Craving a cozy fall treat? Sweet Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Cookies are the perfect Spiced Apple Treat, blending chewy cookies with real apple chunks and a luscious vegan caramel drizzle. These gluten-free apple desserts are easy to whip up and bursting with autumn vibes. Bake a batch of Apple Treat and savor the season!
Why You’ll Love Sweet Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Cookies
- Diet-Friendly: Sweet Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Cookies are gluten-free and vegan-friendly.
- Fall Flavors: Warm spices make this Spiced Apple Treat a seasonal delight.
- Easy Prep: Use pantry staples for Sweet Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Cookies.
- Meal-Prep Ready: Bake ahead for grab-and-go Sweet Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Cookies.
- Real Fruit: Fresh apples add natural sweetness to every bite.
Ingredients
Vegan Caramel:
- 3 tbsp (45g) plant-based butter (or coconut oil)
- 2 tbsp (30ml) maple syrup
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 2 tbsp (30g) creamy peanut butter (or seed butter)
- 2 tbsp (30ml) oat milk (or other non-dairy milk)
Apple Mixture:
- 3 large Fuji apples (about 450g), peeled and diced
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp grated nutmeg
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) apple cider
Cookie Dough:
- 2 tbsp (14g) flaxseed meal + 4 tbsp (60ml) water (for 2 flax eggs)
- ½ cup (115g) plant-based butter
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar or coconut sugar
- ¼ cup (60g) creamy peanut butter (or seed butter)
- 2 cups (240g) gluten-free 1:1 baking flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- Ground cinnamon (for topping)
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Medium saucepan
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Cookie sheets
- Parchment paper
Ingredient Tips
- Apples: Fuji apples hold shape in this gluten-free apple dessert; Honeycrisp or Gala work too.
- Flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free blend for perfect Sweet Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Cookies.
- Flax Eggs: Let flaxseed meal and water gel for 10 minutes for binding.
- Peanut Butter: Swap with sunflower seed butter for nut-free cookies.
- Oat Milk: Almond or soy milk substitutes well in the caramel.
Directions
Make the Vegan Caramel
- In a small saucepan over high heat, I melt 3 tbsp plant-based butter.
- I whisk in 2 tbsp maple syrup, ¼ tsp vanilla, and a pinch of salt, then add 2 tbsp peanut butter, stirring until thickened.
- I remove from heat, whisk in 2 tbsp oat milk until smooth, and set aside to cool for Sweet Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Cookies.
Cook the Apple Mixture
- In a medium saucepan, I combine 3 diced Fuji apples, 1 tsp allspice, 1 tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg, a pinch of salt, 1 tsp vanilla, and ½ cup apple cider.
- I simmer over medium heat for 15–20 minutes until soft and most liquid evaporates, creating a flavorful base for Sweet Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Cookies. I set aside.
Prepare the Flax Eggs and Dough Base
- I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line cookie sheets with parchment.
- In a small bowl, I mix 2 tbsp flaxseed meal with 4 tbsp water, letting it gel for 10 minutes. In a large bowl, I cream ½ cup plant-based butter, ¼ cup peanut butter, and 1 cup sugar with an electric mixer until smooth for Spiced Apple Treat
Mix Dough and Add Apples
- I add the flax eggs and ½ cup of the apple mixture to the butter mixture, beating until combined. In a separate bowl, I whisk 2 cups gluten-free flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and ½ tsp baking soda.
- I gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet, then fold in the remaining apple mixture for a chunky Spiced Apple Treat.
Bake and Top
- I drop heaping tablespoonfuls of dough onto cookie sheets, 2 inches apart, and bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden.
- I cool the cookies on the sheets for 15–20 minutes, then spread vegan caramel over each and sprinkle with cinnamon for Sweet Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Cookies.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 20–30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: 30–42 minutes
- Servings: ~24 cookies (1 cookie per serving)
- Calories: ~80–90 kcal per cookie
- Macros per Cookie: 12g carbs, 1g protein, 4g fat, 0.5g fiber
Variations
Try these twists on this fall-inspired cookie:
- Apple Swap: Use Granny Smith for tart Sweet Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Cookies.
- Nut-Free: Swap peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a Spiced Apple Treat.
- Spice Boost: Add ¼ tsp ginger for extra warmth.
- Caramel Twist: Drizzle with melted dark chocolate instead of caramel, inspired by Food and Tips’ No-Bake Peanut Butter Lasagna.
- Crunchy Add-In: Mix ¼ cup chopped pecans into the dough for Sweet Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Cookies.
Serving Ideas:
- Pair with Food and Tips’ Vanilla Raspberry Iced Latte for a sweet sip.
- Serve with Food and Tips’ Cucumber Blueberry Feta Salad for a fresh contrast.
- Enjoy with Food and Tips’ Coconut Cooler for a cool pairing.
Storage
I store this gluten-free apple dessert in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days; a piece of bread keeps them soft. For freezing, I layer cookies with parchment in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, thawing at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Arrange Sweet Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Cookies on a platter with a cinnamon dusting.
- Garnish: Add a drizzle of extra caramel for indulgent Sweet Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Cookies.
- Pairing: Serve with chai tea or Food and Tips’ Coconut Cooler to balance flavors.
- Portion Size: 1–2 cookies per person for a sweet treat.
- Occasions: Perfect for fall gatherings, lunchboxes, or cozy afternoons.
FAQs
What apples are best for Gluten-Free Apple Spice Cookies?
Fuji or Honeycrisp make a sweet Spiced Apple Treat; Granny Smith adds tartness.
Can I make them nut-free?
Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter for Gluten-Free Apple Spice Cookies.
Why are my cookies soggy?
Cook apples until liquid evaporates to ensure firm Gluten-Free Apple Spice Cookies.
Can I use regular flour?
Stick to gluten-free 1:1 flour for Gluten-Free Apple Spice Cookies.
How do I store Gluten-Free Apple Spice Cookies?
Keep at room temperature for 7 days or freeze for 3 months.
More Dessert Recipes You’ll Love
- Grilled Peach Sundaes: The Perfect Summer Dessert
- Watermelon Fruit Cake: A Refreshing Summer Dessert
- Honeycomb Cheesecake – A Floral Summer Dessert
Conclusion
Sweet Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Cookies are a cozy, chewy delight packed with fall flavors. This Apple Treat is perfect for any occasion, share with loved ones, and enjoy the autumn sweetness!
Sweet Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Cookies
Sweet Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Cookies are a cozy, chewy delight packed with fall flavors. This Spiced Apple Treat is perfect for any occasion. Bake Sweet Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Cookies, share with loved ones, and enjoy the autumn sweetness!
Ingredients
For the Vegan Caramel:
- 3 tbsp 45g plant-based butter (or coconut oil)
- 2 tbsp 30ml maple syrup
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 2 tbsp 30g creamy peanut butter (or seed butter)
- 2 tbsp 30ml oat milk (or other non-dairy milk)
For the Apple Mixture:
- 3 large Fuji apples about 450g, peeled and diced
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp grated nutmeg
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup 120ml apple cider
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 tbsp 14g flaxseed meal + 4 tbsp (60ml) water (for 2 flax eggs)
- ½ cup 115g plant-based butter
- 1 cup 200g granulated sugar or coconut sugar
- ¼ cup 60g creamy peanut butter (or seed butter)
- 2 cups 240g gluten-free 1:1 baking flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- Ground cinnamon for topping
Instructions
Make the Vegan Caramel
- In a small saucepan over high heat, I melt 3 tbsp plant-based butter. I whisk in 2 tbsp maple syrup, ¼ tsp vanilla, and a pinch of salt, then add 2 tbsp peanut butter, stirring until thickened. I remove from heat, whisk in 2 tbsp oat milk until smooth, and set aside to cool for Sweet Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Cookies.
Cook the Apple Mixture
- In a medium saucepan, I combine 3 diced Fuji apples, 1 tsp allspice, 1 tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg, a pinch of salt, 1 tsp vanilla, and ½ cup apple cider. I simmer over medium heat for 15–20 minutes until soft and most liquid evaporates, creating a flavorful base for Sweet Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Cookies. I set aside.
Prepare the Flax Eggs and Dough Base
- I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line cookie sheets with parchment. In a small bowl, I mix 2 tbsp flaxseed meal with 4 tbsp water, letting it gel for 10 minutes. In a large bowl, I cream ½ cup plant-based butter, ¼ cup peanut butter, and 1 cup sugar with an electric mixer until smooth for Sweet Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Cookies.
Mix Dough and Add Apples
- I add the flax eggs and ½ cup of the apple mixture to the butter mixture, beating until combined. In a separate bowl, I whisk 2 cups gluten-free flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and ½ tsp baking soda. I gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet, then fold in the remaining apple mixture for a chunky Spiced Apple Treat.
Bake and Top
- I drop heaping tablespoonfuls of dough onto cookie sheets, 2 inches apart, and bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden. I cool the cookies on the sheets for 15–20 minutes, then spread vegan caramel over each and sprinkle with cinnamon for Sweet Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Cookies.
Notes
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