Caramel Apple Cardamom Cookies with Maple Glaze

Some cookies whisper comfort, others sing. These Caramel Apple Cardamom Cookies sing of crisp fall mornings, golden leaves, and the quiet magic of homemade warmth. Tender, soft, and lightly spiced, they are dotted with caramelized apple chunks and finished with a delicate maple glaze a perfect balance of rustic and refined.

Every bite carries the kind of layered flavor you’d expect from a boutique bakery, yet feels like a cozy hug in your kitchen.

Affirmation for the Oven

“I create sweetness in my life with patience, love, and intention.”

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon cardamom

• 1 ½ cups peeled, finely diced apples (preferably Honeycrisp)

• ½ cup soft caramel pieces or caramel chips

For the Maple Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

• 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream

• Pinch of salt

Directions

1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:

In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla until smooth.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom. Gradually fold into the wet mixture until just combined.

4. Fold in Apples and Caramel:

Gently fold in the diced apples and caramel pieces. Chill the dough for 15–20 minutes to make scooping easier.

5. Scoop and Bake:

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space for spreading. Bake for 12–14 minutes, until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft. Cool completely.

6. Drizzle the Maple Glaze:

Whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and salt until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies for a glossy, elegant finish.

Serving Notes

These cookies are perfect with a cup of chai, spiced latte, or a quiet autumn tea. They store well in an airtight container for up to 3 days though they rarely last that long.

Reflection from the Kitchen

This cookie reminds us that comfort can be luxurious, and small, intentional moments a warm kitchen, a sweet aroma, a quiet pause can feel transformative. Even in something as simple as a cookie, there’s space for joy, reflection, and grace.