As I stood in my kitchen, the warm aroma of baking cookies sparked a flood of cozy fall memories—those days spent apple picking, warm caramel drizzled over everything, and the laughter shared among friends. In this delightful spirit, I’m thrilled to share my recipe for Easy Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies. These soft and chewy treats not only capture the essence of autumn with real apple pieces and gooey caramel but also provide an effortless baking experience that saves you from pricey bakery stops. With quick prep and a crowd-pleasing flavor profile, they’re perfect for holiday gatherings or simply indulging after a long day. Wouldn’t you love to bite into one of these blissful cookies while sipping your favorite seasonal beverage? Let’s get started!
Why Are These Cookies Special?
Indulgence Awaits: These Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies are nothing short of heavenly, combining sweet apple pieces and rich caramel for a truly luxurious bite.
Effortless Baking: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch in a flash. No need to worry about complicated techniques!
Fall Flavors: Every cookie is infused with warm spices, perfectly capturing the essence of autumn. They are a treat that evokes cozy memories with every chew.
Crowd Pleaser: Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to impress. Serve them alongside warm vanilla ice cream or your favorite seasonal drink for the ultimate indulgence!
Easy Storage: Stash any leftovers in an airtight container—if there are any! For longer storage, these cookies freeze beautifully.
Pair them with a glass of milk or even a slice of warm apple pie for an unforgettable experience. Want more cookie inspiration? Try the Millies Cookies Bake for delightful variations!
Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookies
- Apple – Provides flavor and texture; use Granny Smith for tartness, or Honeycrisp for sweetness. Substitution Note: Honeycrisp or Braeburn apples can be used for a sweeter flavor.
- Butter – Adds richness and moisture. Prep Note: Ensure butter is at room temperature for proper creaming.
- Egg – Binds ingredients together and contributes to texture.
- Flour – Forms the structure of the cookies. Warning: Avoid overmixing after adding flour to maintain softness.
- Sugar – Sweetens cookies; use both white and dark brown for depth of flavor.
- Baking Soda & Baking Powder – Provides leavening for a light cookie.
- Spices (Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg, Allspice) – Enhances the fall flavor profile.
For the Frosting
- Cream Cheese – Gives a creamy texture to the frosting. Substitution Note: For a lighter frosting, you can substitute mascarpone.
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- Caramel Sauce – Adds flavor to the frosting and as a topping.
These delectable Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies are a sweet reminder of autumn bliss!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Streusel
In a skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter until bubbly. Stir in ½ cup of flour, ¼ cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 5 minutes, mixing until clumpy and golden brown. Remove from heat and let the streusel cool while you prepare the cookie dough, allowing its flavors to deepen.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together ½ cup of room-temperature butter, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and ½ cup of brown sugar until light and fluffy—around 3 minutes. Next, add 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons of apple juice, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined, creating a smooth and creamy base for your delicious Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and a sprinkle of salt, along with your chosen fall spices, like 1 teaspoon each of cinnamon and nutmeg. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want your cookies to remain soft and chewy!
Step 4: Portion the Cookies
Using a large cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Aim for around 12 cookies per sheet to allow for spreading. If you’d like, gently press your thumb into the center of each ball to create a little well for the caramel and streusel topping.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for approximately 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers appear slightly underbaked. This ensures a soft, chewy texture for your Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies. Once baked, allow them to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 6: Prepare the Frosting
In a medium bowl, beat together 4 ounces of softened cream cheese and 3 tablespoons of softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually mix in 2 cups of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract until you achieve a fluffy, delectable frosting. This creamy topping will elevate your cookies to the next level!
Step 7: Frost and Decorate
Once the cookies have completely cooled, generously frost each one with the creamy caramel frosting. Top your frosted Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies with diced apples, a sprinkle of the cooled streusel, and an extra drizzle of caramel sauce. This adds not just flavor but a visually appealing finish, perfect for sharing or indulging!
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing it, then covering it tightly and refrigerating. Additionally, the streusel can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain its crunchy texture. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop the chilled dough onto a baking sheet and bake as directed. For the frosting, it’s best to whip it up fresh just before serving to retain its creaminess. With these make-ahead options, you’ll save time on busy days while still enjoying delicious, homemade cookies!
Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies Variations
Feel free to make these delightful cookies your own—let your creativity shine through the flavors and textures!
- Apple Varieties: Experiment with different apples like Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for a sweeter touch. Each choice infuses a unique flavor party into your cookies!
- Gluten-Free Twist: Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour to make these cookies gluten-free without sacrificing taste.
- Add Some Spice: Boost flavor by mixing in a hint of cardamom or a touch of cloves for extra warmth—this will elevate the cozy fall vibes!
- Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for delightful crunch and an earthy tone to beautifully complement the sweetness of caramel.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For a twist of decadence, drizzle melted chocolate over the frosted cookies right before serving. It adds a rich, luxurious layer!
- Creamy Goodness: Swap cream cheese with mascarpone for a lighter, more subtly flavored frosting that still maintains that dreamy texture.
- Dried Fruit Option: Toss in some dried cranberries or raisins for a surprise chewy element—these fruity gems bring a beautiful contrast to the caramel!
- Savory Notes: Add a pinch of sea salt on top of the caramel drizzle to create a tantalizing sweet-and-salty sensation that truly excites the palate.
As you venture into making these adjustments, don’t miss out on trying my delightful Chocolate Chips Cookies for a classic treat that complements your cookie baking journey!
Storage Tips for Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies
Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their softness and flavor.
Fridge: If you prefer, refrigerate the cookies for up to a week, but be mindful that they may lose some of their chewiness.
Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cookies in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw and frost them.
Reheating: To enjoy those warm, gooey centers, reheat cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes.
Expert Tips for Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature, allowing for smooth mixing and a fluffy frosting that complements your cookies perfectly.
- Don’t Overmix: To keep your Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies soft and chewy, mix the dough just until combined after adding flour—overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Topping Preparation: Pat your diced apples dry and toss them in flour before adding to the dough; this prevents sogginess and ensures even distribution throughout the cookies.
- Watch the Bake Time: Keep a close eye on your cookies; removing them when they are slightly underbaked will help maintain that desirable chewy texture.
- Streusel Storage: If your streusel cools and becomes hard, just crumble it again before sprinkling it on top of the frosted cookies for added crunch.
What to Serve with Easy Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies
Transform your delightful cookie experience into a full meal with these wonderful pairings that complement the warm, cozy flavors of fall.
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Cold Milk: A classic treat, the creamy richness of cold milk perfectly balances the sweetness of the cookies.
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Hot Apple Cider: Capture the essence of autumn with spiced apple cider that enhances the apple flavor in the cookies.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Scoop some luscious vanilla ice cream on the side for an indulgent, melting treat that pairs beautifully with warm cookies.
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Chai Tea: Enjoy the fragrant spices of chai tea that echo the warm notes in the cookies, creating a comforting pairing.
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Creamy Pumpkin Soup: Serve with a warm bowl of creamy pumpkin soup for a heartwarming contrast to the sweetness, rounding out the meal wonderfully.
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Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: These soft, fluffy delights offer a delightful texture contrast, making them a fun addition to your dessert table.
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Pecan Pie: Celebrate the season with a slice of pecan pie for an extra sweet indulgence that carries the same comforting warmth.
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Salted Caramel Latte: Sip on this sweet and salty drink for a cozy coffee moment that echoes the caramel in your cookies.
These pairings not only elevate the flavors of your Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies but also create a memorable autumn dining experience. Enjoy the warmth and love that comes from bringing these delicious flavors together!
Easy Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best apples for my cookies?
Absolutely! The best apples for Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies are tart varieties like Granny Smith, which adds a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the caramel. If you prefer something sweeter, Honeycrisp or Braeburn apples are wonderful alternatives. Just make sure they’re firm and free of any dark spots for the best flavor and texture!
How do I store my Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies?
You can keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last a bit longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just remember that the fridge can make them a tad less chewy. For longer storage, they’re great frozen—up to 3 months!
Can I freeze Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies?
Yes, you can! To freeze your cookies, I recommend freezing them unfrosted to keep them from getting soggy. Place them in an airtight, freezer-safe container, then simply thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy. If you’d like to frost them, wait until they are completely thawed.
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
Very often, cookie dough can get a little sticky, especially with the addition of apples and caramel. If this happens, try chilling the cookie dough for about 30 minutes in the fridge. This makes it easier to handle and helps maintain those soft, chewy characteristics once baked. Alternatively, you can lightly dust your hands and the surface with flour while shaping your cookies.
Are these cookies safe for my pets or people with allergies?
It’s important to note that Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies contain ingredients like butter, sugar, and flour, which may not be suitable for pets, particularly dogs, as chocolate and other additives can be harmful. For those with allergies, be sure to check for common allergens like dairy and gluten. If needed, you can substitute with gluten-free flour to make them more allergy-friendly. Just adapt as needed for individual preferences!
Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies That Taste Like Fall Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter until bubbly. Stir in ½ cup of flour, ¼ cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 5 minutes until clumpy and golden brown. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together ½ cup of room-temperature butter, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and ½ cup of brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Add 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons of apple juice, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, a sprinkle of salt, and spices like 1 teaspoon each of cinnamon and nutmeg. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients.
- Using a large cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press your thumb into the center of each ball to create a well for the caramel.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake cookies for approximately 12 minutes, or until edges are set and centers appear slightly underbaked. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- In a medium bowl, beat together 4 ounces of softened cream cheese and 3 tablespoons of softened butter until smooth. Gradually mix in 2 cups of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Once cookies are cooled, generously frost each one with the creamy caramel frosting. Top with diced apples, a sprinkle of streusel, and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
