Ah, the allure of a warm, gooey dessert right from the oven! If you’re a fan of comfort food, there’s nothing quite like the combination of sweet, caramelized apples wrapped in a buttery cookie shell. On top of that, it’s a fantastic fit for gatherings.
Picture this: a potluck picnic with friends, a cozy night in with a movie, or perhaps a Sunday family dinner. When I think of what accompanies this caramel apple pie delicacy, a scoop of vanilla ice cream comes to mind. Warm pie and cold ice cream is a match made in dessert heaven.
Now, let’s dive into the enchanting world of Insomnia Cookies’ caramel apple pie recipe. As a food enthusiast and a registered dietitian, I believe good food doesn’t have to be complicated. With this dish, it’s all about simple ingredients that come together beautifully.
What is Insomnia Cookies Caramel Apple Pie?
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill apple pie. No, it’s something more indulgent. Imagine a cookie that gives you the essence of apple pie but in a handheld form. It’s not just a dessert but a delightful experience you can savor. The caramel brings a level of richness that pairs with the tartness of the apples, creating a flavor explosion. Plus, the ease of preparation makes this the ideal treat for any occasion.
The Ingredients
For this delightful dessert, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Apple Mixture:
- 2 tablespoons (30g) packed dark brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 cups (200g) diced, peeled tart apples (approximately 2 apples, chopped into ¼-½ inch cubes; measure after chopping). Opt for Granny Smith or Honey Crisp apples.
Cookie Dough:
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (110g) firmly packed dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) pure vanilla extract
- 1 ⅓ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped walnuts or pecans
How to Make Insomnia Cookies Caramel Apple Pie?
Making this recipe is simpler than you’d think. Just follow along, and soon you’ll have your very own delectable batch of caramel apple pie cookies. Let’s break this down step by step.
Step 1: Preparing the Apple Mixture
Start by dicing your apples. Chunk them into small pieces, aiming for about ¼ to ½ inch cubes. Once you’ve got your apples ready, toss them in a mixing bowl along with the dark brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Give this a good mix to ensure the apples are well coated. Let them sit for a few minutes. This helps the flavors meld together as the sugar draws out the apple juices.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or a wooden spoon; both do the job nicely. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth. Now, add the flour, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg. Mix until just combined; it’s okay if there are a few lumps remaining—over-mixing can lead to tough cookies.
Step 3: Combine the Mixtures
Gently fold in the apple mixture into the cookie dough. If you’re using walnuts or pecans, now is the time to add them, too. Make sure every bit of apple is enveloped in that luscious dough.
Step 4: Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the sheet, spaced about two inches apart. Flatten them slightly for even baking. Bake for about 12–15 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them! They can go from perfectly baked to burnt in mere seconds.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling is essential, as it’ll help set the texture. Once they’re cool enough to handle, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—trust me, you’ll thank me later.
Notes
Here are some tips to elevate your baking game with this recipe:
- Use Tart Apples: The balance between sweet and tart is critical. Granny Smith is my favorite for this recipe.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough becomes too soft while mixing, consider refrigerating it for 30 minutes. A cooler dough will hold its shape better while baking.
- Experiment with Spices: Add a pinch of ground ginger or clove for an added layer of flavor.
- Caramel Sauce Drizzle: Enhance the experience by drizzling warm caramel sauce over the cookies before serving.
- Nut Variations: If you have allergies or preferences, you can swap walnuts or pecans for sunflower seeds or leave them out entirely.
Storage Tips
These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for later. Here’s how:
- Store in an airtight container to keep them moist.
- They can last for up to three days at room temperature. If you need to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge.
- For extended storage, freeze them! Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They should be good for up to three months.
Nutrition Information
Serving Suggestions
When serving your Insomnia Cookies caramel apple pie cookies, consider these delightful ideas:
- With a Scoop of Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream brings that creamy element to the table. The coldness pairs beautifully with warm cookies, creating contrasts that sing.
- Drizzled with Extra Caramel Sauce: A generous drizzle of caramel sauce elevates the flavor. The extra sweetness fouls the flavors of the apples in a wonderful way.
- On a Dessert Platter: Arrange the cookies on a platter with assorted fruits and nuts for a stunning presentation that’s picture-perfect for social gatherings.
- As Part of a S’mores Assembly: Create a s’mores experience by using the cookies as a base with melted chocolate and toasted marshmallows layered on top. Now that’s a gourmet twist!
- With Coffee or Tea: Pair with a hot cup of coffee or a soothing tea. The warmth of the drink matches the cookies superbly, making for a delightful afternoon snack.
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Insomnia Cookies Caramel Apple Pie Recipe?
Sometimes, you need a slight tweak. Here’s what you can substitute without losing flavor:
- Unsweetened Applesauce Instead of Butter: Using unsweetened applesauce can reduce the fat content, making it slightly healthier.
- Honey for Sugar: Replace granulated sugar with honey. Use about ¾ cup of honey for both sugars, but reduce the liquid in the recipe a tad.
- Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: Swap standard flour for gluten-free flour if you’re avoiding gluten altogether. Make sure it’s a one-to-one blend for best results.
- Chopped Dried Fruits: Mix in chopped dried cranberries or raisins instead of walnuts for a chewy bite that complements the overall sweetness.
- Non-Dairy Butter: If you’re lactose intolerant or vegan, opt for a non-dairy substitute for butter. This keeps the texture while catering to dietary needs.
Insomnia Cookies Caramel Apple Pie Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons 30g packed dark brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 cups 200g diced, peeled tart apples (approximately 2 apples, chopped into ¼-½ inch cubes; measure after chopping)
- Opt for Granny Smith or Honey Crisp apples
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- ½ cup 113g unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup 50g granulated sugar
- ½ cup 110g firmly packed dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon 5ml pure vanilla extract
- 1 ⅓ cups 190g all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Start by dicing your apples. Chunk them into small pieces, aiming for about ¼ to ½ inch cubes. Once you’ve got your apples ready, toss them in a mixing bowl along with the dark brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Give this a good mix to ensure the apples are well coated. Let them sit for a few minutes. This helps the flavors meld together as the sugar draws out the apple juices.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or a wooden spoon; both do the job nicely. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth. Now, add the flour, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg. Mix until just combined; it’s okay if there are a few lumps remaining—over-mixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Gently fold in the apple mixture into the cookie dough. If you’re using walnuts or pecans, now is the time to add them, too. Make sure every bit of apple is enveloped in that luscious dough.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the sheet, spaced about two inches apart. Flatten them slightly for even baking. Bake for about 12–15 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them! They can go from perfectly baked to burnt in mere seconds.
- Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling is essential, as it’ll help set the texture. Once they’re cool enough to handle, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—trust me, you’ll thank me later.
Notes
- Use Tart Apples: The balance between sweet and tart is critical. Granny Smith is my favorite for this recipe.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough becomes too soft while mixing, consider refrigerating it for 30 minutes. A cooler dough will hold its shape better while baking.
- Experiment with Spices: Add a pinch of ground ginger or clove for an added layer of flavor.
- Caramel Sauce Drizzle: Enhance the experience by drizzling warm caramel sauce over the cookies before serving.
- Nut Variations: If you have allergies or preferences, you can swap walnuts or pecans for sunflower seeds or leave them out entirely.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
There you have it—an exciting journey through making Insomnia Cookies’ caramel apple pie recipe. By blending comforting flavors with simple techniques, this dessert hits all the right notes. Each bite becomes a nostalgic experience reminiscent of cozy evenings spent with loved ones. Whether you enjoy these cookies on your own or share them with friends and family, they promise smiles and satisfaction. So, dust off your mixing bowls, and let’s get baking! You’re just moments away from a sweet escape.
