These Caramel Apple Cookies combine the cozy flavors of fall — spiced apple cider, buttery dough, and gooey caramel centers — into one irresistible treat. Soft, chewy, and bursting with warm cinnamon and apple aroma, they’re the perfect cookies for cozy afternoons, autumn gatherings, or a sweet homemade gift.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Every bite tastes like a warm caramel apple in cookie form — a delightful balance of sweet, buttery dough and a molten caramel surprise inside. The recipe is easy, uses simple pantry ingredients, and brings the comforting essence of fall right to your kitchen.

Caramel Apple Cookies

If fall had a flavor, it would taste exactly like these Caramel Apple Cookies — buttery, spiced, and kissed with gooey caramel in every bite. There’s something so nostalgic about the combination of apple and caramel; it reminds us of crisp autumn days, fairground treats, and cozy baking sessions that fill the kitchen with warmth and sweetness.

This recipe transforms that classic fall pairing into a soft, chewy cookie that melts in your mouth. The secret? Instant apple cider mix — it infuses the dough with an intense apple flavor that’s perfectly balanced by the rich, golden caramel at its center. Each cookie has that irresistible combination of chewy edges, a tender center, and a burst of melted caramel when you take a bite.

The dough itself is a dream to work with — buttery and smooth, lightly spiced with cinnamon and apple cider mix for a fragrant aroma that instantly feels like autumn. Once baked, the cookies puff slightly, revealing cracks where the caramel peeks through, just begging to be enjoyed warm from the oven.

Whether you’re baking for a fall family gathering, a holiday dessert table, or simply craving a cozy treat with your coffee, these cookies deliver on every level. They’re simple enough for casual baking yet elegant enough to impress guests. And the best part? Your home will smell like an apple orchard kissed by caramel — the kind of scent that wraps you in comfort and nostalgia.

If you love recipes that feel seasonal yet timeless, this one is a keeper. These Caramel Apple Cookies are a reminder of how powerful simple ingredients can be — butter, sugar, apple spice, and caramel coming together to create something that’s both familiar and magical. Pair them with a cup of hot apple cider or tea, and you’ve got the ultimate autumn indulgence.

Servings & Time

• Servings: 24 cookies

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Chill Time: 30 minutes

• Bake Time: 12–14 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

• 2 sticks butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 box (10 packets) Spiced Apple Cider Instant Drink Mix (such as Alpine)

• 2 eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• Caramel candies (soft, unwrapped)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy.

3. Add the apple cider drink mix packets and continue mixing until fully incorporated.

4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

2. Add the Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon.

2. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.

3. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes — this helps it firm up for easier shaping.

3. Shape the Cookies

1. Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of dough and flatten it slightly in your hand.

2. Place one soft caramel candy in the center and roll the dough around it, sealing the edges completely.

3. Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart.

4. Bake

1. Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

2. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

3. Serve warm for a gooey caramel center, or let them cool completely for a chewy texture.

Tips

• Use soft caramel candies like Werther’s Soft Caramels or Kraft Caramel Bits for easy melting.

• Want extra flavor? Drizzle with melted caramel or a light glaze after cooling.

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days — reheat slightly before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.

• Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for an extra layer of fall spice.