If you’re a sucker for the cozy combination of sweet apples and rich caramel, then this Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe is going to become your new obsession. These cookies blend the tartness of fresh apples with the buttery goodness of caramel, all wrapped in a soft, cinnamon-spiced dough that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for fall afternoons or anytime you want to bring a bit of comforting sweetness to your day, this recipe hits all the right notes with just a few simple ingredients and some easy steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and warmth. From the richness of butter to the gentle tartness of Granny Smith apples, these essentials come together to create cookie magic.
- Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup softened: Provides creamy richness and tenderness to the cookie dough.
- Granulated sugar, 1/2 cup: Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie’s chewy texture.
- Brown sugar, 1/2 cup packed: Brings a deep molasses flavor and moisture for a soft bite.
- Large egg, 1: Binds the ingredients and contributes to structure and moisture.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Enhances overall flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
- All-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups: The foundation that holds the cookie together.
- Baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon: Adds lightness and helps the cookies rise slightly.
- Baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon: Works alongside baking soda for perfect texture.
- Salt, 1/2 teaspoon: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
- Ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon: Adds a cozy, spicy warmth that pairs beautifully with apple and caramel.
- Finely chopped apple, 1 cup (such as Granny Smith): Offers tart juiciness and freshness in every bite.
- Caramel bits, 1/2 cup (or melted caramel sauce for drizzling): Provides that luscious, gooey caramel surprise.
How to Make Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a snap.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is where the magic begins—the fluffy texture helps create that soft cookie crumb everyone loves. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is beautifully combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon together in a separate bowl. This ensures your leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed, giving every cookie that perfect rise and a touch of warmth from the cinnamon.
Step 4: Mix the Dough
Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your cookies tender. Then fold in the chopped apple and caramel bits. If you’re planning to drizzle caramel sauce later, save it for the finishing touch.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Pop them in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for golden edges and set centers that promise a soft, chewy interior.
Step 6: Cool and Add Caramel Drizzle
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you’re using melted caramel sauce instead of bits, now’s the time to drizzle it over the cooled cookies, adding a glossy, decadent finish that looks as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a festive touch, sprinkle a pinch of coarse sea salt over the caramel drizzle—this enhances the sweetness and adds a delightful crunch. Alternatively, a light dusting of powdered cinnamon or even a few chopped toasted pecans on top adds an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Side Dishes
These cookies are lovely on their own but pair wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced apple cider or a creamy vanilla chai latte. If you want to serve them alongside something more substantial, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream complements the warm flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking a few Caramel Apple Cookies on a decorative plate tied with a rustic ribbon for gift-giving or holiday gatherings. You can also create mini cookie sandwiches by placing a thin spread of caramel sauce or cream cheese frosting between two cookies—an irresistible twist that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them soft and chewy while allowing the flavors of apple and caramel to meld even more beautifully.
Freezing
You can freeze baked Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months and thaw quickly at room temperature when you’re ready for a sweet treat.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, simply microwave a cookie for about 10 seconds or pop a few in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This melts the caramel just right and revives that soft, comforting texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are preferred for their tartness and firmness, you can substitute with Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala. Just make sure to finely chop the apple so it bakes evenly and doesn’t add too much moisture.
What if I don’t have caramel bits? Can I use caramel sauce only?
Yes, you can use melted caramel sauce to drizzle on top after baking, but the sentiment of little pockets of caramel inside the cookie will be missed. If you want both, try incorporating bits inside and drizzling on top for double the decadence.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Certainly! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Be mindful to check that your baking soda and powder are gluten-free as well. The texture might vary slightly but the flavor will remain delicious.
How do I prevent the apples from making the dough too wet?
Using finely chopped apple helps prevent excessive moisture. You can also gently squeeze out any excess juice from the chopped apples before folding them into the dough for a perfect rise and texture.
Is it possible to make the dough ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Chilling the dough actually enhances the flavor and helps the cookies retain their shape better during baking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a batch of freshly baked Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe cooling on the rack, the mingling aromas of cinnamon, caramel, and apple filling your kitchen. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in, a festive gathering, or just because, these cookies are bound to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. So roll up your sleeves, grab those ingredients, and treat yourself to a warm, homemade delight that feels just like a hug in cookie form.
Print
Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these soft and chewy Caramel Apple Cookies, featuring a perfect blend of cinnamon-spiced apples, rich caramel bits, and a buttery cookie base. A cozy fall treat that balances sweetness with a hint of tart apple, ideal for dessert or snack time.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 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
Add-ins
- 1 cup finely chopped apple (such as Granny Smith)
- 1/2 cup caramel bits (or melted caramel sauce for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract, beating them into the mixture until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spice.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough. Gently fold in the finely chopped apples and caramel bits, reserving the caramel sauce if you plan to drizzle later.
- Bake Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the cookie edges turn golden and the centers are set but still soft.
- Cool and Add Caramel Drizzle: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. If using melted caramel sauce, drizzle it artistically over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of sweetness and shine.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples for a tart contrast to the sweet caramel and sugar.
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for proper creaming.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies tender and soft.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before drizzling caramel sauce to prevent it from melting off.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
