Caramel Apple Cookies with Salted Caramel Drizzle Recipe
If you’ve ever wanted to combine the crisp, cozy flavors of fall into one irresistible bite, this Caramel Apple Cookies with Salted Caramel Drizzle recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies bring together soft, spiced apple pieces baked right into a buttery dough, topped off with a rich salted caramel drizzle that makes every bite feel like a little celebration. It’s that perfect balance of sweet and spiced, soft and slightly chewy, with caramel taking it to the next level.
I first made these for a casual weekend get-together, and let me tell you, they disappeared so fast everyone was begging for more. They’re amazing for a warm afternoon coffee break or a holiday gathering when you want something that feels special but is surprisingly easy to pull off. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this Caramel Apple Cookies with Salted Caramel Drizzle recipe in your baking arsenal all year round.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I love how this recipe balances simple pantry staples with fresh apple flavor and a homemade caramel that’s just the right touch of salty-sweet magic. Each ingredient plays a big role, but don’t worry – I’ll share tips to make sure your cookies come out perfect every time.
- Firm tart apples: I recommend Granny Smith for that bright tang that holds up well baking without turning to mush.
- Dark brown sugar: This gives a deeper, molasses note that complements the apples beautifully.
- Cinnamon: Just a pinch to add that warm, spiced hint you want every fall dessert to have.
- Unsalted butter: Make sure it’s softened to room temp for easier mixing and fluffier cookies.
- Granulated sugar: Balancing the brown sugar, it helps keep the dough light and tender.
- Vanilla extract: Adds that sweet aromatic lift you don’t want to skip.
- Egg: Room temp eggs blend better and make the dough silky.
- All-purpose flour: The base for structure—no substitutions here for best texture.
- Baking soda: Adds just enough lift so the cookies aren’t dense.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors, especially the caramel drizzle.
- Rich Salted Caramel Sauce: Homemade is best! It’s the crowning glory that turns these cookies into a mouthwatering treat.
Variations
One of the things I love about the Caramel Apple Cookies with Salted Caramel Drizzle recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Depending on your mood or what you have on hand, tweaking it can be a lot of fun.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts: I sometimes toss in toasted nuts for a delightful crunch that plays beautifully with the soft apple bites.
- Use a mix of apples: Combining tart and sweet apples adds complexity – I’ve used Honeycrisp or Fuji alongside Granny Smith with great success.
- Make it vegan: Swap butter for coconut oil and an egg replacer – the texture shifts slightly but it still tastes amazing.
- Spice it up: A dash of nutmeg or ground ginger amps up the warmth if you like bold fall flavors.
- Drizzle variations: Try white chocolate with a sprinkle of sea salt for a fun twist on the classic salted caramel.
How to Make Caramel Apple Cookies with Salted Caramel Drizzle Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spiced Apple Filling
Start by peeling and finely dicing your tart apples. I like using Granny Smith because their tartness cuts through the sweetness beautifully. Mix the apples with dark brown sugar and cinnamon, allowing them to sit for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the dough. This not only softens the apples slightly but also helps the sugar and spice meld perfectly with their natural juice.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
Next up, cream the softened unsalted butter with both dark brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it adds air to the dough, making your cookies tender. Be patient here – it might take about 3-5 minutes with a stand mixer or hand beaters. Then, beat in the vanilla and egg until fully combined.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can toughen your cookies, so stop as soon as there are no visible flour streaks. Then gently fold in your spiced apple mixture, making sure the pieces are evenly distributed without breaking them down.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Aim for uniform sizes so they bake evenly. Slide them into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake about 12-14 minutes, until the edges are golden but the centers still look a little soft. The cookies will continue to set as they cool – resist the urge to overbake!
Step 5: Drizzle with Rich Salted Caramel Sauce
Once the cookies have cooled for about 10 minutes, drizzle them generously with your homemade rich salted caramel sauce. I usually use a spoon or a small piping bag to get nice, delicate lines across each cookie. The salted caramel adds that perfect hint of saltiness that balances all the sweet and spiced flavors in the cookie.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Cookies with Salted Caramel Drizzle Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these cookies with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after drizzling the caramel. It adds a subtle crunch and enhances the caramel notes beautifully. Sometimes, I add tiny apple slices or a grating of cinnamon on top for that extra fall vibe when serving guests.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a warm cup of spiced chai or a simple black coffee to cut through the sweetness. They’re also fabulous alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream when you want to serve them as a dessert at your next dinner party.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like arranging these cookies on a rustic wooden board with small bunches of fresh apples and cinnamon sticks for a cozy touch. Drizzling extra caramel on the plate or serving the sauce on the side in a tiny jar lets guests get creative with their sweetness level, and it looks gorgeous too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover Caramel Apple Cookies with Salted Caramel Drizzle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They stay soft and flavorful, but if the caramel drizzle softens too much, a quick chill in the fridge firms it right back up without ruining the cookie’s texture.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully if you want to save some for later. I recommend freezing the plain cookies without the drizzle first—wrap them airtight in a single layer of parchment, then place in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temp and add a fresh drizzle of caramel before serving.
Reheating
To warm them up, pop the cookies in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This softens them back up nicely. Avoid microwaving if possible—it can make the cookies gummy or cause the caramel drizzle to get too melty.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of apples for the Caramel Apple Cookies with Salted Caramel Drizzle recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness and firm texture, you can mix in sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Just make sure the apples are firm enough to hold their shape during baking to avoid a mushy filling.
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Is it necessary to make homemade salted caramel sauce for the drizzle?
Homemade caramel really takes these cookies to the next level, but if you’re short on time, quality store-bought salted caramel sauce works too! Just pick one that’s thick and not overly sweet to maintain the right balance of flavors.
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How do I prevent the apples from making the cookie dough soggy?
Dice the apples finely and toss them with sugar and cinnamon first. Letting them sit releases excess juice, which you can then drain lightly before folding them into the dough. This helps keep your cookies from getting too wet or spreading too much in the oven.
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Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough, including the apple filling, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This actually helps the flavors meld together more deeply, making your cookies even tastier.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Apple Cookies with Salted Caramel Drizzle recipe quickly became one of my favorite fall indulgences because it’s just so comforting and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply a treat for yourself, these cookies strike that perfect harmony of apple, spice, and caramel that everyone will love. Give them a try – I’m confident they’ll become a staple in your cookie repertoire, just like they are in mine!
Print
Caramel Apple Cookies with Salted Caramel Drizzle Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 18 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Delicious Caramel Apple Cookies feature a tender, spiced apple filling wrapped in buttery cookie dough, all topped with a luscious rich salted caramel drizzle. Perfectly balancing sweet, tangy, and warm autumn flavors, these cookies are an irresistible treat for fall or any cozy occasion.
Ingredients
Spiced Apple Filling
- 2 cups (200g) finely diced, peeled firm tart apples
- 2 tablespoons (30g) packed dark brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cookie Dough
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (110g) packed dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 ⅓ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Rich Salted Caramel Sauce
- 1 recipe of Rich Salted Caramel Sauce (prepared as per your favorite recipe or instructions)
Instructions
- Prepare the Spiced Apple Filling: In a bowl, combine the finely diced peeled tart apples with dark brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix well to evenly coat the apple pieces with sugar and spice. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the vanilla extract and the egg, mixing well until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to form the cookie dough.
- Assemble Cookies: Take a portion of the cookie dough and flatten it in the palm of your hand. Place a spoonful of the spiced apple filling in the center, then fold the dough around the filling, sealing it to form a ball. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and filling.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the filled cookie balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are cooked through.
- Cool and Drizzle: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, generously drizzle the rich salted caramel sauce over each cookie.
Notes
- Use firm tart apples like Granny Smith to ensure the filling holds texture and balances sweetness.
- Ensure butter and egg are at room temperature to achieve a smooth, creamy dough.
- For a thicker caramel drizzle, warm the caramel sauce slightly before drizzling.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days; refrigerate for longer freshness.
Keywords: caramel apple cookies, salted caramel drizzle, spiced apple filling, fall cookies, baked cookies, autumn desserts
