I remember them vividly- caramel apple lolly pops. They are probably still around actually- a bright green sour apple candy dipped into chewy caramel. My 7th grade teacher used to give them to the class as rewards for getting pop quiz answers right, and I adored them. I was a sucker for all candy at that age, but these in particular- (sucker..you see what I did there?!)
Now that my culinary preferences have changed a bit, I prefer real apples over the fake candy kind, and would rather bite into a chewy, gooey cookie than spend my time working away at my old favorite candy pop. Luckily, that’s all possible with the creation of this wonderful cookie.
A chewy, brown sugar and cinnamon base is filled with chopped dried applies and caramel bits. Using dried apples vs fresh preserves the chewy texture of the cookie but instills the bright and tart flavor. The bits of caramel scattered throughout give an ooey gooey surprise with each bite. I have made these twice in the last few weeks and the reviews haven been pretty great. Biting into one may not be as rewarding as scoring a lollypop in 7th grade, but it tastes way better I swear!
- 12 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, (light or dark)
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1 egg and 1 yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried apples, chopped into bite-sized bits
- 1 cup caramel candies, unwrapped and diced*
- Preheat oven to 350F. In a small bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until fluffy and smooth. Add the egg, yolk, and vanilla, and beat until creamy.
- Stir in the dry ingredients until just incorporated and fold in the caramel & apples.
- Use a spoon or cookie scoop to portion the dough into equal-sized rounds on a cookie sheet- 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and just golden brown. Allow to cool for at least 5 minutes on the cookie sheet before serving or transferring,
Base recipe adapted from Baking Illustrated
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
These are PERFECTLY baked. I love a chewy cookie like this – delicious!
Broma Bakery says
Brown sugar base cookies are the only cookies in my book. These look splendid!
Debbie the NY Baker says
Great looking/sounding recipe! I have two questions – first, should the cookie sheets be greased and/or parchment lined? Second – I have something called baking caramels. Do you think they are the same as caramel candies, or should I spring for some caramel candies? Thanks so much!
Audra says
Hi Debbie- Yes always line your cookie sheet with parchment or a sil pat. (You could grease it too.)
I think that baking caramels would be perfect!
Jennifer says
Andrea,
Can u use fresh apples
Audra says
Hello! No you definitely want dried apples for this one :)
Gloria Seales says
Do you dehydrate your own apples?
Audra says
Hi! I don’t! I buy my dried apples from Trader Joes
Courtney says
I have to admit that I still enjoy those lollipops, but I haven’t bought a bag this year. I can’t wait to make these cookies and have a cookie version of my favorite Halloween treat!
Rachel @ Bakerita says
These look amazing!! I love everything having to do with caramel apples (currently burning a caramel apple candle, in fact) and so obviously I want to eat like, six of those cookies RIGHT NOW. Pinned! Also – caramel apple lollies were totally my fave!
Jess @ Sweet Menu says
How cute are these cookies! I never thought about putting dried apple in cookies before! And caramel too – divine!
Sarah @ SnixyKitchen says
I totally know those sour caramel apple pops! We’d win whole boxes of them in middle school for the magazine drive. I’m OBSESSED with these cookies. Pinning to remember to make!
Joanne says
I somehow must have missed out on those lollipops growing up. But I feel like I can make up for lost time if I make a batch or two (or three) of these cookies! THe caramel apple combo is one of my fall favorites.