Caramel Apple Streusel Cookies

There’s something inherently cozy and comforting about the combination of sweet caramel, tangy apples, and crunchy streusel. And when you pack all of those delightful flavors into a single cookie, the result is pure magic. These Caramel Apple Streusel Cookies are the perfect treat for crisp fall days, cozy evenings by the fire, or simply whenever you’re craving a little taste of autumn.

Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup peeled, cored, and diced apple (such as Granny Smith)
– 1/2 cup caramel bits or chopped soft caramels

Streusel Topping:
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons rolled oats
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, and mix until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a thick cookie dough forms.
6. Gently fold in the diced apple and caramel bits until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. In a small bowl, prepare the streusel topping by combining the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
8. Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, portion out the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
9. Sprinkle a generous amount of the streusel topping over each cookie, gently pressing it into the dough.
10. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
11. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

These Caramel Apple Streusel Cookies are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while the caramel is still gooey and the streusel is wonderfully crisp. They pair perfectly with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of apple cider. So, don’t wait any longer – whip up a batch of these delightful cookies and savor the flavors of fall in every bite!