Okay, grab your fork because this Caramel Apple Skillet Cookie is the kind of dessert that will have you daydreaming long after the last bite. Imagine the warm, gooey embrace of a freshly baked cookieโsoft, chewy, and loaded with sweet caramelized applesโstraight out of a sizzling skillet. Top it off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (or whipped cream for a lighter touch) and let the magic happen. Itโs comfort in every bite.
This dessert is the perfect fall treat, but who says you canโt enjoy caramel apples all year round? Whether youโre looking to impress at a dinner party or just need an indulgent pick-me-up on a cozy weekend night, this skillet cookie is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. And the best part? Itโs practically foolproof. You can totally take the credit for the โwowโ factor, but your secretโs safe with me!
Why Youโll Love Caramel Apple Skillet Cookie
This dessert is everything you need in a fall-inspired treat, and hereโs why:
Warm and Cozy:
Thereโs something about a cookie baked in a skillet that feels extra comforting. The edges get just the right amount of crispiness, while the center stays soft and gooey. Add in the warm caramelized apples, and youโve got a dessert that feels like a hug in every bite.
Easy to Make:
You donโt have to be a baking pro to pull this one off. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, youโll have this beautiful skillet cookie on the table in no time.
Perfectly Sweet:
The caramelized apples give a burst of flavor that balances out the sweetness of the cookie dough, and when paired with the rich caramel sauce? Total perfection.
Crowd-Pleaser:
Trust me, this dessert is sure to impress. Whether youโre serving it to family, friends, or guests, itโll have everyone asking for seconds (and maybe the recipe too).
One-Skillet Wonder:
This dessert only requires one skillet, making it so easy to whip up and clean up after. And thereโs something about serving it right in the skillet that makes it feel extra special.
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Ingredients
Hereโs what youโll need to make this sweet, caramel-filled skillet cookie:
Cookie Dough:
Soft, chewy cookie dough forms the base of this dessert. Youโll mix up the dough with butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and a pinch of salt to create that irresistible cookie texture.
Apples:
Youโll need some firm apples (Granny Smiths or Honeycrisp are great options!) that hold up well when cooked and get that perfect balance of tart and sweet when caramelized.
Brown Sugar:
This brings a rich, molasses-like sweetness to the apple filling. Itโll help create that caramel-like sauce that mingles beautifully with the cookie dough.
Cinnamon:
A pinch of cinnamon adds that warm, cozy spice to the caramel apples and complements the sweetness of the cookie.
Caramel Sauce:
You can go for store-bought caramel sauce or make your own if youโre feeling extra fancy. Either way, itโll be drizzled over the top for that irresistible finishing touch.
Butter:
Youโll need butter to sautรฉ the apples and to make the cookie dough extra soft and gooey.
Vanilla Extract:
A dash of vanilla enhances the flavor of both the cookie and the caramel apples, bringing everything together in perfect harmony.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Letโs get baking! This is how you create this mouthwatering Caramel Apple Skillet Cookie:
Preheat the Oven:
First things first: Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). This will make sure your cookie bakes evenly and turns out perfectly.
Cook the Apples:
In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the chopped apples, and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften. Sprinkle in the brown sugar and cinnamon, and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the apples become tender and start to caramelize. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the Cookie Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined. Gradually stir in the flour and salt until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
Assemble in the Skillet:
Spread the cookie dough evenly into a well-greased 10-inch skillet (or another oven-safe pan). Use the back of a spoon to press it down slightly so itโs compact. Then, spoon the caramelized apples evenly over the top of the cookie dough, spreading them out gently.
Bake to Perfection:
Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set. You want the cookie to be golden and slightly firm around the edges, but still soft in the middle. Keep an eye on itโdonโt let it overbake!
Drizzle with Caramel:
Once the skillet cookie is out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top. You can be generous with the sauce hereโthe more, the merrier!
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve this cookie straight from the skillet, warm and gooey. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, and enjoy every last bite!
How to Serve Caramel Apple Skillet Cookie
This skillet cookie is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your dessert experience:
Ice Cream:
A scoop of vanilla, cinnamon, or caramel ice cream is the ultimate pairing for this warm cookie. The ice cream slowly melts into the warm cookie, creating a perfect combination of hot and cold. Itโs just heavenly.
Whipped Cream:
If youโre not into ice cream, a dollop of freshly whipped cream can be the perfect light counterpart to the rich caramelized apples and warm cookie.
Coffee or Hot Apple Cider:
For the ultimate cozy experience, enjoy your skillet cookie with a cup of coffee or a warm mug of apple cider. Itโs like dessert and drink rolled into one.
Extra Caramel Drizzle:
For caramel lovers, you can drizzle a little extra caramel sauce on top. Go ahead and spoil yourselfโitโs worth it!
Additional Tips
- Use Tart Apples: Granny Smith apples work really well here because they provide a lovely tart contrast to the sweetness of the caramel and cookie dough. But feel free to use your favorite apples!
- Make it Ahead: You can prep the apples ahead of time and store them in the fridge until youโre ready to bake. Just make sure to warm them up before topping the cookie dough with them.
- No Skillet? No Problem! If you donโt have a skillet, you can use a regular baking pan. Just make sure itโs oven-safe, and follow the same instructions.
- Try Different Toppings: Besides vanilla ice cream, you can also top it with cinnamon ice cream, salted caramel sauce, or even a handful of crushed nuts for added texture.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this without caramel sauce?
A1: Absolutely! You can skip the caramel drizzle or make your own homemade caramel sauce. If you prefer a lighter version, you can also top it with whipped cream or vanilla yogurt instead.
Q2: How do I store leftovers?
A2: Store any leftover cookie in an airtight container for up to 2 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or in the oven for a few minutes to enjoy the warm gooeyness again.
Q3: Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
A3: Yes, you can! Swap out the regular flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, and youโre good to go. Just make sure to check the other ingredients for any hidden gluten.
Q4: Can I use a different type of fruit?
A4: Absolutely! Pears or peaches would also work really well in place of apples for a slightly different flavor. You could also mix in some dried cranberries or raisins for extra sweetness.
Q5: Can I make this in a regular baking pan instead of a skillet?
A5: Yes, you can! Just use an oven-safe 9-inch round or square pan, and follow the same instructions.
Q6: How can I make this ahead of time?
A6: You can prepare the apples ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Then, when youโre ready, simply assemble and bake the cookie for a fresh-out-of-the-oven treat.
Q7: Can I make the cookie dough in advance?
A7: Yes, you can! Prepare the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When ready, let it come to room temperature before assembling and baking.
Q8: Can I add nuts?
A8: Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would add a wonderful crunch to the cookie and complement the caramelized apples nicely.
Q9: How do I make sure the cookie doesnโt get too dry?
A9: Donโt overbake it! Keep an eye on the cookie, and when the edges are golden and the center is just set, pull it out of the oven. You want the center to stay soft and gooey.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes, you can! Just make sure to use a larger skillet or divide the dough between two smaller skillets. You may need to adjust the baking time depending on the size of your pans.
Conclusion
This **Caramel Apple Sk
illet Cookie** is the kind of dessert that brings all the cozy, sweet vibes to the table. Itโs simple, satisfying, and just the right mix of indulgent and comforting. Whether youโre making it for a special occasion or just treating yourself on a lazy afternoon, this dessert will never disappoint. So, preheat that oven, grab your skillet, and get ready to savor every delicious, caramel-filled bite. Enjoy!
Print
Caramel Apple Skillet Cookie
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Caramel Apple Skillet Cookie is the perfect combination of warm, gooey cookie and sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples. Baked in a cast-iron skillet, this dessert is topped with caramel sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat thatโs perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights at home!
Ingredients
- 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
- 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)
- 1/4 cup Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and grease a 10-inch cast-iron skillet or oven-safe skillet.
- In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the apples are soft and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, and beat until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined. Stir in the oats and chocolate chips (if using).
- Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared skillet. Top with the caramelized apples, spreading them evenly over the dough.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cookie comes out clean.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes before drizzling with caramel sauce.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top (optional), and enjoy your delicious Caramel Apple Skillet Cookie!
Notes
- If you prefer a thicker cookie, you can reduce the baking time slightly. Just make sure the center is set before removing it from the oven.
- For an extra caramel flavor, you can add some chopped caramel bits to the dough along with the oats.
- This dessert is best served warm, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg