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
Scale
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
