Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies have officially stolen my heart this fall! I remember the first time I tried a copycat Crumbl caramel apple cookie from a local bakery, and it was pure magic. The warm spices, the sweet, gooey caramel, and that hint of tart apple felt like a cozy hug in cookie form. My homemade version aims to capture that same deliciousness, making your kitchen smell amazing with cinnamon and baked apples. If you’ve ever wondered what goes into the Crumbl cookie caramel apple flavor, you’re in for a treat. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies
These aren’t just any cookies; they’re a little slice of autumn heaven! Here’s why you’ll be obsessed:
- Cozy Fall Flavors: The perfect blend of sweet caramel, tart apple, and warm spices tastes just like fall.
- Irresistible Texture: A tender cookie base topped with creamy frosting and a crunchy streusel is pure perfection.
- Easy to Make: This easy Crumbl caramel apple cookie recipe simplifies the bakery experience right in your home.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone adores these cookies, making them ideal for gatherings or just a special treat.
- Sensory Delight: The aroma of cinnamon and baked apples filling your kitchen is a bonus!
- Authentic Taste: Get that genuine Crumbl cookie caramel apple flavor without the bakery price tag.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect with a cup of coffee or tea any time of day.
Ingredients for Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies
Gathering these ingredients will help you create the most delightful homemade Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies. This recipe aims to capture the essence of the popular Crumbl cookie caramel apple flavor.
- 1/2 cup softened butter – the base for a tender cookie
- 3/4 cup white sugar – for sweetness and structure
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar – adds moisture and a subtle molasses note
- 1 large egg – binds everything together
- 2 tbsp concentrated apple juice – intensifies the apple flavor
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – enhances all the other flavors
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – the main structure of the cookie
- 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon – essential for that warm, cozy taste
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg – adds a touch of warmth
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger – complements the apple and cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp allspice – for a complex spice blend
- 3/4 tsp baking soda – helps cookies spread and brown
- 1/4 tsp baking powder – for a little lift
- 1/4 tsp salt – balances the sweetness
- 5 oz softened cream cheese – the key to a tangy, smooth frosting
- 4 tbsp softened butter – for the frosting’s richness
- 3 tbsp caramel sauce – for that signature caramel apple taste
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – in the frosting for extra depth
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar – to sweeten and thicken the frosting
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – for the streusel topping
- 1 tbsp white sugar – in the streusel for crunch
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon – for spiced streusel
- 1/4 tsp salt – balances streusel flavor
- 1 1/2 tbsp cold butter (cubed) – creates a crumbly streusel texture
- 1 green apple (chopped) – for fresh apple bits and garnish
How to Make Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies
Let’s dive into creating these delicious copycat Crumbl caramel apple cookies right in your own kitchen. The process is straightforward, and the results are incredibly rewarding, filling your home with the most amazing fall scents.
- Step 1: Prepare the Streusel Topping. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a skillet, melt the cold butter over medium heat. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the flour, white sugar, cinnamon, and salt until just moistened. Return the skillet to medium heat, stirring frequently until the streusel is toasted and golden brown, about 3-5 minutes. Transfer this mixture to a plate to cool completely.
- Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and dark brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until pale and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Beat in the egg, concentrated apple juice, and vanilla extract until just combined. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or by hand until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix the dough for the best cookie texture.
- Step 3: Shape and Bake the Cookies. Use a large cookie scoop (about 3 tablespoons) to portion the dough into nine evenly sized balls. Place these dough balls onto the parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they have enough space between them to spread. Bake for 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set. Letting these amazing Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies cool completely on the baking sheet is crucial before moving on to frosting.
- Step 4: Prepare the Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting. While the cookies are cooling, make the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, caramel sauce, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed until the frosting is light, fluffy, and well combined, achieving that signature creamy consistency.
- Step 5: Assemble and Garnish the Cookies. Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous amount of the caramel cream cheese frosting onto the top of each cookie. Sprinkle the cooled streusel topping over the frosting. For an extra touch of freshness, garnish with fresh chopped green apple cubes. If you love caramel, a final drizzle of extra caramel sauce over the top of your homemade Crumbl caramel apple cookie is highly recommended.
Pro Tips for the Best Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies
Want to make your homemade Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies absolutely perfect? I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way that really make a difference in achieving that bakery-quality taste and texture.
- Don’t skip the concentrated apple juice; it really punches up the apple flavor without making the dough too wet.
- Ensure all your frosting ingredients (cream cheese, butter) are at room temperature for the smoothest, creamiest frosting.
- Letting the cookies cool completely before frosting is crucial, otherwise, you’ll have a melty mess!
- For an extra layer of flavor, toast your streusel until it’s deeply golden brown – this brings out nuttier notes.
What’s the secret to perfect Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies?
The real secret lies in balancing the flavors and textures. Using both white and dark brown sugar in the cookie base adds depth, while the cream cheese frosting provides a tangy counterpoint to the sweet caramel and apple. Don’t overmix the dough!
Can I make Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough and store it, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Bake them fresh for the best results. The frosting can also be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge, but let it soften slightly before spreading. For more information on food storage, you can check out our privacy policy.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies?
A common pitfall is overmixing the dough, which can lead to tough cookies. Also, ensure your cookies are fully cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting off. Finally, don’t skimp on the caramel sauce; it’s key to that authentic flavor.
Best Ways to Serve Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies
These delightful Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies are perfect on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a few things to enhance that cozy fall feeling. Imagine serving these at your next get-together or just as a special afternoon treat.
- With a Warm Beverage: They’re absolutely divine alongside a steaming mug of apple cider or a hot latte. The warmth of the drink complements the spiced apple and caramel flavors beautifully.
- As a Dessert Finale: Serve one or two of these cookies after a hearty meal like pot roast or a cozy stew. They provide a sweet, comforting end to any autumn dinner.
- Alongside Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, try serving a still-slightly-warm cookie with a scoop of vanilla bean or salted caramel ice cream. The contrast in temperatures and textures is heavenly for any caramel apple cookie from Crumbl lover.
Nutrition Facts for Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies
Here’s a look at the estimated nutritional breakdown for these delicious Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies, with each serving designed to be a delightful treat.
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used for your homemade Crumbl caramel apple cookie. For more details on our recipe development, see our about page.
How to Store and Reheat Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies
Keeping your delicious homemade Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies fresh is easy! Once they’ve completely cooled from baking, it’s time to think about storage. For immediate enjoyment over the next few days, place the unfrosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This method works best for up to 3-4 days. If you want to save these delightful treats for a future craving, freezing is your best bet. You can freeze the unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months. Just ensure they are well-wrapped in plastic wrap and then a layer of foil to prevent freezer burn, making them ready for a future baking day. You can find more tips on freezing baked goods from our last recipes section.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen or refrigerated Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies, reheating is simple. If frozen, let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting. If you want to enjoy them slightly warm, you can gently reheat frosted cookies in a low oven (around 250°F or 120°C) for about 5-8 minutes, or until just warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as the frosting can melt. This ensures you get that fresh-baked taste and texture, no matter when you decide to indulge in this copycat Crumbl caramel apple cookie.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies
What are Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies like?
These cookies are a delightful fall treat, featuring a soft, spiced cookie base infused with apple flavor. They’re topped with a creamy caramel cream cheese frosting and a crunchy, cinnamon-spiced streusel. Some versions might even have fresh apple pieces for an extra burst of fruitiness, truly capturing the essence of a caramel apple cookie from Crumbl.
Is the Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookie seasonal?
While Crumbl does rotate its flavors, the Crumbl cookie caramel apple flavor is often a popular feature during the fall season. Many bakeries and home bakers also bring out their versions around September and October to celebrate autumn. If you miss it, this homemade Crumbl caramel apple cookie recipe lets you enjoy it anytime! For more information on seasonal baking, check out our homepage.
How do I get that authentic Crumbl caramel apple cookie flavor?
Achieving that authentic flavor comes from a few key elements. Using concentrated apple juice in the cookie base intensifies the apple notes without adding too much moisture. The combination of cream cheese and caramel in the frosting is crucial for that signature tang and sweetness. Don’t forget a good pinch of warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to round out the taste profile for your copycat Crumbl caramel apple cookie.
Variations of Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies You Can Try
While this recipe gives you that classic Crumbl caramel apple cookie experience, there are so many fun ways to switch things up! Whether you have dietary needs or just want to experiment, these variations will keep your baking exciting.
- Gluten-Free Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies: Easily adapt this recipe by swapping the all-purpose flour for a good quality gluten-free baking blend. Ensure your blend contains xanthan gum for proper structure. You’ll get that same delicious flavor without the gluten.
- Vegan Crumbl Cookies Caramel Apple Flavor: For a plant-based version, use vegan butter and cream cheese substitutes. Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes) and ensure your caramel sauce is dairy-free.
- No-Bake Crumbl Cookie Bites: If you’re short on time or don’t want to turn on the oven, try making no-bake cookie balls. Combine crumbled cooled cookies with frosting and roll into balls, then chill. It’s a quick way to get the Crumbl cookie caramel apple flavor in a different format.
- Spiced Apple Crumble Bars: Press the cookie dough into a baking pan, top with the streusel and a drizzle of caramel, then bake. Cut into bars once cooled for a different way to enjoy these flavors.
Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies: 1 Amazing Fall Treat
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 9 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy these easy Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies, a cozy and comforting fall treat that blends sweet caramel with tart apples and warm spices, topped with a crunchy streusel.
Ingredients
- For the Cookies: 1/2 cup softened butter, 3/4 cup white sugar, 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, 1 large egg, 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 allspice, 3/4 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt
- For the Frosting: 5 oz softened cream cheese, 4 tbsp softened butter, 3 tbsp caramel sauce, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- For the Streusel and Garnish: 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp white sugar, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 1/2 tbsp cold butter (cubed), 1 green apple (chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare the Streusel Topping: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a skillet, melt cold butter over medium heat, then remove from heat. Add flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt, mixing until moistened. Return to heat, stirring frequently until toasted and golden brown. Transfer to a plate to cool.
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream softened butter, white sugar, and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes). Add egg, concentrated apple juice, and vanilla extract; mix until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring just until incorporated. Do not overmix.
- Shape and Bake the Cookies: Use a large cookie scoop to portion nine dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them. Bake for 12 minutes, or until lightly golden and set around the edges. Let cookies cool completely on the sheet.
- Prepare the Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, caramel sauce, and vanilla extract. Beat until fluffy and light.
- Assemble and Garnish the Cookies: Spread frosting generously on each cooled cookie. Sprinkle with streusel topping. Garnish with chopped green apple cubes. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce if desired.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months and frost when ready to serve.
- Tart apples like Granny Smith provide a good balance to the sweetness.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help cookies maintain shape.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 2g
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