Introduction

Apple Spice Cookies offer a delightful combination of tender, cinnamon-spiced dough and warm, sweet apple filling. Topped with a drizzle of caramel, these cookies are perfect for cozy afternoons or festive gatherings.

A stack of five golden-brown cookies with a shiny, sticky topping of dark caramelized nuts and fruit pieces sits on a white plate in the center. In front of the plate, a single cookie with a bite taken out reveals a soft, chewy texture and the same glossy topping. To the top right, a clear glass mug filled with white milk rests on a red and white patterned cloth draped over a wooden surface. Around the cookies, there are two bright red apples, several cinnamon sticks, a small white bowl filled with golden brown sugar, and a white pumpkin with a short brown stem. The background and surface are a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 egg, room temperature
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 apple, peeled and diced
4 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup water
1 tbsp cornstarch
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup caramel ice-cream topping

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/4 cup brown sugar. Use a hand mixer to blend until the mixture is fluffy and creamy.
Step 2: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the bowl, then mix again until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Stir in the flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt until a cookie dough forms. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
Step 4: While the dough chills, prepare the apple filling. Peel and chop the apple into small pieces.
Step 5: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the diced apple, 2 tbsp butter, 4 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp cinnamon. Stir until the butter melts and ingredients combine.
Step 6: In a small bowl, mix together water and cornstarch. Pour this mixture into the saucepan and stir. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the apple mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Step 7: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 8: Roll the cookie dough into 9 equal balls. Roll each ball in 1/4 cup sugar to coat thoroughly.
Step 9: Place the sugared dough balls on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with your hand and create a large indent in the center for the apple filling.
Step 10: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cooled apple filling into the center of each cookie.
Step 11: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 14 to 16 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 12: Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet.
Step 13: Drizzle the caramel topping over each cookie and sprinkle with additional brown sugar if desired.
Step 14: Serve and enjoy your warm, flavorful Apple Spice Cookies!

Tips & Variations

For extra texture, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cookie dough.
Use a tart apple like Granny Smith for a balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
If you prefer a softer cookie, slightly underbake by 1-2 minutes.
Substitute caramel ice-cream topping with maple syrup or honey for a different twist.

Storage

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed container for up to 1 month. To reheat, warm gently in a low oven or microwave for a few seconds to enjoy the gooey apple and caramel flavors.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a single cookie held by a woman's hand spatula. The cookie has two visible layers: the base is a soft, golden-brown dough with a slightly crumbly texture, and the top layer is a glossy, sticky mix of chopped nuts and caramelized brown sugar in dark and amber shades. The cookie has a bite taken from it, showing the light and airy inside of the dough. The background is a white marbled texture with soft fall-colored blurred elements. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking. Just be sure to bring it back to a manageable temperature before rolling into balls.

What if I don’t have caramel topping?

If you don’t have caramel topping on hand, you can drizzle honey or melted chocolate over the cookies for added sweetness and decoration.