These Caramel Apple Cookies are the ultimate autumn treat, but honestly, they’re too good to save for just one season! Imagine all the classic flavors of a caramel apple packed into a soft, cinnamon-spiced cookie, with bits of tender apple in every bite and a luscious ribbon of gooey caramel drizzled over the top. Whether you’re baking up a batch for a cozy get-together, a fall bake sale, or just to make your kitchen smell amazing, these cookies bring together the perfect balance of warmth, nostalgia, and pure cookie joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in making these Caramel Apple Cookies irresistibly soft and flavorful. From the creamy butter to juicy fresh apple and rich caramel drizzle, every bite showcases how simple pantry staples come together in spectacular harmony.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): The foundation for that chewy, melt-in-your-mouth texture—make sure it’s properly softened for easy creaming!
- Light brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds moisture and a deep caramel-y sweetness that echoes the drizzle on top.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and helps the cookies puff up just enough.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses every bite with fragrant, classic cookie flavor.
- All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): Gives the cookies structure while still keeping them tender.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a little lift for a pillowy texture.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the rise, enhancing softness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and makes all the flavors pop.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds cozy spice that pairs beautifully with apples and caramel.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Just a hint to underscore the aromatic warmth of cinnamon and apple.
- Medium apple (peeled and finely diced): Use a crisp variety for the perfect texture and tang.
- Soft caramels (20, unwrapped and chopped): These melt down into that dreamy caramel drizzle your cookies deserve.
- Milk (1 tablespoon): Helps get the caramel to the perfect drizzling consistency.
How to Make Caramel Apple Cookies
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Kick things off by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfectly baked cookies. Trust me, you’ll save yourself from sticky caramel mishaps down the road!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter and packed light brown sugar together until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step is key for those soft Caramel Apple Cookies with just enough chew.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the dough becomes silky and smooth. This extra moment ensures even mixing and a cookie that holds together beautifully.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
Grab a separate bowl and whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Incorporating the spices now ensures their flavor gets evenly distributed in every bite.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixes
Gradually add the dry mix into your creamed butter mixture. Stir just until it all comes together. Overmixing is the enemy of tender cookies—so take it easy.
Step 6: Fold in Apples
Gently fold in the finely diced apple pieces. The apple brings a burst of tartness and juiciness, giving your Caramel Apple Cookies that delightful surprise in every bite.
Step 7: Portion the Dough
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and space them about 2 inches apart on your lined baking sheet. This gives the cookies room to spread and become golden without merging together.
Step 8: Bake
Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Remember, they’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t wait for a super-firm center in the oven!
Step 9: Make the Caramel Drizzle
While your cookies bake, place the chopped soft caramels and milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until the caramel is completely smooth and pourable.
Step 10: Drizzle and Cool
Let your cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet, then drizzle your warm caramel over each one. Allow the caramel to set before moving or serving. Trust me, this drizzly step makes all the difference!
How to Serve Caramel Apple Cookies
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt over the caramel before it sets, or add a dusting of cinnamon for that bakery-fresh look. Chopped toasted pecans or walnuts also add a delicious crunch if you want to take your Caramel Apple Cookies over the top.
Side Dishes
Pair these decadent cookies with a cozy mug of apple cider or your favorite spiced tea. They also go wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream—just let the warm caramel drizzle mingle with the ice cream for dessert bliss!
Creative Ways to Present
Stack these cookies in a mason jar for adorable gifting, or arrange them on a rustic wooden platter for an autumn dessert table centerpiece. For a playful twist, sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two cookies for dreamy Caramel Apple Cookie ice cream sandwiches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and drizzled, store your Caramel Apple Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They stay wonderfully soft, and the flavors even deepen as they rest!
Freezing
These cookies are freezer-friendly, both before and after baking. For best results, freeze dough portions on a tray, then transfer to a bag or container. Bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the bake time. You can also freeze fully baked (and cooled) cookies with parchment between layers; thaw at room temp before serving.
Reheating
If you love a gooey caramel finish, pop a cookie in the microwave for 5–10 seconds to warm it just enough to soften the caramel and bring out all those comforting aromas.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work beautifully for their crispness and tart flavor, feel free to use any firm apple you prefer. Just avoid varieties that are mealy or very soft when baked.
How do I keep the caramel from hardening too quickly?
Work quickly when drizzling your melted caramel, as it will start to set once it cools. If it stiffens up, a few seconds in the microwave will bring it back to drizzling consistency.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the dough?
Yes! About 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or raisins can be folded into the dough with the apples for extra flavor and festive texture in your Caramel Apple Cookies.
Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Be sure to check that your caramels and other ingredients are certified gluten-free as well.
Why do my cookies look underbaked in the middle?
These cookies are meant to be soft and chewy in the center. They’ll finish setting up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem just a bit underdone straight from the oven—that’s exactly how Caramel Apple Cookies achieve their signature texture.
Final Thoughts
Baking these Caramel Apple Cookies fills your kitchen with pure autumnal happiness and leaves you with a treat that is impossible to resist. Soft, fragrant, just a little gooey, and bursting with nostalgic flavors—these cookies are absolutely worth making. I hope you give them a try, share them with your loved ones, and enjoy every warm, caramel-drizzled bite!
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 captures the flavors of fall. Soft, chewy cookies filled with diced apples and drizzled with gooey caramel, these cookies are sure to become a favorite for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 medium apple, peeled and finely diced
Caramel Drizzle:
- 20 soft caramels, unwrapped and chopped
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dough: Cream butter and brown sugar in a large bowl. Add egg and vanilla; mix. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Fold in diced apple.
- Bake Cookies: Scoop dough onto the baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden.
- Prepare Caramel: Melt caramels and milk in the microwave, stirring until smooth.
- Drizzle Caramel: Cool cookies slightly, then drizzle with warm caramel.
- Serve: Allow caramel to set before serving.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
