1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.

6. Gently fold in the chopped apples with a spatula.

7. Scoop cookie dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.

8. Press a few extra apple pieces on top of each dough ball if desired.

9. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are golden brown.

10. Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

11. Drizzle warm caramel sauce over cooled cookies before serving.