Caramel Apple Cookies

Name: Caramel Apple Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 2 dz.
Ingredients: 3/4 c. salted butter (1 1/2 sticks); 1/2 c. dark brown sugar; 1/4 c. granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tsp. vanilla; 2 c. all-purpose flour; 1/4 tsp. baking soda; 1/2 tsp. kosher salt; 1 tsp. apple pie spice; 3/4 c. rolled oats; 1 Granny Smith apple, grated (about 1/2 cup); 1/2 c. chopped apple chips; 1 1/2 c. powdered sugar; 2 tbsp. apple cider or juice; 3 tbsp. caramel sauce; 1/2 c. apple chips, chopped

It's everyone's favorite fall treat in cookie form!

By Hannah Klinger; Recipe by Carrie Marie SawyerUpdated: Sep 28, 2022

3.2

6 Ratings

Jump to recipe

the pioneer woman's caramel apple cookies recipe

Yields:

2 dz.

Prep Time:

20 mins

Total Time:

45 mins

One bite of these caramel apple cookies and you might never go back to the caramel apples on a stick. The apple flavor is dialed way up thanks to freshly grated apple and dried apple chips in the dough. Caramel icing adds a sweet and toasty finish. The secret hero of this recipe? Brown butter! It adds a wonderful richness and makes the apple pop even more. Add this recipe to your lineup of fall cookies to bake this season.

How do you brown butter?

Gently melt butter on the stovetop, then keep cooking, whisking occasionally, until it turns golden and has a nutty, toasty aroma. To see if it's ready, dip a metal spoon in the butter and check the color—it should be no darker than a medium golden brown. Be sure to pour the butter into a heatproof bowl right when you reach this point so it doesn't burn.

What is in apple pie spice?

Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice are the star trio of apple pie spice (cardamom and ginger sometimes join in as back up singers). This blend makes apple desserts taste even more apple-y. Grab a jar from the spice aisle or make your own.

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Ingredients

For the Cookies:

3/4 cup
salted butter (1 1/2 sticks)
1/2 cup
dark brown sugar
1/4 cup
granulated sugar
1
large egg
1 tsp.
vanilla
2 cups
all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp.
baking soda
1/2 tsp.
kosher salt
1 tsp.
apple pie spice
3/4 cup
rolled oats
1
Granny Smith apple, grated (about 1/2 cup)
1/2 cup
chopped apple chips

For the Caramel Icing:

1 1/2 cups
powdered sugar
2 Tbsp.
apple cider or juice
3 Tbsp.
caramel sauce
1/2 cup
apple chips, chopped

Directions

1. Step 1For the cookies: Preheat the oven to 350˚.
2. Step 2Brown the butter by melting it over medium heat in a medium saucepan, then let it cook and bubble for an additional 3 to 5 minutes or until the foam and butter underneath is golden brown. Transfer it to a large, heatproof mixing bowl and swirl a few times to help stop the browning. Let it cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
3. Step 3Meanwhile, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and apple pie spice in a medium bowl; set aside.
4. Step 4Add the brown and granulated sugars to the mixing bowl with the browned butter and beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 1 minute until creamy. Add the egg and vanilla, and mix on low just until combined.
5. Step 5Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until combined. Mix in the oats and grated apple. Fold in the apple chips with a rubber spatula.
6. Step 6Scoop the dough into balls, about 1 1/2 tablespoons in size, onto two parchment lined baking sheets and and press gently with the bottom of a glass. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Cool for 5 minutes on the sheet tray, before transferring to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
7. Step 7For the caramel icing: Whisk together the powdered sugar, apple juice, and caramel sauce. Using a spoon, drizzle the cookies generously with the icing and top with the chopped apple chips. Allow the glaze to set before serving, about 1 hour (at room temperature).
8. Step 8Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.