There’s something magical about the first bite of a caramel apple. The combination of sweet, gooey caramel and crisp, juicy apples instantly evokes feelings of fall—cooler temperatures, pumpkin spice lattes, and cozy afternoons with loved ones. Now, imagine capturing that flavor in a soft, chewy cookie. That’s exactly what these Easy Caramel Apple Cookies do. They bring all the best elements of a caramel apple into a delightful cookie, perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own.

Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, baking for the holidays, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to become your go-to recipe. Let’s dive into the recipe, tips, and everything else you need to know about making these irresistibly soft, flavorful caramel apple cookies.

Why You’ll Love These Easy Caramel Apple Cookies

Caramel apple cookies are the perfect blend of familiar fall flavors with a twist that makes them even better. Here’s why you’ll love making (and eating!) these cookies:

1. The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tart

With Honeycrisp apples mixed into the dough, these cookies have the perfect balance of sweet and tart. The apples provide a burst of freshness, while the caramel adds a rich, buttery sweetness that elevates the entire cookie.

2. Soft, Chewy, and Perfectly Moist

These cookies are soft and chewy, staying fresh and moist for days. The addition of vanilla pudding mix ensures a tender texture, and the caramel bits melt beautifully within the dough, creating pockets of gooey sweetness.

3. A Fall Favorite

Fall is all about cozy flavors—apple pie, cinnamon, caramel—and these cookies capture that spirit in every bite. They’re perfect for sharing at autumn festivals, holiday gatherings, or enjoying during an afternoon coffee break.

4. Simple to Make

If you’re intimidated by complicated recipes, don’t worry! These Easy Caramel Apple Cookies are simple to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients. The recipe involves basic mixing and baking—perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike.

Ingredients for Easy Caramel Apple Cookies

Before you start baking, make sure you have everything you need. Here’s the complete list of ingredients for your Easy Caramel Apple Cookies, including the roles each one plays in creating these perfect cookies:

Ingredient	Quantity	Role in Recipe
Unsalted butter, softened	12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks)	Adds moisture, richness, and helps the cookies spread.
Granulated sugar	3/4 cup, divided	Provides sweetness to balance the tartness of the apples.
Apple pie spice or cinnamon	2 1/2 teaspoons, divided	Adds warm, fall flavors to the dough.
Soft caramel candies	21 pieces	Creates gooey pockets of caramel inside the cookies.
Dark brown sugar	3/4 cup, packed	Adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness that deepens the flavor.
Large egg	1	Binds the dough and gives structure to the cookies.
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon	Enhances the overall flavor profile of the dough.
Kosher salt	1/2 teaspoon	Balances out the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
All-purpose flour	2 cups	Forms the base of the cookie dough and gives structure.
Instant vanilla pudding mix	1 box (3.4 ounces)	Keeps the cookies moist and tender.
Baking soda	1 teaspoon	Helps the cookies rise and achieve a soft, chewy texture.
Honeycrisp apples (peeled, cored, and diced)	1 large or 2 medium	Adds fresh, fruity sweetness and a slight crunch to the cookies.

How to Make Easy Caramel Apple Cookies

Making Easy Caramel Apple Cookies is simpler than you might think. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create the perfect batch of cookies:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure the cookies don’t stick.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar (reserving 1 tablespoon), and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 2 minutes. The air whipped into the butter will make the cookies soft and tender.

Step 3: Add the Egg, Vanilla, and Salt

Once the butter and sugars are creamed together, add in the egg, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Beat the mixture until it’s smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, instant vanilla pudding mix, apple pie spice (or cinnamon), and baking soda. These dry ingredients will give the dough structure and flavor. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could result in tough cookies.

Step 5: Fold in the Apples and Caramel

Dice the Honeycrisp apples and chop the caramel candies into small pieces. Gently fold the apples and caramel into the dough, making sure they are evenly distributed.

Step 6: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread. Before baking, sprinkle the reserved sugar and spice mixture over the top of the cookies for an added burst of flavor.

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set. They will firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a little soft when you first take them out of the oven.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for the perfect fall treat!

Tips for Perfect Easy Caramel Apple Cookies

To ensure your cookies turn out just right, here are some helpful tips and tricks:

• Use room temperature butter: Cold butter won’t cream properly with the sugar, so make sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can cause the cookies to be tough. Mix until the dough just comes together.
• Chop the caramels into small pieces: Large chunks of caramel might melt unevenly, so it’s better to chop the candies into small, bite-sized pieces.
• Don’t skip the apple pie spice: This adds the quintessential fall flavor that makes these cookies so special. If you don’t have apple pie spice, you can substitute with cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice.
• Check for doneness: The cookies should be slightly firm around the edges and soft in the center when you take them out of the oven. They’ll continue to cook on the baking sheets after you remove them from the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover the dough and chill it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, scoop and bake the cookies as usual.

2. Can I use a different type of apple?

While Honeycrisp apples provide the perfect balance of sweet and tart, you can substitute other firm apple varieties like Fuji or Gala. Avoid using overly soft apples like Red Delicious, as they may break down too much during baking.

3. How should I store these cookies?

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Simply wrap them individually or place them in a freezer-safe bag for easy access.

4. Can I substitute the caramels with caramel sauce?

For the best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to use soft caramel candies, as they melt perfectly inside the cookies. If you use caramel sauce, it may alter the texture of the dough and result in a different cookie.

Conclusion: A Perfect Cookie for Fall and Beyond

These Easy Caramel Apple Cookies are the perfect treat to celebrate the flavors of fall. With their soft, chewy texture, sweet caramel pockets, and hints of apple pie spice, they’re sure to delight anyone who takes a bite. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a fall party, or just for yourself, these cookies are easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

So, why wait? Gather your ingredients and start baking today. These caramel apple cookies are the perfect way to bring the cozy flavors of autumn into your kitchen, and we promise, your taste buds will thank you.

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