Caramel-Drizzled Apple Cinnamon Cookies are a warm, comforting treat that combines the classic flavors of apple pie with the simplicity of a soft, chewy cookie. These cookies are filled with tender apple pieces and aromatic cinnamon, then finished with a luscious caramel drizzle and a touch of sea salt for the perfect sweet-salty contrast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are everything you love about fall desserts—rich, spiced, soft, and buttery with a touch of elegance from the caramel drizzle. They’re easy to make in just 30 minutes and ideal for holiday platters, potlucks, or a cozy night in. The addition of diced apples provides a natural sweetness and soft bite, while the caramel topping takes them to the next level of indulgence.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup apples, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

For the Caramel Drizzle:

• 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)

directions

Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.

Mix Dry Ingredients

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated.
6. Gently fold in the diced apples and chopped nuts, if using.

Bake the Cookies

7. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Cool and Drizzle

10. Once the cookies are completely cooled, drizzle each one with caramel sauce. Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt if desired. Allow the caramel to set slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

Yield: About 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add oats: Mix in 1/2 cup of rolled oats for a chewy, hearty texture.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a deeper fall spice flavor.
• Different fruits: Substitute apples with pears for a similar flavor with a twist.
• Glazed version: Skip the caramel and top with a cinnamon sugar glaze for a lighter alternative.
• Nut-free version: Omit nuts entirely or replace with sunflower seeds for crunch without allergens.

storage/reheating

• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: If topped with homemade caramel, refrigerate to prevent stickiness.
• Reheating: Warm briefly in the microwave for a freshly baked feel—especially nice if you want the caramel slightly gooey again.

FAQs

Can I use any type of apple?

Yes, firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work well because they hold their shape during baking.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be prepared and refrigerated up to 24 hours in advance. Let it come to room temperature before baking.

Do I have to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for the best texture, but if you prefer extra fiber, you can leave the skin on.

Can I freeze the cookies?

Yes, freeze baked and cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

What kind of caramel should I use?

Both store-bought and homemade caramel sauce work well. Use a thick, spoonable sauce for best results.

Can I skip the sea salt?

Absolutely. The sea salt is optional and only enhances the sweet-salty flavor contrast.

What’s the best way to drizzle caramel?

Use a spoon or small piping bag for even drizzling. Warm the caramel slightly if it’s too thick to pour.

Can I add raisins?

Yes, 1/3 cup of raisins can be added along with the apples for extra sweetness and chewiness.

Are these cookies soft or crispy?

These cookies are soft and chewy, especially in the center, with lightly crisp edges when baked as directed.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, though texture may vary slightly.

Conclusion

Caramel-Drizzled Apple Cinnamon Cookies are a warm and indulgent treat that beautifully combines the cozy flavors of fall with the ease of a drop cookie. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, family gathering, or just for yourself, these cookies offer a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and texture. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or make a batch to share—either way, they’re sure to impress.

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