Name: Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 cup peeled and finely chopped apple (such as Granny Smith); 1 cup caramel bits or chopped soft caramel candies; 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you adore autumn baking or simply crave that irresistible combo of caramel and apples, these Caramel Apple Cookies will feel like a warm hug straight from your oven. Each bite weaves together buttery softness, chewy caramel pockets, and fresh apple in a cozy, nostalgic dance that’s perfect for any season — but especially when there’s a hint of crispness in the air. From family gatherings to school bake sales, these cookies always draw delighted smiles and requests for the recipe, delivering big on both comfort and flavor. Here’s everything you need to know to make these crowd-pleasers at home!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple pantry staples, along with a few autumn-inspired gems, create magic in these Caramel Apple Cookies. Each ingredient earns its place, working hard to get just the right tender crumb, the perfect gooey bite, and the aroma that wafts through your kitchen.

Unsalted butter: Softened butter is key for a creamy, rich dough that bakes up tender and flavorful.
Granulated sugar: Delivers classic sweetness and ensures your cookies have just the right amount of crisp edges.
Brown sugar: Packed brown sugar gives the cookies that beautiful caramel undertone and a soft, chewy texture.
Eggs: Two large eggs bind the dough and make the cookies soft and pillowy.
Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, comforting depth that complements both caramel and apple perfectly.
All-purpose flour: The heart of your cookie dough, providing structure without heaviness.
Baking soda: Gives lift and a lovely lightness to every bite.
Salt: Just a pinch brings the flavors together and tames the sweetness.
Ground cinnamon: Adds that classic apple dessert fragrance — don’t skip it!
Apple (such as Granny Smith): Fresh, tart apple pieces add moisture and brightness; firmer apples hold up beautifully through baking.
Caramel bits or chopped soft caramels: Little bursts of gooey caramel bring all the fun and indulgence to each cookie.
Pecans or walnuts (optional): Chopped nuts offer extra crunch and a lovely, nutty finish if that’s your thing.

How to Make Caramel Apple Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by firing up your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This tiny bit of prep guarantees your Caramel Apple Cookies will lift right off with perfectly golden bottoms — no sticking, no fuss!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat them together until the mixture turns light, creamy, and fluffy. This step helps create that unmistakable cookie texture everyone loves, so take your time with the mixing.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract — you’ll notice the dough starting to look silky-smooth, and the aroma kicking up a notch!

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Mixing dry ingredients before adding them in prevents clumping and gives an even cinnamon swirl to every cookie.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything is combined. Resist overmixing at this stage — it’ll keep your Caramel Apple Cookies gloriously soft, not tough.

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

With a spatula, fold in your finely chopped apples, caramel bits (or chopped caramels), and nuts if you’re using them. Make sure every scoop of dough is chock-full of goodies for that signature taste in each bite.

Step 7: Portion and Bake

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepped baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until cookie edges turn a tempting golden brown while the centers stay tender.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes for easy handling, then transfer them to a wire rack. Resist nibbling until they’ve cooled completely — if you can!

How to Serve Caramel Apple Cookies

Garnishes

For a touch of extra indulgence, drizzle a little melted caramel over the cooled cookies. A sprinkle of flaked sea salt or a pinch of cinnamon sugar can also make your Caramel Apple Cookies sparkle at first glance and first bite.

Side Dishes

Turn cookie time into a mini event by serving these alongside crisp apple slices, vanilla bean ice cream, or a mug of chai latte. The warmth of the spices in the cookies, paired with cool, creamy side dishes, makes for a truly memorable treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack Caramel Apple Cookies in mason jars for an eye-catching gift, or wrap them in parchment and tie with colorful ribbon. At autumn parties, create a “cookie board” with fresh apple wedges, nut clusters, and caramels. These cookies love the spotlight!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Caramel Apple Cookies keep best in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Add a slice of bread to the container to help maintain their soft texture — just be sure to remove it before serving.

Freezing

To enjoy Caramel Apple Cookies long past baking day, freeze the cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to three months — perfect for surprise guests or cozy cravings.

Reheating

Bring out that fresh-baked magic by reheating cookies in a 300-degree oven for 4 to 5 minutes, or just a few seconds in the microwave. This revives their softness and re-melts the caramel for that just-baked sensation.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of apple?

Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith bring a lovely balance, feel free to try Honeycrisp or Fuji for a slightly sweeter flavor and similar firm texture.

How do I keep the cookies from getting soggy?

Make sure to use firm apples and chop them finely. If your apples are extra juicy, pat the pieces dry with a paper towel before folding them in, and always store the cookies in an airtight container.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. The other ingredients in these Caramel Apple Cookies work well with gluten-free flour, so you should get a deliciously similar result.

What kind of caramel should I use?

Caramel bits are the easiest option since they hold their shape well, but you can also chop up soft caramel candies. Avoid hard caramels, as they don’t melt the same way in the oven.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

You sure can! Prepare the dough, scoop it into balls, and chill them on a tray. Once firm, transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, place directly on the sheet while the oven preheats, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re in the mood for a classic fall treat or simply want to bring a little extra comfort to any day, these Caramel Apple Cookies are pure joy. Give them a try — your kitchen will smell amazing, your friends and family will clamor for seconds, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!

Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These delectable Caramel Apple Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly captures the flavors of fall. Soft and chewy, with the sweetness of caramel and the tartness of apples, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Additional Mix-ins:

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Stir in mix-ins: Fold in the chopped apples, caramel bits, and nuts if using.
Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.