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 of granulated sugar (if using), and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until the apples are just tender and slightly caramelized. Remove from heat and let the apples cool completely before adding them to the cookie dough.
Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the 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 together until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
Fold in the Apples and Chill:
Gently fold the cooled, cooked apples into the cookie dough. If the dough feels too soft, cover the bowl and chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. Ensure the dough is cold before assembling and baking.
Assemble the Cookies:
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of chilled 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 candies.
Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set.
Cool and Serve:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Be careful, as the caramel inside will be hot. 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
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add chopped apples, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (if using), and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, until apples are tender. Remove from heat and cool completely.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the cooled apples. If the dough is soft, chill it for 15-20 minutes. Make sure the dough is cold before assembling the cookies.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough, flatten it slightly, and place a caramel candy in the center. Roll the dough around the caramel, sealing it completely.
- Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden and the centers are just set.
- Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition
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.
