Caramelized Apples:

250 g peeled and finely diced Gala apples (about 4–5 small apples)

50 g (¼ cup) Dark Brown Sugar

1½ tsp Ground Cinnamon

Pinch of Salt

Juice from one small Lemon

Cookies:

184 g (13 tbsp) Unsalted Butter, browned to 150 g (¾ cup)

100 g (½ cup) Dark Brown Sugar

100 g (½ cup) Granulated Sugar

2 tsp Vanilla Bean Paste or Extract

1 Egg, room temperature

1 Egg Yolk, room temperature

250 g (2 cups) All-Purpose Flour

1 tsp Baking Soda

1 tsp Cream of Tartar

1 tsp Ground Cinnamon

½ tsp Fine Sea Salt

5 g (2 tsp) Cornstarch

Coating:

66 g (⅓ cup) Granulated Sugar

1 tbsp Ground Cinnamon

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Caramelize the Apples: Toss diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and lemon juice. Cook in a skillet over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized. Chill in the fridge.
Brown the Butter: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once it sizzles and milk solids turn golden, remove from heat and pour into a bowl. Chill for 10 minutes.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, cinnamon, salt, and cornstarch.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the cooled brown butter, sugars, and vanilla. Add egg and egg yolk, whisking until smooth. Fold in the caramelized apples.
Combine Wet and Dry: Stir dry ingredients into wet until a soft dough forms. Cover and chill for 2–3 hours.
Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Shape and Coat: Mix coating ingredients in a bowl. Scoop 40 g (2 tbsp) portions of dough, roll into balls, and coat in cinnamon sugar. Place 2–3 inches apart on baking sheet.
Bake: Bake for 12–14 minutes until edges are set and golden but centers remain soft. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to rack.
Serve: Enjoy warm or fully cooled. Optionally drizzle with caramel or white chocolate once cooled.

Chill dough for at least 2 hours to prevent spreading and develop flavor.

Store cookies with a slice of bread to keep them soft.

Add toffee bits, caramel, or chopped nuts for extra indulgence.

Use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a slightly tart variation.

Drizzle with caramel sauce for a bakery-style finish.