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Apple Spice Cookies with Caramel Drizzle Recipe

4.8 from 273 reviews

Delight in these homemade Apple Spice Cookies featuring a soft, cinnamon-infused dough filled with a warm, chunky apple filling. Topped with a luscious caramel drizzle, these cookies marry classic fall flavors with a touch of sweetness and spice, perfect for cozy afternoons or festive gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookies

  • 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

Apple Filling

  • 1 apple, peeled and diced
  • 4 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch

Topping

  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup caramel ice-cream topping
  • Additional brown sugar (optional, for sprinkling)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer to beat the mixture until it becomes fluffy and creamy. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract and mix again until fully incorporated.
  2. Add Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture and mix until a dough forms. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to chill.
  3. Prepare Apple Filling: About 10 minutes before removing the dough, prepare the apple filling. Peel and dice the apple into small pieces.
  4. Cook Apple Mixture: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the diced apples, butter, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar. Stir until the butter melts and the ingredients are well combined.
  5. Thicken Filling: In a small bowl, mix water and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this into the saucepan with the apples and stir continuously. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
  6. Form and Coat Cookies: Roll the chilled dough into 9 equal-sized balls. Pour the 1/4 cup sugar into a bowl and roll each dough ball thoroughly in the sugar to coat.
  7. Shape Cookies: Place the coated dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with your hand and create a large indent in the center to hold the apple filling.
  8. Fill Cookies: Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of the cooled apple filling into the indent of each cookie.
  9. Bake Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies on the baking sheet for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
  10. Cool and Finish: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet.
  11. Add Topping: Drizzle each cooled cookie with the caramel ice cream topping and sprinkle additional brown sugar if desired.
  12. Serve: Enjoy these warm, spiced apple cookies as a comforting treat or dessert.

Notes

  • For best results, ensure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve proper dough texture.
  • Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and maintains cookie shape during baking.
  • The apple filling can be customized with other spices like nutmeg or cloves for added warmth.
  • If preferred, replace caramel topping with a cream cheese glaze for a different flavor profile.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
  • Allow cookies to cool completely before adding caramel topping to prevent melting and running.

Keywords: apple cookies, spiced cookies, caramel topped cookies, fall dessert, cinnamon apple cookies, homemade cookies