If you have a sweet tooth and a love for cozy, comforting treats, then this Caramel Apple Skillet Cookie Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. Imagine tender chunks of caramelized apples nestled atop a perfectly baked, golden-brown cookie base, all drizzled with luscious caramel sauce. It’s warm, gooey, and bursting with fall flavors that feel like a hug from the inside out. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or just spoiling yourself on a quiet night in, this dish delivers that irresistible mix of crisp apple, buttery cookie, and sweet caramel you didn’t know you needed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Caramel Apple Skillet Cookie Recipe come together simply but play vital roles in creating each layer of flavor and texture. From the crisp apples that bring freshness and sweetness, to the oats that add a hearty chew, every component is thoughtfully chosen to make your cookie skillet pop with character and comfort.
- 2 medium Apples: Peeled, cored, and diced; Granny Smith or Honeycrisp provide the ideal balance of tartness and sweetness.
- 2 tbsp Butter: Used to sauté apples, giving them a rich, golden caramelization.
- 1/4 cup Brown sugar: Sweetens and helps develop that signature caramel flavor with the apples.
- 1/2 tsp Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice to enhance the apple’s natural flavor.
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract: Boosts the overall aroma and depth of the caramelized apples.
- 1 1/2 cups All-purpose flour: The base of your cookie dough, providing structure and tenderness.
- 1/2 tsp Baking soda: Creates lightness and helps the cookie rise beautifully.
- 1/4 tsp Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup Butter, softened: Brings moisture and richness to the dough when creamed with the sugars.
- 1/4 cup Granulated sugar: Offers subtle sweetness and helps caramelize the dough’s edges.
- 1/4 cup Brown sugar: Adds deeper, molasses-like notes within the cookie dough.
- 1 large Egg: Binds ingredients and adds a tender crumb texture.
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract: Amplifies the cookie’s sweet, comforting aroma.
- 1/2 cup Rolled oats: Adds chewiness and an appealing rustic texture.
- 1/2 cup Semisweet chocolate chips (optional): For those who want a hit of melty chocolate goodness.
- 1/4 cup Caramel sauce: Either store-bought or homemade, perfect for drizzling the finished cookie.
- Vanilla ice cream (optional): An irresistible cool and creamy contrast when serving.
How to Make Caramel Apple Skillet Cookie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Skillet
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 10-inch cast-iron skillet or any oven-safe skillet. This step ensures your cookie will bake evenly and release easily from the pan, giving you those beautiful crisp edges that make skillet cookies so special.
Step 2: Caramelize the Apples
In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Toss in the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract and cook while stirring gently. In just 5 to 7 minutes, you’ll see the apples soften and that sugary mixture thickens into a beautiful caramel glaze. This is the flavor powerhouse of your dessert, so take your time to really let the apples get tender and golden.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
While the apples caramelize, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl. This ensures the leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed throughout your cookie dough, giving a uniform rise and balanced taste.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, typically around 2 to 3 minutes. This creaming process traps air and creates wonderfully tender cookie texture later on.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture until fully incorporated. Then, gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined — avoid overmixing to keep the cookie tender. Gently fold in the oats and optional chocolate chips for extra texture and pockets of melty chocolate in every bite.
Step 6: Assemble in the Skillet and Bake
Spread your cookie dough evenly in the prepared skillet, pressing it out to reach all corners. Then, layer the warm caramelized apples on top, making sure they’re spread evenly for consistent flavor everywhere. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Add the Finishing Touch
Once baked, let the skillet cookie cool for 5 to 10 minutes to set up. Then drizzle with your luscious caramel sauce—this final flourish amps up the gooey factor and adds a stunning glossy finish that invites everyone to dig in.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
If you want to take this Caramel Apple Skillet Cookie Recipe to the next level, serve it warm with a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream on top. The hot-and-cold combo is pure magic, creating an instantly comforting, irresistible dessert experience that disappears fast!
How to Serve Caramel Apple Skillet Cookie Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans adds visual appeal and a contrasting crunch to your skillet cookie. A drizzle of extra caramel or a pinch of flaky sea salt can also elevate the complex sweetness and add balance.
Side Dishes
This dessert shines best served with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to cut through the richness. For a grown-up twist, a small glass of spiced apple cider or hot toddy pairs wonderfully, complementing all the warm fall spices in the cookie.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try slicing the skillet cookie into wedges and serving on individual plates with a drizzle of caramel and a mint leaf. Alternatively, turn it into a shareable dessert bar by topping with chopped nuts, mini caramel candies, or even a swirl of peanut butter before baking for extra decadence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover caramel apple skillet cookie tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for about 4 to 5 days, making it perfect for quick snacks or leftover dessert cravings.
Freezing
You can freeze the fully baked cookie by wrapping it well in aluminum foil and placing it in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it slightly in the oven to enjoy that just-baked feeling whenever you want.
Reheating
To bring your skillet cookie back to life, reheat slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or warm the entire skillet in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. Adding a scoop of ice cream immediately after reheating gives you that perfect fresh-baked dessert vibe again.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples?
Absolutely! Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work best for that perfect sweet-tart balance, but feel free to try Fuji or Gala if you prefer a sweeter, less tangy flavor. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples cook faster and might get softer sooner during caramelizing.
Is it necessary to use a cast-iron skillet?
While a cast-iron skillet gives the best heat distribution and crispy edges, you can safely use any oven-safe skillet or baking dish around 10 inches in diameter. Just make sure it’s well-greased so the cookie releases easily.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg in place of the regular egg to make it vegan-friendly. Be sure to select a caramel sauce without dairy, or make your own vegan caramel for the perfect finish.
What’s the best way to avoid soggy apples?
Cooking the apples beforehand with butter and sugar until caramelized is the key to juicy but not soggy fruit. Make sure to let excess liquid cook off during the sauté so the topping stays thick and flavorful without making the cookie soggy.
Can I add nuts to the cookie dough?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even toasted almonds make a delightful crunchy addition to the dough or as a topping. They complement the oats and apples beautifully and boost the texture of the skillet cookie.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Apple Skillet Cookie Recipe is one of those desserts that fills your kitchen with warmth and your heart with joy. It’s simple enough to whip up any day but special enough to impress friends and family. So don’t wait for a special occasion—grab your skillet and dive into the cozy deliciousness of this unforgettable treat. You’ll be making it again and again, promise!
Print
Caramel Apple Skillet Cookie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Caramel Apple Skillet Cookie is a deliciously warm and gooey treat featuring soft, caramelized apples atop a thick, chewy cookie base baked right in a cast-iron skillet. Finished with a drizzle of caramel sauce and an optional scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s a perfect cozy dessert for fall or any time you’re craving comforting sweetness.
Ingredients
Apple Topping
- 2 medium Apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1/4 cup Brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract
Cookie Dough
- 1 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp Baking soda
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/2 cup Butter, softened
- 1/4 cup Granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup Brown sugar
- 1 large Egg
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup Rolled oats
- 1/2 cup Semisweet chocolate chips (optional)
Finishing
- 1/4 cup Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Skillet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 10-inch cast-iron skillet or another oven-safe skillet to prevent sticking.
- Caramelize Apples: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir and cook for 5-7 minutes until the apples become soft and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt by whisking them together evenly. This will ensure proper leavening and seasoning in the cookie dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step helps incorporate air for a lighter cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender dough.
- Incorporate Oats and Chocolate Chips: Fold in the rolled oats and semisweet chocolate chips, if using, to add texture and bursts of chocolate flavor.
- Assemble in Skillet: Spread the cookie dough evenly across the bottom of the prepared skillet. Then, evenly distribute the caramelized apples over the top of the dough.
- Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cookie is fully baked.
- Cool and Finish: Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the cookie to cool for 5-10 minutes. Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra sweetness and richness.
- Serve: Serve warm, optionally topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy contrast. Enjoy your decadent Caramel Apple Skillet Cookie!
Notes
- Use a cast-iron or other oven-safe skillet approximately 10 inches in diameter for best results.
- Granny Smith apples provide tartness while Honeycrisp apples offer sweetness; choose based on your flavor preference.
- The cookie can be customized by omitting chocolate chips if desired.
- For easier slicing, let the skillet cookie cool slightly before serving.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days; reheat gently before serving.
