Caramel apple popcorn cookies are like nothing you’ve ever tasted, but with the very first bite of one, you’ll experience crunchy, sweet, salty, and chewy goodness. This snack will blow your mind!
Raise your hand if you love caramel apples!
When I do baking in the months of October and November, I almost always aim for making apple recipes, becausee they’re so readily available for picking fresh here in Wisconsin.
It’s also a given that I love any cookie with great texture. These salted caramel apple popcorn cookies fit perfectly into that category. They’re like a combination of caramel corn, salted popcorn, and caramel apples. It’s serious autumnal love!
Are you prepared to head into salted caramel apple popcorn perfection with me?
How to Make Caramel Apple Popcorn Cookies
Oh, and if popcorn and caramel makes you happy, I bet you’ll love my popcorn peanut brittle recipe, too!
Salted Caramel Apple Popcorn Cookies
Yield: 30-36 caramel apple popcorn cookies Adapted from: Balanced Food
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup dried apples, chopped into small, bite-sized pieces
- 3 cups popped unbuttered popcorn
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 6 Tbsp caramel syrup
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar, for coating dough before baking
Instructions
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and chopped apples. Set aside.
- Place popcorn in food processor or high powered blender and process as finely as possible. If you don't get a fine powder, that's okay. Leave popcorn in the food processor for now.
- Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat butter until well creamed, about 1 minute, then add granulated sugar and brown sugar. Beat until light and fluffy. Remove about 1/4 cup, and add to the food processor with the popcorn, and process for another 30 seconds. Set aside.
- Add the egg to the stand mixer with the remaining butter/sugar mixture and beat until light and fluffy, and then mix in the caramel syrup.
- Add the popcorn/butter mixture and the flour mixture to the stand mixer bowl and mix on low speed, just until combined.
- Transfer cookie dough to an airtight container, and refrigerate for about an hour before baking.
Baking Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Make nickel to quarter-sized balls of dough (depending on how big you like your cookies), toss in granulated sugar, and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Place pan in oven and bake cookies for 7-9 minutes. Remove pan from oven and transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, and then enjoy with a warm beverage.
Nutrition
More Easy Apple Cookie Recipes
Almond Apple Cider Snickerdoodles from If I Ever Owned A Bakery…
Apple Butterscotch Cookies from Noshing With The Nolands
Caramel-Stuffed Apple Cider Spice Cookies from All That’s Left Are The Crumbs
Ginger Sandwich Cookies with Apple Butter Cream Filling from A Baker’s House
Salted Caramel Apple Popcorn Cookies from It’s Yummi!
Laura says
I am a popcorn addict, but I have never tried baking with it. After seeing this I have to try!
Becca Heflin says
I really hope that you do, Laura… you won’t regret it! 🙂
Vanessa says
Your photography is superb and your cookies look delicious. I have never thought to put popcorn in a cookie. Another one to pop on my to do list!
Becca Heflin says
Thank you for your incredibly sweet comment, Vanessa! I hope you make and enjoy them!
Anne ~ Uni Homemaker says
Great looking cookies! I can eat a boatload of these. Delicious!
Becca Heflin says
Thanks, Anne! They were pretty irresistible 😉
Serena says
Gotta try these with the popcorn whole grains! Yum! Perfect for fall. So glad to find your blog!
Liz says
Dried apples and caramel???? SOLD!
Becca Heflin says
It’s a dreamy match, isn’t it, Liz?! 🙂
Becca Heflin says
Thank you so much for coming by, Serena!
Miranda says
This is so clever! I will be sure to try these very soon. Thank you for a delicious recipe!
Becca Heflin says
You’re very welcome, Miranda! I hope you bake some up and enjoy them 🙂
Felice/All That's Left Are The Crumbs says
I love using kettle corn when making cookies, so I can’t wait to try making these cookies. I am sure they are going to be very popular with my daughters and their friends. Loved your photos too.
Becca Heflin says
They really are worth trying, Felice! I hope that you all love them like I do! 🙂
Dina says
they look yummy!
Becca Heflin says
Thanks, Dina!
Karen @ Karen's Kitchen Stories says
I love anything popcorn! These look sooooo good!
Becca Heflin says
Thank you, Karen!
Libby with Lemony Thyme says
Okay these are fabulous Becca! You are such a huge inspiration. I love how you cook outside the proverbial recipe box and make your recipe soooo inviting. Ooogles of love for you.
Becca Heflin says
Thank you SO much, sweet Libby! However, it’s YOU who’s the inspiration for ME <3
Libby with Lemony Thyme says
Clearly I LOVE this recipe because here I am to comment again. Your pictures drew me in. xo
Becca Heflin says
Love is a very splendid thing, Libby 🙂 Thanks for coming back for seconds!
karentrina says
Look and sound amazing! Must try these.
Becca Heflin says
I hope you try them… AND enjoy them! 🙂
Kalamity Kelli says
Interesting! Popcorn and cookies together………..I must try this!
Becca Heflin says
I know it sounds strange, Kelli, but they’re SO good!
Stacy says
I love the sweet and salty in this cookie, Becca. What delicious combination of ingredients! Pinning on my Recipes to Try board.
Becca Heflin says
I hope you enjoy them, Stacy! They really filled my taste buds with LOVE 🙂
The Ninja Baker says
You’re right these are serious celebrations of perfect for autumn flavors! Your cookies too look seriously delicious =)
Becca Heflin says
Aww 🙂 Thanks so much!
Dionne Baldwin says
I’ve tried some neat things before but I’ve never put popcorn into a cookie! This is something I’ll need to try. I’m also an apple and a cookie lover so this definitely got my attention. I love these!
Becca Heflin says
Thanks, Dionne! I’d love to know what you think after you’ve made them!
Holly says
I liked that first photo you shared on facebook earlier in the week (the darker one) but now that I see your other photos that have a different exposure I think your gorgeous cookie is better highlighted that way. Love the Play with your Food shot!!!
Becca Heflin says
I really liked the “moody” shot too, Holly, but you’re right… the bright exposure really makes them look even more delicious 🙂
I HAD to play with my food 😉
Rebecka says
YUMMIE! I love the idea of popcorn in the cookies, that “savory/sweet” thing is my happy place! Thanks so much for joining us this month and sharing your awesome cookie recipe♥
Becca Heflin says
Thanks for having me, Rebecka!
Karen @BakingInATornado says
Leave it to you to put popcorn in my cookies. Can’t wait to try them.
Becca Heflin says
SERIOUSLY good cookies, Karen. Give ’em a try and let me know what you think!
Renee says
Very interesting! I haven’t seen popcorn in cookies before. Talk about the perfect snack while watching movies (and just about any other time too). Pinned.
Becca Heflin says
I agree on the movie snack idea, Renee! I’m already creating variations in my head of a movie theatre popcorn cookie. STAY TUNED!
Tara says
I have never had popcorn in a cookie, what a great idea!! Love all your pictures too they are great!!
Becca Heflin says
It was a first for me, Tara, but I think I’m smitten! Thanks for the love, m’love! 🙂