Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat Recipe

If you’re a fan of Crumbl cookies or simply love the classic combination of caramel and apples, you’re in for a treat! These Caramel Apple Cookies are a delightful blend of soft, spiced cookies topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, homemade streusel, and fresh apple pieces. Perfect for fall or any time of year, these cookies bring the warmth and comfort of apple pie into a handheld, cookie form. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe to recreate these bakery-quality cookies at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s so much to love about these Caramel Apple Cookies! The cookie base is soft, buttery, and filled with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. A tangy cream cheese frosting balances out the sweetness, while a homemade streusel adds a satisfying crunch. The finishing touch? Fresh green apple chunks and a drizzle of caramel sauce that bring all the flavors together. This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make, requiring simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

Ingredients Needed for Caramel Apple Cookies

Here’s everything you need to whip up these delicious cookies:

For the Cookie Base:

• ½ cup butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 2 tablespoon concentrated apple juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ginger
• ⅛ teaspoon allspice
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 5 oz cream cheese, softened
• 4 tablespoon butter, softened
• 3 tablespoon caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup powdered sugar

For the Homemade Streusel:

• ¼ cup flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ tablespoon butter, cold, cubed
• 1 green apple, sliced into cubes

this RECIPE

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Medium skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cookie scoop (¼ cup or 4 tablespoons size)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

2. Make the Streusel

In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from the heat and stir in the flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is fully moistened and forms small clumps. Return the skillet to the heat and stir frequently until the streusel turns golden brown. Transfer the streusel to a plate to cool.

3. Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, concentrated apple juice, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the flour disappears.

4. Shape and Bake the Cookies

Using a large cookie scoop, portion out 9 equally sized balls of cookie dough (about ¼ cup or 4 tablespoons each) and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and caramel sauce, and whip until the frosting is light and fluffy.

6. Assemble the Cookies

Once the cookies have cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over each one. Top with cubed green apple pieces, a sprinkle of homemade streusel, and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Enjoy your delicious Caramel Apple Cookies!

Tips for Perfect Caramel Apple Cookies

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, cream cheese, and egg are at room temperature for smooth mixing and the best texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix the dough just until the flour is incorporated to keep the cookies soft and tender.
• Keep an Eye on the Streusel: Stir frequently while toasting the streusel to prevent burning and achieve an even golden color.
• Frost the Cookies When Cooled: Allow the cookies to cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the cream cheese frosting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overbaking the Cookies: These cookies should be slightly soft and chewy. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
2. Not Cooling the Streusel Properly: If the streusel is not cooled before topping the cookies, it may soften or lose its crunch.
3. Skipping the Caramel Drizzle: The caramel sauce adds a crucial layer of flavor that complements the apple and spice, so don’t skip it!

Variations and Substitutions

• Apple Variations: Swap the green apple with your favorite apple variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a different flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
• Dairy-Free Frosting: Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter to make a dairy-free version of the frosting.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

Serve these cookies on a beautiful platter lined with parchment paper. For a festive touch, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar or add a sprinkle of cinnamon. These cookies also make great gifts! Simply stack them in a decorative box or bag, tied with a ribbon.

How to Store Caramel Apple Cookies

To store these cookies, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. If you plan to store them longer, keep the cookies and frosting separate, and assemble them just before serving to maintain freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before baking.

2. Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! Freeze the baked, unfrosted cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature and frost just before serving.

3. What can I use instead of concentrated apple juice?
If you don’t have concentrated apple juice, use apple cider or apple juice. It may slightly alter the flavor but will still taste delicious!

Conclusion

These Caramel Apple Cookies are a delicious twist on the classic Crumbl cookies, perfect for any occasion or season. With a balance of warm spices, creamy frosting, and crunchy streusel, they’re sure to become a new favorite! Give them a try and let us know how they turned out. If you enjoyed this recipe, share it with your friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes!

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