Baking Apple Samoas has always been a cherished tradition in my family. Growing up, the scent of freshly baked cookies would fill our home, and the sound of my grandmother’s laughter as she helped us decorate them is a memory I’ll never forget. Even now, whenever I whip up a batch of these delectable treats, it takes me right back to those cozy moments shared with loved ones.
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Why This Apple Samoas Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Apple Samoas
What makes this Apple Samoas recipe so special? It’s all about the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The buttery, crisp exterior gives way to a soft, apple-infused center, creating a heavenly experience in every bite. This recipe yields exactly 24 cookies, so you can share the joy (or hoard them all for yourself – no judgment here!).
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these Apple Samoas, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
Each of these components plays a vital role in creating the ultimate Apple Samoa experience.
Step-by-Step Apple Samoas Instructions
Preparing Your Apple Samoas
This recipe takes 34 minutes total – 20 minutes for prep and 14 minutes for cooking. You’ll need a mixing bowl, a baking sheet, and a rolling pin to get started. Let’s dive in!
1- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Then, beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
3- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
4- Fold in the grated apples, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5- Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough into 24 equal-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6- Bake the Apple Samoas for 14 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Pro Tips for Success
For the best results, use a combination of sweet and tart apples, like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith. This will give your Apple Samoas a delightful balance of flavors. Additionally, be careful not to overbake the cookies, as you want them to retain that soft, chewy center.
Serving and Storing Your Apple Samoas
Perfect Pairings for Apple Samoas
These Apple Samoas are the perfect treat to enjoy with a warm cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk. They also make a wonderful addition to any autumn-themed gathering, from cozy family gatherings to festive holiday parties. This recipe yields 24 cookies, with each serving being 1 cookie.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
To store your Apple Samoas, simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer-term storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply thaw them at room temperature. You can even prepare the dough in advance and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Apple Samoas
Creative Apple Samoas Variations
Looking to switch things up? Try adding a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for a delightful crunch. You could also experiment with different types of apples, such as Fuji or Braeburn, to create unique flavor profiles. For a festive touch, consider rolling the baked cookies in cinnamon-sugar or drizzling them with a simple glaze.
Making Apple Samoas Diet-Friendly
To make these Apple Samoas gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. For a vegan version, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and the eggs with flax or chia “eggs.” And for a lower-carb option, try using a sugar substitute in place of the brown sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of apple in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While the recipe calls for a combination of sweet and tart apples, you can experiment with different varieties to find your perfect flavor. Just be sure to use the same total amount of grated apples.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe makes exactly 24 cookies, with each serving being 1 cookie.
Q: Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
A: No, there’s no need to chill the dough for this recipe. You can simply scoop and bake the cookies right away.
Q: Can I freeze the baked cookies?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked Apple Samoas for up to 3 months. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.
Q: What’s the best way to prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
A: To keep your Apple Samoas from spreading too much, make sure not to overbeat the dough and use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion the dough onto the baking sheet.
Apple Samoas
- Total Time: 34
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
These Apple Samoas are a delectable mashup of classic shortbread cookies and caramel-infused apple goodness. Buttery, chewy, and utterly irresistible, they’re the ultimate fall treat.
Ingredients
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. – In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. – Beat in the egg and vanilla.
4. – In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. – Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
6. – Fold in the diced apples.
7. – Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. – Bake for 12-14 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
9. – Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
10. – Drizzle the cooled cookies with caramel sauce.
Notes
For a more uniform shape, use a cookie scoop to portion the dough. The caramel sauce can be store-bought or homemade. These cookies are best enjoyed within 3-4 days of baking.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 14
- Category: Cookies, Bars & Brownies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Get ready to fall in love with these irresistible Apple Samoas! With their perfect balance of flavors and textures, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and let’s bake up a batch of 24 delectable cookies that you’ll be proud to share (or keep all to yourself!). Don’t forget to let me know how your Apple Samoas turn out – I can’t wait to hear about your experience!
