If you’re searching for a cookie that captures the nostalgic magic of a fall fair, look no further than these Caramel Apple Cookies. Each bite brings together tender apple pieces and gooey caramel inside a soft, spiced cookie shell—comforting, just-sweet-enough, and impossible to eat just one. They’re the kind of treat that feels like a warm hug on a cool afternoon, and they’re bound to become a cherished favorite you’ll crave year-round.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for Caramel Apple Cookies is delightfully simple, and every element plays an important role in creating cookies with irresistible flavor and texture. Don’t skip the spices or the pop of real apple—each makes these cookies uniquely satisfying and perfectly balanced.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides a rich, buttery base for a tender cookie crumb.
- Brown Sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Lends a deep, caramel-like sweetness and chewier texture.
- Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup): Adds just the right touch of sweetness while helping the edges crisp slightly.
- Large Egg (1): Binds all the ingredients and creates a soft, cohesive dough.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Enhances the cozy, warm flavors throughout the cookie.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 1/2 cups): The foundation for sturdy, chewy Caramel Apple Cookies.
- Baking Soda (1/2 tsp): Gives these cookies their perfect lift and softness.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances the sweetness and sharpens the apple and caramel flavors.
- Cinnamon (1/2 tsp): Infuses each bite with classic fall spice.
- Nutmeg (1/4 tsp): Adds a subtle warmth that complements the cinnamon and apple.
- Peeled and Finely Chopped Apple (1 cup, such as Granny Smith): Brings a fresh, slightly tart contrast and juicy texture.
- Soft Caramel Bits or Chopped Soft Caramels (1/2 cup): Delivers that delightful gooey, sweet surprise in every bite.
How to Make Caramel Apple Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this makes for easy cleanup and ensures your cookies release perfectly. Taking these steps first means you’re ready to go as soon as the dough comes together.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Creaming until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes) sets up a soft, tender texture in the finished cookies you’ll love.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack in your egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat again until everything’s beautifully combined and velvety. This step helps guarantee your Caramel Apple Cookies have a consistent, luscious crumb.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. These dry components bring structure, spice, and subtle complexity to every cookie.
Step 5: Combine and Form Dough
Gradually add the dry mixture to your creamed wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or by hand until no streaks of flour remain. Avoid overmixing—just work the dough until it’s cohesive for the best texture.
Step 6: Fold in Apples and Caramel
Gently fold in the peeled, chopped apples and soft caramel bits. For optimal texture, blot the chopped apple pieces dry before adding to the dough. Stir until the apples and caramel are evenly distributed from edge to edge.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Scoop out tablespoon-sized mounds of dough (a cookie scoop is handy here) onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Pop them into the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are golden and the centers are just set.
Step 8: Cool and Finish
Let your cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to finish cooling completely. For an extra flourish, drizzle with melted soft caramel once cool, letting it set for the ultimate bakery-style touch.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Cookies
Garnishes
For a celebration-worthy finish, drizzle cooled cookies with extra melted caramel or dust lightly with cinnamon sugar. You can also sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt while the caramel drizzle is sticky for an irresistible sweet-salty combo.
Side Dishes
Caramel Apple Cookies pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for dessert. For a midday treat, serve alongside a mug of hot cider or spiced chai—your guests will be delighted by the cozy collaboration.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking Caramel Apple Cookies on a rustic cake stand for a casual gathering, or arrange them in gift boxes lined with parchment for a delicious homemade present. For parties, consider making cookie sandwiches with a swirl of cinnamon cream cheese frosting in the middle!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Caramel Apple Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They stay soft and chewy but keep them out of direct sunlight for best results. If your kitchen is warm or humid, pop the container in the fridge to maintain freshness.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. To freeze unbaked dough, portion out scoops onto a lined tray, freeze, then store in a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-from-the-oven softness, warm chilled or thawed Caramel Apple Cookies in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, a quick 10–15 seconds in the microwave will also do the trick and make the caramel centers deliciously gooey again.
FAQs
Can I use any type Dessert
Granny Smith apples work best for their tartness and firm texture, but other firm apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn are also great choices. Avoid overly soft or mealy apples, as they can make the cookies soggy.
What are soft caramel bits, and can I use regular caramels?
Soft caramel bits are small, ready-to-bake pieces found in the baking aisle, making them super convenient. If you can’t find them, just chop up your favorite soft caramels into small cubes for a similar gooey effect!
My cookies spread too much. What went wrong?
Excess moisture from the apples can cause spreading, so be sure to blot them dry before folding into the dough. Also, don’t let the dough get too warm as you work—if it feels sticky, chill it for 15–20 minutes before baking.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Caramel Apple Cookie dough can be mixed and refrigerated for up to 48 hours before baking. Chilling helps the flavors meld for even tastier cookies, and you can bake off as many as you want at a time.
How do I get perfect melty caramel on top?
For a beautiful finishing touch, melt a few soft caramels with a splash of cream in the microwave and drizzle over the cooled cookies. Let the drizzle set before serving for cookies that look as amazing as they taste!
Final Thoughts
There’s simply nothing like the cozy, nostalgic flavor of Caramel Apple Cookies shared with family or friends. With gooey caramel, real apple, and warm spices in every bite, these cookies are always a crowd-pleaser. Give this recipe a whirl—your kitchen will smell incredible, and I promise everyone will come back for more!
Print
Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of fall with these chewy and aromatic Caramel Apple Cookies. Packed with sweet caramel bits and crisp apples, these cookies are a perfect treat for the autumn season.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Add-ins:
- 1 cup peeled and finely chopped apple (such as Granny Smith)
- 1/2 cup soft caramel bits or chopped soft caramels
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla until well combined.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined.
- Add apple and caramel: Gently fold in the chopped apples and caramel bits.
- Bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes until golden.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use firm apples for best texture and blot them dry before adding to the dough.
- For a drizzle effect, melt additional soft caramels and drizzle over cooled cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
