Gluten Free Caramel Apple Cookies Bliss

by Chef Rita

Updated on:

A rainy day treat turned favorite

One rainy afternoon, my daughter and I were craving something sweet but we were out of flour. I grabbed the gluten-free blend tucked in the back of the pantry and started experimenting. What came out of the oven? These warm, chewy Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Cookies. Packed with juicy apples and melty caramel bits, they’re now a family staple. Whether you’re avoiding gluten or not, these cookies deliver everything you want in a fall dessert. They’re soft, flavorful, and made to be shared on cozy afternoons.

Recipe Summary

Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Cookies Bliss are soft-baked cookies loaded with chopped apples, gooey caramel bits, and warm fall spices all made with a gluten-free flour blend. These easy-to-make cookies have a chewy center, crisp edges, and just the right touch of sweetness. Perfect for those following a gluten-free diet, they use pantry-friendly ingredients and come together in under 30 minutes. You won’t miss the gluten, and everyone in your home diet restrictions or not will be asking for more.

Ingredients for gluten-free caramel apple cookies on wooden counter

Why this recipe works

Why Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Cookies Bliss are naturally chewy and moist

The secret to these cookies is the moisture from the apples. Diced small, they bake up soft and tender, blending beautifully into the dough. Paired with caramel bits, the texture is gooey in the center but crisp at the edges. The gluten-free flour holds up well without any graininess. Plus, using brown sugar enhances that chewy bite we all love in a good cookie.

Gluten-free baking without compromise

Too often, gluten-free cookies fall short they’re either crumbly, dense, or oddly flavored. This recipe avoids all that by using a quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour and keeping the dough chilled before baking. The dough is easy to work with, no fancy tools or techniques required. And with fall-friendly flavors like cinnamon and caramel, these cookies taste like the season in every bite.

Step-by-step instructions

Mix the dough with love

Start by creaming together butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add in an egg and vanilla extract, then slowly mix in your gluten-free flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Once the dough is soft and combined, gently fold in finely chopped apples and caramel bits. Try to keep the apple pieces small so they bake evenly.

Scoop, chill, and bake

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill the tray in the fridge for 15–20 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden. Let them cool on the tray for a few minutes they’ll be soft right out of the oven but firm up as they cool.

Ingredients + Substitutions

Ingredients for Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Cookies Bliss

  • Gluten-Free Flour Blend: Use a 1:1 baking flour that contains xanthan gum.
  • Unsalted Butter: Softened for easy creaming.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds richness and chewiness.
  • Egg: Binds everything together.
  • Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors.
  • Baking Soda & Salt: Essential for lift and balance.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and fall spice.
  • Diced Apples: Choose firm apples like Honeycrisp or Gala.
  • Caramel Bits: Easily found in baking aisles—melt into gooey pockets.

Swap it if you need to

If you’re dairy-free, swap the butter for vegan butter sticks. No caramel bits on hand? Use soft caramel candies chopped into small pieces. For egg-free cookies, a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water) works well. Want a nutty twist? Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough. And if you’re not gluten-free, feel free to use regular all-purpose flour in equal measure.

Serving Ideas + Storage

Best ways to enjoy these cookies

These Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Cookies are delicious warm with a glass of milk or a mug of hot cider. Serve them fresh from the oven for maximum gooey caramel or stack them on a cookie platter for holiday gatherings. They also pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert.

Keeping your cookies fresh

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them chewy, place a slice of bread in the container it prevents them from drying out. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temp or warm in the microwave for 10 seconds before enjoying.n (don’t judge).

If you’re into gluten-free baking and want even more apple-inspired treats, don’t miss this deliciously simple apple crisp recipe that brings the same cozy fall vibes in a spoonable form. And when it comes to choosing the best gluten-free flour blend for these caramel apple cookies, I always reach for the trusted recommendations from Bob’s Red Mill. Their tips on gluten-free baking essentials have saved me more than once and they’re perfect if you’re just getting started or want to level up your texture.

Common Questions

Q: Can I make these dairy-free?

Yep! Swap in vegan butter and dairy-free caramels. No big deal.

Q: How do I keep them soft?

Store in an airtight container. Toss in a slice of apple or bread. Works every time.

Q: Can I freeze the dough?

Absolutely. Shape into balls and pop them in the freezer. Bake straight from frozen just add two minutes.

Q: Do they taste like real cookies?

Honestly, I think they taste better than most bakery cookies. Especially warm.

Q: My apples seem soggy. Any tips?

Pat those apple pieces dry with a paper towel before stirring in. Works wonders.

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Gluten Free Caramel Apple Cookies

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Delicious gluten-free cookies filled with gooey caramel and chewy apple bits, perfect for any occasion.

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cookies

Ingredients

  • 1 cup gluten-free flour blend
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, soft
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 splash of vanilla
  • 1 apple, diced fine (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
  • ½ cup soft caramel candies, cut into bits

Instructions

  1. Mix dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
  2. In another bowl, cream the soft butter and brown sugar until smooth.
  3. Add the egg and splash of vanilla to the butter mixture and mix.
  4. Fold in the diced apples and then add the flour mixture until just combined.
  5. Stir in the bits of caramel.
  6. Scoop the dough onto a lined baking sheet.
  7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, edges should brown, centers soft.
  8. Cool slightly before enjoying; for extra chewiness, chill the dough for 20 minutes before baking.

Notes

These cookies can be made dairy-free by using vegan butter and dairy-free caramels. Store in an airtight container with a slice of apple to keep soft.

  • Author: zakaria
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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