Chewy Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe: A Sweet Autumn Treat

Sweet memories of autumn unfold with these delightful caramel apple cookies that blend nostalgia and comfort.

Crisp orchard apples mingle perfectly with rich, golden caramel notes in every tender bite.

Fragrant spices dance through the dough, creating a warm embrace of seasonal charm.

Kitchen counters will sparkle with excitement as you mix these irresistible treats.

Soft edges and gooey caramel centers promise a delectable experience that captures fall’s essence.

Baking these cookies connects you to cherished moments of shared laughter and cozy gatherings.

You’ll want to savor each delicious morsel and share the magic with everyone around you.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of apples?

Yes, any crisp apple like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji works well in this recipe. Choose apples that are firm and slightly tart for the best flavor and texture.

• How do I prevent my cookies from becoming too soft?

Don’t overmix the dough and make sure to chop apples into small, uniform pieces. Pat the apple pieces dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture before adding them to the dough.

• What if I can't find caramel bits?

You can substitute with chopped soft caramel candies or drizzle melted caramel over the cookies after baking. Some bakers also use caramel chips as an alternative.

Caramel Apple Cookies Best Bits

• Savor Seasonal Delight: Capture the essence of autumn with these warm, comforting cookies packed with fresh apples and gooey caramel bits.
• Bake with Ease: Simple ingredients and straightforward mixing steps make this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced home cooks.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: These cookies are ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or cozy afternoons, offering a delightful blend of sweet and fruity flavors that everyone will love.
• Quick Comfort Creation: Minimal preparation time and basic kitchen tools mean you can whip up these delicious treats without spending hours in the kitchen.

Caramel Apple Cookies Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: The base ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cookies.
• Baking Soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become light.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, sweet spice that complements the apple flavor.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, tender base for the cookie dough.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help with cookie caramelization.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Fresh Apples, Caramel Bits: Add chunks of sweet fruit and gooey caramel throughout the cookies for extra flavor and texture.

Caramel Apple Cookies Simple Steps

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cookie removal and cleanup.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt

Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Base

• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Beat the mixture until it becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color.

Step 4: Introduce Moisture And Flavor

• Fresh egg
• Vanilla extract

Blend until the ingredients are completely incorporated and smooth.

Step 5: Merge Wet And Dry Components

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients.

Stir gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.

Step 6: Enhance With Fruity Crunch

• Freshly chopped apples
• Caramel bits

Distribute evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 7: Shape Cookie Delights

Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets.

Space cookies about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.

Step 8: Bake To Golden Perfection

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Look for golden brown edges as a sign of doneness.

Step 9: Cool And Serve

Transfer cookies to a wire rack.

Allow them to cool completely before serving to ensure the perfect texture and flavor.

Caramel Apple Cookies Best Tips

• Toss chopped apples in lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent oxidation during baking.
• Sprinkle extra caramel bits on top of cookies right after baking for an intense, gooey caramel finish.
• Pat chopped apples dry with paper towels to prevent excess liquid from making cookies soggy.
• Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking to create thicker, chewier cookies with less spread.
• Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and soft texture.

Caramel Apple Cookies Flavor Ideas

• Gluten-Free Apple Delight: Replace all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same soft cookie texture while making it celiac-friendly.
• Vegan Caramel Apple Treats: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use flax egg instead of regular egg, and replace dairy caramel with vegan caramel chips for a plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Apple Comfort: Use monk fruit sweetener in place of granulated sugar, reduce overall sugar content, and add extra cinnamon for natural sweetness.
• Keto-Friendly Apple Cookies: Use almond flour, swap sugars with erythritol, incorporate chopped pecans, and use sugar-free caramel pieces to create a low-carb alternative.

Caramel Apple Cookies Serving Tips

• Cozy Dessert Pairing: Serve these warm cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a decadent treat that melts in your mouth.
• Festive Autumn Presentation: Arrange cookies on a rustic wooden board with cinnamon sticks and fresh apple slices for a beautiful seasonal display.
• Tea Time Delight: Pair with a hot cup of spiced chai or caramel-infused tea to enhance the cookie's rich, sweet flavor profile.
• Gift-Worthy Packaging: Stack cookies in a clear cellophane bag tied with a burlap ribbon for a charming homemade gift that showcases their golden-brown beauty.

Caramel Apple Cookies Storage Guide

• Store cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and preventing sticking.
• Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, place in freezer bags, and store for 2-3 months, maintaining their delicious caramel and apple flavors.
• Warm cookies for 10-15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate, checking to prevent overheating and preserve their soft texture.
• Let frozen or refrigerated cookies sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to restore their original softness and bring out the caramel and apple notes.

Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sweet and buttery caramel apple cookies blend autumn’s warmth with classic comfort. Crisp apple chunks and smooth caramel swirls create a delightful treat you’ll savor with every delectable bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups (219 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup peeled, chopped apples
• 1 cup caramel bits

Baking Essentials:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (55 grams) brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350F (175C) and cover baking sheets with parchment paper for even cooking surface.
2. Sift flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt together in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of dry ingredients.
3. In a separate large bowl, whip softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a smooth base.
4. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract into butter mixture, blending thoroughly until ingredients are fully integrated.
5. Gently introduce dry ingredient mixture into wet ingredients, stirring minimally to prevent overworking the dough.
6. Delicately fold chopped apples and caramel bits into cookie dough, distributing ingredients evenly throughout.
7. Portion dough onto prepared baking sheets using a spoon, maintaining approximately 2-inch intervals between each cookie.
8. Place cookies in preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges transform into a golden brown color.
9. Transfer cookies to wire cooling rack, allowing them to reach room temperature before serving or storing.

Notes

• Substitute fresh apples with dried apple pieces for a chewier texture and more concentrated apple flavor.
• Adjust caramel bits quantity to control sweetness level and prevent excessive melting during baking.
• Use gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and maintain cookie shape.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 127
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 69 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 13 mg