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candy apple cookie

Candy Apple Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of caramel apples with a soft, chewy cookie base. By using simple ingredients and focusing on fresh, natural flavors, you can create a delicious dessert that captures the essence of a fall favorite. Here’s a straightforward recipe to guide you:

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup apple, finely diced (choose a crisp variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • ½ cup caramel bits or chopped soft caramels
  • ½ cup crushed candy coating (such as red candy melts or cinnamon candies)

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
  6. Fold in the diced apples, caramel bits, and half of the crushed candy coating.

Bake the Cookies:

  1. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  2. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
  3. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the remaining crushed candy coating on top of the warm cookies.

Serve:

  1. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  2. Enjoy fresh, or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Notes

  • For extra caramel flavor, drizzle warm cookies with additional melted caramel.
  • If you prefer a crunchier texture, bake for an extra 1-2 minutes.
  • Use parchment paper to prevent the caramel bits from sticking to the baking sheet.