Can I use regular butter instead of butter flavored shortening?

Absolutely! Regular unsalted butter works well and adds a rich flavor, although the cookies may spread a little more and have a slightly different texture still delicious.

Is it possible to make these cookies dairy free as well?

Yes! Make sure your butterscotch chips and Skor bits are dairy free or substitute with a dairy free alternative, and use plant-based butter flavored shortening.

What if I don’t have xanthan gum?

If your gluten free flour already contains xanthan gum (many blends do), just leave it out. If not, it’s best to use it for chewy, held-together cookies. Skipping it may result in cookies that crumble.

Can I halve the recipe if I want a smaller batch?

Of course! This recipe is easy to halve just divide all the ingredients by two. You’ll still get plenty of cookies, and the texture stays spot-on.

Caramel Apple Cookies – Gluten Free Recipe

Name: Caramel Apple Cookies – Gluten Free Recipe
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2/3 cup Butter Flavoured Crisco; 3/4 cup light brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup apple sauce; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 1/2 cups Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free All Purpose Flour; 1 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp xanthan gum; 1 cup Skor Bits; 1 cup Butterscotch Chipits

Get ready for pure cookie joy with these Caramel Apple Cookies – a gluten free treat that tastes just like a caramel apple from the fair, but without any of the sticky mess! These cookies come together quickly with a handful of pantry staples and a secret duo of butterscotch chips and Skor bits, locking in irresistible caramel flavor and chewy, buttery edges. In just about 20 minutes, you will have a batch of warm, apple-scented cookies perfect for busy weeknights, lunchbox treats, or an after-dinner sweet tooth. Whether you’re gluten free or simply love a playful twist on classic cookies, this recipe is a game changer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Easy: No fancy techniques or complicated steps these cookies are as simple as creaming, mixing, and baking.
Superfast for Busy Nights: The dough comes together in minutes, and you can have fresh cookies ready in about 20 minutes.
No Gluten, All the Flavor: No one would ever guess they’re gluten free. The cookies come out soft, chewy, and absolutely loaded with gooey caramel and sweet apple flavor.
Irresistible Texture: The Skor bits caramelize as they bake, while the butterscotch chips melt into little pockets of sweetness. Each bite is wonderfully tender with just the right crisp edges.
Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will fall in love with these ideal for sharing with friends or bringing to gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t sweat the details—just know why each ingredient plays a role:

Butter Flavored Shortening (Crisco): Delivers that pure, classic cookie chew and buttery taste without dairy. Makes the cookies soft and prevents spread.
Light Brown Sugar and Granulated Sugar: Gives the cookies depth and just the right sweetness, balancing caramel notes perfectly.
Egg: For binding everything together and contributing to the chewy texture.
Apple Sauce: Adds subtle fruit flavor, keeps the cookies moist, and amps up that “caramel apple” taste.
Vanilla Extract: Boosts all the other flavors—never skip vanilla in cookies!
Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free All Purpose Flour: A trustworthy blend that bakes up just like regular flour. Always measure your gluten free flour by spoon-and-level for best results.
Salt: Do not leave it out! Salt makes all the sweet flavors pop.
Baking Soda: Key for a light, tender crumb and just the right amount of rise.
Xanthan Gum: Essential if your flour blend doesn’t contain it gives gluten free cookies that classic chewy texture.
Skor Bits: These little pieces of toffee melt into caramelized rivers for unbeatable flavor.
Butterscotch Chipits: Layer on creamy, decadent sweetness that pairs perfectly with apples.

Tip: Don’t want to hunt for Skor bits? Any chocolate-covered toffee bits or chopped soft caramels work in a pinch!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

If you love to mix things up, here’s how you can put your own spin on these cookies:

Apple Realness: Stir in tiny diced fresh apple for a burst of juicy texture.
Nutty Twist: Fold in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch.
Chocolate Lovers: Swap half the butterscotch chips for dark or milk chocolate chips.
Oatmeal Cookie Style: Replace ½ cup of the flour with certified gluten free rolled oats for a heartier cookie.
Spice It Up: Add ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced kick that works wonders with the apple and caramel flavors.

How to Make Caramel Apple Cookies – Gluten Free

Step 1: Cream the Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter flavored Crisco, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat until light and creamy with no large lumps this is your shortcut to irresistibly chewy cookies.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

Crack in the egg, pour in the applesauce, and splash in the vanilla extract. Mix again until the dough is smooth and everything’s fully blended.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Add the gluten free flour, salt, baking soda, and xanthan gum to the bowl. Keep mixing just until combined don’t overdo it, or you’ll lose that soft texture.

Step 4: Fold In the Sweets

Dump in those magical Skor bits and butterscotch chips. Fold them gently into the dough using a rubber spatula. Make sure every bite gets a bit of caramel goodness.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Scoop tablespoon-sized balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet (a cookie scoop makes this a breeze). Leave at least two inches between each cookie they will spread into perfect rounds. Slide the sheet into a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, just until the edges are golden.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies firm up on the pan for a couple minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. They’ll be soft at first, but they set up beautifully. Enjoy warm, or save for the next day they’re fantastic either way.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

For round, evenly baked cookies, use a small cookie scoop it saves time and gives your cookies that picture-perfect look.
Don’t overbake. The cookies firm up as they cool, so take them out when the edges are just set.
If your dough seems sticky, chill it for 15–20 minutes before scooping.
Line your baking sheets with parchment for easy cleanup and cookies that release like a dream.
If using a different gluten free flour blend, check if it already contains xanthan gum if so, skip adding extra.

How to Serve

Serve these cookies fresh from the oven, when they’re still slightly warm and gooey in the middle for the ultimate treat. If you want to take them up a notch, sandwich vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a deluxe caramel apple ice cream sandwich. They also pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee, making them an excellent addition to any dessert spread or lunchbox.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. They stay soft and chewy no one will ever know they’re gluten free.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Simply place cooled cookies in a zip-top bag or airtight container and freeze for up to two months. Want fresh-baked cookies on demand? Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a bag bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time.

Reheating

Reheat cookies in the microwave for 5–10 seconds to bring back that “just baked” warmth and gooeyness.

FAQs

Can I use regular butter instead of butter flavored shortening?

Absolutely! Regular unsalted butter works well and adds a rich flavor, although the cookies may spread a little more and have a slightly different texture still delicious.
Is it possible to make these cookies dairy free as well?

Yes! Make sure your butterscotch chips and Skor bits are dairy free or substitute with a dairy free alternative, and use plant-based butter flavored shortening.
What if I don’t have xanthan gum?

If your gluten free flour already contains xanthan gum (many blends do), just leave it out. If not, it’s best to use it for chewy, held-together cookies. Skipping it may result in cookies that crumble.
Can I halve the recipe if I want a smaller batch?

Of course! This recipe is easy to halve just divide all the ingredients by two. You’ll still get plenty of cookies, and the texture stays spot-on.

Final Thoughts

Give these Caramel Apple Cookies – Gluten Free a try the next time the baking urge hits, and see how quickly they disappear. You don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy an inventive, bakery-level treat that’s both fun and foolproof. Perfect for sharing, gifting, or just enjoying with your coffee break. One bite and you’ll be hooked—enjoy every chewy, caramel-packed morsel!