If you’re longing for a treat that’s cozy, chewy, and gives you all those nostalgic vibes of biting into a caramel apple at the county fair, these Caramel Apple Cookies will absolutely win you over. They’re perfectly spiced, loaded with juicy apples, and dotted with gooey caramel, so every bite is a burst of autumn flavors. Whether you’re baking for a crisp fall afternoon or just need a crowd-pleasing dessert, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit with kids and grownups alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For these Caramel Apple Cookies, you’ll only need simple pantry staples plus a few fresh and fun mix-ins. Every ingredient plays its part, whether it’s for a rich, buttery base or bringing the classic caramel-and-apple duo to life.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds richness and helps create that irresistible chewy texture.
- Light brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): For a deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with the apples and caramels.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Balances the flavors and helps give the cookies crisp golden edges.
- Large egg (1): Adds moisture and binds everything together for the perfect cookie structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the warmth and depth of every bite.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): The base that gives your cookies structure and chewiness.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies spread just the right amount.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Creates a little extra lift for a pleasing cookie dome.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Classic apple-cinnamon coziness in every morsel.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances out the sweetness and brings all the flavors together.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (1 cup): Adds wholesome texture and a lovely chew—plus they soak up some of the apple juices.
- Granny Smith apple (1 medium, peeled and finely diced): Brings tart, crisp apple flavor, so dice it small for even baking.
- Soft caramel bits or chopped soft caramels (1/2 cup): For those irresistible pockets of gooey caramel in every cookie.
- Milk (1 tablespoon): Helps loosen the caramel when making the optional drizzle on top.
How to Make Caramel Apple Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you are. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for fuss-free cleanup and picture-perfect cookies that never stick.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Take your time with this step; you want the mixture to become light and fluffy, which helps trap air for a tender, chewy cookie. Use a hand mixer or the paddle attachment of your stand mixer.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Don’t skimp on scraping down the sides of your bowl—every bit needs to be perfectly blended to ensure each cookie has the same lush flavor.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This simple step ensures all the leavening and spices are distributed evenly, so you’ll get the perfect rise and flavor in every cookie.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to your creamed butter mixture, blending just until combined. Overmixing can toughen your cookies, so go slow—stop as soon as no streaks of flour remain.
Step 6: Add Oats, Apple, and Caramel Bits
Stir in the rolled oats, diced Granny Smith apple, and soft caramel bits. If the dough looks super soft (thanks, juicy apples!), pop it in the fridge for 20 minutes to firm up. This helps keep your cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden and the centers are just set. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before carefully moving them to a wire rack.
Step 8: Optional Caramel Drizzle
If you love an extra touch of decadence, melt leftover caramel bits with 1 tablespoon of milk in a microwave-safe bowl, microwaving in 20-second intervals and stirring until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies for a glossy, tempting finish.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Cookies
Garnishes
A simple drizzle of warm caramel is a classic (and irresistible!) finishing touch. For a little flair, sprinkle on a tiny pinch of sea salt while the drizzle is still soft, or dust the cooled cookies with a whisper of extra cinnamon.
Side Dishes
Pair Caramel Apple Cookies with an ice-cold glass of milk, hot cider, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert plate. They also go beautifully alongside spiced tea or coffee during a cozy afternoon break.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifting, stack these beauties in cellophane bags tied with autumn-colored ribbon. You can serve them on a rustic wooden tray surrounded by apple slices and caramel candies, or build a festive cookie board with other fall treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Caramel Apple Cookies at their best by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to enjoy them a little longer, stash them in the refrigerator for about a week without losing that chewy goodness.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange cooled cookies in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months – perfect for stash-and-snack emergencies!
Reheating
Enjoy your cookies straight from the fridge or freezer, or gently warm them in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds to revive that gooey caramel texture. If you like a crispier edge, a quick reheat in a low oven does the trick.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness and hold their shape well, feel free to play with other favorites like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter twist in your Caramel Apple Cookies.
Do I have to use caramel bits, or can I use regular caramels?
Either works! If you can’t find caramel bits, just chop up soft caramels into small pieces. They’ll melt into those delicious, gooey pockets just the same for that classic Caramel Apple Cookie experience.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The cookie dough can be made up to two days ahead and kept covered in the refrigerator. You can also scoop the dough onto trays and freeze; simply bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time.
Help! My cookies turned out too soft or spread too much. What happened?
If your Caramel Apple Cookies are spreading too much, try chilling the dough before baking and make sure your apple is finely diced to minimize added moisture. If they’re too soft, simply bake for an extra minute or two to set the centers.
What’s the best way to drizzle caramel on top?
For a beautiful drizzle, use a small spoon or a zip-top bag with a tiny tip snipped off. Wait until the cookies are completely cooled, then warm your caramel just until pourable—you’ll get neat, glossy lines every time!
Final Thoughts
These Caramel Apple Cookies combine two classic flavors you can’t help but crave once you’ve tasted them. If you’ve never baked with fresh apples and gooey caramel together, now’s your moment! Whip up a batch, share them with loved ones, and watch them disappear—one cozy, fragrant bite at a time.
Print
Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Caramel Apple Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly blend the flavors of sweet caramel, tart apples, and hearty oats. Soft, chewy, and filled with warm spices, these cookies are a must-try for fall baking.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 medium Granny Smith apple, peeled and finely diced
- 1/2 cup soft caramel bits or chopped soft caramels
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Add egg and vanilla, mix until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients.
- Add Mix-Ins: Stir in oats, diced apple, and caramel bits. Chill dough if needed.
- Bake: Scoop dough onto baking sheets, bake for 10–12 minutes until golden.
- Cool and Drizzle: Let cookies cool, optionally drizzle with melted caramel and milk mixture.
Notes
- Dice the apple finely for even baking.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 125
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 65 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
