smooth.

If you are using caramel squares, heat them (unwrapped) with the water in a 2-quart saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until smooth and melted.

Assemble

Now, spread the caramel on the top third of the cookies and hold the cookies upright to allow the glaze to drizzle down the cookie. If it is not spreading, try adding some more caramel until it begins to drizzle down.

If you want to add some extra flair to these cookies, sprinkle with multi-colored candy sprinkles. Other great options for added decoration would be mini M&M’s, chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, really the possibilities are endless!

Be sure to let the cookies set for about an hour for the caramel to harden a bit. Serve fresh and enjoy!

Variations of Caramel Apple Cookies

Caramel apple cookies are a delicious and unique treat that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Here are a few variations of caramel apple cookies that you can try out:

• Chocolate Drizzle Caramel Apple Cookies: For a decadent twist on the classic caramel apple cookie, try drizzling melted chocolate over the top. This adds a rich and indulgent flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet and tart apple and caramel flavors.
• Oatmeal Caramel Apple Cookies: For a heartier cookie, try adding some oats to the recipe. This adds a nutty flavor and a chewy texture that complements the soft and gooey caramel and tender apple chunks.
• Cinnamon Sugar Caramel Apple Cookies: For a spiced-up version of the classic caramel apple cookie, try adding some cinnamon to the cookie dough. This adds a warm and cozy flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich, smooth caramel.

No matter which variation you choose, caramel apple cookies are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them.

How to Store Caramel Apple Cookies?

When it comes to storing cookies, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure they stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Here are some tips for storing your cookies:

• Room Temperature: If you plan on eating your cookies within a few days, storing them at room temperature is perfectly fine. Just make sure to keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from becoming stale or dry.
• Refrigerator: If you live in a hot or humid climate, it might be best to store your cookies in the refrigerator. This will help keep them fresh for longer. However, keep in mind that refrigeration can cause some cookies to become hard or lose their texture.
• Separate Layers: When storing cookies, it’s important to separate them with layers of parchment paper or wax paper. This will prevent them from sticking together and becoming a messy clump.
• Freezer: If you want to keep your cookies for an extended period of time, freezing them is the best option. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat them, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours. Freeze WITHOUT caramel topping for best results, add that when you are ready to serve cookies.
• Avoid Moisture: Moisture is the enemy of cookies, so make sure to keep them away from any sources of moisture. This includes storing them in a dry place, away from any fruits or vegetables that might release moisture.

By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your banana chocolate chip oatmeal cookies stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible.

How to store unused caramel sauce?

Keep your unused caramel stored in an airtight container in the fridge (I like to use a sealed mason jar) for maximum freshness. Then when you’re ready to use it, microwave for about 15 seconds and stir to get it to a nice drizzling consistency. After your cookies have been covered, If you still find yourself with leftover caramel, go ahead and use it over ice cream, brownies, or other delicious treats!

You are going to love these other Fall inspired recipes!

• CARAMEL APPLE SNICKERDOODLES
• MAPLE SWEET POTATO PIE
• FALL FRUIT BREAKFAST CRUMBLE
• BAKED SWEET POTATO FRIES
• HOMEMADE PUMPKIN BAGELS
• CAKE MIX APPLE PIE BARS
• HERSHEY’S PUDDING AUTUMN BLOOM TOPPERS
• MAPLE PUMPKIN SPICE POPCORN
• PECAN CARAMEL APPLE PIE
• BROWN SUGAR FRIED APPLES
• PUMPKIN PIE BARS
• MAPLE PECAN SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE

Caramel Apple Cookies are a treat your family will love and about for weeks to come! This cut out sugar cookie recipe combines our love for cookies and the yummy caramel on caramel apples.