Caramel Apple Cookies

What’s not to love about caramel apples?  They’re sweet and more sweet.  In fact, when I was little, I used to think they were fairly healthy treats (I was getting my apple-a-day, right?).  I now know that any food covered in caramel sauce is not the healthiest, but I’m still infatuated with this treat anyways.  That’s why I knew I had to bake these Caramel Apple Cookies when I saw the recipe.  These cookies are addicting and delicious.  Enjoy at your own risk! 

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup packed dark-brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup chunky-style applesauce
• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1 cup caramel bites

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350.  Put butter and sugars in the bowl of a stand mixer and mix on low speed until combined.  Add egg and applesauce, mix until well blended, 2 to 3 minutes.  Mix in oats, flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mix in caramel bites.
2. Using a cookie scoop, drop dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake cookies until golden and just set, 13 to 15 minutes.  Let cool on sheets 5 minutes and transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

 *Adapted from Martha Stewart