Soft Caramel Apple Oatmeal Cookies: Your New Favorite Fall Treat

Prepare to have your cookie dreams come true with these incredible Soft Caramel Apple Oatmeal Cookies! Imagine the perfect blend of warmth and sweetness, encapsulated in a single bite. These aren’t just any oatmeal cookies; they’re a delightful symphony of flavors, where tender apple pieces meet gooey caramel, all harmonized by a comforting hint of cinnamon. Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience that will transport you straight to the heart of autumn with every chewy, soft morsel.

If you’re as enchanted by apple desserts as we are, you’ll also adore these Caramel Apple Cupcakes, explore our collection of 25 Tempting Apple Desserts, and discover the charm of this classic Apple Crumb Cake Recipe.

Why These Caramel Apple Oatmeal Cookies Are an Absolute Must-Bake

As the vibrant hues of summer fade and the crisp, invigorating air of autumn settles in, there’s a unique joy that comes with fall baking. The kitchen fills with enchanting aromas, promising warmth and comfort. This easy recipe for soft caramel apple oatmeal cookies perfectly captures that autumnal magic, offering a taste experience that is both heartwarming and utterly delicious. It’s more than just a cookie; it’s a celebration of the season.

What makes these cookies truly special? For starters, they are incredibly easy to make. Forget about tedious chilling times for your dough – this recipe lets you whip up a batch of these delightful treats and have them ready to enjoy in no time. This makes them perfect for spontaneous baking cravings or last-minute party preparations. Their straightforward nature also makes them a fantastic project for bakers of all skill levels, ensuring a successful and satisfying result every time.

Beyond their simplicity, these cookies are remarkably versatile. Whether you’re planning a festive Halloween gathering, seeking a cozy after-school snack, or simply looking to use up a bounty of fresh apples or leftover caramel, this recipe is your go-to. Each cookie is a delightful package of flavors and textures: the chewiness of oats, the tender sweetness of diced apples, and the irresistible surprise of a gooey caramel center, all tied together with the comforting embrace of cinnamon. They’re designed to impress, delight, and satisfy even the deepest sweet tooth.

Whether you’re eager to expand your fall baking repertoire or simply craving a sweet and comforting indulgence, these caramel apple oat cookies are guaranteed to become a seasonal favorite. So, preheat your ovens and get ready for a batch of warm, soft, and utterly irresistible caramel apple oat treats!

Fun fact: Did you know apples are part of the rose family? Apples, along with pears, peaches, and cherries, belong to the Rosaceae family, making them distant relatives of roses! This fascinating botanical connection adds another layer of appreciation to this beloved fruit. Learn more about this intriguing lineage here.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Cookies

Crafting these gooey and soft caramel apple oatmeal cookies requires a selection of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create something truly magical. Using quality ingredients ensures the best flavor and texture in your final batch. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

Yields: Approximately 14 large (1/4 cup) cookies

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 and 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (for a gluten-free option, ensure you use certified gluten-free rolled oats)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature or even straight from the fridge if you’re in a hurry (we’ll beat it until creamy!)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup apple, finely chopped (about one medium-sized apple)
• Caramel Options: For the best gooey center, use soft caramels like Werther’s Soft Caramels, or any similar individually wrapped soft caramels. Alternatively, you can incorporate Kraft caramel bits directly into the dough or sprinkle them on top after baking. Caramel chips are another fantastic option for an even distribution of caramel flavor throughout the cookie dough.

When selecting your apples, consider varieties that hold their shape well when baked and offer a nice balance of sweetness and tartness. Granny Smith apples are excellent for a slight tart contrast, while Fuji or Honeycrisp provide a sweeter, crispier texture. Ultimately, any apple you enjoy eating will work wonderfully in these cookies!

Step-by-Step Baking Guide: How to Make Soft Apple Caramel Oatmeal Cookies

Creating these delightful cookies is a straightforward process, promising a rewarding baking experience and a truly delicious outcome. Follow these simple steps to bring the flavors of fall into your kitchen:

1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the old-fashioned rolled oats until everything is well combined. Set this mixture aside.
3. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, using either a handheld electric mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the unsalted butter with both the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Continue to beat for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the mixture is light, fluffy, and fully combined. Next, crack in the large egg and add the vanilla extract, mixing again until smooth and thoroughly incorporated.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Once the dough comes together, gently fold in the finely chopped apple pieces until they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough. This is also the perfect moment to incorporate any additional mix-ins you desire, such as chopped walnuts, extra caramel bits, or chocolate chips.
5. Form and Stuff the Cookies: Using a ¼ cup cookie scoop, portion out balls of cookie dough. For the gooey caramel center, take 1 or 2 soft caramels (you can roll them into a ball if they are irregularly shaped) and gently press them into the center of each dough scoop. Ensure the cookie dough completely covers the caramel, sealing it in. This step is crucial to prevent the caramel from oozing out excessively during baking. Place the prepared cookie dough balls onto your lined baking sheets, leaving enough space between each cookie (about 2 inches) to allow for spreading. You can lightly flatten the tops of the cookies if you prefer a slightly flatter shape, or leave them as scoops for a thicker, chewier cookie. If you want extra caramel goodness, sprinkle some additional caramel bits on top of the dough balls now, or save them to add immediately after the cookies come out of the oven.
6. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the baking sheets to your preheated oven and bake for 14-16 minutes. The cookies are ready when their tops appear set and the edges are lightly golden. They may still look slightly soft in the center, which is perfect for a chewy texture.
7. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 to 10 minutes. This crucial resting time allows the cookies to set further and makes them easier to handle. After this initial cooling, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Handle them gently, as they will still be somewhat fragile, and the warm caramel inside might be soft.
8. Enjoy and Customize: These cookies are utterly delicious as is! However, if you prefer to omit the caramel centers, you can certainly do so for a delightful apple oatmeal cookie. For an extra touch of sweetness, consider drizzling the cooled cookies with a rich brown butter glaze or a simple powdered sugar glaze. The possibilities are endless for making these cookies uniquely yours!

Storing Your Apple Caramel Oatmeal Cookies

These delightful apple caramel oatmeal cookies are perfect for preparing ahead of time or gifting to loved ones. Proper storage ensures they remain fresh and delicious for longer. Here’s how to store them:

• Room Temperature: Once completely cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their freshness, soft texture, and wonderful flavor for up to 4 days. To keep them extra soft, you can place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies; the cookies will absorb moisture from the bread.
• Freezing: For longer storage, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place the fully cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature. You can also warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds for that freshly baked, gooey caramel experience.

Fun Variations for Your Apple Caramel Oatmeal Cookies

While these cookies are fantastic on their own, there are plenty of creative ways to customize them and add your personal touch. Here are a few delightful twists to try:

• Add Nuts for Crunch: Incorporate ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the cookie dough along with the apples. The nuts add a wonderful textural contrast and a rich, nutty flavor that complements the apple and caramel perfectly.
• Caramel Extravaganza: For the ultimate caramel lover, go all out! After the cookies are baked and slightly cooled, drizzle them generously with warm caramel sauce. You could even sprinkle extra caramel bits on top before baking or immediately after they come out of the oven. A dollop of salted caramel frosting would take these cookies to an out-of-this-world delicious level!
• Apple Cinnamon Delight (Skip the Caramel): If you prefer a simpler cookie or want to reduce the sweetness, you can easily omit the caramel centers. These cookies are equally delicious as pure apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies, allowing the natural flavors of the apple and spice to shine through.
• Elegant Glaze Option: Elevate your cookies with a simple yet elegant glaze. A brown butter glaze adds a sophisticated nutty flavor, while a classic powdered sugar glaze provides an extra layer of sweetness and a beautiful finish. Simply whisk powdered sugar with a little milk or cream until you reach your desired consistency, then drizzle over cooled cookies.
• Sweet & Salty Vibes: To create a popular sweet and salty flavor profile, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies immediately after they come out of the oven, or after drizzling with caramel sauce. The salt crystals will beautifully cut through the sweetness, enhancing all the flavors.
• Oat Variations: Our recipe calls for old-fashioned rolled oats, which contribute to the wonderfully chewy texture. If you’re short on time, you could substitute with quick oats, but be aware that the texture will be softer and less chewy. For a heartier bite, consider a mix of both!

The Ultimate Fall Indulgence

Soft, gloriously chewy, and bursting with the comforting flavors of sweet apples and rich, gooey caramel, these apple caramel oat cookies are truly the epitome of a perfect fall treat. They offer a delightful blend of textures and aromas that make them ideal for any occasion, from a cozy evening curled up with a warm drink to a festive autumn gathering. This recipe, infused with the warmth of cinnamon and the irresistible allure of caramel, is destined to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection. Much like our beloved Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bars, these cookies bring joy with every bite.

Don’t wait to try these spectacular cookies! Give them a bake and let us know your thoughts and how they turned out in the comments below! We love hearing from you. Don’t forget to share your delicious creations on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook!

More Comforting Autumnal Delights!

• Grandma’s Classic Biscuit Apple Cobbler
• German Spiced Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Easy Cinnamon Roll Apple Dumplings
• Chunky Apple Walnut Cake
• Easy Homemade Apple Crisp Recipe
• Pumpkin White Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

Soft Apple Caramel Oatmeal Cookies

By Kim Lange

These soft and chewy Apple Caramel Oatmeal Cookies are the perfect fall treat, packed with sweet apple chunks, gooey caramel, and a touch of cinnamon. Easy to make and full of cozy flavors, they’ll quickly become a seasonal favorite!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (based on 2 votes)

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Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 14-16 mins

Total Time: Approximately 30 mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Cookies

Servings: 14 large cookies

Calories: 186 kcal per cookie

Ingredients

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature or cold
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup apple, chopped small (e.g., Gala apple)
• Soft caramels (e.g., Werther’s or Kraft caramel bits)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, salt, and oats. Set aside.
3. Using a mixer, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until combined and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
4. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Gently fold in the chopped apples until fully incorporated into the cookie dough.
5. Scoop ¼ cup portions of dough. Press 1-2 soft caramels into the center of each scoop of dough, ensuring the caramel is completely covered by the dough. Place cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between them.
6. Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until the tops of the cookies are set and lightly golden.
7. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the cookie sheet for 5 to 10 minutes, then transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Caramel Options: For the best gooey center, use soft caramels (like Werther’s or Kraft caramel bits). It’s important that the caramels are fully covered by the dough to prevent excessive oozing during baking.
• Apple Choice: Granny Smith apples are excellent for their tartness, which beautifully balances the sweetness of the caramel. However, feel free to use your favorite apple variety!
• Add-ins: Customize your cookies by folding in additional ingredients such as chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips with the apples.
• Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Glaze Option: For an extra touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish, drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze or a brown butter glaze over the cooled cookies.

Nutrition Facts (per cookie)

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 186 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0.3g
• Cholesterol: 29mg
• Sodium: 89mg
• Potassium: 71mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 12g
• Vitamin A: 225 IU
• Vitamin C: 0.4mg
• Calcium: 19mg
• Iron: 1mg

Keywords

apple, caramel, caramel apple, cookie, easy cookies, fall baking, fall desserts, oatmeal cookie

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