If you love the cozy flavors of fall wrapped up in a delightful treat, then you are going to adore this Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring together tender, buttery dough infused with warm apple pie spice, pockets of melty caramel, and fresh, juicy apples for a perfect balance of sweet and fruity. Each bite bursts with comforting homemade goodness that feels like a hug in cookie form — it’s one of those recipes that makes your kitchen smell heavenly and your heart happy. I promise, whether you’re baking for a crowd or just a cozy night in, this Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe will quickly become your go-to fall indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe lies in its simple, well-chosen ingredients. Each plays an essential role—whether it’s the smooth butter for richness, the pudding mix for that perfect chew, or the apples and caramels bringing fresh and gooey bursts of flavor. Let’s break down exactly what you’ll need:
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: The base of your dough for buttery flavor and tender texture.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar, divided: Adds sweetness and helps create a slightly crisp exterior.
- 2½ teaspoons apple pie spice or ground cinnamon, divided: Infuses that classic fall warmth and spice.
- 21 soft caramel candies (such as Kraft Baking Caramels): Melt into luscious pockets of gooey caramel inside each cookie.
- ¾ cup packed dark brown sugar: Adds depth and moisture, contributing to the chewiness of the cookie.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together while adding richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the flavors with its sweet aroma and complexity.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure so your cookies hold their shape yet stay soft.
- 1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix: The secret ingredient for irresistibly soft and chewy cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the dough rise just enough for a tender bite.
- 1 large or 2 medium Honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored, and diced: Fresh fruit pieces that add juicy texture and natural sweetness.
How to Make Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Butter and Sugar Coating
Start by creaming the softened butter with ½ cup of granulated sugar and 1½ teaspoons of apple pie spice until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This not only blends flavors beautifully but forms the sweet spice coating for your cookies later. Set this mixture aside so it’s ready for later.
Step 2: Preheat and Prep Your Baking Station
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it hot and ready for those delicious cookies. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to ensure the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. Also, unwrap all the caramel candies now so they’re ready to be tucked inside each cookie ball.
Step 3: Make the Cookie Dough
Next, to the butter mixture, beat in the dark brown sugar, the remaining ¼ cup granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Then gradually add in the dry ingredients—flour, instant vanilla pudding mix, baking soda, and the remaining 1 teaspoon apple pie spice—mixing until fully combined. This step creates a rich, fragrant, and perfectly textured dough that’s the soul of your cookies.
Step 4: Fold in the Apples
Gently fold in your diced Honeycrisp apples, distributing them uniformly without overmixing. These fresh apple pieces give every bite a juicy, refreshing contrast to the sweet dough and gooey caramel, keeping the cookies delightfully moist and flavorful.
Step 5: Shape and Fill Cookies
Now the fun part! Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place one unwrapped caramel candy in the center, then cover it completely with more dough, rolling it into a smooth ball. Roll each dough ball in the butter and sugar spice mixture prepared earlier—this adds a sparkly, flavorful coating that bakes into a lovely crust.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange the dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart so they can spread without touching. Bake for 12-14 minutes until the edges turn a warm golden brown and the cookies puff just right. Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. You’ll notice the caramels will be molten in the center—completely irresistible!
How to Serve Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies shine on their own, but if you want to dress them up, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate adds a festive touch. Chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top before baking give a nice crunch and complement the caramel-apple flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your Caramel Apple Cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a hot cup of spiced apple cider for a cozy, autumn-inspired dessert spread. They also go wonderfully alongside a simple cup of coffee or tea, perfect for afternoon treats or casual gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the cookies in a rustic wooden box or wrapping them individually in parchment paper tied with twine as charming gifts. For a party, arrange them on a tiered stand alongside fresh apple slices and caramel dip for a gorgeous, interactive dessert bar.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The flavors actually get richer after a day, so if you can wait, the next-day cookies are even better. Just be sure to keep them sealed well to retain their moisture and chewy texture.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead, you can freeze the shaped dough balls before baking. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
To enjoy warm caramel centers anytime, reheat cookies gently in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them in a low oven (300°F) for about 5 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and lets the caramel melt perfectly once again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! Honeycrisp apples are fantastic because they’re sweet and crisp, but Granny Smith, Fuji, or Gala can all work well too. Just choose firmer apples to avoid them turning mushy during baking.
Do I have to use instant vanilla pudding mix?
While it might sound unusual, the instant pudding mix is key for keeping these cookies soft and chewy. If you skip it, the cookies may turn out a bit cakier, so it’s best to include it for the ideal texture.
Can I substitute caramel candies with homemade caramel?
Yes, you can unwrap small homemade caramel pieces and use them instead. Just make sure they are soft and individually portioned so they melt evenly inside the cookies.
How do I prevent the caramel from leaking out during baking?
Wrapping the caramel fully in dough and rolling the balls tightly helps contain the caramel. The sugar-spice coating also creates a barrier. Baking at the right temperature ensures the dough sets quickly to keep the caramel inside.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing after baking?
Definitely! Once baked and cooled, place the cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag, layering with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about baking these Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe and sharing them with loved ones. The combination of carefully selected ingredients and the sunshine of caramel and apple in every bite creates a comfort-food moment you’ll want to revisit all year long. So grab your mixing bowl, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to these irresistible cookies—you won’t regret it!
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
These Caramel Apple Cookies combine the warm flavors of apple pie spice and diced Honeycrisp apples with gooey caramel candies baked into soft, chewy cookies. Perfect for a cozy fall treat, they offer a delightful balance of sweet and spiced tastes with a tender texture.
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 granulated sugar and 1½ teaspoons of apple pie spice until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Set this mixture aside to use for coating the cookie dough balls later.
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking. Unwrap the caramel candies and have them ready for stuffing inside the cookie dough.
- Make the Cookie Dough: To the butter mixture, beat in the dark brown sugar, the remaining ¼ cup granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and salt until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients—flour, instant vanilla pudding mix, baking soda, and the remaining 1 teaspoon apple pie spice—and mix until the dough is fully incorporated and smooth.
- Add Apples: Peel, core, and dice the Honeycrisp apples into small pieces. Fold these diced apples gently into the cookie dough to ensure even distribution without overmixing.
- Shape and Fill Cookies: Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of the dough. Flatten each scoop slightly, place one caramel candy in the center, then cover with additional dough and roll into a ball, sealing the caramel inside. Roll each dough ball in the reserved butter and sugar spice mixture to coat evenly.
- Bake: Place 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 edges turn golden brown. Remove from the oven, let cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use Honeycrisp apples for their crisp texture and balanced sweetness, but other firm apples like Granny Smith or Fuji will also work.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix adds moisture and chewiness to the cookies.
- Be sure to wrap the caramel candies fully with dough to avoid caramel leakage during baking.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- For extra spice, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the apple pie spice mix.
