Name: Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 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 cup peeled and finely diced apple (such as Granny Smith); 1/2 cup soft caramel bits or chopped soft caramels; 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

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If autumn had a signature scent, I’m convinced it would be the sweet perfume of apples and caramel merging in a cozy kitchen — and that’s exactly what the Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe brings to life! Imagine crisp apple bits, gooey pockets of caramel, and the warm embrace of cinnamon, all baked into a chewy, golden cookie that tastes like a trip to the orchard. These cookies are a delightful way to capture fall’s magic, whether you’re welcoming sweater weather or just craving a nostalgic treat.

Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe plays an essential role, from the buttery base to the aromatic spices and, of course, those juicy apple chunks. With a handful of pantry staples and a few special additions, you’re just minutes away from a batch of cookies that truly taste like homemade comfort.

Unsalted Butter: Softened butter creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie and lets you control the saltiness.
Granulated Sugar: Gives the cookies structure and a hint of classic sweetness.
Light Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note that pairs perfectly with apples.
Large Egg: Binds everything together for chewy, cohesive cookies.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors with a warm, aromatic touch.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the dough, providing just the right amount of bite.
Baking Soda: Helps the cookies spread and brown beautifully.
Baking Powder: Gives an extra lift for a softer, thicker cookie.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors.
Ground Cinnamon: Infuses the dough with spicy warmth that screams fall.
Ground Nutmeg: Lends a subtle depth that pairs beautifully with apples.
Peeled and Finely Diced Apple (such as Granny Smith): Adds juicy tartness and keeps the cookies wonderfully moist.
Soft Caramel Bits or Chopped Soft Caramels: Melt into gooey pockets for that irresistible caramel chew.
Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (optional): Bring a lovely crunch and nutty flavor — skip them for a nut-free version.

How to Make Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Gear

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your cookies bake evenly and slide right off the pan without sticking, making cleanup a breeze. A little prep goes a long way!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is key for soft, tender cookies — take a few minutes to really whip air into the mixture. When it looks pale and creamy, you’re ready for the next step.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and pour in your vanilla extract, then beat again until everything is completely combined. The egg helps bind the dough, while vanilla deepens the overall flavor, making every bite taste homemade.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mixing the dry ingredients first ensures that the leavening and spices distribute evenly throughout the dough, so you get perfect flavor and rise in every cookie.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! You want a soft dough that holds together but isn’t tough. The dough should be thick and scoopable.

Step 6: Fold In the Apple, Caramel, and Nuts

Gently fold in the diced apple, caramel bits, and nuts (if using). Make sure your apple pieces are small so they bake evenly and distribute sweetness throughout the cookies. The caramel bits will create gooey surprises in every bite!

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are golden and the centers are just set. Try not to overbake — these cookies are best when they’re still a little soft in the middle.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes (they’ll firm up as they cool), then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The hardest part is waiting, but trust me, it’s worth it for the perfect texture!

How to Serve Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

A drizzle of salted caramel sauce, a dusting of cinnamon sugar, or even a few extra chopped nuts on top can turn these cookies into a bakery-worthy treat. For special occasions, try a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt to highlight the caramel flavors.

Side Dishes

Pair your Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe with a steaming mug of hot apple cider, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a mug of strong coffee. These combos make them perfect for dessert tables, autumn gatherings, or just a cozy snack on a chilly afternoon.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the cookies in a rustic tin lined with parchment for a charming homemade gift, or arrange them in a circle on a pretty platter with caramel dipping sauce in the center. For a fun twist, sandwich a scoop of cinnamon ice cream between two cookies for a festive ice cream sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay chewy and delicious for up to three days — if they last that long! Layer parchment between cookies if you’re stacking them to prevent sticking.

Freezing

This Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe freezes beautifully. Let the cookies cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to three months. You can also freeze the cookie dough balls and bake them straight from the freezer when a craving strikes.

Reheating

To refresh your cookies, warm them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes. This brings back the gooey caramel texture and softens the apples, making them taste bakery-fresh again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Dessert

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples add wonderful tartness, feel free to swap in Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples for a sweeter flavor. Just be sure to dice them finely for even baking.

What if I can’t find caramel bits?

No worries! Simply chop up soft, chewy caramels into small pieces. Avoid hard caramels, as they won’t melt as nicely in the cookies.

Are the nuts necessary?

Not at all. The nuts add crunch and flavor, but you can leave them out for a nut-free Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe. The cookies will still turn out soft and delicious.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough up to two days ahead and store it tightly covered in the fridge. Scoop and bake whenever you’re ready for fresh cookies.

How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?

If your cookies spread more than you’d like, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the butter firm up and prevents excessive spreading in the oven.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a treat that feels like a warm hug from autumn itself, this Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe is for you. Gather your ingredients, invite a friend or two to help, and savor the joy of homemade cookies fresh from the oven — I promise, you’ll want to make these again and again!

Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in the cozy flavors of fall with these Caramel Apple Cookies, featuring tender diced apples, sweet chewy caramel bits, warm cinnamon and nutmeg spices, and a touch of crunchy nuts. Perfectly soft and lightly spiced, these cookies combine classic apple dessert tastes with an irresistible caramel twist, making them a delicious treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

1 1/2 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

Add-ins

1 cup peeled and finely diced apple (such as Granny Smith)
1/2 cup soft caramel bits or chopped soft caramels
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which takes about 2-3 minutes.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and the batter looks smooth and creamy.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined; avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold in the finely diced apples, soft caramel bits, and chopped nuts if using, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow room for spreading.
Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers are set but still soft for a chewy texture.
Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.

Notes

Ensure the apple is finely diced to help it cook thoroughly and blend well into the cookie texture.
Use soft, baking-friendly caramel bits that melt smoothly without hardening inside the cookies for optimal chewiness.
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness, or freeze them for extended storage.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American