Dessert

Caramel Apple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

ByGabriel Langdon November 17, 2025November 17, 2025

Introduction

These Caramel Apple Oatmeal Cookies combine the comforting warmth of cinnamon-spiced apples with gooey caramel bits and hearty oats. Perfect for fall or any time you crave a chewy, flavorful cookie that’s a little different from the usual.

The image shows a close-up of two oatmeal cookies placed on a white marbled surface. Each cookie has a rough, crumbly texture with visible oats and small pieces of chopped nuts scattered throughout. In the center of each cookie is a small dollop of caramel that adds a glossy contrast against the matte oats. The cookies overlap slightly, with one mostly in front and the other partially behind, both appearing soft and freshly baked. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 ½ cups butter (softened)
1 cup light brown sugar
½ cup sugar
2 eggs
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 apple (peeled and diced)
10 oz caramel baking chips

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
Step 3: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter with light brown sugar and sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture; mix until just combined.
Step 6: Stir in the oats gently until incorporated.
Step 7: Coat the diced apples with a small amount of flour to prevent them from sinking; then fold the apples and caramel chips into the cookie dough.
Step 8: Scoop the dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.
Step 9: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Let cookies cool on the baking sheets before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
For extra texture, add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the dough.
If caramel baking chips are unavailable, chopped caramel candy pieces or toffee bits work well.
Make sure apples are well coated with flour to avoid soggy spots in the cookies.

Storage

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm briefly in a microwave or oven to soften the caramel chips.

How to Serve

The image shows two oatmeal cookies stacked slightly on each other, placed on a white surface with a white marbled texture. The cookies have a rough texture with visible oats and several small, light beige chunks that look like apple pieces. There is a caramel-colored gooey spot near the center of the top cookie, adding a shiny contrast to the matte oats. The cookies are round with soft edges and a chunky, dense appearance. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?

It’s best to use fresh apples for this recipe, as frozen apples release more moisture and can make the cookie dough too wet. If using frozen, thaw and drain apples well before folding them in.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Ensure baking soda and other ingredients are also gluten-free certified.