The Best Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat
These The Best Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat are a delightful twist on a classic treat. Perfect for fall gatherings, holiday festivities, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies feature a warm cinnamon base adorned with creamy caramel frosting, crunchy streusel, and fresh apple chunks. The combination of flavors makes them a standout dessert that will have everyone coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The blend of cinnamon, caramel, and fresh apples creates a mouthwatering taste experience.
- Easy to Make: Despite the gourmet results, this recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive holiday party, these cookies are sure to impress.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness or add nuts for extra crunch.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With their unique flavor profile, these cookies are bound to be a hit among guests of all ages.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, ensure you have the right tools on hand. These essentials will help you achieve that perfect batch of cookies.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: This tool saves time and effort in mixing the cookie dough and frosting until smooth.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows you to prepare different components of the recipe simultaneously without hassle.
- Baking sheet: A good quality baking sheet ensures even cooking and browning of your cookies.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup Imperial Sugar granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup Imperial Sugar dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg (at room temperature)
- 2 tbsp concentrated apple juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups AP flour
- 3/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ginger
- 1/8 tsp allspice
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 5 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 4 tbsp butter (softened)
- 3 tbsp caramel sauce (homemade or store bought)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup Imperial Sugar powdered sugar
For the Streusel Topping
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 tbsp Imperial Sugar granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 & 1/2 tbsp butter (cold, cubed)
Additional Ingredients
- 1 green apple (sliced into cubes)
How to Make The Best Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating the oven to 350°F. Then line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar. Beat until creamy. Add in the egg, concentrated apple juice, and vanilla extract; mix well. Gradually add flour, spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice), baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix just until combined.
Step 3: Fold in Apples
Gently fold in the diced green apple chunks into the cookie dough until evenly distributed.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Scoop out dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Allow cooling on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
In another bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add caramel sauce and vanilla extract; mix well again. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar until desired consistency is achieved.
Step 6: Prepare Streusel Topping
In a separate bowl, mix together flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in cold cubed butter until crumbly.
Step 7: Assemble Cookies
Once cooled, spread cream cheese frosting over each cookie generously. Top with streusel mixture and drizzle with additional caramel sauce if desired.
Enjoy your delicious homemade The Best Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat!
How to Serve The Best Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat
Serving these delicious caramel apple cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or a cozy night in, here are some delightful ways to serve them.
Pair with Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic choice that complements the warm flavors of the cookies.
- Caramel Swirl Ice Cream: Intensifies the caramel essence and adds a creamy texture.
Serve with Coffee or Tea
- Brewed Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee enhance the sweetness of the cookies.
- Spiced Chai Tea: Offers a comforting spice that pairs well with the cinnamon in the cookies.
Add Fresh Fruit
- Sliced Pears: Fresh pears provide a juicy contrast to the sweet cookie.
- Berries: A mix of strawberries and blueberries adds a tartness that balances the sweetness.
Create Dessert Sandwiches
- Whipped Cream Filling: Use whipped cream between two cookies for a delightful sandwich treat.
- Ice Cream Filling: Transform them into ice cream sandwiches for a fun twist.
How to Perfect The Best Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat
To ensure your caramel apple cookies turn out perfectly, here are some helpful tips to follow.
- Use softened butter: This helps achieve a creamy consistency when mixing your dough.
- Chill the dough: Allowing it to chill for at least 30 minutes enhances flavor and makes it easier to handle.
- Measure ingredients accurately: Precision is key for achieving the perfect texture and taste.
- Bake on parchment paper: This prevents sticking and ensures even baking without burning.
- Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on them while baking; they should be soft in the center when done.
- Top with fresh apple chunks: Adding fresh apple pieces right before baking gives extra flavor and texture.
Best Side Dishes for The Best Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat
These caramel apple cookies pair wonderfully with several side dishes, creating a balanced meal. Here are some options you might consider serving alongside them.
- Apple Crisp: A warm, crumbly dessert made with baked apples and topped with oats—perfect for those who love apples!
- Cheese Platter: Include sharp cheddar or creamy brie for a savory contrast to the sweet cookies.
- Pumpkin Soup: A smooth, spiced soup that complements fall flavors beautifully.
- Mixed Green Salad: Lightens up your dessert table with freshness from greens and vinaigrette dressing.
- Caramel Dip: Serve alongside sliced fruits like apples or pears for an extra sweet touch.
- Chocolate Fondue: A fun interactive dessert where guests can dip fruits or cookie pieces into melted chocolate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making The Best Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Incorrect butter temperature: Using cold butter can lead to dense cookies. Always ensure your butter is softened at room temperature for the right texture.
- Overmixing dough: Mixing too much makes cookies tough. Mix until just combined for a tender cookie.
- Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the dough can cause cookies to spread too much. Allow the dough to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Ignoring oven calibration: Oven temperatures may vary. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy for perfect baking results.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Eyeballing can lead to imbalances in flavor and texture. Use measuring cups and spoons for precise measurements.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- They will remain fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing The Best Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat
- Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating The Best Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds. Check to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat with the lid on for about 1-2 minutes, keeping them soft and chewy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding The Best Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat.
What makes these cookies so special?
These cookies combine flavors of cinnamon, caramel, and green apple, making them a delightful treat that captures fall’s essence.
Can I use different types of apples?
Absolutely! While green apples add tartness, you can experiment with other varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for varied sweetness.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Cookies should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool.
Can I freeze leftover frosting?
Yes! Store any leftover cream cheese frosting in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a month. Thaw it before using again.
Final Thoughts
The Best Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat are a delicious fall treat that everyone will love! With their rich flavors and customizable options, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste preferences. Don’t hesitate to try different toppings or mix-ins; these cookies are sure to impress family and friends alike!
The Best Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
The Best Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat are the ultimate fall treat that combines the warm flavors of cinnamon and fresh apples with a creamy caramel frosting. These cookies are soft, chewy, and topped with a delightful streusel for added crunch. Perfect for cozy gatherings or holiday festivities, this recipe is not only easy to follow but also yields an irresistible dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds. Indulge in these sweet, comforting cookies that beautifully capture the essence of autumn with each bite.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp concentrated apple juice
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1 green apple (diced)
- For the cream cheese frosting: 5 oz cream cheese
- 4 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp caramel sauce
- powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Add egg, apple juice, and vanilla; mix well.
- Gradually add flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until just combined. Fold in diced apples.
- Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 12 minutes or until lightly golden. Cool on wire racks.
- For frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth; mix in caramel sauce and powdered sugar until desired consistency is reached.
- Once cooled, spread frosting on cookies and top with streusel if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (40g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
