If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the cozy flavors of fall with a gooey, sweet surprise inside, then you absolutely must try this Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe. These cookies are a heavenly blend of soft apples, warm spices, and melty caramel wrapped in a buttery dough that will have you reaching for another bite before the first is even finished. Whether you want a comforting dessert or a crowd-pleasing treat, this recipe hits all the right notes with its perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe comes from using simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a special role in making these cookies irresistibly delicious. From the soft apples providing natural sweetness and moisture, to the buttery dough that holds it all together, every ingredient is essential in crafting the perfect cookie experience.
- Unsalted butter (12 tablespoons or 1½ sticks): Softened butter creates a rich, tender crumb and adds that classic cookie richness.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup, divided): Adds sweetness and helps create the perfect coating for each cookie.
- Apple pie spice or ground cinnamon (2½ teaspoons, divided): Infuses the dough with warm, comforting autumn flavors.
- Soft caramel candies (21 pieces): Each candy melts inside to create a luscious, gooey caramel center.
- Dark brown sugar (¾ cup, packed): Brings a deep, molasses-y sweetness and moisture to the dough.
- Egg (1 large): Binds ingredients while adding structure and richness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and adds a lovely aromatic note.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Forms the base of the dough, giving the cookies their body and softness.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4-ounce box): Adds moisture and a subtle vanilla flavor, making these cookies extra soft and tender.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise beautifully and achieve that perfect texture.
- Honeycrisp apples (1 large or 2 medium, peeled, cored, and diced): Fresh apples bring juicy sweetness and a bit of tartness that pairs perfectly with caramel.
How to Make Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Butter and Sugar Coating
Begin by creaming the softened butter with half of the granulated sugar and some apple pie spice in a large bowl or using your stand mixer. Beat this mixture until it becomes light and fluffy—this is the base of flavor and texture for both the dough and the outer coating, so make sure it’s well mixed and airy.
Step 2: Preheat and Prep Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Unwrap all the soft caramel candies so they’re ready to be nestled into your cookie dough later on.
Step 3: Make the Cookie Dough
Next, add the dark brown sugar, the remaining granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and kosher salt to your butter mixture and beat until smooth. Then, gradually incorporate your dry ingredients—flour, instant pudding mix, baking soda, and the rest of the apple pie spice—mixing until your dough is just combined. This dough will be fragrant and slightly sticky with the promise of sweet apple goodness.
Step 4: Fold in the Apples
Gently fold diced Honeycrisp apples into the dough until evenly distributed. The fresh apples will lend moisture and a burst of fresh flavor, making each cookie delightfully juicy and tender.
Step 5: Shape and Fill the Cookies
Here’s the fun part: scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough, flatten it slightly, and place a caramel candy in the center. Cover the caramel with more dough and carefully roll the entire ball. Then, roll each dough ball in the sugar and spice mixture prepared earlier to give the cookies their signature sweet and spicy crust.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange the coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cookies look perfectly set. Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely—this ensures the caramel centers stay wonderfully gooey.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of charm, sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar over your cookies or drizzle with melted white chocolate to complement the rich caramel and apple flavors. You can also add a pinch of flaky sea salt on top to balance the sweetness beautifully.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of spiced chai tea, a mug of cinnamon-infused hot apple cider, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent dessert experience. The warmth and spices in these drinks heighten the cozy fall vibes of the cookies.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Serve these Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe treats on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and a small dish of extra melted caramel for dipping. For a festive touch, arrange them in decorative gift boxes or wrap individually with twine for sharing at parties or as thoughtful homemade gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and fresh. Layer with parchment paper to avoid sticking, and always keep them sealed from air to maintain the moisture and prevent the caramel from hardening excessively.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies either unbaked or fully baked. To freeze the dough, shape and fill the cookies with caramel, then place them on a tray to freeze solid before transferring to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. For freezing baked cookies, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked softness and melty caramel delight, warm the cookies in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or place them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This gentle reheating revives their soft texture without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples are recommended for their balance of sweetness and tartness, you can substitute with Granny Smith for extra tang or Fuji for a sweeter bite. Just be sure to dice them finely to mix well into the dough.
Is it okay to use regular corn syrup instead of soft caramel candies?
Soft caramel candies are preferred because they provide the perfect chewy texture and nicely contained caramel center. Corn syrup won’t offer the same consistency or flavor, so it’s best to stick with caramel candies to get that signature melty surprise.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can adapt this recipe by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Keep in mind the texture might be slightly different, but the flavors will remain just as wonderful.
How do I prevent the caramel from leaking out while baking?
Make sure to completely cover each caramel candy with dough and seal it well before rolling into balls. If caramel leaks, it often means the dough isn’t thick enough or the wrapping wasn’t tight, so take care in shaping the cookies.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the dough?
Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch that pairs nicely with apples and caramel. Raisins can offer an extra burst of sweetness too. Just fold them in with the apples to keep the balance right.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe that makes every bite feel like a cozy celebration of fall’s best flavors. Whether you bake them for guests or keep them all to yourself, these cookies promise comforting, gooey, and delightful moments. So go ahead—grab your mixing bowl, unwrap those caramels, and get ready to share some cookie magic that everyone will love.
Print
Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: 21 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in the cozy flavors of fall with these Caramel Apple Cookies. Featuring a soft, spiced dough packed with diced Honeycrisp apples and a gooey caramel center, these cookies deliver the perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. Coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture, they are irresistibly tender and aromatic—ideal for autumn gatherings or a comforting treat any time of year.
Ingredients
Butter and Sugar Coating
- 12 tablespoons (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar, divided
- 2½ teaspoons apple pie spice or ground cinnamon, divided
Cookie Dough
- 21 soft caramel candies (e.g., Kraft Baking Caramels)
- ¾ cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 large or 2 medium Honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored, and diced
Instructions
- Prepare Butter and Sugar Coating: In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter with ½ cup of the granulated sugar and 1½ teaspoons of apple pie spice until the mixture is light and fluffy. Set this mixture aside to use later for coating the cookies.
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking. Unwrap all of the caramel candies and set them aside for stuffing the cookies.
- Make the Cookie Dough: To the butter mixture, add the dark brown sugar, the remaining ¼ cup of granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Beat until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, instant vanilla pudding mix, baking soda, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until fully incorporated into a dough.
- Add Apples: Peel, core, and dice the Honeycrisp apples. Gently fold the diced apples into the cookie dough, ensuring they are evenly distributed without overmixing.
- Shape and Fill Cookies: Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of dough. Flatten each portion slightly, place one caramel candy in the center, then cover with more dough and roll into a smooth ball to fully encase the caramel. Roll each dough ball in the prepared butter and sugar coating mixture to coat the surface evenly.
- Bake: Arrange the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For best results, use crisp Honeycrisp apples as they hold their texture well during baking.
- If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the amount of sugar slightly.
- Wrapping the caramel candy fully in dough helps prevent caramel from leaking during baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- If you don’t have apple pie spice, combine 2 teaspoons cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon ground cloves.
