Caramel Apples Cookies
Caramel Apple Cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with warm spices, apple chunks, and gooey caramel bits. A simple fall dessert that tastes just like caramel apples in cookie form.
Servings: 9
Calories: 489kcal
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 2 tablespoons concentrated apple juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1¼ teaspoons apple pie spice
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 5 oz cream cheese softened
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 3 tablespoons caramel sauce. I like to use homemade caramel sauce but you can use store bought.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
For Homemade Streusel Topping:
- 1½ tablespoons cold unsalted butter cubed
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Additional Topping:
- 1 green apple diced into small cubes
- Extra caramel sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
For Streusel Topping:
- In a medium skillet, melt the butter.
- Remove from heat and stir in the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt until the mixture forms moist clumps.
- Return the skillet to low heat and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown.
- Transfer to a plate to cool completely.
For the Cookies:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, apple juice concentrate and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, apple pie spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
- Use a large cookie scoop (about ¼ cup or 4 tablespoons) to form 9 evenly sized cookie dough balls.
- Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft.
- Let cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before frosting.
For Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
- Add the caramel sauce, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar.
- Beat until light and fluffy.
To Assemble:
- Spread a generous layer of cream cheese caramel frosting on each cooled cookie.
- Top with diced green apples.
- Sprinkle with streusel topping.
- Finish with a drizzle of caramel sauce. Enjoy!
Notes
If concentrated apple juice is unavailable, reduce ¼ cup of regular apple juice or apple cider by simmering it on the stove until reduced by half. Let cool slightly before using.
Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For best texture, let them sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving.
Don't add apples and caramel sauce if not serving right away.
Nutrition
Calories: 489kcal | Carbohydrates: 66g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 332mg | Potassium: 108mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 41g | Vitamin A: 785IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 2mg
