Candy Apple Cookie
Candy apple cookie is a delightful fusion of sweet and tart that will transport you straight to a carnival! Imagine soft, chewy cookies bursting with the flavors of crisp apples, warm cinnamon, and a hint of caramel. Each bite is a playful dance of textures, with a glossy candy coating that adds a delightful crunch. Perfect for sharing or indulging in solo, these cookies are a whimsical treat that will make your taste buds sing. So grab your apron and let’s create this irresistible sweet sensation that’s sure to become a new favorite!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously unique flavor that combines sweet and tart.
- Perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying solo.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients you probably have at home.
- Fun and festive treat that brings back childhood memories.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings for a personal touch.
candy apple cookie
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Collect all the ingredients listed above.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until fluffy and light.
- Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped apples and caramel bits.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Pop the baking sheet into the 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.
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 base for the cookie structure.
- Granulated sugar – adds sweetness and helps with texture.
- Brown sugar – enhances flavor with a hint of caramel.
- Baking soda – helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
- Salt – balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Unsalted butter – provides richness and a tender texture.
- Eggs – binds the ingredients together for a chewy cookie.
- Vanilla extract – adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Candy apple flavoring – gives that signature candy apple taste.
- Red food coloring – adds a fun, vibrant color to the cookies.
- Chopped apples – adds freshness and a fruity bite.
- Caramel bits – for a gooey, sweet surprise in every bite.
Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.
How to Make the Recipe
Get ready to bake some delicious candy apple cookies! Follow these easy steps for a sweet treat that will make your taste buds dance.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Collect 1 cup of unsalted butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 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) so it’s nice and warm when your cookies are ready to bake.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until fluffy and light. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely aroma.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This will help distribute the leavening evenly.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix; we want those cookies to be soft!
Step 7: Fold in Apples and Caramel
Gently fold in the chopped apples and caramel bits. This is where the magic happens!
Step 8: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each cookie.
Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
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 candy apple cookies warm or at room temperature!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use fresh apples for the best flavor and texture.
- Chill the dough before baking to enhance the cookie’s shape.
- Experiment with different types of candy for unique flavor combinations.
- Don’t skip the sea salt sprinkle on top; it balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft and chewy.
How to Serve
Delight in these fun serving suggestions for your candy apple cookies!
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra sweet touch.
- Pair with a glass of cold apple cider for a refreshing contrast.
- Top with chopped nuts for a crunchy texture.
- Enjoy with a dollop of whipped cream for added creaminess.
- Pack them in a cute box for a delightful gift.
- Serve alongside a fruit platter for a colorful dessert spread.
- Try them with a cup of hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
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 in an airtight container.
- Separate layers with parchment paper.
- Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing
- Cool cookies completely before freezing.
- Wrap each cookie in plastic wrap.
- Place wrapped cookies in a freezer-safe bag.
- Label with the date and type of cookie.
- 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 5-7 minutes until warm.
- For a softer texture, cover with foil.
- Enjoy warm for the best taste!
FAQs
What ingredients do I need for candy apple cookies?
You’ll need basic baking ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, and eggs. For the candy apple flavor, consider using apple pie spice and caramel extract. Don’t forget the candy coating for that signature finish!
Can I make candy apple cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that the blend you choose has a good binding agent to keep your cookies from crumbling.
How do I store leftover candy apple cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them for up to three months!
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the recipe?
Yes! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch. You can also mix in chocolate chips or dried fruits for extra flavor and texture. Just be mindful of the balance in your dough!
Final Thoughts
There you have it, a delightful Candy Apple Cookie recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! Picture the smiles on your loved ones’ faces as they bite into these sweet, chewy treats. So gather your ingredients, unleash your inner baker, and enjoy this simple yet rewarding experience. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked! Happy baking!
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