Caramel Apple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Caramel Apple Oatmeal Cookies combine the tart freshness of apples with sweet, gooey caramel and hearty oats for a perfect cozy treat. Soft, chewy, and bursting with warm cinnamon flavor, they are a fall favorite that’s easy to make and share.

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 addition. Stir in the vanilla extract 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 ingredients, mixing 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 at 350°F (177°C) for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are golden and the centers remain soft.
8. Step 8: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• Use finely diced peeled apples to prevent soggy cookies and maintain texture.
• Swap caramel bits for chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
• Add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
• Replace cinnamon with apple pie spice for a more complex flavor.
• Use gluten-free flour if needed to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Add 1/4 tsp nutmeg or cloves to increase the warm spice notes.

Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them soft, add a slice of bread to the container. Cookies also freeze well for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Rolled oats provide the best texture, but quick oats can be used in a pinch. Expect a softer, more uniform cookie texture.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Yes, peeling the apples helps keep the cookie texture soft and consistent throughout.

Caramel Apple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 62 reviews

These Caramel Apple Oatmeal Cookies combine the perfect mix of soft, chewy oats with tart fresh apples and gooey caramel bits. A warm cinnamon flavor enhances the comforting fall vibes, making them ideal for potlucks, gifts, or cozy treats. Easy to make with no chilling needed, they blend hearty oats and juicy apples with buttery sweetness for an irresistible cookie experience.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Time: 30–35 minutes
• Yield: About 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 teaspoons vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

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

Add-Ins

• 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 using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
2. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in 2 large eggs one at a time to ensure even incorporation, then add 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Beat just until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
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 well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix gently with a rubber spatula or mixer on low speed just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough cookies.
5. Stir in Oats, Apples, and Caramel Bits: Fold in 3 cups rolled oats, 1 1/2 cups finely diced peeled apples, and 1 cup caramel baking bits until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Scoop and Bake: Drop heaping tablespoons of dough (or use a cookie scoop) onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the cookie centers remain soft.
7. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.

Notes

• Use small diced apples to avoid soggy cookies.
• Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies soft and tender.
• Always use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best chewy texture—quick oats alter the bite.
• Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent caramel from sticking.
• You can add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
• Substitute caramel bits with chocolate chips for a different flavor.
• Dough can be made a day ahead and refrigerated, or frozen after scooping.
• Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for optimal tartness and firmness.

Keywords: Caramel Apple Oatmeal Cookies, Fall Cookies, Chewy Cookies, Caramel Cookies, Apple Desserts, Oatmeal Cookies