Chewy Caramel Apple Cookies
I’ve always loved caramel apples, but sometimes you just want that flavor without the sticky mess.
These Caramel Apple Cookies have all the best parts of a caramel apple—chunks of fresh apple, warm cinnamon, and a swirl of caramel—in a soft, buttery cookie. They’re perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or to share with friends.
The idea for these came after trying the caramel apple cookies from one of my favorite NYC bakeries, Janie’s Bakes.
There’s something about the caramel and apple combination that just works, and I knew I had to recreate it at home. Now, these cookies are a must-bake in my kitchen every fall—the smell alone gets everyone in the house excited!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Inspired by a Classic – These cookies are a playful twist on a caramel apple, with all the flavors you’d expect in a soft, cozy cookie.
- Perfect Texture – The dough is soft and buttery, with slightly gooey caramel pockets and bits of fresh apple in every bite.
- Easy to Make – This recipe comes together quickly and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients, so it’s great for an easy baking session.
- Family Favorite – These cookies have become a go-to when I want something warm and comforting to share.
Ingredients List (With Substitutions)
These cookies come together with simple ingredients you might already have at home, like butter, sugar, flour, apples, cinnamon, and caramel.
Each one brings out that warm caramel apple flavor we love.
Dry Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour (substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free blend for gluten-free)
- Baking soda and baking powder
- Salt
- Ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients:
- Unsalted butter, softened (coconut oil or vegan butter works for a dairy-free option)
- Brown sugar (coconut sugar is a good alternative, though it may darken the color)
- Granulated sugar
- Egg (or a flax egg: 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water)
- Vanilla extract
Additions:
- Apple, finely chopped (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are good options; dried apple pieces work in a pinch, but expect a chewier texture)
- Butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon for cooking the apples
- Caramel candies, cut into small pieces (or caramel bits for easier handling)
Instructions
Making these caramel apple cookies is easy! Just mix up the dough, gently fold in the apple pieces and caramel, chill briefly, and bake.
They’re ready in under an hour and perfect for an afternoon treat.
- Precook the Apples: In a small skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped apples, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (if using), and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes, or until the apples are just tender and starting to caramelize. Remove from heat and let the apples cool completely before adding to the cookie dough.
- Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together sifted flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the Apples: Gently fold the cooled, cooked apples into the dough. If the dough is too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.
- Assemble the Cookies: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place a piece of caramel candy in the center, then roll the dough around it, ensuring the caramel is fully enclosed. Repeat with the remaining dough and caramel.
- Bake: Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Be careful with the hot caramel. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tip: Choose Firm Apples
A firmer apple, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, works well in these cookies because it holds its shape while baking.
Top Tips
- Make Sure Apples Are Cool: Adding warm apples to the dough can melt the butter in the dough, making it too soft. Let the apples cool completely before mixing them in.
- Wrap Caramel Fully: To prevent caramel from leaking, make sure each piece of caramel is fully enclosed in dough.
Warm Cookies
These cookies are best enjoyed warm when the caramel is gooey. Briefly reheat in the microwave if needed.
What to Serve with Caramel Apple Cookies
These cookies are delicious on their own, but a hot drink like coffee, tea, or apple cider is the perfect pairing. They’re also great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re looking to serve them as a dessert.
Other Recipes You’ll Enjoy
If you like these Caramel Apple Cookies, here are a few other treats to try:
- Raspberry Crumble Cookies – Buttery cookies with a layer of sweet-tart raspberry jam and a crumbly topping.
- Arroz con Leche – Creamy rice pudding spiced with cinnamon, perfect for a cozy dessert.
- Easy Apple Crisp – Warm, spiced apples topped with a buttery crumble, ideal for apple lovers.
- Mexican Wedding Cookies – Tender, crumbly cookies rolled in powdered sugar, perfect for holidays or any time you want a sweet, simple treat.
If you try these Caramel Apple Cookies, I’d love to know how they turn out!
Leave a comment or recipe rating, and if you snap a photo, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram. It’s always great to see how your bakes come out!
Caramel Apple Cookies
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowls
- 1 Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
- 1 Baking Sheets
- 1 Wire Rack
- 1 Skillet
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additions:
- 1 cup finely chopped apple peeled and cored
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter for cooking the apples
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar optional, for caramelizing the apples
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon for cooking the apples
- 15-20 caramel candies cut into small pieces (or ½ cup caramel bits)
Instructions
- In a small skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add chopped apples, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, until apples are tender. Cool completely.
- In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a large bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, mixing until combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Fold in cooled apples. If needed, chill dough for 15-20 minutes.
- Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough, flatten, and place a caramel piece in the center. Roll dough around caramel, enclosing it fully.
- Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, until edges are golden.
- Cool cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Top Tips for Caramel Apple Cookies
- Precook Apples for Tenderness: Cooking the apples with cinnamon and sugar makes them tender and caramelized, which enhances the cookie’s flavor.
- Chill Dough if Needed: Chilling the dough for 15 minutes helps prevent spreading and makes the dough easier to work with.
- Wrap Caramel Fully: Make sure the caramel is completely covered in dough to prevent it from leaking out during baking.
