These chewy caramel apple oatmeal cookies are a tasty treat! Packed with sweet apples and gooey caramel, they have a lovely, soft texture that will make you smile.
Making these cookies is easy—just mix everything together and scoop them onto a baking sheet. I can’t resist the warm, sweet smell that fills the kitchen while they bake!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter gives these cookies a rich flavor. If you’re out, you can use margarine or coconut oil as a substitute, but the texture may vary slightly.
Apple: A medium apple, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, adds sweetness and moisture. If fresh apples aren’t available, try using unsweetened applesauce—about 1/2 cup should do it.
Caramel Bits: Caramel bits melt beautifully into the cookies. If you can’t find them, you can chop soft caramel candies instead. For a twist, try chocolate chips for extra flavor!
Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. If you’re nut-free, just skip them; the cookies will still be delightful!
How Do You Ensure Soft and Chewy Cookies?
To get your cookies perfectly soft and chewy, monitor your baking time carefully. They should be golden around the edges but still slightly gooey in the center when you pull them out of the oven.
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop dough onto the baking sheet to ensure uniform sizes.
- Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a rack. This helps them firm up a bit while staying soft inside.
- Don’t overbake! The cookies will continue to cook a little after you remove them from the oven.
Chewy Caramel Apple Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Mix-Ins:
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 medium apple, peeled and finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1/2 cup caramel bits or chopped soft caramel candies
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus around 10-12 minutes of baking time. So, in less than half an hour, you’ll have warm, delicious cookies ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large bowl, use a mixer or a whisk to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will give your cookies a nice texture!
3. Add Egg and Vanilla:
Now, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. This adds flavor and moisture to your cookies.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This step helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients before mixing them into the wet ingredients.
5. Mix Dry with Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few flour streaks are okay.
6. Fold in the Oats and Add-Ins:
Stir in the rolled oats, chopped apple, caramel bits, and nuts if you’re using them. Make sure everything is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Scoop the Dough:
Using a rounded tablespoon, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading while baking.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes. Look for the edges to be golden, while the centers should still be slightly soft and chewy.
9. Cool and Enjoy:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This is essential for them to firm up nicely!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your chewy caramel apple oatmeal cookies warm, paired with a glass of milk or your favorite tea. They are perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Quick Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
While rolled oats provide a chewier texture in these cookies, you can use quick oats as a substitute. Just note that the cookies may turn out slightly softer and less chewy. If using quick oats, reduce the baking time by a minute or two.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes a binding agent like xanthan gum. This should keep the texture similar while accommodating those with gluten sensitivities.
What Type of Apple Works Best in This Recipe?
For the best results, use a firmer variety of apple like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. These apples will hold their shape and provide a great balance of sweetness and tartness in the cookies!