If there’s one dessert that truly strikes the perfect balance between gooey decadence and homey comfort, it’s the Caramel Apple Skillet Cookie. Imagine the cozy flavors of spiced apples and the nostalgic joy of a warm, oversized cookie, baked until golden in a skillet and topped with puddles of melting vanilla ice cream and luscious caramel. Whether you’re looking for an effortless fall-inspired treat or an impressive finish to a dinner with friends, this is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again!

Caramel Apple Skillet Cookie Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Caramel Apple Skillet Cookie has a delicious role to play, coming together to create a dessert that’s chewy, gooey, and full of autumn flavor. Nothing fussy here—just a few key basics and some sweet surprises to make each bite memorable.

All-purpose flour: Gives the cookie its structure and soft crumb, making every slice easy to serve.
Baking soda: Helps the cookie rise and stay delightfully tender around the edges.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the warm, buttery flavors in the dough.
Ground cinnamon: Adds that unmistakable whiff of spice and warmth, making it feel just like fall.
Unsalted butter, softened: The backbone of a melt-in-your-mouth cookie; be sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming!
Brown sugar, packed: Lends a deep, molasses-rich sweetness and keeps the cookie chewy.
Granulated sugar: Adds a touch of crispness to the edges and balances the brown sugar.
Large egg: Binds the dough while adding structure and richness.
Vanilla extract: Brings out the flavors in the apples and caramel for an aromatic finish.
Peeled and diced apples (such as Granny Smith): Their tartness contrasts perfectly with all the sweet, gooey goodness.
Caramel chips or soft caramel pieces: These little pockets melt into the dough, creating gooey caramel in every bite.
Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): For a little crunch and nutty flavor—totally up to you!
Vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce for serving: The crowning glory, turning your cookie into a true showstopper.

How to Make Caramel Apple Skillet Cookie

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and get your 10-inch oven-safe skillet greased up with butter or a little spray. This not only ensures easy cookie removal, but also helps create that irresistible golden crust around the edges. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step—it sets the stage for a perfectly baked Caramel Apple Skillet Cookie.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together your flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. This quick mix ensures that the leavening and spice are distributed evenly throughout the dough, so every bite bursts with flavor. Taking a minute here keeps things consistent and delicious later.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer (or just a good spoon and some elbow grease!) to cream the softened butter with both sugars. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy—that’s your ticket to a cookie with the perfect chewy center and crispy exterior. Don’t rush; this step makes a noticeable difference!

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and pour in that fragrant vanilla extract. Blend until everything’s smooth and glossy. These two ingredients bring moisture, richness, and just a hint of dreamy aroma to your Caramel Apple Skillet Cookie.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet, stirring gently until just combined. It’s important not to overwork the dough here—stop as soon as you no longer see flour streaks. This ensures your finished cookie is oh-so-tender instead of tough.

Step 6: Fold in the Good Stuff

Now comes the fun: fold in your diced apples, caramel chips, and nuts if you’re feeling nutty. This is where the cookie transforms, featuring apple pockets, gooey caramel, and a delightful crunch in every forkful!

Step 7: Spread and Bake

Press the dough evenly into your prepared skillet, smoothing out the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 22 to 26 minutes. You’re looking for a cookie that’s golden on top and set on the edges, but still luxuriously soft in the center. It will continue to set a bit as it cools, so don’t overbake—gooey is the goal!

Step 8: Cool and Serve Warm

Let your Caramel Apple Skillet Cookie cool in the skillet for just a few minutes. Then, while it’s still warm, top with generous scoops of vanilla ice cream and a dreamy drizzle of caramel sauce for that bakery-style finish. The interplay of cool ice cream and a warm, gooey cookie is simply irresistible!

How to Serve Caramel Apple Skillet Cookie

Garnishes

The simplest—and arguably best—way to serve this is piled high with creamy vanilla ice cream and an extra drizzle of caramel sauce right in the skillet. If you want to get fancy, sprinkle on a handful of toasted pecans or a pinch of flaky salt for a grown-up twist. A dusting of cinnamon on top also makes for a beautiful and tasty finishing touch.

Side Dishes

Since this Caramel Apple Skillet Cookie is a showstopper on its own, keep sides simple. A cup of strong coffee or spiced chai complements the sweet, warm flavors perfectly. If you’re serving this at a fall get-together, a crisp apple cider is a lovely pairing for both kids and adults.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to have fun with presentation! Bring the skillet straight from the oven to the table and scoop out portions right in front of your guests for extra “wow” factor. For individual servings, bake the dough in mini skillets or ramekins. Another fun idea: set up an ice cream bar with different flavors and toppings so everyone gets to add their own flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have any leftovers, store slices right in the skillet covered with foil, or transfer pieces to an airtight container. The Caramel Apple Skillet Cookie keeps well at room temperature for a day or in the fridge for up to three days. The edges will crisp up slightly, but the center stays wonderfully chewy!

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap leftover cookie slices tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container. The Caramel Apple Skillet Cookie can be frozen for up to two months. When you’re ready for a treat, just thaw on the counter or gently warm in the microwave.

Reheating

Nothing beats reheating a slice so it’s piping hot and oozy again. For best results, zap an individual serving in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or warm larger portions in a low oven until soft and fragrant. Top with fresh ice cream and caramel before serving to recapture that straight-from-the-oven magic.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of apple?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples offer a great balance of tartness and texture, you can use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or even Gala for a slightly sweeter finished cookie. The key is to use a firm apple that holds its shape when baked.

What can I use instead of caramel chips?

If caramel chips aren’t available, chopped up soft caramel candies work beautifully. Simply dice them into small pieces and fold them into the dough for gooey caramel pockets. You could even use butterscotch chips for a fun twist!

Do I need a skillet, or can I bake this in another pan?

A 10-inch oven-safe skillet gives that classic presentation and golden crust, but a similarly sized round or square baking dish will work in a pinch. You may need to adjust the baking time by a few minutes, so just keep an eye on the center.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the dough ahead and refrigerate it, tightly wrapped, for up to 24 hours. Scoop and bake straight from the fridge, though you may need to add a minute or two to the baking time.

Is it possible to make a nut-free version?

Yes! Simply leave out the pecans or walnuts. The Caramel Apple Skillet Cookie will still be packed with flavor and gooey apple-caramel goodness. If you want a bit of crunch without nuts, try adding a sprinkle of toasted oats on top before baking.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dessert that’s both cozy and decadent, look no further than the Caramel Apple Skillet Cookie. It’s simple to make, endlessly shareable, and sure to bring big smiles to the table—especially when served warm with melty ice cream. I hope you’ll give it a try and fall in love with every caramelly, apple-studded bite!