Okay, gather ’round, friends! Let’s talk about my family’s all-time favorite: Caramel Apple Cookies. I can practically smell them just thinking about it! The warm, spiced apple scent mingling with that rich, buttery caramel… it’s pure comfort in every bite. These cookies are not just a treat; they’re an experience, a memory, a warm hug on a chilly day.

I remember one fall afternoon, trying to bake something special for a school bake sale. My first attempt at Caramel Apple Cookies was a sticky, gooey mess! The caramel oozed everywhere, and the cookies were flat as pancakes. My daughter, bless her heart, took one look and said, “Mom, they taste amazing, but they look…interesting.” We still laugh about it. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best recipes come from a bit of trial and error, and a whole lot of love.

But, you know me, I don’t give up easily! After a few tweaks (and a whole lot of taste-testing), I finally nailed the Caramel Apple Cookies recipe. Now, it’s a family tradition. My kids request them every year for their birthdays, and they’re always a hit at holiday gatherings. There is never a crumb left. It’s amazing how a simple cookie can become such a cherished part of our lives.

Life’s too short for boring cookies, right? So, come on, let’s get baking! I’m going to share all my secrets for making these soft caramel apple cookies absolutely irresistible. You’ll have everyone begging for more. Trust me, this Caramel Apple Cookies recipe is a keeper. Get ready to create some magic in your kitchen!

Ingredients for Caramel Apple Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these amazing Caramel Apple Cookies. I always splurge on good quality butter for my Caramel Apple Cookies. It makes a huge difference in the final taste and texture! The quality of your ingredients truly shines through in the final product.

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup packed light brown sugar – For more information on why brown sugar is so important in cookies, check out this article. It makes the Caramel Apple Cookies so much chewier! Why Brown Sugar is Important in Cookies
2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt

2 cups peeled and diced apples (I prefer Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for my Caramel Apple Cookies) – For more information, check out this website. All About Apples
1 cup caramel bits (I love the Kraft brand for these Caramel Apple Cookies)

I’ve tried different apples in this Caramel Apple Cookies recipe, but the tartness of Granny Smith really balances the sweetness of the caramel. My son, though, he’s a Honeycrisp fanatic, so sometimes I do a mix. Feel free to experiment with your favorite! Don’t be afraid to explore different varieties to find your perfect apple-caramel harmony.

Don’t be tempted to skip the nutmeg in these Caramel Apple Cookies. It adds such a warm, cozy flavor that complements the apple and caramel perfectly. Trust me on this one! I’ve also found that chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking really helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much. It’s a game-changer for these soft caramel apple cookies. This little trick ensures a perfectly shaped, chewy cookie every time.

How to Make Caramel Apple Cookies – Step by Step

Alright, let’s get down to business! This is how I make these Caramel Apple Cookies. Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying warm, delicious cookies in no time!

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). I always double-check the oven temperature. I hate when my Caramel Apple Cookies don’t come out just right. A preheated oven is crucial for even baking.

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. You want it nice and smooth for these Caramel Apple Oatmeal Cookies. I have found that if you leave your butter out for about an hour it mixes very well. This creates the base for a tender and delicious cookie.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well combined. This is super important for the perfect easy Caramel Apple Cookies. Even distribution of ingredients is key to a consistent texture.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisking is KEY! You want to make sure everything is evenly distributed in this Caramel Apple Cookies recipe. This ensures that the spices are evenly incorporated throughout the dough, creating a balanced flavor profile.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your Caramel Apple Cookies will be tough. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a less tender cookie.
Gently fold in the diced apples and caramel bits. I like to make sure the apples and caramel are evenly dispersed throughout the dough. It makes for the perfect bite every time with these Caramel Apple Cookies! Even distribution ensures that every bite is filled with the delicious flavors of apple and caramel.
Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets. I use a cookie scoop to ensure they’re all the same size, so they bake evenly. This batch of Caramel Apple Cookies is going to be so delicious! Using a cookie scoop helps to create uniform cookies that bake evenly.

Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. Keep a close eye on them, as ovens can vary. Every oven is different, so it’s important to keep and eye on your Caramel Apple Cookies! Baking time can vary depending on your oven, so keep a close watch to prevent overbaking.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking. Plus, you don’t want to burn your mouth on a hot Caramel Apple Cookie! Cooling on the baking sheet allows the cookies to firm up slightly, making them easier to transfer without breaking.

While the cookies are cooling, I usually tidy up the kitchen (or sneak a cookie or two – don’t tell!). You can also get started on the cream cheese frosting if you’re feeling fancy! But, honestly, these Caramel Apple Cookies are delicious on their own. If you want to learn how brown sugar changes cookies, here is an article! How Brown Sugar Changes Cookies

Serving & Enjoying Your Caramel Apple Cookies

Okay, the cookies are baked, they’re cooled (or maybe you snuck a warm one – I won’t judge!), now what? Well, my family has a few favorite ways to enjoy these Caramel Apple Cookies. Of course, they are wonderful on their own! The possibilities are endless, and the enjoyment is guaranteed.

My youngest loves them with a big glass of cold milk. It’s a classic pairing that never fails. My husband, on the other hand, prefers his Caramel Apple Cookies with a cup of hot coffee. He says it brings out the warmth of the cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s amazing how different pairings can enhance the flavors of the cookies.

For a truly decadent treat, try topping these Caramel Apple Cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream melting over the warm cookie is just heavenly. For parties, I like to arrange the Caramel Apple Cookies on a platter with a sprinkle of extra caramel bits on top. Makes them look extra fancy! Presentation matters, and a simple sprinkle of caramel bits can elevate the look of your cookies.

And if you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), they’re delicious crumbled over yogurt or oatmeal. They add a touch of sweetness and spice to your morning routine. My mom always said that caramel goes well with apples. She used to make Caramel Apple Cookies all the time when I was a kid! These cookies are not just a treat; they’re a way to start your day with a smile.

FAQs About Caramel Apple Cookies

I always get a ton of questions about this Caramel Apple Cookies recipe, so I thought I’d answer a few of the most common ones here:

Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely! I prefer Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for their flavor and texture, but you can use any apple you like. Just make sure to dice them into small pieces so they bake evenly in these Caramel Apple Cookies. Experiment with different varieties to find your perfect apple!

Can I freeze the Caramel Apple Cookies dough?

Yes, you can! Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven – you might need to add a minute or two to the baking time for your Caramel Apple Cookies! This is a great way to have fresh cookies on hand whenever you want them.

What if I don’t have caramel bits?

No problem! You can chop up caramel candies instead. Just make sure they’re not too hard, or they won’t melt properly in your Caramel Apple Oatmeal Cookies. This is a simple substitution that works perfectly in this recipe.

My Caramel Apple Cookies are spreading too much. What am I doing wrong?

This could be due to a few factors. Make sure your butter isn’t too soft, and try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. Also, don’t overmix the dough. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, which can lead to spreading. My friend did that once with her Caramel Apple Cookies, and she had to throw the entire batch away. These tips will help you achieve perfectly shaped cookies every time.

Can I add nuts to this Caramel Apple Cookies recipe?

Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would be a delicious addition. I would add about ½ cup to the dough along with the apples and caramel bits to the Caramel Apple Cookies! Nuts add a delightful crunch and flavor to these cookies.

How do I store these Caramel Apple Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’re usually gone way before then in my house, though! I don’t think that these Caramel Apple Cookies have ever lasted that long! These cookies are so delicious, they rarely last more than a day or two.

Can I make these Caramel Apple Cookies gluten-free?

I haven’t personally tried it, but you could experiment with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different for the Caramel Apple Cookies. Gluten-free baking can be a bit tricky, but it’s definitely worth a try!

Closing Thoughts on Caramel Apple Cookies

This Caramel Apple Cookies recipe is more than just a recipe to me; it’s a little piece of my family’s history. It’s a reminder of those cozy fall afternoons spent baking together, the laughter, and the occasional kitchen mishaps. And as I said before, these Caramel Apple Cookies are my family’s all-time favorite. They’re a symbol of love, warmth, and togetherness.

My Personal Caramel Apple Cookies Tips:

Don’t overbake! Slightly underbaked cookies are always better than overbaked ones.

Use parchment paper! It prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Experiment with spices! Try adding a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for an extra layer of flavor.

Over the years, I’ve also played around with a few variations. My husband loves it when I add a cream cheese frosting. My daughter prefers a sprinkle of sea salt on top of her Caramel Apple Cookies. And my son…well, he just wants more caramel! Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavors and toppings.

No matter how you choose to make them, I hope these Caramel Apple Cookies bring as much joy to your family as they do to mine. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make them your own. Add your favorite nuts, try different types of caramel, or even drizzle them with chocolate! The possibilities are endless. Just make sure to have fun and enjoy the process. I really hope you enjoy these easy Caramel Apple Cookies.

So, go ahead, preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create some delicious memories. I know you’re going to love these Caramel Apple Cookies!

Caramel Apple Cookies

Print Recipe

These Caramel Apple Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with apple pie spice and chunks of caramel. A perfect fall treat that combines the flavors of caramel apples into a delicious cookie!

Author: Kiera

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Yield: About 18 cookies
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked

Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon apple pie spice
1/2 cup chopped peeled apple (such as Honeycrisp or Gala)
1 cup caramel bits or chopped caramel candies

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). 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 well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and apple pie spice.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

Fold in the chopped apple and caramel bits.
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For an extra touch, drizzle melted caramel over the cooled cookies or sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt.