Caramel Apple Cookies: A Cozy, Sweet Treat for Fall

As the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, there’s nothing quite like the scent of freshly baked cookies to fill your home with warmth and comfort. These Caramel Apple Cookies are the perfect autumn treat, blending the rich sweetness of caramel with the tartness of apples and the warmth of fall spices. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, preparing an afternoon snack, or simply indulging in a cozy treat at home, these cookies are sure to satisfy your cravings. With a soft and chewy texture, gooey caramel center, and the delightful combination of apple and spice, each bite is like taking a moment to savor the essence of fall.

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What makes these Caramel Apple Cookies truly special is their unique mix of flavors and textures. The soft caramel that melts in your mouth, the crunch of the diced apples, and the warm spices come together to create a comforting dessert that feels both indulgent and homey. The addition of instant vanilla pudding mix in the dough ensures that the cookies turn out soft and pillowy, while the apples provide a slight crunch and burst of freshness with every bite. These cookies are easy to make, and the step-by-step process ensures that even novice bakers can recreate this delicious treat with ease. And let’s not forget the sugar and spice coating that gives these cookies an irresistible sweetness and a touch of extra flavor that elevates them to another level.

The appeal of Caramel Apple Cookies lies not only in their flavor but also in their versatility. They are perfect for fall celebrations, but they can also be enjoyed year-round. Whether you’re serving them at a Thanksgiving dinner, a family gathering, or simply as an after-school snack, these cookies are sure to be a hit. The blend of ingredients creates a nostalgic feeling, reminiscent of homemade treats from childhood, but with a modern twist. If you love the flavors of fall, these Caramel Apple Cookies will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredient Breakdown: What Makes These Cookies Irresistible

The key to making perfect Caramel Apple Cookies lies in the balance of ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating the flavor profile and texture that makes these cookies so delicious. Here’s a closer look at the ingredients:

• 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Butter is the foundation of many baked goods, and it provides the rich, creamy texture that makes these cookies so indulgent. Softened butter ensures that the dough comes together smoothly, making it easy to work with. The butter’s natural flavor also helps enhance the other ingredients, especially the spices and caramel.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided: Granulated sugar sweetens the cookie dough, and when combined with the spices, it creates a beautiful balance of sweetness and warmth. Dividing the sugar helps ensure an even distribution of sweetness in both the dough and the sugar coating for rolling.
• 2 1/2 teaspoons apple pie spice or ground cinnamon, divided: The warm, comforting spice of cinnamon or apple pie spice is the signature flavor of fall. This ingredient brings an aromatic depth to the cookies and complements the tartness of the apples and the richness of the caramel.
• 21 soft caramel candies (e.g., Kraft Baking Caramels): Caramel candies are the surprise center of these cookies, adding a gooey, sweet filling that oozes out with every bite. They’re the perfect counterpart to the tart apple, giving the cookies a sweet, chewy texture in the middle.
• 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar: Dark brown sugar adds richness and a deep molasses flavor to the cookies. It helps create a slightly chewy texture and a more complex sweetness, which balances the flavors of the caramel and apples.
• 1 large egg: The egg binds the dough together, ensuring that the cookies hold their shape while baking. It also contributes to the soft texture of the cookies, giving them a slightly tender crumb.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla extract enhances the overall sweetness and rounds out the flavors. It adds a subtle richness to the cookies, making them more aromatic and flavorful.
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Salt is often used in baking to enhance the other flavors. In this recipe, it helps balance the sweetness of the caramel and sugar, ensuring that the cookies aren’t overly sweet.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The flour provides structure to the dough, helping the cookies hold their shape while baking. It forms the base of the cookie dough and ensures a soft, chewy texture.
• 1 (3.4-ounce) box of instant vanilla pudding mix: This ingredient is a secret weapon for creating soft and moist cookies. The pudding mix adds moisture and tenderness to the dough, making these cookies extra soft and chewy.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Baking soda is the leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and spread slightly as they bake. It ensures a light, airy texture while also contributing to the overall crispness of the edges.
• 1 large or 2 medium Honeycrisp apples (peeled, cored, and diced): Honeycrisp apples are perfect for this recipe because of their balance of tartness and sweetness. Their firm texture holds up well during baking, providing a satisfying crunch in every bite. The fresh apple pieces add a burst of flavor and freshness, balancing the richness of the caramel and sugar.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating Caramel Apple Cookie Perfection

Making Caramel Apple Cookies is an enjoyable process that comes together quickly. Follow these simple steps to create these delicious cookies that are perfect for fall:

Prepare Butter and Sugar Coating: Begin by placing 12 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter into a stand mixer or a large bowl if you’re using a hand mixer. Let the butter soften to room temperature, which will make it easier to cream with the sugar. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of granulated sugar with 1 1/2 teaspoons of apple pie spice or ground cinnamon. Stir the mixture to evenly distribute the spices, then set it aside for later.

Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and arrange two oven racks to divide the oven into thirds. This will help ensure even baking. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats, which will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Unwrap 21 caramel candies and set them aside, ready for the center of each cookie.

Make the Cookie Dough: Add 3/4 cup of dark brown sugar and the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar to the softened butter. Beat on medium-high speed with the paddle attachment of your stand mixer (or use beaters with a hand mixer) until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is essential for creating a smooth, creamy dough. Next, add the egg, vanilla extract, and kosher salt to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until fully combined, which should take about 30 seconds.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, instant vanilla pudding mix, baking soda, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice or cinnamon. These dry ingredients will help provide structure to the cookies and contribute to the flavor balance. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and beat on medium speed until the dough is fully incorporated, about 1 1/2 minutes. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, but not overly wet.

Add Apples: Peel and core the Honeycrisp apples, then dice them into small 1/4-inch pieces. Measure out 1 1/2 cups of diced apples (reserving any extra for another use) and fold them into the cookie dough on low speed. The apples should be evenly distributed throughout the dough, ensuring that each cookie has a burst of fresh apple in every bite.

Shape and Fill the Cookies: Scoop 1 tablespoon of cookie dough and place one caramel candy in the center. Gently cover the caramel with another tablespoon of dough and roll the dough into a ball, making sure the caramel is fully enclosed. Roll the dough ball in the prepared sugar-spice mixture until it’s fully coated. This coating adds an extra layer of flavor and sweetness to the cookies.

Bake: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You should be able to fit six cookies per sheet. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9 minutes, then rotate the baking sheets between the racks and front to back. Continue baking for another 7-9 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly browned. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking, as this can make them too crisp.

Cool and Serve: Once the cookies are baked to perfection, let them cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time allows the cookies to firm up and makes them easier to handle. Once fully cooled, they’re ready to be enjoyed!

Flavor, Texture, and Aroma: The Perfect Fall Cookie

What makes these Caramel Apple Cookies so delightful is the harmony of flavors and textures. The cookie base is soft and chewy, thanks to the addition of the instant vanilla pudding mix, with a slight crispness at the edges. The combination of caramel and apples provides both sweetness and tartness, creating a balanced flavor profile. The cinnamon or apple pie spice adds a warm, comforting aroma that fills the kitchen while the cookies bake, setting the stage for the indulgence to come. The caramel centers are gooey and rich, providing an irresistible surprise with each bite.

The fresh diced apples lend a slight crunch and a burst of fruity flavor that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the cookie dough. They’re tender but firm enough to maintain their texture during baking, adding a satisfying bite to each cookie. The sugar and spice coating adds a layer of sweetness and a hint of warmth, making these cookies even more irresistible.

Substitutions and Variations: Customize Your Caramel Apple Cookies

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences or use ingredients you have on hand. Here are a few ideas for substitutions and variations:

1. Different Apple Varieties: While Honeycrisp apples are ideal for this recipe, you can use other apple varieties such as Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith. Each variety will bring a slightly different flavor profile, from sweet to tart.
2. Add Nuts: For a bit of crunch, consider adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the dough. Nuts complement the caramel and apple flavors beautifully.
3. Dried Apples: If fresh apples aren’t in season, you can use dried apples instead. Just chop them into small pieces and add them to the dough. They’ll provide a chewy texture and a more concentrated apple flavor.
4. Substitute Caramel: If you can’t find soft caramel candies, you can substitute them with caramel bits or make your own caramel sauce to drizzle inside the cookies.
5. Spices: If you’re a fan of other spices, feel free to experiment. Nutmeg, ginger, or allspice can be added for an extra layer of flavor.

Serving Suggestions: Perfect Pairings for Your Cookies

These Caramel Apple Cookies are delicious on their own, but they can also be served alongside other treats for a complete fall dessert spread. Serve them with a hot cup of apple cider or a spiced latte for the perfect autumn snack. They also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, adding an extra touch of indulgence.

For a fun presentation, you can plate the cookies with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of chopped nuts. Whether you’re serving them at a fall party or simply enjoying them with family, these cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

A Fall Favorite You’ll Love

In just 38 minutes, you can create a batch of Caramel Apple Cookies that are as delicious as they are comforting. With their blend of sweet caramel, tart apples, and warm spices, these cookies capture the essence of fall in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself to something sweet, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite. The combination of gooey caramel, soft cookies, and the perfect amount of spice makes them irresistible. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a fall treat that’s sure to warm your heart and fill your home with the comforting aromas of apple and caramel.