Candy apples are a beloved treat, especially during the fall season and festive occasions. However, what if you could capture the crisp sweetness of a candy apple in a delicious cookie? Enter the Candy Apple Cookie—a chewy, flavorful dessert that combines the tartness of apples with the rich caramel and cinnamon flavors of fall.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything about candy apple cookies, from ingredients and preparation steps to variations and storage tips. Whether you’re making these for a special occasion or just want to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe will not disappoint.
What Are Candy Apple Cookies?
Candy apple cookies bring together the best aspects of a caramel apple and a soft, chewy cookie. These cookies feature chopped apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a luscious caramel drizzle, all wrapped up in a cookie that has a perfect balance of crisp edges and a soft, chewy center. The addition of a crunchy, sugar-coated exterior mimics the texture of a classic candy apple.
Ingredients for Candy Apple Cookies
Before getting started, gather the following ingredients:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups finely chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
For the Candy Coating:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Caramel Drizzle:
- ½ cup soft caramel candies (such as Kraft caramels) or homemade caramel sauce
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
- Wash, peel, and finely chop your apples into small pieces. Aim for roughly ¼-inch cubes to ensure they distribute evenly in the dough.
- Pat the chopped apples with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This prevents the cookies from becoming too soft or soggy.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Step 4: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 5: Coat and Shape the Cookies
- In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the candy coating.
- Scoop 1 ½ tablespoons of cookie dough and roll into a ball.
- Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Place the coated cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
- Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Step 7: Make the Caramel Drizzle
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the caramel candies with the heavy cream in 20-second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth.
- Drizzle the melted caramel over the cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag.
Step 8: Let the Cookies Set
Allow the caramel drizzle to set for about 15–20 minutes before serving.
Tips for Perfect Candy Apple Cookies
- Use tart apples: Granny Smith apples provide the best contrast against the sweet caramel drizzle.
- Chill the dough: Prevents excessive spreading and makes it easier to work with.
- Drain apple moisture: Avoid excess liquid in the dough to keep the cookies from becoming too soft.
- Add nuts for extra crunch: Chopped pecans or walnuts complement the apple and caramel flavors beautifully.
- Try white chocolate drizzle: If you prefer a sweeter variation, replace caramel with melted white chocolate.
Variations and Customizations
1. Caramel Apple Oatmeal Cookies
- Add 1 cup of quick oats to the dry ingredients for a heartier texture.
- Swap out half of the flour for whole wheat flour to create a more rustic cookie.
2. Apple Pie-Inspired Cookies
- Incorporate ¼ teaspoon allspice and a pinch of clove for a stronger apple pie flavor.
- Use apple pie filling instead of fresh apples (chop it into small pieces before mixing).
3. Candy-Coated Apple Cookies
- Dip half of each baked cookie into red candy apple glaze (made from red food coloring and melted sugar) for a true candy apple effect.
4. Salted Caramel Apple Cookies
- Sprinkle the caramel drizzle with flaky sea salt for a sophisticated sweet-salty flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- With vanilla ice cream: Warm up a cookie and serve it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
- With coffee or cider: These cookies pair perfectly with a hot cup of apple cider or cinnamon coffee.
- As a gift: Package in decorative tins or treat bags for a perfect homemade holiday gift.
Storage and Shelf Life
Storing at Room Temperature
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Refrigeration
- If you want to extend their freshness, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 10 days.
- Allow to come to room temperature before eating for the best texture.
Freezing
- Unbaked dough: Freeze cookie dough balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the baking time.
- Baked cookies: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Final Thoughts
Candy apple cookies are the ultimate fall treat, combining the rich flavors of apples, caramel, and cinnamon into a soft, chewy cookie. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just indulging in some seasonal comfort food, these cookies are guaranteed to impress.
Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your baking experience. Happy baking! 🍏🍪
