Quick & Easy Caramel Apple Cookies
There’s something about the combination of crisp apples and gooey caramel that just feels like fall, no matter what season it is. I came up with these Caramel Apple Cookies on a whim one rainy afternoon when my youngest asked if we could bake something “cozy.” I had apples on hand and a few soft caramel candies tucked away, and the idea just clicked. What came out of the oven was pure magic: golden, soft cookies filled with tender bits of apple and a glorious caramel center that oozes when you take a bite.
The first time I made them, I barely had a chance to get a photo before they disappeared! My husband said they reminded him of caramel apple pie, only in cookie form, and my kids couldn’t stop pulling them apart to watch the caramel stretch and melt. Now, they’ve become a staple in our home—especially during the cooler months, but honestly, we don’t wait for fall to roll around to enjoy these.
What I love most is how simple and satisfying they are. They taste like something you’d find at a bakery, yet they’re incredibly easy to make with pantry staples. Plus, they store beautifully and make wonderful lunchbox treats or gifts. If you’re craving something warm, sweet, and a little nostalgic, these cookies will absolutely hit the spot. They’re one of those recipes that bring smiles all around—every single time.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Can I use any kind of apple?
Yes, but firmer varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up best while baking.
What kind of caramel should I use?
Use soft caramel candies (like Werther’s Soft Caramels) or baking caramels. Avoid hard caramels as they won’t melt the same way.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! Freeze the dough balls with the caramel inside, then bake straight from the freezer. You may need to add a few minutes to the bake time.
Do the cookies stay soft after baking?
Absolutely. Thanks to the apple chunks and caramel, they stay wonderfully soft and chewy for days when stored properly.
Can I make them without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg or your preferred egg replacer, though texture may vary slightly.
What You Need to Make Caramel Apple Cookies
Ingredients:
1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp salt
1 ½ cups peeled and diced apple (about 1 medium apple)
18–20 soft caramel candies (unwrapped)
Special Tools:
Stand or hand mixer
Cookie scoop (optional, but helpful)
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
How to Make Caramel Apple Cookies
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Fold in the diced apples gently.
Scoop the dough into balls (about 2 tablespoons each). Flatten each dough ball slightly, place a caramel candy in the center, and then seal the dough around it.
Place cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are golden and centers are set.
Cool slightly before enjoying. The caramel inside will be very hot right out of the oven.
Tips for Making the Best Caramel Apple Cookies
Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it’s too soft to work with—this makes it easier to wrap around the caramel.
Don’t overbake! Slightly underbaking ensures that perfect chewy texture and melty center.
Use a small cookie scoop to keep the sizes even so they bake uniformly.
For extra flair, sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt on top before baking to balance the sweetness.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Reader Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Absolute fall favorite!” These cookies taste just like a caramel apple in cookie form. My kids were OBSESSED.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect for bake sales!” I made a batch for my daughter’s school fundraiser and they sold out in minutes. Everyone wanted the recipe.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Yummy but sticky!” Delicious, but the caramel made them a bit tricky to store. Next time I’ll wrap them individually.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “So easy and SO good!” Didn’t expect these to be so simple. Followed the recipe exactly and they turned out bakery-quality!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Might try adding nuts next time.” Really good, but I think some chopped pecans would add a nice crunch. Will try that soon!
Printable Recipe
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Quick & Easy Caramel Apple Cookies
These Caramel Apple Cookies are soft, chewy, and stuffed with gooey caramel and tender apple bits—like a caramel apple in cookie form! Made with pantry staples and easy enough for busy weeknights, they’re the perfect treat for fall or any time you're craving cozy, homemade comfort.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups peeled and diced apple (about 1 medium apple)
- 18–20 soft caramel candies (unwrapped)
- Special Tools:
- Stand or hand mixer
- Cookie scoop (optional, but helpful)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in the diced apples gently.
- Scoop the dough into balls (about 2 tablespoons each). Flatten each dough ball slightly, place a caramel candy in the center, and then seal the dough around it.
- Place cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are golden and centers are set.
- Cool slightly before enjoying. The caramel inside will be very hot right out of the oven.
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