If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that tastes like a warm hug on a chilly day, you have to try this irresistibly gooey and comforting Caramel Apple Cookie Skillet Recipe. Combining the crispness of fresh apples, the chewiness of a soft cookie, and the luscious sweetness of caramel, this skillet dessert is a perfect way to bring a little joy to any gathering. Every bite offers a beautiful harmony of textures and flavors that feel like autumn in every forkful. It’s simple enough for a weeknight treat but special enough for company, making it a real crowd-pleaser whenever you serve it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a critical role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures in the dish. From the oats adding a subtle chewiness to the blend of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples delivering the ideal mix of tart and sweet, each component shines through.
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats: Adds hearty texture and wholesome chewiness to the cookie base.
- 1 egg: Binds the cookie dough together for a tender yet sturdy structure.
- ½ cup butter (melted and slightly cooled): Brings rich flavor and moistness to the cookie topping.
- ¼ cup white sugar: Balances the caramel and apple sweetness with a hint of brightness.
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed): Deepens the flavor with its molasses notes, perfect for that caramel vibe.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy base for the cookie dough to hold its shape.
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic layer that complements the apples perfectly.
- ½ tsp baking soda: Helps the cookie rise slightly for a light texture.
- ¼ tsp salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances all flavors beautifully.
- ½ cup toffee bites: Provide little pockets of buttery crunch throughout the cookie.
- 5 apples (peeled and diced; mix of Honeycrisp and Granny Smith): A perfect combo of tart and sweet to keep each bite lively.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for the apples): Helps thicken the apple filling so it’s juicy but not runny.
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar: Sprinkles a bit of sweetness on the apples for that caramelization effect.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds warm spice that’s classic with apples and caramel.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the apple mixture and brings out the cinnamon’s depth.
- ¼ cup prepared store-bought caramel: Melts over the apples for that dreamy, sticky finish.
How to Make Caramel Apple Cookie Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures the skillet will bake evenly and get that golden crust we all love. While the oven warms up, get your butter melted and slightly cooled—this helps blend with the sugars perfectly when making your cookie dough.
Step 2: Mix the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl or mixer, cream together the melted butter, white sugar, and brown sugar. This blend creates a rich, velvety base for your cookie dough. Then, beat in the egg and vanilla extract to add moisture and that unmistakable warmth.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Add Texture
In another bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually stir this dry mix into your buttery sugar mixture just until combined to avoid overworking the dough. Fold in the oats and toffee bites last to infuse texture and pockets of melty sweetness.
Step 4: Prepare the Apple Filling
Toss the peeled and diced apples with 2 tablespoons of flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This mixture will thicken nicely while baking and ensure every bite is perfectly spiced and sweet without being soggy.
Step 5: Layer Apples and Caramel in Skillet
Spread the apple mixture in an ungreased 10-inch cast-iron skillet or any oven-safe pan you have. Drizzle the prepared caramel sauce evenly over the apples, so it melts into the warm fruit during baking and creates that irresistible gooey layer.
Step 6: Top with Cookie Dough
Drop spoonfuls of your cookie dough on top of the apple and caramel layer. Use the back of a spoon to gently spread or crumble the dough to cover the apples entirely. This rustic topping will bake into a golden, chewy crust that’s absolutely luscious.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the skillet for 25-30 minutes until the edges turn golden and the cookie top is lightly browned. Allow it to cool for 5 minutes – the caramel will be hot and bubbly so patience pays off! Then, slice and serve to enjoy that perfect caramel-apple-cookie combo.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Cookie Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Top warm slices with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing that melts into the gooey skillet. A drizzle of extra caramel sauce or a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts can add an elegant touch and delightful crunch. Don’t forget a sprinkle of flaky sea salt if you like a sweet-salty twist!
Side Dishes
This dessert shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea to balance the sweetness. For brunch, serve alongside crispy bacon or a simple green salad to complement the richness without overpowering your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, serve individual portions in mini skillets for a charming presentation. Or, turn this into a decadent trifle by layering warm caramel apple cookie pieces with whipped cream and cinnamon-spiced custard in clear glasses – guaranteed to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, and it reheats beautifully without losing that soft-and-chewy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked Caramel Apple Cookie Skillet covered with foil or plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best taste and texture.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or microwave individual servings for about 30 seconds. This refreshes the gooey caramel and soft cookie topping perfectly without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work great for the balance of tartness and sweetness, but feel free to experiment with Fuji, Pink Lady, or Braeburn apples. Just aim for a mix to keep that flavor harmony.
Is it necessary to use a cast-iron skillet?
While a cast-iron skillet gives the best heat distribution and rustic presentation, any oven-safe pan around 10 inches will work fine. Just adjust baking time slightly if your pan is heavier or lighter.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and make sure your toffee bites are gluten-free as well. The texture might vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How do I prevent the cookie dough from sinking into the apples?
Gently crumbling the dough over the apples rather than spreading helps keep some air and texture on top while still covering all the fruit evenly.
Can I make the caramel homemade instead of store-bought?
Definitely! A homemade salted caramel sauce adds an extra level of flavor. Just be sure it’s poured warm over the apples so it melts nicely into the filling during baking.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like digging into a warm skillet bursting with tender apples, melty caramel, and cookie goodness, which is exactly why the Caramel Apple Cookie Skillet Recipe has become one of my personal favorites. It’s straightforward, festive, and endlessly satisfying, so I invite you to make it for yourself or share it with friends. Trust me, once you try it, this dessert will be in your regular rotation too!
Print
Caramel Apple Cookie Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Caramel Apple Cookie Skillet is a warm, comforting dessert perfect for showcasing the flavors of fall. It features a bed of tender, cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a buttery oat and toffee cookie crust, baked together in a skillet and drizzled generously with caramel. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for a delicious treat that combines the sweet, tart flavors of apples with rich caramel and chewy cookie texture.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 egg
- ½ cup butter, melted and slightly cooled
- ¼ cup white sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup toffee bites
Apple Filling
- 5 apples, peeled and diced (mix of Honeycrisp and Granny Smith)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch of salt
Additional
- ¼ cup prepared store-bought caramel
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the skillet dessert.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer bowl, cream together the melted butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until well combined and smooth. Then beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, stirring just until nearly combined.
- Add Oats and Toffee: Stir in the old-fashioned oats and toffee bites into the dough until everything is fully mixed together.
- Prepare Apple Filling: In another bowl, toss the diced apples with the 2 tablespoons of flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt, ensuring the apples are evenly coated.
- Assemble in Skillet: Place the apple mixture into an ungreased 10-inch cast-iron skillet or any small oven-safe pan. Drizzle the prepared caramel evenly over the apples.
- Top with Cookie Dough: Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough over the apples. Gently spread or crumble the dough to cover the apples evenly, leaving no large gaps.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden and the cookie topping is lightly browned on top.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for at least 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream and additional caramel sauce.
Notes
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for balanced flavor.
- If you don’t have toffee bites, chopped caramel candies or butterscotch chips can be used as a substitute.
- For easier cleanup, you can lightly grease the skillet before adding ingredients.
- Allow the dessert to cool slightly so the caramel thickens and the slices hold together better.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated gently before serving.
