Caramel Apple Cookies: The Perfect Fall-Inspired Treat

As the crisp autumn air rolls in and apple season peaks, there’s no better time to bake a batch of Caramel Apple Cookies. These chewy, tender cookies combine the comforting flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples with gooey caramel bits for the ultimate fall dessert. Whether you’re baking for a Halloween party, Thanksgiving gathering, or just want a cozy snack with your coffee, these cookies hit the sweet spot.

This recipe is easy to make, packed with real apple chunks, and irresistibly rich thanks to buttery dough and melty caramel. Think of it as apple pie meets cookie — a handheld, no-fork-needed indulgence that everyone will love.

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Why You’ll Love These Caramel Apple Cookies

🍏 Made with fresh apples for juicy bites in every cookie
🍬 Filled with soft caramel bits that melt into the dough
🍂 Spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg for warm fall flavor
🥣 No chill time required — ready in under 30 minutes
🍪 Chewy, buttery texture that stays soft for days
🎃 Perfect for fall gatherings, lunchbox treats, or holiday cookie trays

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Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ¼ cups peeled, finely chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great)
• 1 cup caramel baking bits or chopped soft caramels

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Optional Add-ins:

• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• A pinch of clove or allspice for extra warmth
• Sea salt flakes for a salted caramel twist

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Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Cookie sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon
• Cooling rack

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How to Make Caramel Apple Cookies

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Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

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Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg

Set aside.

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Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat:

• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).

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Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

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Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined — don’t overmix.

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Step 6: Fold in Apples and Caramel

Gently fold in:

• Chopped apples
• Caramel bits

Optional: Stir in nuts for added crunch.

✅ Tip: Pat chopped apples with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

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Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Scoop dough by rounded tablespoons or a medium cookie scoop onto prepared sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and centers are set but soft.

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

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Optional Caramel Drizzle

Want to take them over the top?

Melt ½ cup soft caramel candies with 1 tbsp milk in the microwave in 20-second intervals. Stir until smooth and drizzle over cooled cookies. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a gourmet touch.

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Storage & Freezing Tips

🧊 To store:
Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4–5 days.

❄️ To freeze baked cookies:
Place in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.

🔥 To freeze dough:
Scoop cookie dough onto a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen — just add 1–2 minutes to the bake time.

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Nutrition (Per Cookie – Approximate)

• Calories: 180
• Fat: 8g
• Carbs: 26g
• Sugar: 15g
• Protein: 2g

Values will vary based on size and add-ins.

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Flavor Variations

🍎 Salted Caramel Apple Cookies – Sprinkle with flaky salt after baking
🌰 Apple Pecan Cookies – Add chopped nuts for texture
🍪 Apple Pie Cookies – Add extra cinnamon and a pinch of allspice
🍫 Caramel Apple Chocolate Chip Cookies – Fold in mini chocolate chips
🧀 Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cookies – Add cream cheese frosting drizzle

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Tips for Perfect Cookies

✅ Use firm apples like Granny Smith for less moisture and better texture
✅ Cut apples small (¼-inch pieces) so they bake evenly
✅ Don’t overmix the dough – mix until just combined
✅ Bake one sheet at a time for consistent results
✅ Let cookies cool slightly before moving to avoid breaking

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Best Apples for Baking

The best apples for these cookies are:

• Granny Smith – Tart, crisp, and holds shape well
• Honeycrisp – Sweet-tart with good structure
• Braeburn or Jonagold – Balanced flavor, good for cookies
  Avoid Red Delicious or Gala — they’re too soft and can make the dough soggy.

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What to Serve With Caramel Apple Cookies

☕ Hot cider or spiced tea – for the perfect fall pairing
🍨 Vanilla ice cream – for an instant apple-cookie sundae
🎃 Pumpkin spice latte – because fall loves a theme
🥛 Cold milk – for the classic cookie experience

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Perfect For:

• 🍂 Fall bake sales
• 🍎 Apple picking parties
• 🎃 Halloween dessert tables
• 🥧 Thanksgiving cookie platters
• 🧺 Cozy afternoon snacks

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried apples?

Fresh is best for flavor and texture, but you can use finely chopped dried apples in a pinch. Rehydrate in warm water first for 10 minutes and drain.

Are caramel bits better than soft caramels?

Caramel bits melt better and are easier to mix into the dough, but chopped soft caramels also work — just make sure they’re soft and not too big.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure your other ingredients are GF-friendly.

How do I keep the cookies soft?

Don’t overbake — remove them while the centers are still slightly soft. Store with a slice of bread in the container to keep them moist.

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Final Thoughts: A Cookie You’ll Crave All Year Long

If you love the cozy flavors of fall, these Caramel Apple Cookies are a must-bake. They’re soft, chewy, spiced just right, and studded with buttery caramel and fresh apple chunks. Perfectly comforting, utterly delicious, and super easy to make — you might want to double the batch because they won’t last long!

Bake a batch today, share with friends, and let the warm flavors of fall fill your kitchen.

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