Chewy Caramel Apple Cookies – Your New Favorite Autumn Treat!

Caramel Apple Cookies are more than just a seasonal treat; they’re a delightful reinterpretation of a cherished autumn classic. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, chewy cookie that perfectly encapsulates all the beloved flavors of a crisp, caramel-dipped apple. This recipe transforms the nostalgic charm of fall festivals and pumpkin patches into a convenient, incredibly delicious bite-sized indulgence that’s sure to become a staple in your autumn baking repertoire.

For many, the traditional caramel apple evokes fond memories of hayrides, school fairs, and cool, vibrant evenings. While the classic is undeniably delicious, it can also be a delightfully messy affair! That’s precisely why these cookies have garnered such immense popularity. They offer the warm, comforting blend of sweet apples, aromatic cinnamon, and luscious, gooey caramel, all wrapped up in a tender cookie base, allowing you to enjoy every moment without the sticky aftermath. I find the balance of tart apple chunks against the rich, buttery caramel absolutely irresistible. Get ready to experience the ultimate cozy comfort in every single one of these amazing Caramel Apple Cookies.

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Cookie Dough:
  • 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled. I always find that spooning and leveling helps prevent a dense cookie, which we definitely don’t want for these soft and chewy Caramel Apple Cookies.
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda. This is our leavening agent, ensuring our cookies rise beautifully and have that perfect chew.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Ah, the quintessential spice that perfectly complements the apples and caramel, bringing warmth and depth to every bite of these Caramel Apple Cookies.
  • ½ teaspoon salt. Don’t skip this! Salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors, making the caramel and apple notes truly sing.
  • 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature. Using unsalted butter gives us control over the salt content, and having it softened is crucial for creaming it properly with the sugars.
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar. This provides initial sweetness and helps create that crispy edge we all adore.
  • ¾ cup (160g) packed light brown sugar. Brown sugar adds moisture, chewiness, and a lovely molasses flavor that pairs wonderfully with the caramel and apples in our Caramel Apple Cookies.
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature. Room temperature eggs emulsify better with the butter and sugar, leading to a smoother, more uniform dough.
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract. A fundamental flavor enhancer that brings out the best in all the other ingredients.
• For the Apple Filling:
  • 1 ½ cups (about 2 medium) apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced (approximately ¼-inch pieces). I highly recommend using a crisp, slightly tart apple like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. They hold their shape well during cooking and provide a delightful textural contrast and tang to our rich Caramel Apple Cookies.
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter. For sautéing our diced apples.
  • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar. A little extra sweetness and caramelization for our apples.
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon. To further enhance the apple flavor.
• For the Caramel Swirl & Drizzle:
  • 1 cup (180g) soft caramel candies (like Kraft Caramels), unwrapped, roughly chopped if very large. These will melt into gooey pockets within our Caramel Apple Cookies, providing bursts of rich, buttery caramel.
  • ¼ cup (45g) soft caramel candies, unwrapped, for the drizzle. We’ll melt these down to create that irresistible finishing touch.
  • 1 teaspoon milk or cream, for melting the drizzle caramel. Just a tiny bit helps achieve the perfect drizzling consistency.
• Optional Mix-ins:
  • ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts. If you love a little crunch and nutty flavor, these are a fantastic addition to your Caramel Apple Cookies.

Preparing Your Apples & Caramel: The Heart of Caramel Apple Cookies

Before we even think about mixing our cookie dough, we need to give our apples some special attention. This step is absolutely crucial for achieving the perfect texture and flavor in our Caramel Apple Cookies. Nobody wants crunchy, raw apple pieces in a soft cookie, nor do we want apple mush! We’re aiming for tender, slightly softened apple bits that meld beautifully with the caramel.

1. Dice the Apples: First things first, peel, core, and finely dice your chosen apples. I find that ¼-inch pieces are ideal. Any larger, and they might not cook through properly or could make your cookies fall apart. Any smaller, and they might become too mushy. Precision here pays off for the ultimate Caramel Apple Cookies!
2. Sauté the Apples: In a small non-stick skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Once the butter is shimmering, add your finely diced apples, 1 tablespoon of light brown sugar, and ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Stir well to coat the apples evenly.
3. Cook Until Tender-Crisp: Cook the apples for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. What we’re looking for here is for the apples to soften slightly, but still retain a bit of their shape and a hint of texture. They should not be mushy. The brown sugar will caramelize slightly, giving them an even deeper flavor. Once they’ve reached this tender-crisp stage, remove them from the heat and transfer them to a small plate or bowl to cool completely. It’s important they are cool before adding them to your cookie dough, as warm apples can start to melt the butter in your dough, leading to a greasy or spread-out cookie. This cool-down step is vital for perfectly structured Caramel Apple Cookies.
4. Prepare Caramel Bits: While your apples are cooling, take your 1 cup of soft caramel candies and, if they’re particularly large, give them a rough chop. This ensures that the caramel bits are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough, giving you delicious pockets of gooey caramel in every single bite of your Caramel Apple Cookies. If they’re small, you can leave them as is. Set these aside.

Mixing the Cookie Dough: Achieving Perfect Caramel Apple Cookies

Now that our apple preparation is done, we can move on to creating the foundation for our incredible Caramel Apple Cookies: the dough! This is where all the magical flavors come together.

5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together your 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Give it a good whisk for about 30 seconds to ensure everything is thoroughly combined. This even distribution of leavening and seasoning is key for consistent results across all your Caramel Apple Cookies. Set this bowl aside.
6. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer (either a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer), beat your 1 cup of softened unsalted butter on medium speed for about 1 minute until it’s smooth and creamy. Then, add the ¾ cup of granulated sugar and ¾ cup of packed light brown sugar to the butter. Continue to beat on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture is light, fluffy, and noticeably paler in color. This creaming process incorporates air into the butter and sugar, which is fundamental for a soft and chewy cookie texture. Don’t rush this step; it’s a cornerstone for outstanding Caramel Apple Cookies.
7. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Add one large egg at a time, beating well after each addition until just combined. After the second egg is incorporated, stir in the 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Beat for another 30 seconds until everything is fully emulsified and smooth. The mixture might look a little curdled after adding the eggs, but it will come together as you beat it.
8. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, a third at a time. Mix only until the flour streaks have almost disappeared. This is crucial: do not overmix the dough! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, which can lead to tough, dry cookies. We want tender, soft Caramel Apple Cookies, so stop mixing as soon as everything looks just combined. A few streaks of flour are perfectly fine; they’ll disappear in the next step.
9. Fold in the Goodies: Remove the bowl from the mixer. Now it’s time to carefully fold in our cooled, sautéed apples and the 1 cup of chopped caramel candies. If you’re using them, this is also the moment to add your ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts. Use your rubber spatula to gently fold everything into the cookie dough until evenly distributed. Be gentle to avoid mashing the apples or overworking the dough. You’ll see beautiful pockets of caramel and fragrant apple pieces throughout your dough – it truly looks and smells like the promise of incredible Caramel Apple Cookies!

Baking Your Delicious Caramel Apple Cookies

We’re almost there! The anticipation builds as we get ready to bake these magnificent Caramel Apple Cookies. Proper baking technique ensures they’re perfectly golden, chewy, and irresistibly aromatic.

10. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking, making cleanup a breeze.
11. Scoop the Dough: Using a 1.5 to 2-tablespoon cookie scoop (or just two spoons), drop rounded balls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. These Caramel Apple Cookies will spread a bit, so giving them ample room is important for them to bake evenly without merging into one giant cookie blob. You might need to gently reshape any particularly lumpy balls to ensure the apples and caramel are tucked in nicely.
12. Bake to Perfection: Bake one sheet at a time in the preheated oven for 10-13 minutes. Baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. You’re looking for edges that are set and lightly golden brown, while the centers still look slightly soft and puffy. A common mistake is to overbake, which can lead to dry cookies. We want a chewy center, characteristic of the best Caramel Apple Cookies!
13. Cool on Baking Sheets, Then Rack: Once baked, remove the baking sheets from the oven. Allow the Caramel Apple Cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. This brief cooling period helps them set and firm up enough so they won’t break when you transfer them. After 5 minutes, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

The Grand Finale: Drizzling Caramel Perfection on Your Caramel Apple Cookies

The cookies are baked, cooled, and almost ready for their close-up! The final touch, a luscious caramel drizzle, is what truly elevates these from great to absolutely unforgettable Caramel Apple Cookies. It adds another layer of caramel goodness and makes them look professionally decorated.

14. Melt the Drizzle Caramel: In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the ¼ cup of soft caramel candies (the ones reserved for the drizzle) and 1 teaspoon of milk or cream. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the caramel is completely melted and smooth. This usually takes about 30-60 seconds in total. Be careful not to overheat it, as caramel can burn quickly. You want a consistency that’s thick enough to hold its shape but thin enough to drizzle. If it’s too thick, add another tiny splash of milk; if too thin, let it cool for a minute or two.
15. Drizzle with Flair: Once the cookies are completely cool on the wire rack, take your melted caramel and use a spoon or a fork to drizzle it artfully back and forth over the tops of the Caramel Apple Cookies. You can also transfer the caramel to a small zip-top bag, snip off a tiny corner, and pipe it for more control. Be creative with your drizzle! A generous zigzag pattern or delicate lines will both look fantastic.
16. Allow to Set: Let the drizzled Caramel Apple Cookies sit for about 10-15 minutes, or until the caramel drizzle has set and is no longer sticky. If you’re in a hurry, you can pop them into the refrigerator for a few minutes to speed up the setting process.
17. Serve and Enjoy: Once the caramel is set, your magnificent Caramel Apple Cookies are ready to be devoured! I find they are best enjoyed fresh, perhaps slightly warmed, to bring out the gooey caramel and warm apple notes. They store beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.

<h2>Conclusion:</h2>
<p>Well, friends, we’ve reached the end of our delicious journey, but really, it’s just the beginning of your own baking adventure! I genuinely hope you’re feeling as inspired as I am about these incredible <strong>Caramel Apple Cookies</strong>. What makes this recipe an absolute triumph, a true must-try in every sense of the word, is its uncanny ability to capture the very essence of autumn in a single bite. Imagine the crisp, sweet tang of freshly picked apples, perfectly softened and caramelized, mingling with the chewy, comforting texture of a classic cookie. Then, add that luscious, golden drizzle of caramel – it’s a symphony of flavors and textures that simply sings! <strong>These aren’t just cookies; they’re miniature expressions of pure joy, a culinary hug on a plate.</strong> They strike that perfect balance between rustic charm and sophisticated flavor, making them suitable for any occasion, from a cozy afternoon treat to an impressive dessert for guests. I promise you, the aroma alone as they bake will fill your home with an inviting warmth that’s utterly irresistible. It’s that unique blend of comforting familiarity and exciting newness that elevates them far beyond your average cookie. Every bite offers a delightful surprise, showcasing the harmonious marriage of tender apple pieces, a hint of spice, and the rich, buttery sweetness we all adore. You’ll find yourself reaching for another before you even realize it, drawn in by their irresistible allure. <h5>Seriously, if you’re looking for a dessert that delivers on flavor, comfort, and sheer deliciousness, your search ends here.</h5></p>

<p>Now, let’s talk about how to make these delightful treats even more spectacular, or how to put your own personal spin on them. <strong>Serving these Caramel Apple Cookies warm, straight from the oven, is an experience in itself.</strong> The caramel will be perfectly gooey, the apples tender, and the cookie itself wonderfully soft. Imagine pairing one with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, allowing the cold creaminess to contrast beautifully with the warm, spiced cookie – pure heaven! A sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the caramel drizzle just before serving can also elevate the flavors, adding a sophisticated counterpoint to the sweetness. They are also absolutely delightful alongside a steaming mug of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk, making them the perfect companion for a quiet morning moment or an afternoon pick-me-up. For those who love to experiment, the possibilities are truly endless. You could try adding a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for an extra layer of crunch and nutty flavor. A dash of nutmeg or allspice alongside the cinnamon can deepen the autumnal spice profile. <h4>Don’t be afraid to customize these cookies to your heart’s content!</h4> For an even richer caramel experience, consider swirling in some extra caramel bits directly into the dough before baking, or drizzling with a homemade salted caramel sauce instead of a store-bought one. If you prefer a different kind of apple, feel free to experiment; just be mindful of their moisture content. Granny Smith will offer a tarter contrast, while Honeycrisp will be sweeter and hold their shape beautifully. You could even dip half of each cooled cookie in melted white chocolate and then sprinkle with a few more apple chips for an elegant presentation that’s sure to impress. Another fantastic variation is to turn these into cookie sandwiches, filling two cookies with a cream cheese frosting or a swirl of whipped cream for an even more decadent treat. The versatility of this recipe truly knows no bounds, allowing you to tailor it perfectly to your taste or to whatever ingredients you have on hand, always resulting in a truly satisfying indulgence.</p>

<p>So, what are you waiting for? <strong>It’s time to preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and embark on this wonderful baking journey.</strong> I truly believe that the best recipes are the ones that bring joy not only to your taste buds but also to your kitchen and your loved ones. These <strong>Caramel Apple Cookies</strong> are definitely one of those recipes. Don’t just read about them; experience the magic firsthand! Bake a batch for your family, share them with your neighbors, or simply treat yourself to a moment of blissful indulgence. I am absolutely thrilled for you to try this recipe, and I’m even more excited to hear all about your experience. <h5>Your feedback truly brightens my day!</h5> Once you’ve whipped up your own batch, please don’t be shy – come back and share your thoughts in the comments section below. Did you try a fun variation? Did your family rave about them? What was your favorite part of making or eating them? <strong>I love hearing about your kitchen adventures!</strong> Snap a photo and share it on your favorite social media platform, too; just imagine inspiring someone else to create their own batch of these delightful treats. Use your favorite hashtags, tell your story, and let’s spread the joy of homemade baking far and wide! Your culinary triumphs are my greatest reward, and I can’t wait to see all the wonderful ways you bring these cookies to life in your own homes. Happy baking, everyone, and may your homes be filled with the wonderful aroma of these irresistible treats, creating memories that are as sweet as the cookies themselves!</p>

Chewy Caramel Apple Cookies – Your New Favorite Autumn Treat!

Caramel Apple Cookies combine the warm flavors of fall with the chewy sweetness of caramel and apples. These cookies are perfect for autumn gatherings or as a cozy dessert for family and friends. The base of the cookie dough is spiced with cinnamon, giving it that classic fall flavor, while the caramel bits and apple chunks add a delightful texture. Easy to make in under 40 minutes (active time), these cookies are a crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. For an added touch of indulgence, drizzle melted caramel over the cooled cookies, and you’ll have a dessert that captures the essence of autumn.

Prep Time
25 Minutes

Cook Time
32 Minutes

Total Time
15 Minutes

Servings
24 cookies

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks / 226g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (160g) packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups (approx. 2 medium) apples, peeled, cored, finely diced (e.g., Granny Smith, Honeycrisp)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for apples)
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar (for apples)
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for apples)
• 1 cup (180g) soft caramel candies, unwrapped, roughly chopped
• ¼ cup (45g) soft caramel candies, unwrapped (for drizzle)
• 1 teaspoon milk or cream (for drizzle)
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1
   In a small non-stick skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add finely diced apples, 1 tbsp light brown sugar, and ¼ tsp cinnamon. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp. Transfer to a plate and cool completely. Roughly chop 1 cup of soft caramel candies for the dough; set aside.
2. Step 2
   In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, 1 tsp cinnamon, and ½ tsp salt. Set aside.
3. Step 3
   In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter until creamy. Add granulated sugar and ¾ cup light brown sugar; beat on medium-high for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Scrape down sides. Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract, until smooth.
4. Step 4
   With mixer on low, gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until flour streaks almost disappear. Do not overmix. Gently fold in cooled sautéed apples, 1 cup chopped caramel candies, and optional ½ cup nuts until evenly distributed.
5. Step 5
   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment. Scoop 1.5-2 tbsp dough balls onto sheets, 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-13 minutes until edges are golden and centers are slightly soft. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Step 6
   In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine ¼ cup soft caramel candies (for drizzle) and 1 tsp milk/cream. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring, until melted and smooth (approx. 30-60 seconds). Drizzle artfully over completely cooled cookies. Allow caramel to set for 10-15 minutes (or refrigerate briefly).
7. Step 7
   Serve and enjoy! Store Caramel Apple Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.