Caramel Apple Cookies are the perfect blend of sweet caramel and juicy apples baked into soft, chewy cookies. These cookies bring all the flavors of fall right into your kitchen! The buttery caramel pieces melt into the dough, creating little pockets of gooey deliciousness that pair perfectly with the fresh apples. It’s like having a caramel apple in every bite—anything but boring! I promise this recipe will become a new favorite, and you’ll be making it all season long!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and finely diced
- 1/2 cup caramel bits or chopped soft caramels
How to Make Caramel Apple Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in apples and caramel bits: Gently stir in the diced apples and caramel bits.
- Scoop and bake: Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Details And Nutritional Information
Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 cookie (based on 24 servings)
Calories: 120
Sugar: 11g
Sodium: 70mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Note And Tips For Perfect Caramel Cookies
- Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor balance.
- Keep caramel in check: Chopping soft caramels into small pieces helps prevent them from melting too much and sticking to the pan.
- Don’t overbake: The cookies should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center for that perfect chewy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Caramel Apple Cookies
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough balls on a tray, then store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just bake them from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Do I have to peel the apple?
Peeling the apple ensures a smoother texture in the cookie, but if you prefer the added texture, feel free to leave the skin on.
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
I wouldn’t recommend it for this recipe, as caramel sauce is too liquidy and could affect the texture of the cookies. Stick to caramel bits or soft caramels for the best results.
Storage Instructions
Store your Caramel Apple Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying!
More Desserts You’ll Love
These Caramel Apple Cookies are like fall in a bite! With the perfect combination of juicy apples, warm spices, and pockets of gooey caramel, they’re bound to be a hit. Enjoy baking, and don’t be surprised if they disappear quickly!
PrintCaramel Apple Cookies – The fall dessert your family will love
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Caramel Apple Cookies combine the best flavors of fall—sweet, juicy apples and gooey caramel in a soft, chewy cookie. With warm cinnamon spice and tender apple pieces, each bite feels like a cozy treat. These cookies are easy to make and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Grab a batch fresh from the oven and enjoy a little piece of autumn comfort!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and finely diced
- 1/2 cup caramel bits or chopped soft caramels
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in the diced apple and caramel bits.
- Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor.
- Make sure to chop the caramel bits or soft caramels into small pieces to prevent them from melting too much during baking.
- These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but you can also freeze the dough to bake later.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: caramel apple cookies, fall cookies, apple desserts, caramel cookies, fall baking