Crumbl’s caramel apple cookies have taken the fall dessert world by storm, offering a perfect blend of caramel sweetness and green apple tartness that captures the essence of autumn. If you’re craving these warm, spiced cookies year-round, we’ve got the ideal recipe to bring Crumbl’s seasonal treat right into your kitchen. This caramel Crumbl apple cookies recipe is easy to make and perfect for all your fall gatherings, from cozy family nights to festive holiday parties.
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Why You’ll Love These Caramel Crumbl Apple Cookies
These Caramel Crumbl Apple Cookies are a game-changer! With a chewy, apple-spiced base and a decadent caramel cream cheese frosting, every bite offers layers of comforting flavors. The homemade streusel topping, green apple chunks, and a drizzle of caramel make them irresistible. Whether you’re a fan of fall flavors or simply crave something sweet and comforting, these cookies are the perfect choice. The best part? You can enjoy them any time you want, without waiting for the next seasonal release at Crumbl.
Ingredients for Caramel Crumbl Apple Cookies
To make these irresistible caramel Crumbl apple cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
• Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cookie dough.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookie dough and helps achieve the right texture.
• Dark brown sugar: Offers a deep molasses flavor that complements the cinnamon and apple.
• Egg: Binds the dough together and helps it rise.
• Concentrated apple juice: Adds a subtle apple flavor to the dough.
• Vanilla extract: Provides depth and warmth to both the frosting and cookie dough.
• All-purpose flour: The base for the cookie dough.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
• Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice: Warming fall spices that elevate the apple flavor.
• Baking powder & baking soda: The leavening agents to help the cookies rise.
• Cream cheese: Makes the frosting creamy and tangy.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• Caramel sauce: A decadent topping that adds sweetness and gooey texture.
• Green apple: Provides a fresh, tart contrast to the sweet and spiced cookie base.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
• For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.
• Swap the green apple with a tart Granny Smith apple for an extra burst of freshness.
• If you prefer a dairy-free recipe, use non-dairy butter and cream cheese in both the dough and frosting.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- For the streusel topping, melt butter in a medium skillet. Add sugar, cinnamon, flour, and salt. Stir until clumps form. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the streusel is golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
- To make the cookie dough, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and concentrated apple juice. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and the spices. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Scoop out 9 evenly sized dough balls (about ¼ cup each) and place them on the baking sheet. Bake for 12 minutes or until the cookies are golden at the edges. Allow them to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar and caramel sauce, and mix until fluffy.
- Once the cookies have cooled, pipe the frosting onto each cookie in a swirling motion. Top with the streusel, chopped green apple pieces, and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Caramel Crumbl Apple Cookies
• Make sure to let the cookies cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
• If you want smaller cookies, scoop out dough balls and bake them for 10 minutes instead of 12.
• To prevent the green apple from browning, you can top the cookies with the apple pieces just before serving.
• Store the frosted cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
These Caramel Crumbl Apple Cookies are a treat on their own, but you can elevate them with some delicious pairing options:
• Pair with a warm cup of spiced chai tea or apple cider for the ultimate fall indulgence.
• For an extra crunch, top your cookies with candied pecans or walnuts.
• If you’re looking for a healthier variation, try making a gluten-free and dairy-free version using plant-based alternatives.
Caramel Crumbl Apple Cookies: A Fall Classic You Can Make Year-Round
These cookies embody everything we love about fall – warm spices, caramel sweetness, and fresh apple tartness. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, fall celebration, or just because, they’re bound to be a hit. This homemade Crumbl caramel apple cookies recipe allows you to enjoy the taste of autumn all year long, so don’t wait for the next Crumbl release – make these delicious cookies today!
Conclusion
Caramel Crumbl Apple Cookies are the perfect treat to bring the cozy warmth of fall into your kitchen. With their chewy apple-spiced base, creamy caramel frosting, and crunchy streusel topping, these cookies deliver everything you love about autumn in every bite. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, hosting a fall gathering, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these cookies will never disappoint. Now that you have the recipe for these indulgent Crumbl copycats, you can enjoy them whenever the craving hits. So, preheat your oven, gather the ingredients, and make a batch of these mouthwatering Caramel Crumbl Apple Cookies today!
FAQs about Caramel Crumbl Apple Cookies
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! To make these Caramel Crumbl Apple Cookies gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend you choose includes xanthan gum to help with texture.
Can I use store-bought caramel for the frosting?
While homemade caramel adds an extra depth of flavor, store-bought caramel will work just fine if you’re looking for a quicker alternative. Just make sure to use a high-quality caramel sauce for the best results.
How do I prevent the apple pieces from browning on the cookies?
To keep the green apple pieces from browning, you can add them right before serving the cookies. If you’re making the cookies ahead of time, store the apples separately and add them on top just before serving.
How should I store these cookies?
Store your Caramel Crumbl Apple Cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you’re making them in advance, frost them, but wait to add the apple chunks until just before serving to ensure they stay fresh.
More Relevant Recipes
- Blueberry Muffin Cookies with Streusel Topping: These soft and chewy cookies combine the comforting flavors of fresh blueberries and a crumbly streusel topping, much like the fall-inspired flavors in caramel apple cookies. Perfect for those who enjoy fruity, spiced treats with a bit of crunch.
- Snickerdoodle Cobbler: If you love the cozy spices of cinnamon and sugar, this snickerdoodle cobbler is a great match. With its soft, cinnamon-sugar base and a touch of creaminess, it shares a similar fall vibe to caramel apple cookies, offering comfort and warmth in every bite.
- Easy Healthy Breakfast Apple Crumble: For those who enjoy apple-based desserts, this healthy apple crumble recipe brings the classic apple flavor with a slightly lighter twist. It’s a great alternative for breakfast or a snack, similar to the caramel apple cookies but with a more wholesome approach.
Caramel Crumbl Apple Cookies
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 9 large cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Caramel Crumbl Apple Cookies are a fall-inspired treat featuring a chewy apple-spiced cookie base topped with caramel cream cheese frosting, a homemade cinnamon streusel, and green apple chunks. A perfect combination of sweet and tart flavors, they’re ideal for cozy gatherings or as an indulgent dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 2 tbsp concentrated apple juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/8 tsp ground allspice
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for streusel)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar (for streusel)
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (for streusel)
- 1/4 tsp salt (for streusel)
- 1 1/2 tbsp cold, cubed butter (for streusel)
- 1 green apple, chopped
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup butter, softened (for frosting)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium skillet, melt the butter for the streusel, then add sugar, cinnamon, flour, and salt, stirring until clumps form. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the streusel turns golden brown. Set aside.
- Cream together butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg, apple juice concentrate, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Scoop 9 equally sized dough balls (about 1/4 cup each) onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12 minutes or until the cookies are golden around the edges. Let cool.
- For the frosting, cream the butter and cream cheese together. Add the powdered sugar and caramel sauce, whipping until light and fluffy.
- Once the cookies have cooled, pipe the frosting onto each cookie. Top with chopped apple chunks, homemade streusel, and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Notes
- Make sure to let the cookies cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- If you prefer smaller cookies, scoop the dough into 18 smaller portions and bake for 10 minutes.
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If making ahead, add apple chunks just before serving to avoid browning.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 511
- Sugar: 43g
- Sodium: 899mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 71g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 68mg