Name: Easy Caramel Apple Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup brown sugar; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp); ¾ cup soft caramels, chopped

Nothing screams fall like the combination of crisp apples and gooey caramel, and these Easy Caramel Apple Cookies bring that cozy flavor right into your kitchen. With a buttery cookie base and sweet apple bits tucked inside, every bite tastes like a warm slice of caramel apple pie in cookie form. They’re perfect for bake sales, holiday platters, or when you just want a comforting treat without too much fuss.

The best part? These cookies come together quickly with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. Whether you’re looking to use up extra apples or planning something special for a gathering, this recipe delivers on both taste and nostalgia. Trust us—once you’ve had one, you’ll want another.

Why You’ll Love These Easy Caramel Apple Cookies

These cookies check all the boxes: chewy, slightly crisp on the edges, soft in the center, and bursting with real apple chunks. The caramel melts into gooey pockets throughout the cookie, making each bite rich and satisfying. They feel homemade, taste indulgent, and don’t require any fancy equipment or complicated steps.

You’ll also love how versatile this recipe is. Use your favorite apple variety, opt for store-bought soft caramels or homemade ones, and even freeze the dough for baking later. Whether warm out of the oven or packed in lunchboxes, they’re irresistible.

What Kind of Apples Work Best for Cookies?

The best apples for these cookies are tart-sweet varieties that hold their shape when baked. Think Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady. These types offer that familiar tang that balances beautifully against the sweetness of the caramel and cookie dough. Avoid overly soft apples like Red Delicious—they’ll turn mushy in the oven and won’t give you that juicy pop in every bite.

Ingredients for the Easy Caramel Apple Cookies

This cookie dough is buttery and rich, with chunks of fresh apple and pockets of gooey caramel. Each ingredient serves a purpose in bringing flavor, texture, and balance to every bite.

All-purpose flour – Forms the structure of the cookie and balances out the moisture from the apples.
Baking soda – Helps the cookies rise and get that slight puff in the oven.
Salt – Enhances the sweetness and balances the caramel.
Unsalted butter – Adds richness and flavor while helping create that chewy texture.
Brown sugar – Provides moisture and that deep, molasses-like sweetness.
Granulated sugar – Gives a bit of crispness to the edges.
Egg – Binds everything together and adds moisture.
Vanilla extract – Adds a warm, cozy undertone.
Chopped apples – Fresh and juicy, bringing tart sweetness and texture.
Soft caramels – These melt into the dough for gooey bits of caramel throughout.

How To Make the Easy Caramel Apple Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and dice your apples into small chunks. Unwrap the soft caramels and chop them into smaller pieces.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.

Step 3: Add the Apples and Caramel

Gently fold in the chopped apples and caramel pieces, being careful not to overmix. You want the apples and caramel to be evenly distributed without breaking them down.

Step 4: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers look just set.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps the caramel set and keeps everything gooey but not messy.

How to Serve and Store These Cookies

These cookies are fantastic both warm and at room temperature. When served warm, the caramel is perfectly gooey and the apple is soft and aromatic. They’re great for an afternoon coffee break, packed into lunchboxes, or laid out on a holiday dessert table.

This recipe yields about 18–20 cookies, enough to satisfy a family or small gathering. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage. If freezing, reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to revive that just-baked taste.

What to Serve With Easy Caramel Apple Cookies?

Hot Apple Cider

A warm mug of spiced apple cider doubles down on fall flavors and complements the caramel perfectly.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Sandwich a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream between two cookies for an impromptu dessert.

Cinnamon Whipped Cream

Top your cookies with a dollop of cinnamon whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.

Cheddar Cheese Slices

A classic pairing with apples—try it! The savory bite of cheddar balances the sweetness.

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Whether homemade or from your favorite coffee shop, PSLs and caramel apple cookies are meant for each other.

Greek Yogurt Parfait

Crumble the cookies over a bowl of vanilla Greek yogurt for a sweet-and-creamy breakfast.

Candied Pecans

Offer a bowl of candied pecans on the side for an extra crunch during a cozy get-together.

If you’re into these sweet, chewy apple-packed cookies, check out more MiaPlates favorites:

• Cheesecake Stuffed Red Velvet Cookies if you’re feeling indulgent and festive.
• Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies for that comforting, classic flavor.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies with a fruity cream center surprise.
• Chocolate Lava Brownie Cookies if you’re craving deep chocolate richness.
• Leftover Candy Shortbread Bars for post-holiday fun and flavor.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp? Did you try sea salt on top?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

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