Best Ever Irresistibly Chewy Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe

Table of Contents

caramel apple cookies. Okay, let’s be honest, who hasn’t stared at a bunch of apples on the kitchen counter, kinda wrinkly, and thought: what do I even do with these? Or maybe you want something wildly chewy and perfectly sweet, but not just another boring cookie. That’s where caramel apple cookies take over, trust me. They’re soft, chewy, a little sticky, and 100% homey. If you’re in the mood for something cozy with apple vibes, you totally have to check out this tasty twist. Oh, and hey, if you want another apple treat for after, here’s my go-to deliciously simple apple crisp recipe too.

 

Why You Will Love This Recipe

No sugarcoating it, these caramel apple cookies are a total game changer. Like, imagine all the best parts of fall but packed into one chewy cookie that honestly just makes you smile. My nephews beg for these at every family thing, and even the adults end up sneaking a few when no one’s looking. If you love apple-y desserts but want something fun and shareable, this is your stop.

The chewy texture? Ridiculous. It just melts with gooey caramel pockets in every bite. Not gonna lie these cookies get even better the next day if they last that long. And let me just say, the whole house will smell incredible. The apple bits add brightness, and you’ll feel like you walked into a bakery.

Seriously, if you need a sweet treat to impress your friends (or let’s be honest, just yourself on a quiet weekend), I’m basically demanding you give these a go. Save one for yourself before anyone else gets in the kitchen is my only advice.

“These caramel apple cookies tasted like a fall fair in my mouth! They were soft, chewy, and had just the perfect hint of tart apple. My kids devoured almost the whole batch before I could sneak another.” Amanda, real-life cookie enthusiast

 

Expert Baking Tips for Caramel Apple Cookies

You want these caramel apple cookies to turn out perfectly chewy, soft, and all-around irresistible? Okay, trust me on a few things. First up: chop your apples nice and small. Not big chunks, or you’ll get soggy spots. I made that mistake once. Stick them in a paper towel for a minute to dry out some of that juice unless you love a little extra goo (no judgment if you do).

And when it comes to the caramel, buy those soft caramel candies and cut them into tiny bits. If they’re too big, they’ll create caramel lakes on your pan (been there, scraped that off with a spoon). Also, a quick chill in the fridge after mixing the dough gives you plumper cookies.

Don’t overbake! They’ll look just a bit soft and underdone in the middle but will firm up as they cool. Trust the process. Finally, parchment paper works better than just greasing the pan, since these cookies can get a little sticky.

If you really wanna go next-level, sprinkle a little flakey salt on top right after baking. Voila, you’re basically in a five-star restaurant… at least in my kitchen you are.

 

Recipe Information

Before you get elbow-deep in flour and bits of apple, here’s what you need to know about these cookies. This recipe makes about two dozen caramel apple cookies. You can use any apple but Granny Smith keep things on the tart side, while Honeycrisp are sweeter. The prep takes maybe 20–25 minutes, and bake time’s just under 12 minutes per batch (unless you get distracted, which, oops, happens to me all the darn time).

Everything you need: simple kitchen stuff bowl, hand mixer or just elbow grease and a sturdy spoon, baking sheet, parchment paper. That’s it. No fancy equipment, promise.

Ingredient-wise? Butter, brown and white sugar, egg, vanilla, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, a pinch of salt, apple, and caramels. Nothing fancy. All the cozy feels, just normal stuff.

And hey, if you wanna wash down these cookies with something refreshing, check out this coconut water and pineapple juice combo.

How to Make Caramel Apple Cookies

Let’s just get down to it, shall we? Start by peeling and chopping your apple into bits think the size of peas, or even smaller. Toss ’em with a tiny bit of flour to stop them from sinking in the dough. Next, cream your butter and both sugars together ‘til it’s nice and fluffy. Beat in the egg and a slosh of vanilla. Classic.

Mix your flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl (because, you know, baking wisdom). Dump them with your wet stuff and stir it all just until it comes together. Too much mixing = tough cookies. Ew, right?

Now, gently fold in your apples and caramel chunks. Plop spoonfuls onto your parchment-lined sheet. If you want that bakery look, stick a few extra caramel pieces right on top of each mound. Toss the tray in the fridge for fifteen minutes, then bake at 350°F until barely golden but still soft in the middle.

Let ‘em cool for a hot minute those caramel bits can burn a tongue, just trust me then go to town.

Recipe Notes

Alright, this is where all my random experience gets dumped. If the dough feels sticky and hard to shape, chill it longer. Sometimes I just press and mash ‘em together with my hands if they’re stubborn.

Don’t worry if some caramel escapes and makes crunchy puddles around the cookies. I legit eat those bits first. You can experiment with different apples or even throw in a dash of nutmeg or cardamom if you’re feeling wild might even invent a whole new recipe! Watch baking time though; every oven’s a little weird.

Oh if you’re dealing with really juicy apples, dry them as much as you can (paper towels work). Too much moisture and your cookies might go cakey instead of chewy.

For storing, just toss ‘em in an airtight container once cooled. A piece of bread in the container keeps them chewy longer. Weird, but it works!

Serving Suggestions:

1. Afternoon snack with a glass of cold milk.
2. Wrapped up as cute homemade gifts people go wild over them.
3. Heated up a few seconds in the microwave for extra gooey-ness.
4. Sandwiched with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (try it once, regret nothing).

If you love cozy apple desserts like these Caramel Apple Cookies, you’ll also enjoy this deliciously simple Apple Crisp Recipe from our collection. And for a refreshing pairing, don’t miss our Coconut Water and Pineapple Juice a light drink that balances the sweetness perfectly.

 Curious about the best apples for baking? This King Arthur Baking guide breaks down which varieties hold their shape and flavor. For even more cookie inspiration, check out this Bon Appétit Caramel Apple Cookies recipe, loved by home bakers everywhere.

Common Questions

Print

Bake, Share, Repeat: The Cosy Cookie Finale

Alright, that’s the whole secret to irresistibly chewy caramel apple cookies. Not fussy at all, right? Grab an apple or two, some caramel, and just roll up those sleeves. You’ll never settle for store-bought again. Don’t forget, if you need another apple fix, check out the SOFT & CHEWY Caramel Apple Cookies (with VIDEO …) for more ideas, or even the Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe from Bon Appétit for a twist.

I hope you’ll give these a try, and maybe create a new fall tradition for yourself. Let me know how they turn out and seriously, don’t be shocked if everyone fights over the last one!