Gluten-Free Salted Caramel Apple Cookies

There’s something about this time of year that makes me want to bake all the cosy things. Once the evenings start getting darker and there’s a chill in the air, I always find myself reaching for apples, cinnamon, and caramel. It’s the season for chunky jumpers, cups of tea by the fire, and warm bakes that fill the house with the smell of comfort.

One day recently, I was planning to make my usual batch of chocolate chip cookies when I spotted a few apples sitting in the fruit bowl, a couple of Granny Smiths and a Pink Lady that were just starting to wrinkle. Rather than waste them, I decided to cook them down with a spoon of brown sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon. The smell alone had me smiling like an apple pie bubbling away in the oven. That’s when it hit me: why not swap the chocolate for apples?

The result was better than I could have imagined. The apples turned soft and golden, blending beautifully with the buttery cookie dough. Once baked, the cookies came out slightly crisp at the edges, soft in the middle, and full of that autumn spiced apple flavour. But of course, I couldn’t stop there, I finished them with a drizzle of salted caramel, and honestly, that was the perfect touch. It gave them that sweet, sticky, slightly salty edge that makes you go back for “just one more.”

As usual, my little taste testers were quick to approve. Darragh said they reminded him of the toffee apples, Isla kept calling them “sticky apple cookies,” and Willow was mainly just after the caramel drizzle! I love baking treats like this that everyone in the house enjoys.

I think these cookies capture everything I love about autumn, apples, cinnamon, and caramel all in one easy bake. They’re the kind of treat you can whip up on a rainy afternoon, fill the house with that spiced apple aroma, and enjoy with a hot cup of tea while watching the rain hit the window. There’s just something magical about that.

Whether you’re looking for something different to do with leftover apples, or you just want a cookie that feels like a hug in biscuit form, these salted caramel apple cookies are the answer. They’re proof that even the simplest twist on a classic recipe can create something truly special!

Tips & Substitutions

• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free butter and caramel sauce.
• Add Crunch: Stir in some chopped pecans or walnuts with the apples.
• Extra Caramel Lovers: Add a few chunks of soft caramel into the dough before baking.

Serving Suggestion

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a mug of hot chocolate for the ultimate autumn dessert. They also make a lovely edible gift — just tie a few cookies in a cellophane bag with a ribbon and share the autumn love.

Tried this recipe? I’d love to see your delicious creations! Tag me on Instagram @laurasglutenfreekitchenblog – I might even share your post!

Gluten-Free Salted Caramel Apple Cookies

Soft, chewy, and filled with sweet cinnamon apples then finished with a drizzle of salted caramel. These cookies taste just like autumn in every bite!

Author: Lauras Gluten Free Kitchen Cooking Method: Baked, Hob Cuisine: American Recipe Keys: Cookies & Biscuits Halloween

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe Cookies

Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 10 mins Total Time 30 mins

Ingredients

Servings

For the stewed apple

• 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
• 1 Pink Lady apple, peeled and diced

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

For the cookies

• 125 grams unsalted butter, softened
• 100 grams brown sugar
• 100 grams caster sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 300 grams gluten-free self raising flour
• ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
• ¼ tsp salt

To finish

• Salted caramel sauce, for drizzling

Instructions

1. Prepare the Apples:

   In a small saucepan, add the diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until the apples are soft and slightly caramelised. Set aside to cool completely.

2. Make the Cookie Dough:

   In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and caster sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, bicarbonate of soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture until a dough forms.
4. Gently fold the cooled apple mixture into the cookie dough. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky that’s perfect!
5. Chill the Dough (optional but recommended):
6. Chill for 30 minutes to help the cookies hold their shape.
7. Preheat your oven to 180°C (fan 160°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto the tray, leaving space between each one. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are golden.

8. Add the Caramel:

   Allow the cookies to cool slightly, then drizzle generously with salted caramel sauce.

Notes

Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free butter and caramel sauce.

Add Crunch: Stir in some chopped pecans or walnuts with the apples

Extra Caramel Lovers: Add a few chunks of soft caramel into the dough before baking.

Serving Suggestion

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a mug of hot chocolate for the ultimate autumn dessert. They also make a lovely edible gift, just tie a few cookies in a cellophane bag with a ribbon and share the autumn love.