Candy apple cookie is a delightful fusion of sweet and tart that will whisk you back to your favorite fall fair. Imagine soft, chewy cookies bursting with the flavors of crisp apples and a hint of cinnamon, all drizzled with a luscious caramel glaze. Each bite is a nostalgic treat, reminiscent of those shiny candy apples on a stick. With a touch of vanilla and a sprinkle of colorful sprinkles, these cookies are not just a dessert; they’re a celebration of sweetness that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Perfect for sharing or savoring solo!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously unique flavor that combines sweet and tart.
- Perfect for fall gatherings or any festive occasion.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients you likely have at home.
- Fun to decorate and customize for your personal touch.
- A delightful treat that brings back nostalgic memories of carnival days.
candy apple cookie
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Collect 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 cup of chopped apples, and 1 cup of caramel bits.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it nice and warm for baking.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until fluffy and light.
- Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, ensuring everything is well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped apples and caramel bits, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy your sweet candy apple cookies!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category: | Dessert |
| Cuisine: | American |
| Prep Time: | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 10 minutes |
| Total Time: | 25 minutes |
| Dietary: | Vegetarian |
| Serves: | 12 cookies |
| Best Served: | Warm or at room temperature |
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour – a key ingredient for structure and texture.
- Granulated sugar – adds sweetness and helps with browning.
- Brown sugar – brings moisture and a rich flavor.
- Baking soda – helps cookies rise and become fluffy.
- Salt – enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
- Unsalted butter – provides richness and a tender crumb.
- Eggs – bind ingredients together and add moisture.
- Vanilla extract – adds a warm, sweet aroma.
- Candy apple flavoring – gives that signature candy apple taste.
- Red food coloring – adds a fun, vibrant color to the cookies.
- Chopped apples – adds texture and a fruity flavor.
- Caramel sauce – drizzled on top for an extra sweet touch.
Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.
How to Make Candy apple cookie
Get ready to create your delicious candy apple cookies with these fun steps!
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Collect 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 cup of chopped apples, and 1 cup of caramel bits.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it nice and warm for baking.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until fluffy and light.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, ensuring everything is well combined.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
Step 6: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Step 7: Fold in Apples and Caramel
Gently fold in the chopped apples and caramel bits, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 8: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy your sweet candy apple cookies!
Pro Tips for Making Candy apple cookie
•Use fresh, crisp apples for the best flavor and texture.
•Chill your cookie dough for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
•Experiment with different types of candy coatings for a unique twist.
•Add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for a warm, cozy flavor.
•Don’t skip the sea salt sprinkle on top; it balances the sweetness perfectly!
How to Serve Candy apple cookie
- Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra sweet touch.
- Pair with a glass of cold apple cider for a refreshing contrast.
- Serve alongside a fruit platter for a colorful dessert spread.
- Top with chopped nuts for added crunch and flavor.
- Wrap in cellophane as delightful party favors.
- Use as a fun topping for yogurt or oatmeal bowls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing leftovers is easy and ensures you can enjoy your candy apple cookies later!
Storing Leftovers
- Allow cookies to cool completely.
- Place them in an airtight container.
- Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing
- Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap.
- Place wrapped cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label with the date for easy tracking.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place cookies on a baking sheet.
- Heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
- For microwave reheating, use a low power setting for 10-15 seconds.
- Enjoy warm for the best texture and taste!
FAQs
What ingredients do I need for candy apple cookies?
To make delicious candy apple cookies, you’ll need basic baking ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, and eggs. For the candy apple flavor, incorporate apple pie spice, chopped apples, and a touch of caramel. Don’t forget to use a non-alcoholic caramel sauce for that sweet finish!
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum to help with the texture. Your candy apple cookies will still be delightful and delicious!
How do I store leftover candy apple cookies?
Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, consider freezing them. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the recipe?
Yes, feel free to get creative! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch. You can also mix in chocolate chips or dried cranberries for an extra flavor twist. Just remember to adjust the amount of other ingredients slightly if you add more mix-ins!
Final Thoughts
There you have it—the delightful candy apple cookie that’s sure to bring a smile to your face! This sweet treat is not only simple to make but also a nostalgic reminder of fun fairs and autumn days. So gather your loved ones, whip up a batch, and enjoy every gooey, delicious bite. Trust us, once you try these cookies, they’ll become a favorite in your home!
Hungry for more delicious creations? Browse our site for more recipes and endless inspiration to spark your next culinary adventure!