Candy Apple Cookie

Delicious Candy Apple Cookie featuring caramel and apple flavors

Table of Contents

Candy Apple Cookies are a delightful fusion of sweet, chewy, and buttery flavors that evoke the nostalgia of candy apples. Perfect for gatherings, bake sales, or just a cozy evening at home, these cookies are sure to become a favorite. With bits of real apples and caramel swirled throughout, each bite offers a taste explosion reminiscent of fall fairs and fun memories.

Recipe Information

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Servings: 24 cookies
  • Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

  • Calories per serving: 180
  • Protein: 2g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fat: 8g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 100mg

Why Make This Candy Apple Cookie

Candy Apple Cookies bring a unique twist to traditional cookie recipes. The combination of soft, buttery dough, tart apples, and rich, gooey caramel pieces creates a wonderful balance of flavors that is both comforting and vibrant. They are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few steps and basic ingredients you probably already have on hand. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing!

How to Make Candy Apple Cookie

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chopped apples
  • 1/2 cup caramel bits
  • 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans (optional)

Directions:

  • Step 1: Preparation

    Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your cookies bake evenly and turn out golden brown.

  • Step 2: Mixing

    In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in a softer cookie texture. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well blended.

  • Step 3: Cooking

    In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated. Be careful not to over-mix as it can lead to tough cookies. Gently fold in the chopped apples, caramel bits, and nuts (if using), ensuring they are well distributed throughout the dough. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them a couple of inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

  • Step 4: Finishing

    Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step allows the cookies to firm up a bit, making them easier to handle.

How to Serve Candy Apple Cookie

These cookies are delightful on their own but can also be paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzled with chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra special treat. Serve them at birthday parties, school events, or just for an afternoon snack with coffee or tea.

How to Store Candy Apple Cookie

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. When ready to eat, simply thaw at room temperature.

Expert Tips for Perfect Candy Apple Cookie

  • Make sure your butter is soft but not melted for the best creaming results.
  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice contrast to the sweetness of the caramel.
  • Experiment with different nuts or even omit them altogether if preferred.
  • For a fun touch, you can sprinkle a little sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for a sweet and salty finish.

Delicious Variations

  • Chocolate Chip Candy Apple Cookies: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a decadent twist.
  • Spiced Pumpkin Candy Apple Cookies: Substitute 1/2 cup of apples with canned pumpkin puree and add pumpkin spice for a seasonal variation.
  • Nut-Free Version: Leave out the nuts entirely or replace them with sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I use different types of apples?
    Yes! Feel free to use your favorite apple variety, but tart apples work best to balance the sweetness.

  • Can I make the dough ahead of time?
    Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

  • How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
    The cookies are ready when the edges are set and lightly golden, but the centers may look slightly undercooked. They’ll firm up as they cool.

  • Can I use store-bought caramel?
    Yes, you can chop up store-bought caramel candies if you don’t have caramel bits.

  • What if I don’t have parchment paper?
    You can grease the baking sheet lightly or use silicone baking mats for an easy release.

Conclusion

Candy Apple Cookies are an irresistible blend of flavors and textures that are sure to win over friends and family alike. With their easy preparation, they make for an excellent baking project with kids or as a fun surprise for loved ones. So why not whip up a batch today and enjoy this sweet and delightful treat? Happy baking!

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Candy Apple Cookies


  • Author: lydia
  • Total Time: 27
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Delightful fusion of sweet, chewy, and buttery flavors with bits of real apples and caramel, perfect for gatherings or cozy evenings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chopped apples
  • 1/2 cup caramel bits
  • 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla until well blended.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just incorporated. Gently fold in apples, caramel bits, and nuts if using.
  4. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
  5. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For a fun touch, sprinkle a little sea salt on top before baking. Store leftover cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.

  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 12
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 100mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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Pro Chef & Blogger

Hi, I’m Lydia, the passionate culinary creator behind Ninja Machine Recipes! I firmly believe that amazing food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Here at Ninja Machine Recipes, I share my favorite recipes that bring loved ones together around the dinner table – from quick weeknight solutions to special celebration treats.

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