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Caramel Apple Cookies

Caramel Apple Cookies are a delicious blend of caramel, apples, and spices baked into a chewy cookie topped with creamy frosting, making them perfect for fall or any time of the year.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the cookies
  • 1 cup Dairy-free butter or butter Used for rich flavor and texture in cookies.
  • 1 cup Dark brown sugar Adds moisture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
  • 1/4 cup Non-dairy milk or milk Provides moisture to the cookie dough.
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract Enhances the flavor profile.
  • 2 cups All-purpose flour Can be gluten-free if needed.
  • 1 tsp Ground cinnamon Adds warmth and spice.
  • 1 tsp Baking soda Helps the cookies to rise.
  • 1/2 tsp Baking powder Works alongside baking soda for leavening.
  • 1/2 tsp Salt Balances the sweetness.
  • 1/2 tsp Ground ginger Adds zingy flavor.
  • 1/4 tsp Nutmeg Provides a nutty flavor.
  • 1 large Green apple Provides a crunchy and slightly tart topping.
  • 1/2 cup Crushed pecans Offers crunch and flavor.
For the frosting
  • 1/2 cup Dairy-free stick cream cheese or stick cream cheese Forms the base of the creamy frosting.
  • 1/4 cup Caramel sauce Adds richness to frosting.
  • 2 cups Powdered sugar Sweetens the frosting.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and prepare the baking sheet.
  2. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.
  3. In a large bowl, beat together dairy-free butter and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Incorporate non-dairy milk and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture until well combined.
  5. Gently fold in all-purpose flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ginger, and nutmeg until just combined.
  6. Use a cookie scoop to portion out dough balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Baking
  1. Place in the oven and bake for 12 minutes, until cookies are underbaked in the center for a chewy texture.
  2. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Frosting
  1. In a bowl, combine softened butter, cream cheese, and caramel sauce, beating until smooth. Gradually add in powdered sugar.
  2. Once cookies are cooled, spread the frosting generously on top.
  3. Place diced green apples on the frosting, drizzle with additional caramel sauce, and sprinkle with crushed pecans.
Serving
  1. Serve warm or store any leftover cookies in a tightly-sealed container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Notes

For extra chewiness, chill the cookie dough for thirty minutes before baking. High-quality caramel sauce and fresh apples will elevate the flavor.