Caramel Apple Cookies

### Instructions: How to Make Caramel Apple Cookies

#### Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to **350°F (175°C)** and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.

#### Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the **flour**, **baking soda**, **cinnamon**, **nutmeg**, and **salt**. Set the dry ingredients aside for later.

#### Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the **softened butter** and **brown sugar** together until light and fluffy, about **2-3 minutes**. This helps to create a smooth, airy cookie dough.

#### Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
Add the **egg** and **vanilla extract** to the butter-sugar mixture, and continue to beat until fully combined.

#### Step 5: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.

#### Step 6: Fold in the Apples and Caramel
Gently fold in the **diced apple** and **caramel bits** (and nuts, if using) with a spatula. Make sure the caramel is evenly distributed throughout the dough, and the apple pieces are well-coated.

#### Step 7: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them about **2 inches apart** as they will spread slightly while baking.

#### Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for **10-12 minutes** or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. Keep an eye on the cookies, as baking times can vary depending on your oven and cookie size.

#### Step 9: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about **5 minutes** before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

#### Step 10: Enjoy!
Once the cookies have cooled, it’s time to dig in! Enjoy them with a warm drink like apple cider or hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy treat.

### Tips for Perfect Caramel Apple Cookies:

1. **Use Firm Apples**: Choose apples that are firm and tart, like **Granny Smith** or **Honeycrisp**, for the best texture and flavor. Softer apples may break down too much during baking.
2. **Caramel Bits vs. Caramel Candies**: If you can’t find caramel bits, you can chop up **soft caramel candies** into small pieces. Just be careful not to add too much, as it can make the cookies overly sweet.
3. **Chill the Dough**: If your dough is too soft or sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for about **30 minutes** before scooping and baking. This can help the cookies hold their shape.
4. **Customize with Nuts**: Add a handful of **chopped walnuts**, **pecans**, or even **toffee bits** to give these cookies extra flavor and texture.
5. **Make Ahead**: The dough can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to **3 days**, or you can freeze it for up to **1 month**. This allows you to bake fresh cookies whenever you want!

### Why You Should Make Caramel Apple Cookies:

– **Perfect for Fall**: These cookies are the ultimate autumn treat, combining the delicious taste of apples and caramel in every bite.
– **Great for Sharing**: Whether you’re having a family gathering, a fall potluck, or a bake sale, these cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
– **Customizable**: You can play around with the ingredients to make them your own, whether by adding extra caramel, mixing in nuts, or adjusting the spices to your liking.
– **Deliciously Easy**: With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow process, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels. The result is a batch of warm, sweet cookies that taste like they came from a bakery.

### Conclusion

**Caramel Apple Cookies** are a must-try treat for the fall season. They combine the flavors of juicy apples and smooth caramel in a chewy, soft cookie that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, you can create a batch of cookies that taste just like the best part of autumn.

So, next time you’re craving something sweet, why not try these delicious **Caramel Apple Cookies**? They’re sure to become your new favorite fall dessert!