These Caramel Apple Cookies are the perfect combination of sweet and tart, featuring a soft, spiced dough that encases delicious caramel and fresh apples. The cookies are easy to make and offer a cozy, comforting treat ideal for fall gatherings or simply enjoying at home. With the irresistible combination of caramel and apple, every bite is sure to delight your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Caramel Apple Cookies are an excellent way to bring the flavors of fall to your kitchen. The apple pie spice or cinnamon mixed with fresh apples creates a warm, inviting taste that is perfectly complemented by the chewy caramel center. They are soft, flavorful, and the caramel adds a gooey sweetness that makes these cookies irresistible. Whether you're preparing them for a seasonal treat or for a family gathering, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

12 tablespoons (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar, divided
2½ teaspoons apple pie spice or ground cinnamon, divided
21 soft caramel candies (e.g., Kraft Baking Caramels)
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

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare Butter and Sugar Coating:

In a stand mixer or large bowl, allow the butter to soften at room temperature.
In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of the granulated sugar with 1½ teaspoons of the apple pie spice or cinnamon. Stir and set aside.

Preheat and Prep:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Arrange two oven racks to divide the oven into thirds.
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Unwrap the caramel candies and set aside.

Make the Cookie Dough:

Add the brown sugar and remaining ¼ cup of granulated sugar to the softened butter.
Beat on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and kosher salt to the butter mixture and beat until fully combined, about 30 seconds.

Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, instant vanilla pudding mix, baking soda, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice or cinnamon.
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and beat on medium speed until fully incorporated, about 1½ minutes.

Add Apples:

Dice the peeled and cored apples into small ¼-inch pieces.
Measure 1½ cups of diced apples and fold them into the dough on low speed until just combined.

Shape and Fill the Cookies:

Scoop 1 tablespoon of cookie dough and place one caramel candy in the center.
Cover the caramel with another tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball, ensuring the caramel is fully enclosed.
Roll the dough ball in the prepared sugar-spice mixture until fully coated.
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake:

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Rotate the baking sheets halfway through baking for even cooking.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
Total Time: 32-34 minutes
Servings: 21 cookies

Variations

Spice Variations: Experiment with adding a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or allspice for a more complex flavor profile.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Nutty Touch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for added crunch and flavor.
Caramelized Apples: Sauté the diced apples in butter and brown sugar before adding them to the dough for a deeper caramelized apple flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the cookie dough before baking by placing the rolled dough balls on a baking sheet and freezing them. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating: To reheat, warm the cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other apple varieties, but Honeycrisp apples offer the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness for these cookies.

2. How do I prevent the caramel from melting out of the cookie?

Make sure to fully encase the caramel in the dough and avoid over-baking the cookies, as this can cause the caramel to leak out.

3. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of candies?

Caramel candies work best because they stay solid inside the cookies. Using caramel sauce could make the cookies too sticky and mess with their texture.

4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.

5. How can I make these cookies vegan?

You can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use an egg replacer for the egg.

6. Can I make these cookies without the vanilla pudding mix?

The pudding mix adds to the cookies' softness and texture, but you can omit it. Just add a bit more flour to compensate for the missing ingredients.

7. What other spices can I add to the cookie dough?

In addition to apple pie spice, you could try adding cinnamon, nutmeg, or ground ginger for extra flavor.

8. Can I freeze the dough for later use?

Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a freezer bag.

9. Are these cookies crunchy or soft?

These cookies are soft and chewy with a delicious gooey caramel center.

10. How can I make the cookies extra caramel-flavored?

To intensify the caramel flavor, you can drizzle some caramel sauce over the cooled cookies or add a few extra caramel candies to the dough.

Conclusion

Caramel Apple Cookies are a delicious and comforting treat that combines the warm flavors of apples and caramel in every bite. With a soft, spiced dough and a gooey center, these cookies will be a favorite for fall baking and beyond. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, they’re the perfect sweet treat for any occasion!