Homemade caramel apple cookies are a fall favorite. They combine the rich flavors of caramel, brown sugar, oats and fresh apples. Easy to make and perfect for the season, these cookies offer a delightful taste of autumn with every bite.
Oatmeal Caramel Apple Cookies
Updated on Oct. 14, 2024
Having a batch of homemade caramel apple cookies in the cookie jar just makes everything better, especially when fall rolls around (it’s a fact)! These cookies are the ideal dessert to bake and have on hand. The autumnal flavors of caramel, brown sugar, oats and fresh apples make for a delicious start to the season. The following recipe for caramel apple cookies is extremely easy to execute, requiring you to simply cream a few ingredients for the dough and bake until the cookies turn golden. Happy baking and happy fall, y’all.
Ingredients for Caramel Apple Cookies
- Butter:Â Use unsalted butter to better control the overall flavor of the cookies.
- Brown sugar:Â Brown sugar’s natural molasses flavor pairs well with the notes of caramel and apples.
- Sugar:Â Granulated white sugar adds a dash of extra sweetness.
- Instant caramel pudding mix:Â Instant pudding makes these cookies delightfully soft and chewy.
- Eggs:Â Eggs help hold the cookies together and promote thickness and puffiness.
- Unsweetened applesauce:Â We definitely recommend using unsweetened applesauce to prevent your cookies from turning too sweet.
- All-purpose flour:Â Use the exact right amount of flour for the best texture. (Here’s how to accurately measure flour.)
- Baking soda:Â The fresher your baking soda is, the more effective it will be in baking; a good rule of thumb is to replace it if it’s been opened for over six months.
- Old-fashioned oats:Â Old-fashioned oats hold their shape well and makes them a better choice than instant oats (which will make your cookies turn mushy).
- Apple:Â Take the time to evenly chop apples in 1/2-inch chunks so that they cook properly.
Directions
Step 1: Cream the ingredients
Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, cream the butter, sugars and pudding mix until light and fluffy (about five to seven minutes). Add the eggs and mix well. Beat in applesauce.
Step 2: Combine other ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the flour and baking soda and gradually beat in creamed mixture. Stir in the oats and apple.
Step 3: Bake
Drop dough by tablespoonfuls two inches apart onto greased baking sheets. Bake until golden brown, about 15 to 18 minutes. Cool on pans for three minutes. Serve warm or remove to wire racks to cool completely.
Caramel Apple Cookie Variations
- Add ground cinnamon: A touch of cinnamon in the dough adds a lovely spice.
- Drizzle with salted caramel sauce:Â Want to truly take these cookies to the next level? Drizzle them with homemade salted caramel sauce.
- Finish with flaky sea salt:Â We love lightly sprinkling some good flaky sea salt on cinnamon apple cookies as soon as they come out of the oven. It really enhances all the flavors.
How to Store Caramel Apple Cookies
To ensure optimal freshness, store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll last for four to five days.
Can you freeze caramel apple cookies?
Yes. You can freeze baked cookies in freezer-safe containers, separating the layers with waxed paper. To use, thaw before serving. The cookies will stay good in the freezer for up to three months.
Caramel Apple Cookie Tips
What type of apple is best to use for this recipe?
We recommend using a firm apple (like a Granny Smith or Honey Crisp) because it’ll hold up well during the baking process.
How can I make sure these cookies have the right texture?
Apple caramel cookies should be perfectly soft, chewy and fluffy, not dense or flat. To achieve the right texture, mix the ingredients until just combined (don’t over-mix) and adhere closely to this recipes cooking time. The cookies are done when they just begin to turn golden brown.
Can I make a vegan version of caramel apple cookies?
Yes. Use dairy-free butter and plant-based egg substitute to make these cookies vegan.
Oatmeal Caramel Apple Cookies
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
15 min
Yield
4 dozen
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant caramel or butterscotch pudding mix
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3-1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 medium apple, peeled and chopped
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, cream butter, sugars and pudding mix until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add eggs; mix well. Beat in applesauce. In another bowl, whisk flour and baking soda; gradually beat into creamed mixture. Stir in oats and apple.
- Drop dough by tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto parchment lined baking sheets. Bake until golden brown, 15-18 minutes. Cool on pans 3 minutes. Serve warm or remove to wire racks to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.
Nutrition Facts
1 cookie: 80 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
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This recipe for caramel apple cookies is a fun twist on traditional oatmeal raisin. These treats are hard to resist! —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia
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