Caramelized Apple Oatmeal Cookies

Why You’ll Love Caramelized Apple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

These Caramelized Apple Oatmeal Cookies combine the comforting chewiness of oatmeal cookies with the rich, spiced flavor of caramelized apples. The addition of a simple sugar glaze elevates them to a delightful treat perfect for fall. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy afternoon or sharing with friends, these cookies offer a warm, nostalgic taste in every bite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Apples:

• 2 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced (approximately 2 medium apples)

• 2 teaspoons unsalted butter

• 4 teaspoons light brown sugar, packed

Oatmeal Cookies:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 3 cups rolled oats

Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 tablespoon water

Directions

Caramelize the Apples:

1. In a medium frying pan, melt butter over medium-high heat.

2. Add diced apples and brown sugar.

3. Cook, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender and golden.

4. Spread apples on a paper towel to cool.

Prepare the Cookie Dough:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.

2. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat butter and sugars on medium-high until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

3. Add eggs one at a time, fully incorporating after each addition. Beat on high for 1 minute.

4. Add vanilla extract.

5. Turn mixer to low and gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until combined.

6. Add oats and mix until just combined.

7. Fold in the caramelized apples.

8. Chill dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Bake the Cookies:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat.

3. Using a medium cookie scoop, place dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing cookies 2 inches apart.

4. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until edges are browned but centers are still soft.

5. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Glaze:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and water until smooth.

2. Drizzle over cooled cookies.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 24 cookies

• Prep Time: 25 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Chilling Time: 1 hour

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Variations

• Dried Apples: Substitute caramelized fresh apples with dried apples to skip the caramelization step.

• Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.

• Spices: Incorporate ground nutmeg or allspice for a different flavor profile.

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the recipe gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

• Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

• Reheating: Warm cookies in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to restore softness.

FAQs

How can I prevent the apples from making the cookie dough too wet?

Caramelizing the apples before adding them to the dough helps reduce their moisture content, preventing the dough from becoming too wet.

Can I use a different type of apple?

While Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness, you can use other baking apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn. Just ensure they hold up well during baking.

Is it necessary to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in thicker cookies with better texture.

Can I skip the glaze?

Yes, the cookies are delicious on their own. The glaze adds a sweet finishing touch but is optional.

How can I make these cookies more festive?

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top before baking or incorporate chopped dried cranberries for a burst of color and flavor.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

To make vegan versions, substitute the butter with plant-based butter and use flax eggs or another egg substitute.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown, and the centers appear slightly soft but set.

Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?

Yes, adding chocolate chips can enhance the flavor. Consider using cinnamon or white chocolate chips for a complementary taste.

How can I make the cookies chewier?

For chewier cookies, slightly underbake them and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Conclusion

These Caramelized Apple Oatmeal Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. The combination of sweet, tender apples and hearty oats creates a comforting treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or sharing them with friends, these cookies are sure to be a hit.

Caramelized Apple Oatmeal Cookies

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These Caramelized Apple Oatmeal Cookies are the perfect blend of warm, spiced oats and sweet, caramelized apple chunks. Soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor, they are the ideal fall treat or anytime snack. A delightful mix of apples, oats, cinnamon, and brown sugar make these cookies a must-try.

• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 20 cookies
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 apple (peeled, cored, and diced)
• 1 tbsp butter (for caramelizing apples)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar (for caramelizing apples)

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Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a small skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add the diced apple and 1 tablespoon brown sugar, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until the apples are soft and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together oats, flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
• In a separate large bowl, beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until well combined.
• Gently fold in the caramelized apples.
• Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
• Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Make sure the apples are caramelized and cooled before adding them to the dough to prevent them from becoming too soft during baking.
• You can use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor.