Spiced Caramel Apple Cookies

Oh wow, these cookies taste like fall. They’ve got warm spices, little apple bits, and a sweet caramel drizzle on top. I mean, come on—how could I not love them?

I made a batch on a chilly afternoon, and they made the house smell sooo good. They’re soft, cozy, and totally perfect with tea or cocoa.

If you’re craving something sweet and spiced, this is it. Seriously, you’ve gotta try them.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A Fall-Inspired Delight: Apple, caramel, and spices create a warm, comforting flavor profile that screams autumn in every bite.
• Soft and Chewy: The perfect combination of tender apples and a soft cookie base makes each bite irresistible.
• Easy to Make: With a straightforward ingredient list and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is beginner-friendly!
• Made with Pantry Staples: You likely have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already, making this a convenient go-to recipe.
• Perfect for Cookie Exchanges: These cookies are not only delicious but also beautiful with their warm golden color and optional powdered sugar dusting.
• Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins, like chopped walnuts, or leave them out for a nut-free treat.

Required Kitchen Tools

To create these amazing spiced caramel apple cookies, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:

• Mixing Bowls: For combining your wet and dry ingredients.
• Hand or Stand Mixer: To cream the butter and sugar, making sure your dough is light and fluffy.
• Whisk: For ensuring that your dry ingredients are evenly mixed.
• Baking Sheets: To bake your cookies evenly and prevent sticking.
• Parchment Paper: A non-stick surface for easy cleanup and perfect cookie bottoms.
• Wire Rack: To allow your cookies to cool evenly and maintain their perfect texture.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring these flavorful cookies to life (the exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

• All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): Provides the structure for your cookies. Make sure to measure accurately for the best results.
• Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): Helps your cookies rise and stay light.
• Baking Soda (½ teaspoon): Works alongside the baking powder to make the cookies spread and rise perfectly.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances out the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the spices and caramel.
• Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): A classic fall spice that adds warmth and depth.
• Ground Nutmeg (½ teaspoon): The perfect spice to pair with cinnamon for that cozy, spiced flavor.
• Allspice (¼ teaspoon): A subtle, aromatic spice that rounds out the other warm spices.
• Unsalted Butter (¾ cup): Adds richness and helps create a soft and chewy texture in your cookies.
• Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed): For the perfect combination of sweetness and caramel-like flavor.
• Egg (1 large): Acts as a binder and adds moisture to the dough.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, sweet fragrance to the cookies.
• Grated Apple (1 cup, peeled and cored): Fresh apples provide moisture and a burst of fruity flavor.
• Caramel Bits (½ cup): These little nuggets of caramel melt beautifully into the cookies for a rich, sweet treat.
• Chopped Walnuts (½ cup, optional): Adds crunch and flavor contrast, but feel free to skip them if you prefer nut-free cookies.
• Powdered Sugar (for dusting): A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a nice touch of sweetness and a polished look.

Variations for Spiced Caramel Apple Cookies

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are some variations and substitutions you can try:

• Add More Spice: If you’re a fan of spices, increase the cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra warm, aromatic kick.
• Use Different Nuts: If you prefer pecans or almonds, feel free to swap the walnuts for your favorite nut.
• Go Nut-Free: Skip the nuts altogether for a nut-free cookie option.
• Try Dried Apples: If fresh apples aren’t available, you can use dried apples—just chop them into small pieces and adjust the moisture in the dough slightly.
• Switch to White Chocolate: If you’re not a fan of caramel bits, you can swap them out for white chocolate chips for a rich, creamy taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Spiced Caramel Apple Cookies

1. Prepare Your Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and allspice in a medium bowl. This ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Set aside.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the unsalted butter and brown sugar using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that soft and chewy texture in the cookies.

3. Add the Egg and Vanilla

Next, mix in the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined. The egg will help bind the dough together, and the vanilla adds a lovely aroma to the cookies.

4. Add the Apples and Caramel

Stir in the grated apple and caramel bits (and walnuts, if using). The apple will add moisture and flavor, while the caramel bits will melt into the cookies, giving them that rich, buttery sweetness.

5. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can lead to dense cookies.

6. Chill the Dough

Once your dough is ready, cover it with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape while baking, and prevents them from spreading too much.

7. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure they bake evenly.

8. Scoop and Shape the Dough

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop dough into 1.5-2 tablespoon portions and place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. These cookies spread slightly, so leaving space between them is essential for perfect cookie shapes.

9. Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly soft, but don’t worry—they will firm up as they cool.

10. Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness and a pretty presentation.

How to Serve Spiced Caramel Apple Cookies

These cookies are perfect for a variety of occasions, and they taste even better when shared with loved ones. Here are a few ways to serve and enjoy them:

• With Tea or Coffee: These cookies are the perfect companion to a warm cup of tea or coffee, making them ideal for an afternoon snack or dessert.
• At a Holiday Gathering: Serve them at your next fall or holiday party—guests will be wowed by the blend of caramel and apple flavors.
• Gift Them: Package these cookies up in a cute box or tin for a sweet homemade gift for friends, family, or coworkers.
• On Their Own: Of course, these cookies are just as perfect enjoyed by themselves for a cozy treat at any time of day.

Storing Spiced Caramel Apple Cookies

To keep your spiced caramel apple cookies fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:

• Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This will keep them soft and chewy.
• Freezing: If you want to enjoy these cookies later, you can freeze them! Place the cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
• Cookie Dough: You can also freeze the dough. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, just place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and bake as usual, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Nutrition

Here’s an estimated nutrition breakdown for one spiced caramel apple cookie (based on a yield of 24 cookies):

Nutrient	Amount per Cookie
Calories	150
Protein	1g
Carbohydrates	22g
Fiber	1g
Sugars	14g
Fat	7g
Saturated Fat	4g
Cholesterol	20mg
Sodium	75mg
Potassium	50mg

Conclusion

These Spiced Caramel Apple Cookies are an irresistible combination of warm spices, fresh apples, gooey caramel, and a touch of crunch from walnuts. They are the perfect treat for any occasion—whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special event, or simply treating yourself to something sweet. With their soft and chewy texture, balanced sweetness, and comforting fall flavors, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.

Spiced Caramel Apple Cookies FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, you can use any type of apple you like! For a tart contrast, use Granny Smith apples. For a sweeter flavor, Honeycrisp apples are a great choice.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but if you use salted butter, reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty cookies.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

These cookies are made with all-purpose flour, but you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture.

Can I add more caramel bits?

Absolutely! If you love caramel, feel free to add more caramel bits to the dough for extra gooeyness.