Welcome fall with these soft, chewy candy apple cookies—each bursting with real apple, warming spices, and luscious caramel. They’re a festive treat for autumn baking, parties, or any comfort-food craving. These caramel apple cookies combine the nostalgic flavors of classic candy apples with the comforting texture of soft, chewy cookies for the perfect fall dessert.
What makes these apple cookies so special is their perfect balance of flavors and textures. The soft, spiced cookie base pairs beautifully with the gooey caramel center, while the fresh apple pieces add moisture and natural sweetness. Whether you’re making these for a holiday gathering or just because, these soft apple cookies are sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Why You’ll Love These Candy Apple Cookies
These chewy apple cookies offer everything you want in a fall treat: warm spices, real fruit, and indulgent caramel. They’re perfect for everything from Halloween parties to Thanksgiving dessert tables, and they’re surprisingly easy to make despite their impressive appearance.
- Perfect balance of sweet and spiced flavors
- Soft, chewy texture with gooey caramel centers
- Uses real apples for authentic flavor
- Great for gifting and holiday baking
- Easy to customize with different add-ins
Ingredients for the Best Candy Apple Cookies
Creating these delicious candy apple cookies requires simple ingredients that come together to create magic. Using quality ingredients, especially fresh apples, will make a significant difference in your final results.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups peeled & diced tart apple (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp)
- 18–20 soft caramel candies (or baking caramel squares)
- Optional: 1 cup finely chopped apple chips, pecans, or oats
Ingredient Notes: For the best apple dessert recipes, use firm, tart apples that hold their shape during baking. The caramel candies can be substituted with caramel bits or homemade caramel for a more gourmet touch in these stuffed apple cookies.
How to Make Soft & Chewy Candy Apple Cookies
Follow these simple steps to create perfect easy apple cookies that will impress everyone who tries them. The key to success is proper preparation and not overmixing the dough.
Step 1 – Cream Wet Ingredients
Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Beat in vanilla if desired. This creates the base for your homemade apple cookies.
Step 2 – Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and spices throughout your fall cookies.
Step 3 – Combine & Add Apples
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Gently fold in diced apples and any optional extras like nuts or apple chips for extra texture in your autumn baking creation.
Step 4 – Shape & Stuff Cookies
Scoop dough (about 2 tablespoons per ball). Flatten each ball slightly, place a caramel candy in the center, then seal the dough around it. Arrange on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space for spreading.
Step 5 – Bake & Finish
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–14 minutes until edges are golden; centers will be soft. Cool for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack. For extra indulgence, drizzle cooled cookies with additional caramel sauce or top with apple frosting.
Candy Apple Cookies Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Cookie |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Carbohydrates | 17g |
| Sugars | 12g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Protein | 2g |
These candy apple cookies provide a sweet treat that’s perfect for special occasions. For more nutritional information about baking ingredients, visit the FDA Nutrition Education Resources.
Pro Tips for Perfect Candy Apple Cookies
After testing multiple batches of these caramel apple cookies, we’ve discovered several tips that will ensure perfect results every time:
- Apple Selection: Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor
- Dough Chilling: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading
- Caramel Placement: Ensure caramel pieces are completely enclosed to prevent leaking
- Baking Time: Remove when edges are set but centers still look slightly underdone
- Storage: Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain softness
Creative Variations to Try
Customize your candy apple cookies with these delicious variations that add different textures and flavor profiles:
- Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough
- Spice It Up: Include ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves or allspice for extra warmth
- Oatmeal Version: Replace ½ cup flour with rolled oats for chewier texture
- White Chocolate: Add ½ cup white chocolate chips for contrasting sweetness
- Cinnamon Sugar: Roll dough balls in cinnamon sugar before baking
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these candy apple cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough balls and freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, place frozen dough balls on baking sheet and add 1-2 minutes to the baking time. The caramel centers will still melt perfectly.
How do I prevent caramel from leaking out of the cookies?
Ensure the caramel pieces are completely enclosed in the dough and seal the edges well. Chilling the dough balls for 30 minutes before baking also helps reduce spreading and leaking. Using thicker caramel squares instead of soft candies can also help.
Can I use apple sauce instead of fresh apples?
While apple sauce will add moisture, it won’t provide the same texture as fresh diced apples. For the best results in these candy apple cookies, we recommend using fresh, firm apples that hold their shape during baking.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. The caramel centers may firm up when refrigerated, so bring to room temperature before serving.
Can I make these cookies without caramel?
Absolutely! If you prefer plain apple cookies, simply omit the caramel centers. You might want to add extra diced apples or include cinnamon chips for additional flavor and texture in your apple cookies.
What’s the best way to dice apples for these cookies?
Peel and core the apples, then dice into ¼-inch pieces. Smaller pieces distribute better throughout the cookies, while larger pieces provide more noticeable apple flavor and texture. Pat the diced apples dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
More Fall Recipes to Try
If you love these candy apple cookies, you’ll enjoy these other delicious fall recipes from our collection:
- Caramel Apple Cookies – Another delicious apple cookie variation
- Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting – Perfect for autumn baking
- Gingerbread Cookie Bars – Holiday favorite with warm spices
- Easy Dessert Recipes Collection – More sweet inspiration
- Apple Crisp Recipe – Classic fall dessert
Final Thoughts
These candy apple cookies perfectly capture the essence of fall in every bite. The combination of soft, spiced cookie, fresh apple pieces, and gooey caramel centers creates a treat that’s both nostalgic and irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to enjoy the flavors of the season, these caramel apple cookies deliver exceptional results that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Remember that the key to perfect soft apple cookies is not overbaking them—the centers should still look slightly soft when you remove them from the oven, as they’ll continue to set as they cool. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different apple varieties or add your favorite nuts or spices to make these chewy apple cookies your own signature treat.
These candy apple cookies are perfect for sharing—and storing them in an airtight tin keeps them soft and cozy, just like fall! They make wonderful gifts, party favors, or simply a special treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea on a crisp autumn day.
This recipe was developed to capture the classic flavors of candy apples in cookie form. The combination of fresh apples and caramel creates a delightful treat that’s perfect for autumn celebrations and everyday indulgence alike.
Candy Apple Cookies
Soft, chewy Candy Apple Cookies packed with real apples, warm spices, and gooey caramel centers. The perfect fall cookie for autumn baking, festive gatherings, and cozy holiday treats.
- mixing bowls
- hand mixer or stand mixer
- baking sheet
- parchment paper
- cookie scoop
- wire cooling rack
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and diced tart apple
- 18–20 soft caramel candies
- 1 cup optional add-ins: apple chips, pecans, or oats
Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy, 2–3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a separate bowl.
Add dry ingredients to wet and mix until just combined. Fold in apples and any optional extras.
Scoop 2 tbsp dough, flatten slightly, place caramel candy inside, and seal dough around it. Place on lined baking sheet.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–14 minutes until edges are golden. Cool 5 minutes before transferring.
For best results, use firm tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Chill the dough to prevent spreading, and fully enclose the caramel to stop leaks. Add pecans, oats, or white chocolate for delicious variations.
