If you’re anything like me, there’s something truly magical about the cozy combination of warm apples, rich caramel, and a tender cookie all baked together in one skillet. This Caramel Apple Skillet Cookie Recipe is one of those irresistible treats that brings together the crisp sweetness of apples and the indulgent gooeyness of caramel in a soft cookie base. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert for a dinner party or just an excuse to treat yourself on a chilly afternoon, this recipe will quickly become your new favorite. It’s not just delicious—it’s comforting, nostalgic, and downright addictive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry staples yet each one plays a vital role in shaping the taste, texture, and irresistible aroma of this skillet cookie. From the warming cinnamon-spiced apples to the tender, buttery dough, you’ll find every bite has a perfect balance of flavors.
- 2 medium Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal for their tartness and texture that hold up perfectly when caramelized.
- 2 tbsp Butter (for cooking apples): Adds richness and helps soften the apples while caramelizing them.
- 1/4 cup Brown sugar (for apples): Sweetens and creates that signature caramel glow.
- 1/2 tsp Ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and a cozy spice that beautifully complements the apples.
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract (for apples): Lifts the flavor with a subtle, fragrant sweetness.
- 1 1/2 cups All-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy but tender base of our cookie dough.
- 1/2 tsp Baking soda: Helps the cookie rise just enough for a soft texture.
- 1/4 tsp Salt: Balances out the sweetness and brings all flavors into focus.
- 1/2 cup Butter, softened: The backbone of the cookie dough’s rich and tender texture.
- 1/4 cup Granulated sugar: Gives a slight crunchy sweetness that contrasts the soft dough.
- 1/4 cup Brown sugar (for dough): Adds moisture and deeper flavor complexity.
- 1 large Egg: Binds the dough ingredients together beautifully.
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract (for dough): Adds that comforting sweet vanilla aroma.
- 1/2 cup Rolled oats: Introduces a lovely chewiness and a rustic texture to each bite.
- 1/2 cup Semisweet chocolate chips (optional): Melts into little pockets of chocolate bliss.
- 1/4 cup Caramel sauce: For the final luscious drizzle, either store-bought or homemade.
- Vanilla ice cream (optional): The perfect cool and creamy companion when serving.
How to Make Caramel Apple Skillet Cookie Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Caramelize the Apples
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 10-inch cast-iron or oven-safe skillet. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat, then add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir well and let everything cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until the apples soften beautifully and take on a gorgeous caramelized sheen. This process intensifies the apple’s natural sweetness and infuses the dish with warm, comforting aromas.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
While the apples are caramelizing, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. This mixture may seem simple, but it’s the fundamental dry blend that ensures your cookie dough bakes up perfectly—fluffy yet sturdy, with a balanced flavor.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, usually about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is key to building a tender crumb and giving your cookie a delightful texture. The sugars dissolve into the butter, trapping air that will help the cookie rise gently.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until everything is well combined. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just incorporated, taking care not to overmix to keep the dough from becoming tough. Then gently stir in the rolled oats and chocolate chips, if you’re using them, to add a bit of chew and chocolatey goodness.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Spread the cookie dough evenly into your prepared skillet, pressing it gently so the surface is smooth. Carefully spoon the caramelized apples over the dough, making sure they’re evenly distributed. Pop the skillet into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. The smell that will fill your kitchen is seriously something else!
Step 6: Final Touches
Once baked, let your skillet cookie cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Then drizzle the top generously with caramel sauce, enhancing every bite with sticky-sweet indulgence. If you’re feeling extra decadent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top will take this dessert to heavenly new heights.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Skillet Cookie Recipe
Garnishes
A simple scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creamy coolness that contrasts the warm cookie and caramel perfectly. You might also sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt to highlight the caramel’s sweetness. A dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans adds a pretty, tasty touch too.
Side Dishes
This skillet cookie is a standout dessert on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk. For fall gatherings, consider serving it alongside spiced cider or warm mulled wine to keep the seasonal vibes strong and cozy.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get fancy, portion the cookie into wedges and serve them on individual plates topped with caramel drizzle and a dollop of whipped cream. Another fun idea is to crumble leftover cookie and use it as a topping for yogurt or ice cream bowls. The skillet itself makes a charming rustic presentation for family-style serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, cover the skillet cookie tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep well at room temperature for up to 2 days, or you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days. The flavors continue to meld beautifully over time.
Freezing
If you want to bake ahead, you can freeze the unbaked cookie dough pressed into the skillet for up to 2 months. Just wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. To bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake according to the instructions. If freezing baked cookie, slice and wrap individual portions for easy thaw-and-eat snacks.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers warm, heat individual slices in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or warm the entire skillet in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. Reheating brings back that fresh-baked warmth and melty caramel goodness we all crave!
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for the Caramel Apple Skillet Cookie Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples hold up the best when cooked, you can experiment with Fuji or Braeburn apples for a sweeter or slightly different flavor. Just avoid very soft varieties like McIntosh, as they can become mushy.
Is it necessary to use a cast-iron skillet?
A cast-iron skillet is recommended because it distributes heat evenly, creating perfectly baked edges and a tender center. However, a similar oven-safe skillet will work fine as long as it fits your oven and is greased well.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! For a vegan twist, use plant-based butter and replace the egg with a flax egg or other egg substitute. Choose dairy-free caramel sauce and non-dairy ice cream for serving to keep the recipe plant-based and delicious.
Do I have to add chocolate chips?
Not at all! Chocolate chips are optional and add a lovely touch of melty sweetness, but the recipe is fantastic even without them. Feel free to substitute with chopped nuts or leave them out entirely.
How do I prevent the cookie from becoming too soggy with the apples?
Cooking the apples before adding them helps reduce excess moisture by caramelizing their natural juices. Also, using rolled oats in the dough helps absorb some moisture, keeping your cookie perfectly textured.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Apple Skillet Cookie Recipe is a heartwarming dessert that feels like a big, cozy hug from your kitchen. It’s easy enough to whip up any day but special enough to impress guests and loved ones. I encourage you to give it a try, and I bet once you do, it will become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. Nothing beats the joy of digging into warm caramel, tender apples, and soft cookie all in one skillet—pure comfort in every bite!
Print
Caramel Apple Skillet Cookie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Caramel Apple Skillet Cookie is a delightful dessert combining soft, chewy cookie dough with warm, caramelized apples and a hint of cinnamon. Baked in a cast-iron skillet, it’s perfect for serving warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat that’s ideal for fall or any cozy occasion.
Ingredients
Caramelized Apples
- 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)
Topping
- 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 any oven-safe skillet to prevent sticking.
- Caramelize Apples: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the peeled, cored, and diced apples along with 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the apples soften and become caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This adds air for a tender cookie.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture and beat until fully combined.
- Form Cookie Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough. Stir in the rolled oats and optional semisweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
- Assemble in Skillet: Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared skillet, smoothing the top. Spoon and spread the caramelized apples evenly over the surface of the dough.
- Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cookie edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the skillet from the oven and allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes so the cookie sets slightly. Drizzle the top with caramel sauce.
- Serve: Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, for a comforting and indulgent dessert experience.
Notes
- If you prefer a stronger caramel flavor, use homemade caramel sauce for drizzling.
- Substitute rolled oats with quick oats if preferred, but texture may vary slightly.
- Chocolate chips are optional but add a delicious contrast to the apple and caramel flavors.
- Make sure to grease the skillet well to ensure easy removal and serving.
- Allow the skillet cookie to cool slightly before serving to avoid burning.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for balanced sweetness and acidity.
