If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly captures the flavors of fall wrapped in a chewy, buttery cookie, this Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine biting into a soft cookie bursting with tender chunks of spiced apple and gooey caramel melting right inside. It brings together the warm aroma of apple pie spice, the sweet richness of caramel, and the comforting texture of a classic cookie. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll keep coming back to it season after season.

Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these cookies lies in their simple, thoughtful ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role: butter and sugars create a tender, sweet base; apple pie spice and cinnamon add that cozy warmth; pudding mix ensures softness; and fresh apples and caramel candies provide bursts of juicy and melty deliciousness. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures that’s easier to make than you might think.

12 tablespoons (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Essential for a rich, tender cookie texture, make sure it’s soft for easy mixing.
¾ cup granulated sugar, divided: The main sweetener, split to be used in both the dough and the coating for a crunchy sugar crust.
2½ teaspoons apple pie spice or ground cinnamon, divided: Adds warm, fragrant notes that bring the apples to life inside the cookie.
21 soft caramel candies (e.g., Kraft Baking Caramels): These melt perfectly inside each cookie for that irresistible gooey center.
¾ cup packed dark brown sugar: Adds deep molasses flavor and chewiness to the dough.
1 large egg: Binds everything together while keeping the cookies soft and moist.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavor profile beautifully.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates all the flavors.
2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation for structure, creating perfect cookie chew.
1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix: The secret ingredient that guarantees softness and a slight vanilla undertone.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just right with a tender crumb.
1 large or 2 medium Honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored, and diced: Adds freshness, juiciness, and a crisp bite that complements the soft dough.

How to Make Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Butter and Sugar Coating

Start by beating the softened butter with half of the granulated sugar and 1½ teaspoons of apple pie spice until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This coating will later be used to roll the cookies in, creating a flavorful, subtly spiced crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.

Step 2: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Make sure your caramel candies are unwrapped and ready to be tucked inside each cookie—this is what makes these cookies so uniquely decadent.

Step 3: Make the Cookie Dough

Next, beat in the dark brown sugar, the remaining granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and salt to your butter mixture. Once everything is well blended, gradually add the dry ingredients — flour, vanilla pudding mix, baking soda, and the rest of the apple pie spice — stirring until fully combined. The pudding mix is a wonderful trick to keep your cookies irresistibly soft.

Step 4: Add Apples

Fold in the diced apples gently. These fresh pieces add bursts of juiciness and texture throughout each cookie, making every bite lively and fresh. Choose Honeycrisp or another crisp, sweet apple for the best balance of flavor and moisture.

Step 5: Shape and Fill Cookies

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough, flatten it slightly, and place a caramel candy in the center. Cover the caramel completely with more dough, rolling it into a smooth ball. Then, roll each dough ball in the remaining sugar-spice mixture for that extra hint of sweetness and spice on the outside.

Step 6: Bake

Arrange your dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing the caramel to set slightly but remain melty.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For a festive touch, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted white chocolate. Adding a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, can provide a lovely crunch and an extra layer of flavor that complements the apple and caramel beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delectable dessert experience, or serve alongside a hot cup of chai tea or freshly brewed coffee. The warm spices in the cookies harmonize perfectly with these comforting drinks, perfect for a cozy afternoon treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe on a rustic wooden platter with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks for a charming autumn-inspired display. You could also stack them in a jar tied with twine as a thoughtful homemade gift — they’re sure to impress friends and family with both flavor and presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To maintain their soft texture, layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve the delightful chewiness.

Freezing

You can freeze shaped, unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply pop them in the oven straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To enjoy warm, melty Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe, gently reheat a cookie in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This softens the caramel and refreshes that homemade-batch feel, perfect for satisfying cravings anytime.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples are recommended for their sweetness and crisp texture, Granny Smith or Fuji apples also work wonderfully. Just be sure to dice them finely to ensure they cook evenly inside the cookie.

Why is instant vanilla pudding mix included in the cookie dough?

The pudding mix helps keep the cookies moist and soft longer than typical cookies. It also adds a subtle vanilla flavor that complements the apple and caramel without overpowering.

Can I substitute caramel candies with something else?

If you don’t have caramel candies, soft caramel bits or even caramel sauce can be used, but caramel candies work best for forming a gooey pocket inside the cookie that holds its shape nicely while baking.

How do I prevent the caramel from leaking out during baking?

Make sure to fully encase the caramel candy with dough on all sides and seal it well. If the dough is too thin over the caramel, it might leak, so handle gently when shaping the balls.

Are these cookies suitable for freezing after baking?

Yes, fully baked cookies freeze well. Just store them in an airtight container or freezer bag and thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy. They still taste fresh and soft after freezing.

Final Thoughts

This Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe is truly a celebration of fall’s best flavors, wrapped in a warm, soft, and irresistibly gooey bite. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family gathering or simply to treat yourself, these cookies will not disappoint. I can’t wait for you to try these and share the delicious joy with your loved ones!