Irresistible Caramel Apple Cookie has been my go-to treat ever since I discovered the magic of baking it right in a skillet. There’s something so comforting about the warm, gooey center and the sweet, tender apples mingling with caramel. My first attempt at a skillet cookie was a bit messy, but the aroma of cinnamon and baked apples filled my kitchen and instantly made it feel like autumn. This easy apple dessert is perfect for cozy nights in. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Caramel Apple Cookie
- An explosion of sweet, tender apples and rich caramel in every bite.
- Ready in under an hour, making it a perfect weeknight treat.
- A delightful balance of sweet and slightly tart flavors from the apples.
- It’s incredibly budget-friendly, using common pantry staples.
- This is an easy dessert that’s guaranteed to please everyone, from kids to adults.
- The warm, gooey texture straight from the skillet is pure comfort.
- It’s a wonderfully simple way to enjoy a delicious apple dessert.
Ingredients for Your Irresistible Caramel Apple Cookie
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful apple dessert. You’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – this creates a rich, tender base for our cookie.
- 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup packed brown sugar – these work together for sweetness and that classic cookie chewiness.
- 2 large eggs – they bind everything together and add moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – for that warm, comforting aroma and flavor.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour – the structure of our cookie dough.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – helps the cookie spread and rise beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 2 cups chopped peeled apples – the star of the show, providing tender, sweet bursts throughout.
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce – for that decadent, drizzly finish that makes it truly irresistible.
How to Make an Irresistible Caramel Apple Cookie
- Step 1: Let’s get this show on the road by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 10-inch oven-safe skillet – this is where the magic happens for our delicious skillet cookie!
- Step 2: In a large bowl, we’re going to cream together 1 cup unsalted butter, softened, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1 cup packed brown sugar. Beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy. You’ll notice it getting airy and pale, which is exactly what we want for a tender cookie.
- Step 3: Now, beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. The aroma at this stage is already amazing!
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. This dry mix will form the base of our cookie dough.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined – be careful not to overmix, as that can make the cookie tough. We’re aiming for a soft, pliable dough.
- Step 6: Gently fold in 2 cups chopped peeled apples. Make sure they’re evenly distributed so you get that lovely apple goodness in every bite of your skillet cookie.
- Step 7: Press the cookie dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared skillet. You want a nice, uniform layer so it bakes evenly.
- Step 8: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are a beautiful golden brown and the center looks set. You’ll start to smell that incredible caramel apple scent filling your kitchen.
- Step 9: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Drizzle generously with 1/2 cup caramel sauce all over the warm cookie. The caramel will melt slightly and create a luscious topping.
- Step 10: Let the cookie cool slightly in the skillet for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows it to set up a bit. Enjoy your warm, gooey, irresistible caramel apple cookie right from the skillet!
Pro Tips for the Best Irresistible Caramel Apple Cookie
Want to make your skillet cookie even more amazing? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that elevate this simple apple dessert.
- Use a mix of apple varieties like Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness. This adds depth to the flavor.
- Don’t overmix the dough once you add the flour; this keeps the cookie tender and prevents it from becoming tough.
- Let the cookie rest for at least 10-15 minutes after baking before slicing. This allows it to set up properly.
- Warm your caramel sauce slightly before drizzling. It makes it easier to spread and creates a beautiful, glossy finish.
What’s the secret to perfect Caramel Apple Cookie Skillet?
The secret is in the panade – soaking the breadcrumbs in milk, which I didn’t do here but it’s a great trick for other recipes! For this cookie, it’s about the quality of your apples and not over-baking. It’s an easy dessert to master with these tips.
Can I make Caramel Apple Cookie ahead of time?
You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Press it into the skillet just before baking, and you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Caramel Apple Cookie?
A common pitfall is over-baking, which leads to a dry cookie. Watch for golden edges and a set center. Also, ensure your apples are chopped evenly for consistent texture and don’t overmix the dough.
Best Ways to Serve Your Irresistible Caramel Apple Cookie
This warm, gooey cookie is wonderful on its own, but I love serving it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast between the warm cookie and cold ice cream is pure bliss! For an extra special treat, especially as a cozy fall dessert, I sometimes dust it with a little extra cinnamon sugar right after drizzling the caramel. It’s also fantastic with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce.
Nutrition Facts for Irresistible Caramel Apple Cookie
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect in each delicious serving of this apple dessert:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 200mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Your Irresistible Caramel Apple Cookie
Once your amazing Irresistible Caramel Apple Cookie has cooled down a bit, you’ll want to know the best way to keep it fresh. For short-term storage, let the cookie cool completely in the skillet, then you can cover the skillet tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. This way, it should stay delicious in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you’re thinking long-term, this cookie freezes beautifully! Once completely cool, wrap it well in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and it can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. This makes it super easy to have a slice of this delightful apple dessert ready whenever a craving strikes.
When you’re ready to enjoy your stored cookie, reheating is simple. For a single serving, you can pop a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds until warm and gooey. If you’re reheating a larger portion or the whole cookie from the fridge or freezer, the oven is your best friend. Place it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This method really brings back that fresh-from-the-oven texture and warmth, making it taste just as good as the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Irresistible Caramel Apple Cookie
Can I substitute the apples in this skillet cookie?
Absolutely! While apples are the star, you can definitely swap them out. Pears work wonderfully, or for a different twist, try using chopped peaches or even a handful of berries. Just make sure they’re cut into similar-sized pieces for even baking in your skillet cookie.
What kind of skillet is best for this caramel apple cookie?
A cast-iron skillet is ideal because it distributes heat so evenly and retains it well, giving you that perfect golden-brown crust. However, any oven-safe skillet, like stainless steel or enamel-coated cast iron, will work beautifully for this easy dessert. You can find more skillet dessert recipes here.
How do I get the caramel to drizzle nicely?
For the best caramel drizzle, gently warm your caramel sauce before pouring it over the warm cookie. You can do this in a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This makes it more fluid and easier to coat the entire top of your skillet cookie beautifully. For more tips on making sauces, check out this homemade Cajun honey butter sauce recipe.
Can I add other flavors to this apple dessert?
Definitely! Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients can enhance the apple flavor, especially for a fall dessert. You could also mix in some chopped pecans or walnuts with the apples for added crunch and nutty flavor. If you enjoy baking with nuts, you might like this funeral potatoes casserole which often includes a crunchy topping.
Variations of Irresistible Caramel Apple Cookie You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic, you might want to experiment with this incredible apple dessert! Here are a few variations that I love:
- For a Gluten-Free Treat: Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a good quality gluten-free all-purpose baking blend. Ensure your blend contains xanthan gum, or add about 1/2 teaspoon. The texture is surprisingly similar!
- Add Some Crunch: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts along with the apples. They add a wonderful nutty flavor and a delightful textural contrast to the soft cookie and tender apples.
- Spiced Up Version: Enhance the cozy flavors by adding 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg to the dry ingredients. This makes the apple dessert even more fragrant and perfect for a crisp autumn day.
- Dairy-Free Delight: Use a dairy-free butter substitute and a plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) instead of whole milk. Your dairy-free apple dessert will still be wonderfully rich and satisfying.
Irresistible Caramel Apple Cookie: 1 Amazing Skillet Treat
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm skillet cookie filled with tender apples and drizzled with caramel sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chopped peeled apples
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped apples.
- Press the cookie dough evenly into the bottom of a 10-inch oven-safe skillet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
- Remove from oven and drizzle generously with caramel sauce.
- Let cool slightly before serving directly from the skillet.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use a mix of apple varieties.
- Ensure apples are uniformly chopped for even cooking.
- Warm the caramel sauce slightly before drizzling for a smoother finish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
