Caramel Apple Cookies capture the essence of a classic fall dessert in a soft, chewy treat that’s perfect year-round. With tender chunks of apple and gooey caramel bits tucked into a warmly spiced dough, these cookies offer all the cozy charm of a caramel apple with the convenience of a handheld dessert. Ideal for bake sales, lunchbox treats, or seasonal gatherings, they’re sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies are a delightful twist on traditional drop cookies, offering a rich blend of sweetness, spice, and texture. The apples bring natural moisture and a fruity freshness, while the caramel bits melt into little pockets of indulgence. With simple pantry staples and minimal prep time, you can easily whip up a batch for any occasion. They’re especially popular during autumn but just as delicious any time you crave a sweet, homey treat.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup diced apples (peeled)
1 cup caramel bits (or caramel pieces, chopped)
directions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
Add Apples and Caramel
Gently fold in the peeled, diced apples and caramel bits (or chopped caramel pieces), ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Form the Cookies
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake
Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and timing
Servings: Makes about 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12–14 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
Apple Variety: Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a sharper contrast, or go with Honeycrisp for added sweetness.
Spice It Up: Add nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth and complexity.
Drizzle Finish: Drizzle the cooled cookies with melted caramel or white chocolate for a decorative touch.
Nutty Addition: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
storage/reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes to restore freshness.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel candies?
Yes, just chop them into small pieces if you don’t have caramel bits. Be sure to use a soft caramel variety for best results.
What type of apple is best for these cookies?
Firm apples like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp hold their shape and add great texture and flavor.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be chilled for up to 24 hours before baking. This may slightly enhance the flavor and texture.
Will the caramel melt and stick to the pan?
Using parchment paper helps prevent sticking. If using chopped caramel candies, leave a little space between dough drops to avoid excessive spread.
How do I keep the cookies soft?
Do not overbake, and store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, portion the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
Do these cookies spread a lot?
They spread moderately. Chilling the dough slightly before baking can help if you want thicker cookies.
Are these cookies overly sweet?
They are sweet but well-balanced by the tartness of the apples and the warmth of the cinnamon.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but margarine can be used if needed, with slight variation in taste.
Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free caramel pieces and cream if drizzling.
Conclusion
Caramel Apple Cookies are the perfect combination of crisp fall flavors and comforting homemade goodness. With tender apples, sweet caramel bits, and a warmly spiced dough, they bring the joy of a caramel-dipped apple into every bite-sized piece. Whether shared with loved ones or savored with a warm drink, these cookies are sure to become a beloved favorite in your baking collection.
Caramel Apple Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Caramel Apple Cookies are the perfect fall treat, packed with sweet diced apples and gooey caramel bits wrapped in a soft cinnamon-spiced cookie dough. A cozy dessert for holiday gatherings or anytime you’re craving apple pie in cookie form!
Ingredients
-
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
-
1 cup granulated sugar
-
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
-
2 large eggs
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
-
1 teaspoon baking powder
-
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
-
1/2 teaspoon salt
-
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
-
1 cup diced apples (peeled)
-
1 cup caramel bits (or chopped caramel pieces)
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. -
Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract. -
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Gradually add to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. -
Add Apples and Caramel:
Fold in diced apples and caramel bits gently. -
Form the Cookies:
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. -
Bake:
Bake for 12–14 minutes until edges are golden and centers are set.
Cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
-
Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness.
-
Let cookies cool completely before storing to prevent sticking due to caramel.
-
Optional: sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty touch.
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