CARAMEL APPLE CAKE MIX COOKIES

Caramel Apple Cake Mix Cookies are easily made with a cake mix, chopped apples and Rolo candies. Cake mix cookies are so simple to make and these ones taste like caramel apples!

Caramel and chocolate are one of those perfect pairings, and if you love it too, try our Caramel Chocolate Chip cookies or Chocolate Caramel Cake Mix cookies (yep—those also use Rolos!).

These Caramel Apple Cake Mix Cookies are incredibly easy to make with yellow cake mix, butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla, then loaded with chopped apples and gooey Rolo pieces. The original version uses dried apples, but fresh apples give them a juicy, bakery-style bite—totally your call!

Recipe Highlights

• Caramel Apple in Every Bite– Sweet chopped apples paired with gooey Rolo pieces give you that classic caramel apple flavor—no stick required.
• Soft, Chewy, Bakery-Style Texture– The cake mix base bakes into perfectly soft cookies with just the right amount of chew and a tender center.
• Easy to Customize for Any Mood– Start with yellow cake mix, then switch it up with spice, white, or chocolate cake mix for a whole new twist on the same irresistible cookie.

Ingredients in Caramel Apple Cake Mix Cookies

Rolo candies (2–3 packages, 1.7 ounces each) – The star of the recipe. You’ll use about 14–28 Rolos total, cut into quarters and tossed with 2 tablespoons of cake mix before being mixed into the dough for even distribution.

Yellow cake mix (1 box) – The base of the cookies, giving them a soft, chewy texture. You can also swap in white, spice, or chocolate cake mix for a fun flavor twist.

Butter (1 stick, softened) – Use room temperature real butter for the best rich flavor and smooth, well-mixed dough.

Light brown sugar (¼ cup) – Adds a deeper caramel-like sweetness and makes the cookies taste more homemade.

Egg (1 large) – Helps bind everything together so the cookies bake up soft but structured.

Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) – Adds warmth and enhances all the flavors; higher-quality vanilla gives the best results.

Apple (1, peeled and chopped) – Cut into small pieces for even baking; Honeycrisp or Fuji apples work best, but any crisp, slightly tart apple will do.

How do you make Caramel Apple Cake Mix Cookies?

Preheat oven to 350°.

In a small bowl, toss the chopped Rolos with 2 tablespoons of the cake mix to prevent them from sticking together. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the rest of the cake mix with the butter, brown sugar, egg and vanilla extract.

Fold in the chopped apples and the chopped Rolos until all ingredients are well combined.

Use a cookie scoop to drop tablespoons of dough onto a cookie sheet that has been lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Bake for 11-13 minutes or until just barely set in the center. Let the cookies cool for about 5-10 minutes on the cookie sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How long are these cake mix cookies good for?

These cookies keep well at room temperature for about 3–4 days when stored in an airtight container. Because of the fresh apple pieces, they’re best enjoyed sooner rather than later for the softest texture and best flavor.

They also freeze really well. Once completely cooled, place them in a single layer (or separated with parchment) in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for about 2–3 months.

To enjoy, just thaw at room temperature—or warm one up for a few seconds in the microwave if you want that gooey caramel vibe back.

Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes! Yellow cake mix gives a classic flavor, but white, spice, or even chocolate cake mix all work. Spice cake is especially great for a more “fall dessert” vibe.

Do I have to peel the apple?

No, but peeling gives a softer texture in the final cookie. If you prefer a little extra bite and color, you can leave the peel on.

Why do I toss the Rolos in cake mix first?

That quick step helps keep the chopped caramel pieces from sticking together and sinking to the bottom of the dough so you get even caramel bits in every cookie.

What kinds of apples to use in cookie recipes?

My favorite type of apple for baking (and eating!) is the Honeycrisp variety. These apples are very crunchy and they hold up well during the baking process. Sometimes the Honeycrisp apples are really expensive, but Fuji apples work really well too so that is a great alternative. You just don’t want to use a soft apple (like Red Delicious) because generally the flavor isn’t as strong and the softer apples tend to get mushier when baked. You could also use pieces of dried apples in these cookies, but I definitely prefer using fresh ones!

Try more of our favorite cake mix cookie recipes here:

• Cake Mix Rolo Cookies are the kind of treat that never last long, thanks to their soft texture and caramel surprise in the center. Perfect for cookie swaps, holidays, or late-night chocolate cravings.
• Our Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies are bursting with sweet strawberry flavor and little pops of pink candy for a fun, festive twist. Perfect for Valentine’s Day—or anytime you want a bright cookie.
• Cake Mix Jello Cookies are soft, colorful, and bursting with fruity flavor in every bite—all made with just a handful of simple ingredients. Festive cookies that are as pretty as they are delicious.
• These Strawberry Cool Whip Cookies are soft, fluffy, and full of sweet strawberry flavor with almost no effort required. Just a handful of ingredients for an easy treat that feels light and fun.
• Easy Homemade Oreo Cookies start with a chocolate cake mix and bake into rich, soft sandwich cookies that taste like a shortcut to bakery-level goodness. Simple to make, even easier to devour.

Caramel Apple Cake Mix Cookies are easily made with a cake mix, chopped apples and Rolo candies. Cake mix cookies are so simple to make and these ones taste like caramel apples!