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.

Caramel Crumbl Apple Cookies – Delicious Fall Recipe

Name: Caramel Crumbl Apple Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: American
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)

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

Scale

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)

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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