Introduction
If your dream dessert is apple pie crossed with a soft, chewy cookie, then these Caramel Apple Cookies are about to become your new fall obsession. Made with real apples, a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg, and loaded with chewy caramel bits, they bake up golden on the edges, tender in the center, and bursting with comforting autumn flavor.
These are perfect for cozy weekends, back-to-school snacks, or as a rustic alternative to more traditional holiday cookies. Even better? They come together fast and keep your kitchen smelling amazing.
Why I Love This Recipe
This cookie is everything I want in a fall dessert:
- Soft and chewy texture with little bursts of gooey caramel
- Fresh apple bits add moisture and natural sweetness
- Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg give each bite a cozy feel
- Simple ingredients and no chill time = quick and easy
You can dress them up with a drizzle of melted caramel or keep them simple and rustic—either way, they won’t last long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 cup finely diced apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup caramel bits (or chopped soft caramels)
Swaps & Additions
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
- Use pear instead of apple for a twist
- Prefer crisp cookies? Bake for a few minutes longer
- Use sea salt flakes on top for a sweet-savory finish
Step-by-Step Instructions
✅ 1. Prep the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
✅ 2. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
✅ 3. Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
✅ 4. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
✅ 5. Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
✅ 6. Fold in Apples and Caramels
Gently fold in the diced apples and caramel bits.
✅ 7. Scoop and Bake
Drop spoonfuls (about 1½ tablespoons) onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
✅ 8. Cool and (Optional) Drizzle
Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Drizzle with melted caramel if desired.
Tips for Success
- Dice the apples small so they bake evenly into the dough
- Slightly underbake for chewier cookies, especially if using a moist apple like Honeycrisp
- Let cookies rest on the sheet for 3–4 minutes before moving them—this helps them hold shape
- If your caramel bits are very sticky, lightly toss them in flour before mixing in
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Pair these cookies with:
- A hot cup of coffee or spiced cider
- A cool glass of Blueberry Lemonade for contrast
- Cozy up with a tray of Caramel Apple Pie Cookies for a fall dessert board
- Add to a cookie platter with Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs or Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Room temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Fridge: Keeps up to 5 days, just bring to room temp before serving
- Freeze: Freeze baked cookies or raw dough balls for up to 2 months
- Reheat cookies in the microwave for 10–12 seconds to soften caramel
More Recipes You’ll Love
For more cozy cookie vibes and fall sweets, try:
- Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs
- Edible Cookie Dough
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites
- No-Bake Monster Cookie Energy Balls
Final Thoughts
These Caramel Apple Cookies are soft, chewy, and filled with the warm, nostalgic flavors of fall. Whether you’re baking for a cozy weekend, packing school lunches, or prepping a holiday treat tray, these cookies bring that perfect blend of fruit, spice, and caramel sweetness.
Tried them? Tag @chefmaniac and share your caramel drizzle pics! And don’t forget to follow for more seasonal sweets, apple-forward bakes, and cookie recipes everyone will love. 🍎🍪🍂
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