Caramel Apple Pizza Cookies
A Fun, Easy Fall Dessert Inspired by Classic Caramel Apples
There’s something about Fall that makes caramel apples irresistible, the crisp apples, gooey caramel, and sweet-salty crunch of peanuts. These Caramel Apple Pizza Cookies capture all those flavors in an adorable no-bake mini dessert that’s perfect for any occasion and super easy to make.
This recipe was added to one of my favorite dessert boards from my cookbook: Dessert Boards: 100+ Decandent Recipes for any Occasion, the cookies are simple to assemble, crowd-pleasing, and a show-stopper on any Fall Dessert Table.
What Are Caramel Apple Pizza Cookies?
Think of these as mini dessert pizzas made with soft sugar cookies instead of crust!
Each cookie is topped with a creamy peanut butter filling, crisp green apple slices, a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce and chopped peanuts.
The Cookie Pizzas are:
- Easy to make
- Perfect for parties or gifting
- A creative twist on a caramel apple dessert
If you love Fall flavors, you’ll also enjoy these popular recipes:
- Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Dip: A creamy layer of cream cheese mixed with caramel, brown sugar and cinnamon, topped with more caramel and sprinkled with crushed candy bars.
- Pumpkin Bread: is moist, full of flavor with spices and nuts, and super easy to put together. The mini loaves make great gifts too!
- Apple Crisp: topped with a combination of oats, brown sugar, flour and spices and combined with butter to make the crumble topping. Don’t forget the Vanilla Ice Cream and a drizzle of Caramel Sauce!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a few simple ingredients:
- Sugar Cookies – store-bought or homemade (these sugar cookies are a favorite in our family, they have a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg that would taste amazing on these cookie pizzas)
- Cream Cheese – softened for a smooth filling
- Peanut Butter – creamy is best
- Brown Sugar – for more rich flavor
- Vanilla Extract – for sweetness and depth
- Granny Smith Apples – crisp and tart
- Caramel Sauce – homemade or store-bought (this Caramel Sauce Recipe takes only 5 ingredients, 10 minutes and NO candy thermometer)
- Peanuts – chopped for texture
Pro Tip: Dip your apple slices in lemon juice to prevent browning!


How to Make Caramel Apple Pizza Cookies
If you are making sugar cookies, bake them and allow to cool.
Filling
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese cheese until fluffy, 2-3 minutes
- Add brown sugar, peanut butter and vanilla and beat until smooth


Topping
- Slice apples and place in lemon juice
- Chop peanuts
Assembly
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of filling to each cookie. The amount of filling will depend on the size of the cookie
- Top with apple slices, drizzle with caramel and sprinkle with peanuts
- Serve immediately or store in a single layer in a container in the refrigerator until ready to serve, up to 24 hours
- Store leftovers in refrigerator
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
- You can prepare the filling up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate.
- Slice apples right before serving.
- Assembled cookies are best eaten the same day.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
From The Cookbook: The Caramel Apple Dessert Board
These cookies were originally featured on my Caramel Apple Dessert Board from The Dessert Boards Cookbook.
That board is a mix of warm, cozy Fall flavors including Caramel Apple Mini Cheesecakes, Apples with Chocolate Drizzle, Caramel Candy and these Caramel Apple Pizza Cookies quickly became one of my favorites to include. They add a delicious treat, an inviting texture, and a sweet-salty crunch that ties the whole board together.
If you love hosting, check out the cookbook for over creative ideas to build your own dessert or snack boards for every season. Each of the boards features simple recipes and step-by-step instructions on putting together the Dessert Boards.
Grab a copy of our Dessert Boards Cookbook! It has over 100 recipes and boards to make your holidays and entertaining super easy!
Variations & Substitutions
- Nut-Free: Skip the peanuts or use Almond or Sunflower Butter instead of peanut butter.
- Apple Options: Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji apples for a sweeter twist.
- Cookie Base: Try shortbread, snickerdoodles, or graham crackers.
- Party Bar: Turn this recipe into a “Build-Your-Own Cookie Pizza Bar” – perfect for fall gatherings!
When to Serve These Cookies
These bite-size desserts fit beautifully into fall entertaining:
- Autumn bake sales or classroom treats
- Game Day Dessert Platters
- Thanksgiving Dessert tables
- Hostess or teacher gifts (wrapped individually)
- Family movie nights or cozy weekends
Pair with hot cider, coffee, or caramel lattes for a full fall experience!
These Caramel Apple Pizza Cookies combine everything you love about Fall; crisp apples, creamy caramel, and a soft cookie base into one irresistible dessert.
They’re proof that you don’t need complicated ingredients or hours in the kitchen to make something special. Try them for your next party or include them on your fall dessert board!
Caramel Apple Pizza Cookies
These Caramel Apple Pizza Cookies capture all the Fall flavors in an adorable mini dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- Sugar cookies, store bought or homemade
- Filling
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Topping
- 1-2 granny smith apples, depending on size
- Lemon juice, to prevent browning of apples
- Caramel topping, homemade or store bought
- ½ cup dry roasted peanuts, chopped
Instructions
If you are making sugar cookies, bake them and allow to cool
Filling
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese cheese until fluffy, 2-3 minutes
- Add brown sugar, peanut butter and vanilla and beat until smooth
Topping
- Slice apples and place in lemon juice
- Chop peanuts
Assembly
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of filling to each cookie. The amount of filling will depend on the size of the cookie
- Top with apple slices, drizzle with caramel and sprinkle with peanuts
- Serve immediately or store in a single layer in a container in the refrigerator until ready to serve, up to 24 hours
- Store leftovers in refrigerator
Notes
Dip your apple slices in lemon juice to prevent browning
The filling can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator
Assemble right before serving
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 15 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 128Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 57mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 1gSugar: 12gProtein: 3g








