Candy Apple Cookies: Your New Fall Favorite

🍎🍪 Imagine biting into a cookie that tastes like a carnival candy apple—crisp, sweet, and just a little tart. These Candy Apple Cookies are the perfect mashup of soft, spiced apple cookies and a glossy candy coating. They’re a hit at parties, after-school snacks, or cozy nights with a mug of cider. Let’s get bakin

Table of Contents

1. What You’ll Need (Ingredients)

Makes 24 cookies
For the Cookies:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tbsp cinnamon
1½ cups finely chopped Granny Smith apples (about 2 medium apples)

For the Candy Coating:

12 oz red candy melts (like Wilton or Merckens)
¼ cup caramel sauce (optional, for drizzle)
Lollipop sticks (optional, for fun!)

2. Prep Like a Pro (Preparation)

Step 1: Cookie Dough

Beat the Butter & Sugars: In a bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy (3 mins).
Add Wet Stuff: Mix in eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients.
Apples: Fold in chopped apples. Chill dough 30 mins (this prevents spreading!).

Step 2: Candy Coating

Melt candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth.

3. Bake ‘Em Up (Instructions)

Temperature: 350°F (175°C)
Time: 12–14 mins

Scoop & Bake: Roll dough into 1.5-inch balls. Place 2 inches apart on parchment-lined trays. Bake until edges are golden.
Cool: Let cookies cool completely on a rack.

Secret Tip: Press a lollipop stick into the base of each cookie before baking for a candy apple look!

4. Dip & Decorate (Serving Ideas)

Dip: Hold cookies by the stick (or edges) and dunk halfway into melted candy coating. Let excess drip off.
Set: Place on parchment. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar or edible glitter while wet.
Drizzle: Warm caramel sauce and zigzag it over the cookies.

Serve With: Hot apple cider, vanilla ice cream, or a charcuterie board with sharp cheeses.

5. Level-Up Hacks (Additional Tips)

Gluten-Free: Swap flour for 1:1 GF blend (like King Arthur).
Flavor Boost: Add ½ tsp nutmeg to the dough or mix in white chocolate chips.
Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days (coating may soften slightly).

6. Quick Recap (Wrap-Up)

These Candy Apple Cookies blend tender spiced apple cookies with a sweet candy shell—nostalgic and irresistible! Fun fact: Candy apples were invented in 1908 when a NJ candy maker experimented with surplus apples. Now you can enjoy that same magic in cookie form!