Home › Recipe Index › Desserts

Caramel Apple Cookies

By Reed Dunn

Aug 23, 2025, Updated Sep 18, 2025

Jump to Recipe

There’s something magical about the combination of apples and caramel. It’s the tart, sweet, nostalgic combination of my childhood. These Caramel Apple Cookies capture the flavor of classic fall treats and were inspired by one of my favorite Halloween candies – remember those green apple lollipops coated in caramel?

My apple and caramel cookies are soft, chewy and bursting with flavor. They’re like a grown-up version of those Caramel Apple Pops.

Save this recipe!

Get this sent to your inbox, plus exclusive content just for you!

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Email *

Post Permalink Title

Send It To Me!

Ingredients for Caramel Apple Cookies

With diced Granny Smith apple, gooey caramel bits and warm apple pie spice, this recipe for apple caramel cookies is perfect for fall baking. Here’s what you’ll need.

• Unsalted butter – It gives the cookies with a soft, tender crumb.
• Granulated & dark brown sugar – Brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness while balancing the tart apples.
• Egg & vanilla extract – Provides structure and flavor.
• All-purpose flour, baking soda and sea salt – A standard trio of any good cookie base, providing the perfect lift.
• Apple pie spice – I used Primal Palate Apple Pie Spice to develop this recipe, but you can substitute whatever blend you have available. You also can make a simplified version by combining ¾ teaspoon cinnamon with ¼ teaspoon nutmeg.
• Granny Smith apple – The bright green apple adds tartness and the essential flavor to balance sweetness of the caramel. Make sure to peel and dice into petite pieces.
• Kraft Caramel Bits – These little gems are sold near chocolate chips in most grocery stores. I remember using them to make the brownie recipe on the back of the package when I first discovered them. While I haven’t tested this recipe with other brands or chopped caramels, the key is using these pea-sized bits for even distribution.

Tips for Baking Apple and Caramel Cookies

• Dice apples small – Petite diced apple (¼-inch pieces) ensures the fruit blends well into the dough without creating excess moisture pockets.
• Line baking sheets with parchment paper – This helps prevent the caramel bits from sticking as they melt.
• Watch the bake time – The cookies only need about 9 minutes in the oven. They will look slightly underbaked, but they will finish with residual heat from the baking sheet.
• Space cookies generously – Depending on the altitude and other factors, these cookies can spread as they bake. Give them at least a couple of inches between each scoop.
• Cool before storing – Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack, so the caramel sets instead of pulling apart.
• No cookie scoop? – Use a spoon to roughly measure 1½ tablespoons of dough and gently form into balls using your hands.

• Show the ingredients – Reserve a few caramel bits and diced apple pieces to press into the top of each cookie ball. That way everyone can easily see what’s inside!

If you’re looking for a fun and nostalgic way to enjoy fall flavors, these apple and caramel cookies are a great way to dip your toe into the cozy season. This simple cookie recipe is a nice way to kick off fall baking, celebrate Halloween or even to make for a Thanksgiving dessert table.

Pin Print

5 from 5 votes

Caramel Apple Cookies

Soft and chewy Caramel Apple Cookies are filled with fresh diced apple and gooey caramel bits. This easy fall dessert is the cookie form of a classic fall flavor combination.

Prep Time: 15 minutes mins

Cook Time: 9 minutes mins

Servings: 18

Save this recipe!

Get this sent to your inbox, plus exclusive content just for you!

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Post Title Post

Email *

Save

Ingredients 

1x2x3x

• ▢ ½ cup unsalted butter
• ▢ ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ▢ ½ cup dark brown sugar, packed
• ▢ 1 egg
• ▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla
• ▢ 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ▢ ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ▢ ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ▢ 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
• ▢ ½ cup Granny Smith apple, about ½ large apple, peeled and petite diced
• ▢ ½ cup Caramel Bits

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Instructions 

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
• In a medium mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment), cream butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar together on medium speed for about 2 minutes, until light and fluffy.
• Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix for another 1 to 1½ minutes, scraping down the bowl as needed.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt and apple pie spice.
• Add half of the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Add the remaining dry mixture and mix again until no streaks remain.
• Gently stir in diced apple and Caramel Bits.
• Using a 1½ tablespoon cookie scoop (#40), portion dough onto prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches of space between each cookie for spreading.
• Bake for 9 minutes, until edges are set and lightly golden. The centers may look slightly soft, but they will finish setting as they cool.
• Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 3 to 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Repeat with remaining dough. Makes 18 cookies.

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Because the fresh apple adds moisture, cookies will soften as they sit. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days, or freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Like this? Leave a comment below!