Caramel Apple Skillet Cookie Recipe
If you are craving a dessert that brings together the cozy flavors of fall with a warm, gooey texture, this Caramel Apple Skillet Cookie Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender chunks of apple, rich caramel bits, and a buttery cinnamon-spiced cookie baked right in a skillet, creating a perfect harmony of sweet and tart in every bite. This dessert is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, easy to make, and irresistibly comforting, ideal for sharing with friends or enjoying on your own with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping this Caramel Apple Skillet Cookie Recipe simple yet full of flavor means relying on a handful of everyday ingredients that work beautifully together. Each item plays an essential role — from lending the cookie dough its tender crumb to adding bursts of sweetness and spice that make every bite unforgettable.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Softened for creaming, it gives your cookie a rich, buttery base and beautiful texture.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create that perfect golden crust.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Brings moisture and a hint of caramel-like depth.
- Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients together for a soft, chewy result.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses warmth and enhances all the other flavors.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): The foundation for a tender and sturdy cookie.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookie rise just enough without getting cakey.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies flavor.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds that cozy, spicy touch perfect for apples.
- Medium apple, peeled and diced (1): Choose Honeycrisp for sweetness or Granny Smith for tartness, both add juicy bursts and texture.
- Soft caramel candies, chopped (1/2 cup) or caramel bits (1/3 cup): Melt into gooey pockets that elevate the cookie’s decadence.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (1/3 cup, optional): Offer crunch and a toasty flavor contrast.
- Caramel sauce (for drizzling): The finishing touch that amplifies the caramel goodness.
- Vanilla ice cream (optional, for serving): Melts beautifully over warm cookie slices for an indulgent treat.
How to Make Caramel Apple Skillet Cookie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Skillet and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9-inch cast iron or oven-safe skillet. This step ensures your cookie cooks evenly and releases effortlessly once baked, giving you that picturesque presentation straight from skillet to table.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process aerates the butter, helping create a tender texture and that delectable golden crust you crave.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. These wet ingredients add moisture and help bind all the flavors together, giving the dough its perfect consistency.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This blend seasonally spices the dough and helps it rise just enough for a chewy yet tender texture packed with flavor.
Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cookie, so aim for a light fold of the dry into the wet ingredients, keeping the dough tender and fluffy.
Step 6: Fold in Apples, Caramel, and Nuts
Gently fold in the peeled, diced apple pieces, chopped caramel candies or bits, and nuts if you’re using them. These add texture, bursts of sweetness, and an inviting aroma that screams fall comfort food.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Spread the cookie dough evenly into your prepared skillet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The edges should turn golden brown, and the center will be just set, still slightly soft. For a gooier center, consider baking 2 to 3 minutes less for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Step 8: Cool and Drizzle
Allow the skillet cookie to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before drizzling generously with caramel sauce. The warm cookie will soak in the sauce, creating more of those luscious caramel pockets that make this Caramel Apple Skillet Cookie Recipe a total showstopper.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Skillet Cookie Recipe
Garnishes
Drizzling caramel sauce is a must, but you can also add a dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of chopped nuts to give the presentation a little extra flair and texture variety. Adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side or directly on top brings a wonderful contrast between warm and cold that makes every bite unforgettable.
Side Dishes
This skillet cookie shines as the star dessert but pairs beautifully with hot beverages like spiced apple cider, a bold cup of coffee, or a sweet vanilla latte. These pairings enhance the warm spices and deepen the caramel apple flavors, turning your dessert into a complete experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Caramel Apple Skillet Cookie Recipe straight from the skillet for a rustic, cozy vibe. For gatherings, cut it into wedges and place on decorative plates, topping each slice with a drizzle of caramel and a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream. You can also use mini skillets for individual servings that wow your guests with charm and personalized portions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover skillet cookie tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps maintain the cookie’s moist interior and preserves the chewy texture without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze the leftover cookie, either whole or sliced into portions, by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and then placing it in a freezer bag. For best results, freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes to revive the warm, gooey texture. Alternatively, microwave slices for 20 to 30 seconds, but be careful not to overheat, or the cookie may become tough. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream after warming for that perfect harmony of temperatures and textures.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are popular choices for their sweetness and tartness, you can use Fuji, Gala, or even Pink Lady apples. Just remember to select firm apples that won’t turn mushy when baked to retain texture.
Is it necessary to use a cast iron skillet?
A cast iron skillet is ideal because it distributes heat evenly and creates that perfect crispy edge, but any oven-safe skillet or baking dish will work just fine. Just make sure to grease it well to prevent sticking.
Can I omit nuts if I have allergies?
Definitely. Nuts add crunch and flavor but are optional in this Caramel Apple Skillet Cookie Recipe. You can skip them or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds if you want a little texture without the allergy concerns.
How can I make the cookie more gooey?
Underbaking slightly by 2 to 3 minutes will keep the center softer and gooier. Also, using soft caramel candies that melt nicely inside the dough helps create luscious caramel pockets throughout the cookie.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, use a flax or chia egg instead of a chicken egg, and check that your caramel bits or sauce are dairy-free. This way you can still enjoy the flavors while keeping it plant-based.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Apple Skillet Cookie Recipe is truly a magical combination of flavors and textures that will quickly become a favorite in your home. Simple to prepare and richly satisfying, it’s the perfect dessert to cozy up with on a chilly day, share with loved ones, or impress guests with minimal effort. Dive right in and experience the warm hug of caramel and apple goodness fresh from the skillet.
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Caramel Apple Skillet Cookie Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Caramel Apple Skillet Cookie is a delightful fall dessert that combines tender apple chunks, rich caramel, and warm cinnamon flavors baked into a soft, chewy cookie. Perfectly baked in a cast iron skillet, this treat is best enjoyed warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Mix-Ins
- 1 medium apple (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup soft caramel candies, chopped or 1/3 cup caramel bits
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
To Serve
- Caramel sauce, for drizzling
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch cast iron or oven-safe skillet to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a mixer or whisk until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating the base for your cookie dough.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly until fully incorporated, ensuring a smooth and even blend of flavors.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This mixture will provide structure and warmth to the cookie.
- Form Cookie Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough which could make the cookie tough.
- Fold in Mix-Ins: Carefully fold in the diced apples, caramel bits or chopped caramel candies, and nuts if using, evenly distributing these flavorful add-ins throughout the dough.
- Spread Dough and Bake: Spread the cookie dough evenly in the prepared skillet, smoothing the top to ensure even baking. Place in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set but still soft.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the skillet cookie to cool for 5–10 minutes to let it set further. Drizzle with caramel sauce and serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream for a luscious finish.
Notes
- For a gooier center, slightly underbake the cookie by 2–3 minutes.
- You can use store-bought caramel sauce or make your own for drizzling.
- Best enjoyed warm directly from the skillet, but leftovers can be reheated for a fresh-baked feel.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
