Caramel Apple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Caramel Apple Oatmeal Cookies combine tender oats, sweet apples, and rich caramel bits for a delightful treat. Perfect for cozy afternoons or sharing with friends, they offer a delicious twist on classic oatmeal cookies.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 1/2 cups peeled and finely diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
• 1 cup caramel baking bits or chopped soft caramels

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract and beat just until smooth.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
5. Step 5: Fold in the rolled oats, diced apples, and caramel bits until evenly distributed.
6. Step 6: Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Step 7: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are golden and the centers remain soft.
8. Step 8: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• Use Granny Smith apples for a tart contrast or Fuji apples for extra sweetness.
• Substitute caramel bits with chocolate chips for a different flavor.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
• Add toasted pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.

Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container. Reheat gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a warm, melty treat.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?

Fresh apples are best to maintain texture, but if using frozen, thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the dough.

Will these cookies freeze well?

Yes, you can freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Caramel Apple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 103 reviews

Delight in these soft and chewy Caramel Apple Oatmeal Cookies that perfectly blend the warm flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples with rich caramel bits folded into hearty oats. Easy to make and baked to golden perfection, these cookies are an irresistible treat for fall or anytime you crave a comforting dessert.

• Author: Tim
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt

Additional Ingredients

• 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 1/2 cups peeled and finely diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
• 1 cup caramel baking bits or chopped soft caramels

Instructions

1. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 1 cup packed brown sugar and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
2. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in 2 large eggs, one at a time, then add 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Beat just until the mixture is smooth.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until evenly combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix gently until just combined to avoid over-mixing the dough.
5. Stir in Oats, Apples, and Caramel Bits: Fold in 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 1/2 cups finely diced peeled apples, and 1 cup caramel baking bits or chopped soft caramels to the cookie dough.
6. Scoop and Bake: Drop heaping tablespoons (or use a cookie scoop) of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn golden and the centers remain soft.
7. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing the caramel to set slightly.

Notes

• For the best texture, use old-fashioned rolled oats rather than instant oats.
• Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith work well to balance the sweetness of the caramel.
• Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can prevent spreading for thicker cookies.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
• Make sure caramel bits are evenly distributed in the dough to avoid clumping during baking.

Keywords: caramel apple cookies, oatmeal cookies, fall dessert, soft cookies, homemade cookies, cinnamon apple cookies