Imagine biting into a cookie that captures the essence of a warm apple pie, with a buttery shortbread base and a luxurious caramel drizzle that will make your taste buds dance! These Caramel Apple Pie Shortbread Cookies are not just a dessert; they're a slice of seasonal heaven that transforms ordinary baking into an extraordinary culinary experience. Whether you're looking to impress guests or treat yourself to a moment of pure bliss, these cookies promise to be your new fall favorite.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 cup diced apples
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the diced apples and cinnamon, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Gently press down on each cookie ball with the palm of your hand to slightly flatten them.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely.
- Once cooled, drizzle each cookie generously with caramel sauce, creating a beautiful and delicious finish.
- Allow the caramel to set for about 10 minutes before serving or storing in an airtight container.
Tips
- Use cold, high-quality butter for the most tender and flaky shortbread texture.
- Dice apples into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution and consistent baking.
- Don't overmix the dough - this can make your cookies tough instead of delicately crumbly.
- For extra flavor, consider using a mix of sweet and slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith.
- Let the cookies cool completely before drizzling caramel to prevent immediate absorption and maintain a beautiful presentation.
- Store cookies in a single layer to prevent sticking and preserve their delicate texture.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel drizzle to enhance the flavor complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 118kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 17mg
