This Caramel Apple Cookie Skillet is the ultimate cozy dessert, combining the nostalgic flavors of a chewy brown sugar cookie and tender baked apples with the rich indulgence of caramel sauce. Baked and served in a cast iron skillet, it’s a rustic, shareable dessert perfect for fall evenings, festive gatherings, or any time you want a warm treat straight from the oven.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This skillet cookie is everything you love about fall in one dessert. The dough is rich, soft, and infused with cinnamon, while the apples soften just enough to complement the chewy cookie base. The caramel drizzle adds a luscious finish, and serving it warm—ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—makes every bite feel like comfort food at its best. Easy to make and impressive to serve, it’s a dessert that brings people together.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Ground cinnamon
Salt
Apple
Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Optional: cinnamon sugar and additional apple slices

directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a cast iron skillet.
In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared skillet.
Arrange the thinly sliced apple on top of the dough in a circular pattern. If desired, sprinkle the top with cinnamon sugar.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cookie is golden brown and the center is set.
Remove from oven and drizzle with warm caramel sauce.
Let cool for a few minutes, then serve warm, straight from the skillet. Optionally, top with vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent touch.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Estimated Calories: 390 kcal per serving

Variations

Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top for added crunch and flavor.
Spiced twist: Mix a pinch of nutmeg or allspice into the dough for extra autumnal warmth.
Mini skillets: Use small skillets or ramekins for individual portions—great for dinner parties.
Salted caramel: Use salted caramel sauce or add a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before serving.
Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe gluten-free.

storage/reheating

Store any leftovers in the skillet covered with foil or in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 15–30 seconds, or reheat the whole skillet in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes. If topped with ice cream, add it after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?

Yes, firm varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji work well for baking and provide a good balance of sweetness and texture.

What kind of skillet should I use?

A cast iron skillet is ideal for even heat distribution, but any oven-safe skillet or baking dish will work.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough and apple slices in advance. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best texture and warmth.

How do I keep the apples from browning before baking?

Toss sliced apples in a little lemon juice if prepping ahead to maintain color.

Can I use caramel chips instead of sauce?

Yes, sprinkle caramel baking chips on top before baking for a gooey, caramelized topping.

Should the cookie be soft in the middle?

Yes, the center should be set but soft and slightly gooey—like a thick cookie.

Can I use store-bought cookie dough?

You can, but the homemade dough adds better texture and depth of flavor.

What size skillet should I use?

A 9-inch skillet is ideal, but you can adjust baking time slightly for smaller or larger skillets.

Is this dessert overly sweet?

The balance of brown sugar, apples, and caramel creates a rich but not overpowering sweetness, especially when paired with tart apples.

How do I make it dairy-free?

Use plant-based butter and a dairy-free caramel sauce; skip or substitute the ice cream with a non-dairy alternative.

Conclusion

Caramel Apple Cookie Skillet is a warm, crowd-pleasing dessert that captures the essence of fall in every spoonful. With a buttery cookie base, tender apples, and rich caramel topping, it’s a perfect centerpiece for casual dinners or festive occasions. Served warm and straight from the skillet, it’s rustic, comforting, and irresistibly good.