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
Scale
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.
