The Best Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat
These The Best Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat are a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall in every bite. Perfect for gatherings, cozy evenings, or just a sweet indulgence, these cookies feature a warm cinnamon base topped with rich caramel cream cheese frosting and fresh green apple chunks. With their unique blend of flavors and textures, they are sure to impress anyone who tries them!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of cinnamon, caramel, and apples creates a deliciously balanced cookie.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are perfect for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings; everyone will want to try them!
- Versatile Options: Customize your cookies by using different types of apples or adding nuts for an extra crunch.
- Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip these up with confidence.
- Seasonal Appeal: Ideal for fall baking, they bring the cozy flavors of autumn right to your kitchen.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience. Having everything ready makes it easier to follow the recipe without interruptions.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking the cookies to perfection.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.
- Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugars together.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Base
- 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. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside for later use.
Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until light and fluffy. Add in the egg, apple juice, and vanilla extract; mix well.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture into the wet ingredients until fully combined.
Step 4: Fold in Apples
Gently fold in the cubed green apples into the dough. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout.
Step 5: Shape Cookies
Using a scoop or spoon, drop cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave enough space between each cookie as they will spread while baking.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack.
Step 7: Make Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
In a clean bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Mix in caramel sauce and vanilla extract. Gradually add powdered sugar until you achieve desired consistency.
Step 8: Prepare Streusel Topping
Combine flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, salt in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 9: Assemble Cookies
Once cookies have cooled completely, spread a layer of frosting on top of each cookie. Sprinkle streusel topping generously over frosting and drizzle with additional caramel sauce if desired.
With these easy steps followed closely, you’ll have your very own batch of The Best Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve The Best Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat
These delightful cookies are perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make the most of your The Best Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat.
With a Scoop of Ice Cream
- Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast.
As a Dessert Platter
- Arrange the cookies on a platter with sliced apples and caramel sauce for dipping.
Drizzled with Extra Caramel Sauce
- Enhance the sweetness by drizzling more caramel sauce right before serving.
Paired with Warm Beverages
- Enjoy with a cup of warm cider or coffee to complement the flavors.
Gift-Wrapped Goodies
- Package these cookies in a decorative box as a thoughtful gift for friends or family.
How to Perfect The Best Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat
To achieve cookie perfection, consider these helpful tips that elevate your baking game.
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring butter and eggs are at room temperature helps create a smoother batter and better texture.
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Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined to keep your cookies soft and chewy. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
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Chill the Dough: If time permits, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and enhances flavor.
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Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh spices and baking powder for the best flavor and rise in your cookies.
Best Side Dishes for The Best Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat
Pairing side dishes with your The Best Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat can enhance your dessert experience. Below are some excellent options to consider.
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Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: These sweet treats complement the apple flavors perfectly and add an extra crunch.
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Caramel Popcorn: A fun, crunchy contrast that echoes the caramel theme of your cookies.
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Apple Crisp: Another apple-inspired dessert that pairs delightfully with the cookies’ flavors.
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Cheese Platter: Include sharp cheddar or brie; their savory notes balance out the sweetness of the cookies.
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Pumpkin Spice Latte: This cozy drink is perfect for fall and enhances the spice notes in your cookies.
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Fruit Salad: A fresh mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the richness of the caramel cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making The Best Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat can be a delightful experience, but some common mistakes might ruin your batch. Here are key pitfalls to avoid.
- Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can affect the texture of your cookies. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
- Skipping the chilling time: Not chilling the dough can lead to cookies that spread too much. Always chill your cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix just until combined to keep them soft and chewy.
- Not measuring accurately: Incorrect measurements can compromise your cookie’s flavor and texture. Use a kitchen scale for precision.
- Ignoring baking times: Each oven is different, so don’t rely solely on time. Keep an eye on your cookies and take them out when they are lightly golden.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing The Best Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat
- Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Freeze for about 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating The Best Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 1-2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding The Best Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat recipe.
How do I make the caramel cream cheese frosting?
To make the frosting, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add caramel sauce and powdered sugar, mixing until creamy.
Can I use other types of apples?
Yes! While green apples add tartness, you can experiment with Fuji or Honeycrisp apples for sweetness.
What if I don’t have apple juice?
You can substitute apple juice with an equal amount of milk or omit it altogether. Just adjust the moisture level accordingly.
How do I know when my cookies are done?
Cookies are done when they are lightly golden around the edges but still look soft in the center. They will continue cooking after being removed from the oven.
Can I add nuts to the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would pair well with these caramel apple cookies.
Final Thoughts
The Best Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures that capture the essence of fall. With their soft cinnamon base and rich frosting, they’re perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize them by adding your favorite nuts or additional spices!
The Best Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with The Best Caramel Apple Cookies – Crumbl Copycat. These delightful cookies feature a warm cinnamon base, studded with fresh green apple chunks and topped with luscious caramel cream cheese frosting. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat any time, they combine the irresistible tastes of caramel and apple in every bite. Easy to prepare and customizable, these cookies are sure to impress friends and family alike. Whether served warm or as part of a dessert platter, they are the ultimate autumn treat that brings comfort and joy.
Ingredients
- 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
- 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
- 1/4 cup flour (for streusel topping)
- 1 tbsp Imperial Sugar granulated sugar (for streusel topping)
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon (for streusel topping)
- 1/4 tsp salt (for streusel topping)
- 1 & 1/2 tbsp butter (cold, cubed, for streusel topping)
- 1 green apple (sliced into cubes)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, apple juice, and vanilla extract; mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients until combined.
- Fold in cubed green apples gently.
- Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake for about 12 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Let cool on a wire rack.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth; mix in caramel sauce and powdered sugar until creamy.
- Once cooled, frost each cookie with cream cheese frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
