When the crisp air of fall arrives, few things are as comforting as the combination of tart apples and sweet caramel. Inspired by Crumbl’s famous caramel apple cookie, this recipe takes the best of that fall treat and makes it easy to recreate at home. With a chewy spiced apple cookie base, creamy caramel frosting, and crunchy streusel topping, these Caramel Crumbl Apple Cookies are perfect for any fall gathering.
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Why You’ll Love These Caramel Crumbl Apple Cookies
These Caramel Crumbl Apple Cookies are not only easy to make, but they also bring the essence of fall into every bite. The apple-spiced base paired with the homemade caramel cream cheese frosting makes this recipe irresistible. Whether you are baking for a holiday party, a cozy family gathering, or just because, these cookies will be a crowd-pleaser. They capture the best flavors of fall while offering a comforting, indulgent treat.
Ingredients for Caramel Crumbl Apple Cookies
To recreate these delicious cookies at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Butter: Adds richness and a smooth texture to the cookie base.
- Imperial Sugar Granulated Sugar & Dark Brown Sugar: The combination of these sugars gives the cookies a perfectly chewy texture.
- Concentrated Apple Juice: Provides a hint of apple flavor to the cookie dough.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients and helps create a soft, chewy texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor to both the cookies and the frosting.
- Flour: The structure of the cookie.
- Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger, Allspice): These warm fall spices enhance the apple flavor.
- Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Leavening agents that help the cookies rise.
- Cream Cheese: Forms the base of the caramel cream cheese frosting, offering a rich and creamy texture.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it the perfect consistency for piping.
- Caramel: A rich, gooey topping that adds the signature caramel flavor.
- Green Apple: Fresh apple chunks bring a tart contrast to the sweet cookie and frosting.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
- Butter: If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, use vegan butter as a substitute.
- Apple Juice: If you don’t have concentrated apple juice, apple cider or apple extract can also work well.
- Cream Cheese: For a dairy-free version, you can use a plant-based cream cheese substitute.
- Green Apple: Any tart apple variety like Granny Smith or Pink Lady can work perfectly in this recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Caramel Crumbl Apple Cookies
- Make the Streusel Topping: In a medium skillet, melt butter. Stir in sugar, cinnamon, flour, and salt, and cook over medium heat until the mixture forms clumps and turns golden brown. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar until smooth. Add in the egg, concentrated apple juice, and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Gradually add flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, baking soda, and baking powder until just combined.
- Scoop the Dough: Use a cookie scooper to form 9 equally sized dough balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 minutes. Allow the cookies to cool completely before frosting.
- Make the Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, caramel sauce, and vanilla extract. Continue to whip until light and fluffy.
- Frost the Cookies: Pipe the frosting onto each cooled cookie in a swirling motion. Top with chopped green apple, sprinkle with homemade streusel, and drizzle with extra caramel sauce.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Caramel Crumbl Apple Cookies
- Baking Time: For slightly thicker cookies, bake for a minute or two longer. Make sure to check the cookies for doneness by gently pressing them – they should feel set but soft in the center.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: To avoid a lumpy frosting, ensure that the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before mixing.
- Streusel Texture: If the streusel is too dry, add a little more butter to achieve the desired clumpy texture.
- Storing Leftovers: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you’re preparing them ahead of time, wait to top with apples until just before serving to prevent browning.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
- Pairing Ideas: Serve these cookies alongside a cup of spiced cider or a warm latte for the ultimate fall treat.
- Make-Ahead Tips: These cookies are great for making ahead! You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls and bake them fresh when needed.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
Fall-Perfect Caramel Apple Treat
This Caramel Crumbl Apple Cookie recipe brings the beloved flavors of a caramel apple into cookie form, making it an excellent choice for fall baking. Whether you are celebrating a holiday or just indulging in a delicious treat, these cookies will quickly become a favorite. With their perfect balance of spices, sweet caramel frosting, and tart apple chunks, every bite is a taste of autumn perfection.
Conclusion: The Perfect Fall Treat
These Caramel Crumbl Apple Cookies are the perfect combination of sweetness and tartness, making them an irresistible treat for any fall occasion. Whether you’re baking for a special holiday, a family gathering, or just enjoying the fall flavors, this recipe is sure to satisfy. With a chewy apple-spiced cookie base, creamy caramel frosting, and the delightful crunch of homemade streusel, each bite will transport you to a cozy autumn day. Easy to make and even easier to love, these cookies bring the best of fall into every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use store-bought caramel for the frosting?
Yes, you can use store-bought caramel for the frosting, but homemade caramel will add a richer, more decadent flavor to the cookies. If you want a truly authentic taste, I recommend making your own caramel sauce.
How do I prevent the apples from browning on top of the cookies?
To prevent the green apples from browning, wait until you’re ready to serve the cookies to top them with the chopped apples. You can also toss the apple chunks in a little lemon juice to help preserve their color.
Can I make these Caramel Crumbl Apple Cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check for any additional adjustments needed based on the flour blend you choose.
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Caramel Crumbl Apple Cookies:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 9 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Caramel Crumbl Apple Cookies are a perfect combination of tart apples and sweet caramel, bringing the beloved flavors of fall into a chewy, spiced cookie base topped with homemade caramel cream cheese frosting, streusel, and apple chunks.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons concentrated apple juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon allspice
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup flour (for streusel)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for streusel)
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (for streusel)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (for streusel)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cold, cubed butter (for streusel)
- 1 green apple, cubed
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup butter, softened (for frosting)
- 1 1/2 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. Add sugar, cinnamon, flour, and salt, stirring until the mixture forms clumps. Cook on medium heat until golden brown, then set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar until smooth.
- Mix in the egg, apple juice, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Gradually add the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt, mixing until the dough is just combined.
- Scoop out 9 dough balls using a large cookie scooper (about ¼ cup each) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers are soft. Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet.
- To make the frosting, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in the powdered sugar, caramel sauce, and vanilla extract, whipping until fluffy and light.
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, pipe the frosting onto each cookie in a swirling motion.
- Top each cookie with cubed green apples, a sprinkle of streusel, and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- If you don’t have concentrated apple juice, apple cider or apple extract can also work well.
- Wait to top the cookies with apples until you’re ready to serve to prevent browning.
- You can freeze the unbaked dough balls and bake them fresh when needed.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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
