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If you love the cozy flavors of autumn wrapped up in a single delightful treat, this Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Picture soft, tender cookies bursting with juicy, diced Honeycrisp apples and pockets of molten caramel, all warmly spiced with apple pie cinnamon magic. These cookies deliver the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and buttery goodness in every bite, making them an irresistible snack, dessert, or gift for anyone who adores the flavors of fall.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s creating the tender texture, that unforgettable flavor, or the perfect golden color.
- Unsalted butter (12 tablespoons or 1½ sticks): Softened butter provides a rich, creamy base that makes these cookies tender and flavorful.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup, divided): Lightens the dough and adds just the right amount of sweetness and a delicate crunch when coated outside.
- Apple pie spice or ground cinnamon (2½ teaspoons, divided): Brings in that warm, aromatic autumn character that pairs perfectly with apples and caramel.
- Soft caramel candies (21 pieces): These are the melty centers that make every bite a surprise and a delight.
- Dark brown sugar (¾ cup, packed): Adds moisture and depth with a hint of molasses flavor, keeping cookies chewy and soft.
- Large egg (1): Binds all the ingredients together flawlessly, ensuring perfect structure and moisture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances and rounds out the flavors with its sweet, floral notes.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and highlights the rich flavors.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The backbone of the dough, providing structure and that classic cookie crumb.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix (1 box, 3.4 ounces): Makes the cookies irresistibly soft and adds subtle vanilla sweetness.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Gives the cookies lift and helps with browning.
- Honeycrisp apples (1 large or 2 medium, peeled, cored, diced): Fresh apples add juicy bursts of tart-sweetness that contrast perfectly with caramel.
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 is light, fluffy, and fragrant. This initial step sets the stage for a beautifully textured dough and creates the flavorful coating for the cookies later.
Step 2: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you finish making your dough. Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and promote even baking. Make sure to unwrap all the soft caramel candies so they’re ready to be tucked inside each cookie.
Step 3: Make the Cookie Dough
Now, blend the brown sugar, the remaining quarter cup of granulated sugar, the egg, vanilla extract, and salt into your butter mixture. Then, gradually add the dry ingredients — flour, pudding mix, baking soda, and the remaining apple pie spice — until everything comes together into a luscious dough that’s full of flavor and ready for those juicy apples.
Step 4: Add Apples
Gently fold the diced Honeycrisp apples into the dough. That tender, crisp apple texture is exactly what makes this recipe shine, providing juicy bursts of freshness in every bite without making the dough soggy.
Step 5: Shape and Fill Cookies
This is where the magic really happens. Take about one tablespoon of dough, flatten it slightly, and place a caramel candy in the center. Cover it completely with dough, rolling into a smooth ball. Then, roll each ball in the sugar and spice mixture you made at the beginning to add a sweet, crackly crust when baked.
Step 6: Bake
Place your dough balls spaced about two inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until they turn a warm golden brown and fill your kitchen with the most delicious aroma. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely — this helps the gooey caramel set just right.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of indulgence and presentation, sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top right after baking, or drizzle some melted caramel sauce over the cooled cookies. A pinch of flaky sea salt adds a wonderful contrast that makes the caramel flavor pop even more.
Side Dishes
These cookies are wonderful on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm cup of chai tea or coffee. The pairing highlights the warm spices and apple notes, turning a simple snack into a memorable treat.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving these for a party or gifting them, stack the cookies in a clear jar layered with parchment paper or pack them in decorative tins. You can even add a cinnamon stick or an apple slice for a festive touch that will impress anyone lucky enough to receive them.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your leftover Caramel Apple Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay soft, tender, and flavorful without losing their luscious caramel centers or crisp sugar coating.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies for longer, they freeze beautifully. Place cookie dough balls on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. You can also freeze baked cookies by layering them with parchment paper for later enjoyment.
Reheating
To enjoy these treats warm, reheat baked cookies in a preheated 325°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This revives that gooey caramel and fresh apple flavor perfectly without overcooking or drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples offer a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, granny smith or Fuji apples also work well. Just make sure to use a firm apple that holds its shape in baking.
Is it necessary to use instant vanilla pudding mix?
The pudding mix is a secret ingredient that keeps the cookies exceptionally soft and moist. If you don’t have any on hand, you can try substituting with cornstarch, but the texture may be slightly different.
Can I substitute caramel hard candies for the soft caramels?
Soft caramel candies are preferable because they melt smoothly within the cookie, creating a luscious, gooey center. Hard caramels may not melt as well and can lead to a different texture.
How do I prevent the apples from making the cookie dough too soggy?
Peel, core, and dice the apples finely, then fold them in gently. Using firm apples like Honeycrisp and baking the cookies promptly keeps the dough from becoming soggy.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can try a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that texture might differ slightly. Also, check the pudding mix ingredients for gluten content.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe brings all the heartwarming flavors of fall into one delightful bite, perfect for cozy afternoons or festive gatherings. I can’t wait for you to try it and savor these soft, sweet, and slightly spicy cookies filled with juicy apples and gooey caramel. Baking them is as joyful as eating them, so roll up your sleeves and enjoy every minute of the delicious process!
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Print
Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Total Time: 32-34 minutes
- Yield: 21 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Caramel Apple Cookies combine the warm flavors of apple pie spice, soft caramel centers, and tender cookie dough for a delightful treat perfect for fall or any cozy occasion. Soft, chewy, and packed with diced Honeycrisp apples, these cookies feature a sweet caramel surprise inside every bite, coated with a spiced sugar mixture for an extra touch of flavor.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 12 tablespoons (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar, divided
- 2½ teaspoons apple pie spice or ground cinnamon, divided
- ¾ cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 large or 2 medium Honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored, and diced
Filling
- 21 soft caramel candies (e.g., Kraft Baking Caramels), unwrapped
Coating
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons apple pie spice or ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare Butter and Sugar Coating: In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter with ½ cup of granulated sugar and 1½ teaspoons of apple pie spice until the mixture is light and fluffy. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking. Unwrap all caramel candies and keep them ready for filling.
- Make the Cookie Dough: To the butter mixture, add brown sugar, the remaining ¼ cup of granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until all ingredients are well combined. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, instant vanilla pudding mix, baking soda, and remaining 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients and mix until fully incorporated.
- Add Apples: Peel, core, and finely dice the Honeycrisp apples. Gently fold the diced apples into the cookie dough until evenly distributed but avoid overmixing.
- Shape and Fill Cookies: Scoop 1 tablespoon portions of the dough. Flatten each portion slightly, place one unwrapped caramel candy in the center, then cover with another portion of dough if needed, rolling into a smooth ball. Roll each cookie dough ball in the prepared sugar and apple pie spice coating to create a spiced outer layer.
- Bake: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cookies are set. Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- You can substitute the apple pie spice with ground cinnamon if preferred.
- Using Honeycrisp apples adds a crisp, tart flavor but other firm apple varieties like Granny Smith or Fuji can also be used.
- Ensure caramel candies are soft; if hard, you can microwave them slightly to make pliable.
- Do not overbake to maintain soft and chewy texture.
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
