Caramel Apple Cookies: A Perfect Fall Treat for Beginners

As the leaves start to change color and the air turns crisp, it’s the perfect time to bake something warm and comforting. One of my favorite treats to bake during this time is caramel apple cookies. These cookies offer the best of both worlds—rich caramel and tart apples, all wrapped up in a soft, chewy cookie. The sweet and slightly tangy combination of flavors is a true crowd-pleaser, especially during the fall season when apples are in abundance. What makes these cookies even better is how easy they are to make, making them an excellent option for beginner bakers. With a simple list of ingredients, minimal prep time, and easy-to-follow steps, these Caramel Apple Cookies are the perfect treat to share with family and friends. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or simply want a cozy snack at home, these cookies will quickly become a favorite. They’re the perfect way to add a touch of fall sweetness to any occasion.

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This recipe is not only quick and simple but also offers a warm, delightful fragrance that will fill your home as it bakes—making it feel like autumn has truly arrived. The caramel surprise in each bite, combined with the tartness of the Honeycrisp apples, creates a balance of flavors that is both comforting and exciting. In just under 40 minutes, you’ll have a batch of cookies that everyone will rave about. Perfect for beginners, this recipe guarantees a delicious result with very little effort. If you’re new to baking, don’t worry—these cookies are easy to make, even if it’s your first time in the kitchen. Let’s dive into the process and make these Caramel Apple Cookies a part of your baking repertoire.

Ingredients and Preparation

Before you start baking, let’s take a look at the ingredients that come together to make these delicious Caramel Apple Cookies. From the buttery dough to the sweet caramel and apples, each ingredient plays a crucial role in bringing the flavors together. Here’s what you’ll need for the recipe:

For the Butter and Sugar Coating:

• 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 2 1/2 teaspoons apple pie spice or ground cinnamon, divided

For the Cookies:

• 21 soft caramel candies (such as Kraft Baking Caramels)
• 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 (3.4-ounce) box of instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 large or 2 medium Honeycrisp apples (peeled, cored, and diced)

The ingredients in this recipe are easy to find at most grocery stores. The soft caramels provide a delightful surprise in the center of each cookie, while the Honeycrisp apples add a burst of flavor that’s both tart and sweet. Apple pie spice or ground cinnamon enhances the autumn flavors, making these cookies a perfect fall treat.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions:
While this recipe is designed to create the perfect balance of flavors, there are a few substitutions you can make based on your preferences or what you have on hand. For example, if you don’t have Honeycrisp apples, you could opt for Granny Smith apples for a tart flavor or Fuji apples for extra sweetness. If you’re looking to make these cookies dairy-free, you can substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter alternative. Similarly, if you prefer a homemade caramel, you can prepare it ahead of time and use it in place of store-bought caramels.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the step-by-step process to make these Caramel Apple Cookies. Even if you’ve never baked before, these clear and easy steps will guide you to a successful result.

1. Prepare Butter and Sugar Coating:
Start by placing 12 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a stand mixer (or a large bowl if using a hand mixer). Allow the butter to soften at room temperature for easier mixing. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of granulated sugar with 1 1/2 teaspoons of apple pie spice or ground cinnamon. Stir this mixture until it’s evenly combined, and set it aside for later. This sugar and spice coating will give the cookies a delicious, flavorful exterior.

2. Preheat and Prep:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange two oven racks to divide the oven into thirds. This ensures that both baking sheets cook evenly. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking. Unwrap 21 caramel candies and set them aside.

3. Make the Cookie Dough:
In your stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), combine the softened butter, 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Beat on medium-high speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process helps incorporate air into the dough, making the cookies soft and tender.

4. Add Wet Ingredients:
Add 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat everything together for another 30 seconds until it is fully combined. The egg provides structure to the dough, while the vanilla extract adds a rich, aromatic flavor.

5. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 box of instant vanilla pudding mix, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice or cinnamon. The pudding mix helps keep the cookies soft and chewy, while the baking soda creates a slight lift in the dough.

6. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and beat on medium speed until everything is fully incorporated. You should have a thick, dough-like consistency. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.

7. Add the Apples:
Peel, core, and dice the Honeycrisp apples into small 1/4-inch pieces. Measure out 1 1/2 cups of diced apples and fold them gently into the dough on low speed. This will ensure the apples are evenly distributed throughout the dough, giving each bite a burst of fresh apple flavor.

8. Shape the Cookies:
Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough, then press one caramel candy into the center. Cover the caramel with another tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball, ensuring the caramel is completely enclosed. Roll the dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until it is fully coated.

9. Bake:
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread while baking. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9 minutes. After 9 minutes, rotate the baking sheets between the racks and front to back, then bake for another 7-9 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly browned.

10. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the cookies to firm up and hold their shape. Repeat with the remaining dough, refrigerating the dough between batches if necessary.

Beginner Tips and Notes

Baking is all about getting the right technique, and even beginners can have a great time experimenting in the kitchen with these tips. First, it’s essential not to overmix the dough once you’ve added the dry ingredients. Overmixing can result in tough cookies, so mix just until the ingredients are combined. Also, when it comes to baking, keep an eye on the cookies to avoid overbaking. The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft. If you prefer softer cookies, it’s okay to underbake them slightly. They will continue to cook on the baking sheets once you remove them from the oven. For the best flavor and texture, be sure to use fresh, firm apples. Soft apples may release too much moisture and affect the consistency of the dough.

Serving Suggestions

These Caramel Apple Cookies are delicious on their own, but there are a few ways you can elevate the experience. For an extra indulgent treat, serve the cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm cookies and cold ice cream make for a perfect pairing. Alternatively, enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or apple cider. The warm spices and caramel center make them the perfect companion to a cozy drink on a chilly fall evening. If you’re looking for a way to store any leftover cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cookies for up to 2 months. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.

Conclusion

These Caramel Apple Cookies are an easy, delicious dessert that combines the best of fall flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re a first-time baker or an experienced pro looking for a simple treat, this recipe guarantees a successful batch of soft, chewy cookies with a gooey caramel surprise in every bite. The tartness of the apples, the sweetness of the caramel, and the warm spices come together to create the perfect fall cookie. Try making a batch today and enjoy a comforting, flavorful treat that will bring smiles to everyone around you. These cookies are sure to become a family favorite and a staple in your baking routine. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake something amazing. We’d love to hear how your Caramel Apple Cookies turn out! Feel free to share your thoughts, tweaks, or variations in the comments below. Whether you enjoyed them at a fall gathering or as a cozy treat at home, these cookies are sure to bring a little extra sweetness to your day.